CECILIA

Cecilia stared at herself in the floor to ceiling mirror, used to being prodded and poked at from every angle from modeling, as they made some of the final measurements for her masquerade dress.

It was pure white with feathers on the skirt, the bodice left plain white silk. The most exciting part was when the lights went out. Then, small lights all along the skirt and bodice lit up in various shades of blue, white, and grey, leaving Cecilia to look as if she was glowing.

One of her maids played around with her hair, questioning different looks that could potentially work with the dress. So far, they had 3 options. Bun, half up half down, and a braid. Honestly, they all felt the same to her and looked gorgeous.

As if in perfect time, maids and servants filed in from opposite doors. The ones on the left carried boxes upon boxes of shoes. The ones on the left carried multiple masks that matched her dress.

Cecilia ran her hands down the skirt of her dress, feeling the intricate and luxurious feel of every feather. Not to mention the silk bodice that fit her perfectly.

Her dresses at the palace before had been beautiful, but this was on a whole new level. It was intricate and honestly, gorgeous.

She wondered what the dresses of the other selected would look like. She had seen some of the designs, but only really knew details about Jordan and Jaspers' dresses, seeing as they were so excited about their dresses.

Finally, her maid pat her on the back, signaling for Cecilia to step down and walk around the room. The dress trailed beautifully after her, ending almost three whole feet behind her. She twirled around, delighted to see that the dress twirled with her, floating up in the air.

Cecilia tried on shoe after shoe, mask after mask, until she found what she wanted, glad that they fit with the dress so well.

After what seemed like hours and hours of trying on dresses, shoes, masks, jewelry, and everything else they thought she might need, Cecilia collapsed on her bed.

Every part of her body was sore and tired, and she was extremely tempted to just close her eyes and sleep it all of. Eventually, the temptation was too strong for her and she fell asleep.

She couldn't help but dream of princes, gowns, and masks.

KATIE

Katie had just stepped out of her dress when a knock sound on the door. Her head maid hurried to answer it as the other two wrapped her in a luxurious silk robe. It felt nice and flowy against her skin, a welcome change from the beautiful yet mostly uncomfortable dresses they wore day to day.

She whirled around to find Liam standing there. She attempted a curtsy, a blush rising up her cheeks, very aware that she only wore her undergarments under the robe. Clearly, seducing him hadn't worked, so she figured she might as well get dressed.

After brief hellos, she excused herself to her dressing room, changing in a flowery dress as quickly as she could. Luckily, her makeup had already been done as well as her hair, so it took less time than it normally would have.

When she returned to her room, she found Liam sitting on a couch, arm casually draped against the back, looking around her room. As soon as he saw her he stood up.

"My lady, would you grant me the pleasure of a walk." Katie smiled and nodded, eagerly taking the arm that he offered. They had become good friends over the last couple weeks, each taking and giving advice to the other.

They walked quickly throughout the castle, making a beeline towards the garden. Winter was almost upon them and soon, walking throughout the castle gardens would no longer be possible without a thick coat. She had to admit that she would be sad to see fall leave, as she was much more inclined to prefer it over winter.

"I must ask, Liam. Why did you request to see me?" Liam paused, turning to face her. He cupped her face with his hands, forcing her to look directly at him.

"Is it too much to want to see someone as radiant as you?" Katie gave him an incredulous look.

"Please, Liam. I practically threw myself at you the first day. I think we can agree that we aren't going to end up together." Liam laughed at this. Katie had made peace with the fact that she wasn't winning this selection, and honestly she felt quite relieved. She wasn't suited for being queen, and saw Liam more as a friend than as a husband. The only part of going home that she was afraid of was having to face her mother once more. She would be the most disappointed at not seeing her on the throne.

"All right, I need your help." Katie smiled, glad that he would need her help for anything. "You understand the people of Illea better than I fear I ever will. And, you dated the mayor's son. That must have helped shape you into the woman you are today." He leaned against a tree, his hands in his pockets.

Katie was glad that having dated that boy for a couple years had helped. Other than allowing her to gain a better sense of how government worked, the relationship hadn't brought her much else. Unless, she counted the fact that marrying him would have moved her up significantly in the caste system. But, now that she was a three, she didn't need him to achieve her goals anymore.

"What can I do for you?"

"There are some uprisings in one of the northern provinces and we've tried everything. I mean, charity drives, gifts, ceremonies, announcements. Nothing has worked."

"Well, have you tried listening to what they want? I assume they've been protesting." Liam nodded. "Then, they've made demands." Liam nodded again. "Great! That's a start." Liam looked confused.

"Ok, what are they requesting?" She tried.

"They want to pay the government less, but for us to provide more services." Katie nodded, finally understanding what it all came down to. Money.

"Yes. The age old problem." They both laughed. "Try to show them what life would be like if you took away those services they take for granted." Liam nodded at this suggesting, staring off at the horizon as he likely pondered what she had said.

Something like a spark lit up in his eyes as an idea sprang into his mind. He quickly kissed her on the cheek.

"A million thank yous, Katie. You should consider doing this for a living." Katie laughed and waved as he ran off towards the castle, his path set straight for his father's office.

