Chapter 16
The next day, Michelle was in the lady's room. The other girls were chatting or doing their own hobbies.
Michelle was lost in her own world when Brielle came up.
"Are you okay Michelle?" asked Brielle.
Michelle looked at Brielle and Riley joined them.
"Yeah," said Michelle. She then looked at the two girls. Brielle was a six and Riley was an eight. She hadn't forgotten her run in with count Neilson the previous night. She wondered if he said the same things to them being lower castes.
"Brielle, Riley, can I ask you something?" asked Michelle unsure how to ask.
The two girls looked interested.
"Did count Neilson ever threaten you in any way?"
Both girls shook their heads.
"No" said Brielle.
"Is something wrong?" asked Riley.
Michelle just looked away nervously and then left. As she left the room, she decided that he obviously wanted James to pick his own daughter so badly, he wanted to get her to stay away from James because she had gotten the closest to him.
But little did Michelle know was that she wasn't the only one who had her suspicions in the count either.
James was talking to Michelle later that day. Michelle trusted James, so she decided to tell him about her concerns with count Neilson.
"Count Neilson may sound humble and respectful around your parents," said Michelle. "But last night, he jumped all over me for some reason."
"Hmm," said James thoughtfully. "I've noticed strange things around here. I've seen him in the library going through politician books. I feel like he's up to something."
Just then an officer came up.
"Lady Michelle," he said. "A letter has come for you this morning."
Michelle grabbed the letter from the officer.
"Thank you." She said politely.
"And your highness," said the officer turning to James. "Count Neilson is doing work out of his villa today, so lady Giselle would like to go spend the day there. She asked me to ask you to escort her.
"Of course," said James dismissively.
James and the officer left.
Michelle looked at her letter and smiled, it was from her parents.
Dear Michelle,
We saw you on the tv, I don't know how you're doing it, but you seem to be winning the prince's heart. You look like you were having fun with the prince. Love you Rosebud
Love mom and dad.
Michelle smiled then headed off to her room to look for a place to keep her letters.
Meanwhile James was walking down the road with Giselle. She wore a fluffy pink gown.
James decided to ask Giselle if she ever noticed anything suspicious about her father.
"Giselle," said James. "Can I ask you something?" Giselle looked at him with interest.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It's nothing really," said James. He didn't want to make Giselle upset by accusing her father of doing anything wrong, but he had to ask her if she noticed anything suspicious. "It's just, I've wondered about your inside life, does your father ever have dinner with you, or does his work make him too late?"
Giselle looked a bit surprised, although she and James had been friends as kids, he never really asked about what life was like for her when he wasn't visiting her villa or when she wasn't at the palace.
"That is a strange question," she said. "But I do appreciate your thoughtfulness. No, I don't see him when I'm at home much, but I don't mind, I enjoy my time alone. Sometimes however, I wish I had more friends. After all you've been one of the few friends, I've had my whole life. A lot of the other girls gossip claiming I'm a snob."
James felt sorry for his friend.
"I'm sure they don't mean it," he said assuring. "Lots of people say those kinds of rumors about the inside lives of royals."
"I know, but it's not just some of the girls in the selection, a lot of people in Angeles think I'm probably a spoiled snob," sighed Giselle. "I do love my father though, I know my family is distant, but there was a time we were closer. It's quite rare he spends much time with me now, prior to the selection he's been leaving earlier and returning home late at night."
James realized that count Neilson was up to something.
I knew it he thought. He never stays late; he's been leaving when father declares the royal council finished. He felt very sorry for Giselle, count Neilson always tells her his work keeps him at the castle late, but it was all a lie.
Meanwhile in his office, count Neilson was pacing around ranting to himself.
"He must marry my daughter," he said. "There has to be a way. I can't let him choose anyone else or my plans are ruined!"
He then looked out the window. There entering the yard was Giselle and James. James waved goodbye to Giselle and then left.
A big smile came on his face.
Giselle entered the hallway to see her father coming down the stairs.
"Giselle," he said welcoming her in a fatherly voice. "What were you discussing with the prince?"
"Oh, we were talking about you father," giggled Giselle. "He was wondering if I get lonely when you're working at the castle. He sounds so sweet doesn't he."
"Yes," said count Neilson not feeling amused. "He is very considerate."
He had to figure out a way to keep an eye of him and the selection, but with his work as the chief advisor, he couldn't do his work and spy. He then had an idea, he knew his daughter didn't have any real friends, so he decided to hire people to pose as friends for his Giselle and serve as spies for him.
James arrived back at the palace and was talking with Michelle.
"I just wanted to know when your birthday was" he said.
"It's November 20th," replied Michelle. "Why?"
"Because," said James. "I want to throw you a birthday party."
Michelle was amazed, she never had a real birthday party before, due to not having many friends for most of her life.
"I've never really been able to celebrate my birthday like that," she said stammering a bit. "I appreciate your consideration."
James smiled and walked away. He passed the throne room, when he heard a voice.
"You know, my daughter has felt lonely for most of her life and it seems your son is very sympathetic to her."
James recognized that voice.
It was count Neilson.
"So," went on count Neilson. "I have been wanting to hire her some trusted confidants her age to have friends."
"It seems very thoughtful of you Asbjorn," said Dinette. "You know, the magazine photographers are coming tomorrow to take pictures of the girls for Monday's magazine, you could put an add in that."
"Thank you, my dear queen," said count Neilson.
James quickly hid as count Neilson left. He couldn't help but see the evil smirk on his face.
Author's note; I picked November 20th for Michelle's birthday, because November 20th is my birthday too.
Also, the spies he hires, it's gonna be a couple familiar faces.
