Hey! I'm so sorry for the late update, but I have a new schedule now! I'm going to be updating every Monday. I'm so sorry about the less frequent updates, but I know I'll be able to handle this. Also, submissions are still open and I'd love some more girls if you have the time! If you've reserved but haven't submitted, please let me know if you will be needing an extension, I'll gladly give it to you. And if you haven't reserved but want to submit, I can give you an extension as well. I'm pretty flexible at this point. Enjoy! :)
...
"Guess who's here?"
Sid jumped, remembering the last time a voice had alerted him while he was in his room. This time, he wasn't reading history, but organizing; combs, articles of clothing, various bottled products he never used. His servants did this for him most of the time, but they hadn't come by in a few days, and the room had been restored to its original haphazard state.
Sid was almost enjoying the rhythmic process; identify, sort and repeat. Watching all the paraphernalia returning to its rightful place, looking neat and pleasing to the eye gave him a sense of accomplishment. The only problem: he wasn't the best at cleaning. Somehow, when the servants tidied everything up, it looked like magic, all the dust and clutter swept away and righted almost instantly.
But when he tried it, he usually ended up banging his head on the desk he was dusting or knocking over the stack of papers he'd just completed. It kept him busy, though. Just another thing he was trying to dabble in, since he'd just undergone a serious reality check.
He needed to find something he was good at, something he liked. Something interesting enough to distract him. The organizing hadn't been very enjoyable thus far, and he was pretty sure whoever had arrived would be better company than his tie collection.
"Who?" he asked, looking up to see - as he'd expected - Kai, in all his messy-haired, sharp-jawed, rarely-seen-smile glory.
That smile was only ever present when Kai was with his son and, as Sid had been pleased to learn, his favorite Artemisian. Sid, in turn, smiled often, but it was usually put-upon and hardly ever sincere. Only his dad, the only dependable and real thing on Luna, could bring it out of him.
Sid ran a finger along a comb on his table, feeling the tines slide past and produce a dull clicking sound. "Guess," said Kai, leaning against the table.
"Um..." Sid pressed his lips together, feeling a rush of dread in his stomach. "Is it one person, or more than one?"
"More than one," said Kai.
"Thirty or more?"
"You're getting very close!" Kai said in a sing-song tone.
Sid fell against his seat. "Already?"
"I think you've got it," said Kai, clapping his hands in mock delight. "It starts with an S and ends with a marriage."
Okay... His Selected were here. Fine. That was fine.
"I don't have to see them today, do I?" Sid asked, idly combing his hair back. It wasn't as unruly as his father's, and the task was mainly to keep his hands occupied. "Since they're getting settled... and everything."
Kai winced. "Sorry, but there's a Welcoming Dinner in a few hours."
The comb fell from his fingers. "Oops," he said, picking it up again. "That comb must be newly polished or something."
"Mm-hmmm," said Kai, smirking. "There's nothing to be nervous about. You won't have to meet them individually yet, it's just to get them accustomed to dinner, and to introduce them to the family."
"Can't wait for that part," Sid drawled. "I bet they'll be real excited once they realize their maybe-future mother-in-law is..."
He trailed off. He'd never insulted the queen outright. It was always Kai that made the biting remarks, saved up only for the times when he knew Levana wasn't listening. Though sometimes he said them anyway.
But there was always something that kept Sid from joining him. He couldn't understand what. Intimidation? Or childish hope?
"Go on," said Kai, eyes twinkling.
Sid shook his head, slapping on a smile. "You know."
Kai nodded, dropping the matter. "Well, you'd better finish... looking at your ties?"
Sid laughed. "I'm not that weird. I was organizing."
Kai gasped. "Who are you, and what have you done with His Royal Highness? Last I checked, the Sid I knew didn't care about housekeeping, unless you've chatted with the servants and started feeling sympathetic. Were they attractive?"
Sid held up a hand. "I know I'm quick to fall, but a servant? And what if I just like to be aesthetic?"
"Alright, I'll leave it alone," said Kai. "I'm just shocked, that's all."
Sid smirked. "I'm getting some hobbies under my belt so I can look cool for the Selected."
