Three girls left after the attack. Lorelei, Calista, and Tallaluh. They were all tired and afraid of the rebel attacks, unable to handle anymore. Edward was kind enough to just let them. If they can't handle a simple attack, how can they ever be Queen?

Edward called us all for a very special announcement. We all gathered in the great room to hear him out.

"The elite is typically only ten girls, but because of the recent attacks, I have eliminated it to six. If I call your name, you are an elite. Princess Rosalie. Duchess Tanya. Princess Angela. Duchess Arrietty. Princess Nephthys. Princess Alice.

"Thank you all, the rest of you, for your time. Your planes will leave tomorrow. Anyone who has questions as to why I eliminated you can meet me in the main library."

He turned around to leave. Most of the girls followed.

I went up to my room, beginning to embroider a handkerchief. It keeps me calm and distracted. After half an hour, there was a knock on my door. I looked up to see Edward standing there, looking nervous.

"I was wondering if you'd take a walk in the gardens with me."

"As a date?"

"Not exactly."

"Edward, I'm not a contestant."

"Please? My father is gone for the afternoon. I just wanna spend some time with you. Please?"

I sighed. "Fine."

He grinned. "Meet me in the gardens at two."

"For the sake of appearances, would you please take my arm?" he asked as he escorted me from my room. I was a little hesitant, but I did.

I was put in an evening dress: a little slate blue thing with an empire waist and capped sleeves. My hair was curled. My arms were bare, and I could feel the starched fabric of Edward's suit against my skin. Something about it all made me uncomfortable.

"What's your family like?" I asked.

"My mom's name is Renee. She's kind, hare-brained, outgoing, caring, energetic, wild, but a good mother. I have my facial features from her. Then there's my dad, Charlie. He's the leader of the guards in the German palace. I'm most like him. Kind, caring, gentle, protective, quiet, shy, and reserved, but a good leader. I have an older brother who's a guard for the royals. His name is Emmett. Kind, gallant, gentle, funny, silly, and a goofball. But when it comes to his job, he's very serious. I have one sibling, a sister named Brianna, or Bree. She's ten now. She's outgoing, kind, energetic, optimistic, happy-go-lucky, and gentle. She's close with Alice's little sister, Princess Cynthia. Do you ever wish you had any siblings?"

"Yes, I do. But sometimes being an only child is nice."

"As cool as being an only child would be, I love my siblings too much."

"Yeah. What was life in the palace like?"

"I spent most of my life either entertaining or taking care of Alice. I helped her get ready, manage her day, go shopping with her, kept her company, and is her shoulder to cry on…"

"What do you do in your free time?"

"Read. Embroider. Dance. Listen to music. Rest. What do you do in your free time?"

"I mostly do paperwork, but I do have hobbies. I can play the piano, and often compose songs. I like reading, listening to music, and playing the guitar."

"What's it like to grow up as a prince?"

He laughed. "It's nice, in terms of meals, money, power, and my home. But also I have to deal with rebel attacks, paperwork, preparing to become King, meeting with diplomats, royals…..ugh. The list is long."

I giggled. "And don't forget the selection."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course. The selection. I just want it over."

But if it ends, I lose him.