LIAM

A couple days had passed since Liam had gone on a walk with Katie, picking her brain for ideas on what to do with the problem in the northern provinces. To be honest, she was brilliant. He wished he could keep her around longer, if only to be able to come to her for advice. But they both knew what would come at the next elimination. It wasn't fair for Liam to hold her back from starting her life, just because he had trouble helping run the country.

But still, she was brilliant. Her plan had worked perfectly, and the people had settled down, agreeing to pay the taxes. Once put in perspective, it seemed that they had understood all they stood to lose if they cut the taxes.

After brief but productive debate, they had agreed to lower the income taxes, if the province was able to raise the difference through donations and fundraising. So far they had raised over a quarter, and almost all protests had stopped.

He sighed as he picked up a pen, scribbling down his signature for the hundredth time, barely reading what he was signing. All he knew was that his father had approved it.

Liam had begun taking things easier ever since his panic attack in the hallway what seemed like years ago. He slept more, worked less, yet still, being royalty was stressful. Liam rubbed his eyes, thinking of how he must sound like a spoiled brat, laughing to himself.

Exhausted and wanting to collapse in bed, Liam lugged himself up the stairs. It was almost midnight, yet, in the music room, someone was masterfully playing the piano.

It couldn't be either of his siblings. When he was three, Alexander had used a hammer to smash his piano after he hadn't wanted to practice that day. Esme had also quit around that age, but only cause her teacher made her keep her nails short. Even at three years old, she had wanted to keep her cat claws.

Liam took a couple steps forward, making sure to keep his feet silent. He leaned against the doorway, unable to tell who was playing. The room was almost pitch black and the girl moved with the music as she reached across the keys.

Liam cleared his throat. The girl didn't turn seemingly lost in the music. Too entranced in the music, Liam decided to wait till the end of the song, not caring whether or not it went on for all of eternity.

Finally, the song reached a triumphant end, in wondrous harmony.

Liam clapped, causing the girl to whip around, a small gasp escaping her mouth. She seemed to breathe another one of relief as she saw who it was. Finally, Liam also saw the music woman. Ever.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you, Lady Ever. You music had me entranced." Ever let out a small giggle and smile at the compliment.

"You flatter me, Liam. Thankyou."

"Would you mind if I were to sit down with you, so that you could show me how to play?" Ever nodded and Liam happily took a seat next to her.

EVER

Ever plushed as she gently took Liam's hand and guided it to the piano. She spread apart his fingers placing them in the position of a major C chord, usually the easiest for beginners to learn. Ever demonstrated proper form in a lower octave.

Slowly, she shifted up to major E chord. Liam followed suit.

Ever continued showing Liam chords and waiting for him to mimic them. Then she showed him intervals and the harmonies they created, including her favorite, minor 4th.

As the moved up to the next chord, Liam misplaced a finger causing discord and Ever's ear seemed to throb in response.

"Sorry." Liam winced, causing Ever to laugh. He was trying his hardest but still, she had seen 4 year olds play better.

"Don't worry. It's okay."

At that moment, the bell tolled one in the morning. Liam jumped up from the bench.

"I'm sorry, My Lady, but it's rather late and I'm afraid I'm rather tired." Ever nodded, standing up to curtsy as he walked out.

Ever walked back to her room, eyes falling closed from how tired she was. Maybe, Liam had had the right idea of leaving to go to bed an hour earlier.

At the other end of the hallway, she saw the shape of a girl staring out through a window. As she realized who it was she called out, "Leiani!"

The girl turned around, waving her over. "Ever! Will you look at these stars." Ever peeked out of the window seeing what Leiani was talking about.

Shooting stars flew across the sky in a cascade, every other star glowing more brightly than she had ever seen.

"Tonight is starflow. It's an old tradition in the Western Isles that dates back to the very foundation of Illea." Leiani looked almost sad as she spoke of it. "It was my favorite holiday when I lived there. When I moved though, we didn't see it very often. I heard Angeles was the only other place you could see it. I'm glad that that was true."

"Leiani, we've never asked but, why did you move from the Western Isles?" Ever asked. Some of the other girls had wondered about it, but felt it rude to ask. Ever hoped it didn't feel rude to Leiani now.

"Honestly, I don't remember. I moved when I was ten, but I don't remember the reason. I've asked my mom a hundred times, but she never told me." Leiani shrugged.

"Do you miss it?"

"All the time." Leiani shook her head as she looked down at the ground.

"Maybe you'll go again one day."

"That would be my dream. But, planes are expensive." Ever nodded understanding what it felt like not to have enough money to do what you wish.

"Amen to that sister!" Both girls laughed and Ever excused herself back to her room, even more tired, yet somehow at peace.

A/N: Hey guys! I hope that y'all enjoyed that last chapter. IDK if you're able to tell but I'm super excited for the masquerade ball. I really love all these characters and having to plan out who I'm sending home is one of the hardest things ever! Lots of exciting things coming up in the story so make sure that you keep reading.

Leave a review down below and let me know what you think!