Kai suddenly schooled his face into a devil-may-care smile, puffing out his chest. "Oh, yeah, I'm the coolest prince ever. I like to organize and read history and avoid my mom at all costs; but don't even worry, because she's actually harmless. She just doesn't get around much."
"I don't say that," said Sid, repressing a laugh. Kai kept right on smiling like an idiot.
"What do you mean? I'm the best at acting, I do it all the time."
"That's more like it. What a talent you have, o Great Impersonator."
"I've been working on my Sid impression for this very purpose," said Kai, grinning.
"If only you were Lunar, then you'd really fool everyone. You could go to all my meetings. Artemis knows you're better at it than me."
The camaraderie, though still lingering, diminished significantly, and Kai shook his head. "You're doing great," he said. "I can't imagine the pressure you're under right now. You're doing fine, alright?"
Sid let out a sigh, dropping the act. "Gah. What are they going to think?"
"They're going to be amazed by the food and all the architecture of the palace. They'll probably be a little wary of the queen - or they'll fawn all over her, depending on their upbringing - but they'll all like you. It'll be fine."
Sid wasn't sure that their immediate admiration of him was guaranteed. In the Earthens' eyes, he was just another haughty court member. Just another of those vicious Lunars infesting their planet. To the others, he would at least be desirable, but he wasn't even sure if he'd be happy with them.
Who would he be happy with? What kind of girl was he interested in?
Someone that wasn't entirely stuck-up, definitely. Someone that understood him. Someone that he wasn't afraid to confide in, that he knew he could trust - a girl that could tell her secrets and listen to his.
Levana would hate that, though. He should be looking for a beautiful, well-mannered, one-hundred percent Lunar bride. According to Levana, that was all he had to worry about. He only had to put on a show, draw it out, play with the girls' heads a little, and finally choose the most beneficial Selected - the vainest, the richest.
He couldn't shake the queen's intensity, the fire in her eyes as she'd leaned forward and spoke as if she meant to plant her statement into his heart.
Love is a conquest. It is fleeting.
Well, she'd certainly succeeded. The words hadn't once left his head, bouncing around inside it like a song that repeated over and over.
His dad hadn't really found love. His mom hadn't, either. And despite Kai's placating remarks and reassurances, Sid was terrified that the same would happen to him. He wasn't entirely kind-hearted, and he'd never really dated a girl. He'd flirted with a few, but that wasn't love.
What was, then?
"You're looking a little green," said Kai. "This was Levana's idea, but I'm sure I can talk her out of it, if you want. It really isn't logical-"
"No," he said quickly. He didn't need his father to advocate for him. He was going to attend the Welcoming Dinner, and he was going to make a lasting impression. The Selection would start on a happy note.
"You sure?" said Kai. He looked completely helpless, obviously aware that there was something wrong, but not sure how to deal with it.
"I'm fine," said Sid. "I can handle a lousy dinner, easy."
"Ah, there's that false confidence. I was starting to get a little worried," said Kai, chuckling.
Sid grinned. "There's only a certain amount of time I can spend being human before my true form is revealed. I don't have a choice, it just happens to me." He shrugged helplessly. "It's so hard being awesome all the time."
Kai stared at the ceiling, a light smirk on his lips. "Alright, Your Highness. Get ready, and I'll see you at dinner. Good luck."
Sid smiled faintly. "To you as well. We'll need it."
The duo shared a look before Kai left, taking his comforting aura with him. Sid caught a breath, drawing the air deep within him before expelling it slowly.
A dinner. He could handle a dinner. What was the worst that could happen?
Sid rose from the chair, resuming the task of taming his hair. He didn't have a mirror in his room - they freaked him out, much as he hated to admit it - and he wasn't in the mood to spend hours making himself look presentable the hard way. He only changed his appearance on special occasions, but this one definitely qualified. What could a little glamour hurt, anyway?
He set to work. His skin glowed with that extra-healthy sheen, his features were slightly shifted so everything was pristinely symmetrical, and he tousled his hair to add a touch of humanity. He probably wouldn't be able to hold it for a very long time, but he trusted to luck that his gift wouldn't fail him. He hadn't exhausted it since the trial (his Selection had been the perfect excuse to get out of the daily ritual,) and he was hoping against hope that it would hold. At least until everyone was absorbed in their dinners and not looking at him.
A few hours. What was he going to do for a few hours?
The queen, who he had the mildest urge to slap, would want him to come down to the dining room right now. She'd lectured him countless times about the importance of punctuality and social etiquette. Either she wanted to refresh his memory, or she was going to give him a little talk about his gift. He'd been seeing a tutor since he was seven, but Master Gertman hadn't been able to help with the predicament either, and had eventually given up.
Levana, to Sid's knowledge, had ordered that his pinkie be cut off for his failure, but he was probably down on Earth enjoying a fresh and exotic drink and feeling incredibly safe.
At least, he hoped. His lack of talent was no one's fault - well, maybe someone's, but Sid didn't blame him... not really - and it wasn't right that anyone should get punished. But everyone, including Sid, was punished, all because of an alliance and a queen that just couldn't get enough power.
Sid turned to approach the doorway. He didn't want to be alone in his room, mulling over alternate possibilities and things that couldn't be changed. On the other hand, he didn't want to be in a vacant dining room spending quality time with his mom until everyone else came. So what was the lesser of the evils?
If he stayed here, there'd be nothing between him and his thoughts. He didn't want to be with his thoughts right now. Besides that, it would be best for him to arrive early and be ready when the others showed up. That was the smartest action for an heir to the Lunar throne.
Best not to give his brain enough time to think it through. Flinging the door open, Sid slipped out into the cool and quiet hallway. On most days, the palace was deserted and empty, with no occupants but the glistening marble tiles and the stationary sentinels that would blend in perfectly with their surroundings, had there not been bioelectricity surrounding them. On some days, nobles or Earthen representatives or a battalion of thaumaturges would pay a visit, and the palace was a little more hospitable.
But even then, Sid felt as if he lived in a cemetery, and he was the only person actually alive. Or, in the eyes of the nobles, the only one dead.
Sid shivered whenever he thought of how the people felt about him. Would they even accept him on the throne, even if he had an angel for his queen? Would there be riots even worse than the ones happening now?
Sid almost ran into the imposing doors of the dining room. They were closed tight, elegant as anything in the palace, with doorknobs shaped like crowns and large crescent moons painted on the wood. Sid almost left then and there, he felt so small beside them. But he'd committed to this.
The doors didn't so much as hiss as he pulled them open. The inside of the dining room was just as cold and barren as everything else, albeit very gaudy.
He didn't eat in this room often. Mostly, he took his meals in his room or between meetings. Never, even on holidays, did he eat with his family. When he was younger, he didn't even know people did that.
Now that the Selected were here, he supposed it would be a regularity. The image could not be tainted, after all. He wasn't looking forward to it. He already felt sympathetic for his guests, if they had to see Levana every day. He didn't want to make their stay any more unpleasant than it was.
But that was just a guess. Maybe they didn't mind their ruler. Maybe they liked the palace. If he were in their shoes, he certainly would. But he was different.
He didn't live on Earth. He didn't live like the other Artemisians. He lived like an actor, constantly changing costumes for whoever he was talking to. Never really showing the real him, beneath all the flashy smiles and bright lights.
He tried to take solace in knowing, at least, that the sector girls would be well-fed and cared for as long as they stayed in Artemisia. He didn't know a lot about their conditions, but he wasn't blind. He knew they went hungry and were constantly fatigued because of their workload.
How, though, could he change that? The moon's resources were plentiful, but not infinite. That was part of the reason for the alliance, so he'd heard - Luna needed Earth's rich produce and supplies. Sid wasn't a ruler, and he couldn't do anything to change their circumstances... for now.
But maybe, eventually, he'd find a way.
"Obsidian, what a pleasant surprise!" The queen's voice floated through the vast room, and soon her graceful figure emerged from among the tables. Her face was such an uncanny picture of regality, it could be framed.
Sid bowed in his standard way, exuding compliant respect. "Your Majesty. You're early."
"Punctuality is key, Your Highness," she chimed. "I wanted to make sure everything was as it should be."
There were the words he'd been waiting for. They were sooner than he'd expected, but at the same time, he wasn't surprised. His mom was always nagging him about something.
"Is everything as it should be?" Sid surveyed the vaulting room, filled entirely by tables, the ceiling depicting the phases of the moon. Candles were waiting to be lit, silverware sitting unused. Rustic and charming, but a little too fancy for comfort. Sid suspected the Selected would feel not welcomed, but intimidated.
"Indeed it is," said Levana. "I'm quite pleased with my selection of girls, and I'm sure they'll be to your liking."
What were they - a bouquet of flowers? Delicacies presented on a platter? He bit his tongue and nodded.
"Come sit, my dear," said Levana, using that cursed endearment that always made him cringe.
Levana went sweeping up the aisle, her heels adding rhythm to her progress. Sid followed reluctantly in her wake, and the two royals made their way up to the head table. Sparkling goblets that looked incredibly heavy and uncomfortable to wield sat empty beside the silken place mats. There were no plates, but crystalline silverware was laid out in wait. Levana pulled out a chair, lowering herself gracefully at the very center of attention.
Sid made a point to take the farthest seat from his mother.
"Ah, this wait is so agonizing!" said Levana, after only a few seconds of silence. "What time is it?"
Sid automatically pulled out his node. "It's 17:30."
"Why not call them in? We'd originally planned for them to arrive at 20:00, but I'm sure they're quite hungry. You are eager to meet them, are you not?"
"Oh, yes," said Sid. He was attempting to twirl a fork between his fingers, but the utensil was encrusted with jewels, and they kept catching. "Whatever you want."
Levana beamed, then snapped her fingers. A servant popped up from the floor, rag in hand. She'd apparently been scrubbing the already spotless ground, but until now, Sid hadn't been aware of her presence. He'd been too focused on his glamour, which was already fraying at the edges, he was sure.
Levana didn't even bother to speak to the girl. Just a gentle nudge at her thoughts would do; quick and simple, but an invasion into her brain nonetheless. The girl left, walking stiffly in the way that all victims of the Lunar gift did.
"The Selected will be here shortly!" sang Levana. "Oh, I forgot!"
This time, the queen didn't even bother to signal a servant. The young boy just stood up and left the room, obeying her silent command. He returned promptly with a sheer veil draped carefully on his arm.
Sid should've known. Now that shells and cyborgs would frequently be in the queen's presence, she needed protection. No one could see her natural appearance. Not even Sid or Kai. Sid had spent many nights wondering what could be under that protective layering.
The queen took the veil and flashed a winning smile before slipping it around her face. Now she would be safe from any prying eyes. Now her reputation was secure. Sid didn't think her real appearance could be that bad, if he'd turned out alright. She must be incredibly insecure, if he'd gotten his looks from her.
"I'll expect you to speak a few words before our meal begins, but if you'd like, I'll do it for you."
Sid knew instantly that she wasn't offering to give the speech herself, but to take possession of his brain and make him say the words she wanted. "No."
"No? No what?"
"No, My Queen," he said quickly. "I'll do it... thanks, but I'm pretty capable."
She sat back, apparently satisfied. "Good luck, my darling."
The door swung open, and quick shoes came clicking across the floor. Sid, who'd been expecting the slight servant, was surprised to see Kai. He looked dashing as always, put-together and regal. How was it that Sid couldn't pull that off? He could look jovial and serene, but never intimidating or kingly in the way his parents could.
What was wrong with him, then, besides his faulty gift?
"Ah, Kaito, how are you?" said Levana, sweeping out her hands in a grand gesture of welcome.
Kai took the chair beside Sid. "Do you want the fake answer or the real one?"
Levana clicked her tongue. "Neither. The girls will be arriving shortly."
"How... exciting," said Kai carefully, sending a small smile in Sid's direction.
"Obsidian, remember that-"
The tapping of several shoes stopped the queen, and she turned her head to the door. It opened, and in spilled his thirty-five candidates.
Sid was immediately taken aback by the differences between one half of the girls and the other. He knew, immediately, that these young women had just barely arrived, still in clothes from their homeland and untouched by any sort of stylist or fashion designer. He could also easily distinguish whether they were Earthen or Lunar just from their appearances.
The Earthens, who he'd been so impressed by just a few days ago, seemed pale and imperfect and out of place beside the dignified swans that were the Lunars. The Artemisians, especially, stood out in their ravishing dresses and sculpted faces that were almost angelic. The girls from the outer sectors were somewhere in-between, still dressed in their simple working clothes with most of their hair a mess. A few, however, had substantial glamours.
But Sid knew that it was usually the most gifted Lunars that originated from the Capitol. The guards, servants and about half of the citizens were as malleable as sand.
Even as the thirty-five girls began to file in, the room felt as silent and gaping as the other side of the moon. The girls - or at least, the ones he could see - were wide-eyed in wonderment as they made their way between the tables. Kai pointed to Sid's lips, and the prince quickly stood, his head pounding from exertion. Sweat was making its way down his neck.
"Hello, everyone." He smiled at the girls, who had all halted and turned their attention to him like soldiers. "It's great to meet you. I hope you've been enjoying the palace so far, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. But for now, enjoy your meals, and let the palace staff know if you need anything at any time."
The girls were still silent, but a few nodded before Levana picked up where Sid had left off. "Feel free to sit back and relax. I'll be coming around in due time to have little chats with you all. I'll see you very soon."
Little chats? That was new. Sid felt a bout of nerves as the girls all dispersed. That was bound to be unpleasant.
This whole thing was. But he'd just have to sit through it.
He tried to pinpoint Selected he knew, hoping for distraction against the splitting headache and the nausea and all his doubts converging at once. There was the queen's sister, and there was the girl from Cape Town, still wearing that cheesy smile, and there was the one that struck him as oddly familiar. One of the thirty-five would be his wife. He'd have to talk with them all, meet them and date them and - the worst part - eliminate them.
And what if no one wanted him? Who would want someone who couldn't even use his gift? Sid felt his glamour melt off like ice, revealing the real him underneath. Some girls were still looking at him, but most were now engrossed in the finery or the other Selected.
Good. Maybe they wouldn't notice.
"Everything alright?" said Kai and Levana at once, both probably noticing his change in appearance. Kai glanced once at his wife, and Sid took a breath to clear his head.
"Yeah," he murmured, swallowing his panic. "I'm fine." Chin up, he flashed a smile. "Let's get this thing started."
...
Asteria Luster had never been so delighted in all her days. She was absorbing every detail in the dining room like a sponge. Her eyes roved from the grandiose chandelier, adorned with polished moon rock, right down to the tables, crafted from the finest wood and draped with linen tablecloths that were embroidered with tiny crescent moons. Bejeweled pitchers filled with iced lemonade took center stage on every table, right beside vases filled with the same luminous rock that covered the chandelier. Her Excellency had stopped speaking, and the festivities were just beginning.
Asteria scanned her thirty-four competitors, easily picking out the ones that wore glamours. The Artemisians, her only real adversaries in this Selection, were sprinkled among the other lackluster Earthens. Many of the young women were already starting to find their places, dividing into three groups like segments of an orange.
A third of the room was already filling with Earthens, clustered together like little mice. Asteria noticed that some of the girls were folding into themselves, probably feeling dwarfed by the Lunars. Others, though, were sitting tall in their high-backed chairs, chatting casually with their nearest competitors or staring defiantly back at the Lunars.
The nerve of them.
The second third of the room was rapidly filling with sector girls and shells. There were only a few of the ungifted Selected, but Asteria could sense their distinct lack of energy. They, too, seemed to be observing the far prettier Lunars and realizing that their status was automatically lowered.
This had been the queen's strategy, Asteria knew. She wasn't bringing them in early because she was eager to see them. She wanted to remind the inferiors of their place.
Levana. The most genius and beautiful queen Luna had ever seen. Asteria regretted taking her place, but she knew that she would make her proud. She was resolute in her desire to take the throne - nothing could dissuade her.
Not her parents, not the naysayers that shunned her, and certainly not the prince. She wasn't attracted to him, not even a little. But she knew he was her link to fame, even if she wished she could spend her life with someone else.
Asteria took her place beside the other Capitol citizens, drinking them in with a critical eye. Eight Artemisians, all very prime candidates for queen. But Asteria would best them all.
Beside her was a Selected that intimidated her just a little, though she wouldn't dream of saying it. Her hair was shiny white, done up in a style that was almost eerie, it was so regal. Her blue eyes reminded Asteria of ice, cold and sparkling. Asteria resisted the urge to shiver, twirling a hot pink ringlet around her finger.
She knew her appearance was nothing short of outlandish, but it was necessary. She needed to draw attention, to make an impression. She needed to stick out among the crowd, and if she couldn't do it with natural beauty, she would do it with uniqueness. And she had been lucky, as she was the only Selected with pink ringlets.
Asteria gazed around, looking for girls that might be a hindrance to her. One of the sector girls - from Agriculture, she knew, because of her outfit - was sitting tall, four tables away. Asteria pursed her lips. She was much too outspoken for her own good, Asteria could just tell from the way she was smirking with her chin high.
Not two tables away from the sector girl, a particularly sweet-looking Earthen caught her attention. Wide, curious and beautifully green eyes, rosy cheeks and tiny nose. The very object of innocence, perfect for manipulating. Asteria had the temptation to twist the girl's thoughts, remind her just how little she mattered, but she wasn't that stupid.
She adjusted her focus, glancing at the royal family. She realized, with a considerable amount of disdain, that the prince had lost his glamour. He looked pale, almost haggard, but he was sitting straight, attempting cool confidence. Usually he could pull it off, but something seemed to be deeply troubling him.
Asteria wasn't impressed. What a disgrace. When she claimed the throne, she'd be a major improvement. She didn't intend to dethrone the young prince, she wasn't that cruel. But a little manipulation might do him good; a little reminder of the skill he lacked.
Chills ran up her arms and she looked away. Could she do this? Was it really her right? Was she capable of sabotaging every Selected to achieve her goals?
Yes. She'd been dealt an unfair lot her entire life. She deserved this.
There was a sudden stirring as a delegation of servants arrived, all carrying covered dishes, balanced precariously on their forearms. They served the royals first, placing the extravagant dishes on the table and lifting the lids. An aromatic scent, tangy and sweet at once, wafted through the room. The servants came dancing between the tables, placing down the servings and revealing them with fluid grace. Asteria tapped her foot, waiting the outrageously long time before the server arrived at her table.
A burst of steam assaulted Asteria's senses as her dinner was laid before her. Thinly sliced steak drizzled with an unknown sauce, garnished with tiny vegetables and complimented with a terrine of fresh fruit. Asteria smiled in her familiar, sugary way, lifting the fork and stabbing a cherry.
The room was eerily quiet as Selected dove into their dinner. Some of the more outgoing girls whispered to their closest neighbors periodically, but the tension was thick as butter. Kai and Sid were stiff, barely nibbling at the food, while Levana was the epitome of relaxation. Though she could not eat with her veil, her hands were folded neatly and she was chatting with her son, her chipper voice rising through the room.
How did she do it? How did she charm every citizen into submission? How did she always remain unruffled and elegant?
Asteria wanted that skill. She needed it. She craved that power that came with royalty. And she was going to get it.
Thirty minutes passed in uncomfortable silence as everyone polished off their meals - or pushed them away - before Levana stood to speak.
"I hope you enjoyed the dinner, and the time has come for me to meet you all. Please remained seated, and don't worry, I'll be coming to chat with you all eventually."
The queen stood, chin high and heels clicking as she crossed the space from the royals' table to the girls'. She stopped at the first one and casually sat down beside the women, perching on the chair like an exotic bird. She began to speak, but her voice was hushed, and no one could hear it but the girls closest to her. She lingered for a few minutes before standing with a satisfied smile and walking away. The girls, who were Earthens, looked shaken, some of them with red cheeks or blazing eyes.
What could she have said? Something to intimidate them, most likely. Whatever it was, they certainly deserved it, acting all high and mighty with their imperfect looks and strange culture Asteria hadn't bothered to learn about.
The pink-haired Artemisian smoothed her dress which, in all reality, was a rather boring cotton skirt, fading through the years. Today, she'd chosen to cover herself in golden stars, tiny and shimmery, dancing down her figure and fanning out around her. She'd planned her dresses six months in advance, since the prince struck her as someone who took his time when it came to romance. She had everything prepared, a careful plan she'd been working on ever since she was old enough to understand.
The Selection had been a very pleasant surprise - it made it a lot easier for her to reach Obsidian if he was forced to spend time with her.
The queen was on the last Earthen table. She was speaking to a fragile girl with chocolate skin and oversize eyes. She had never approached a Selected specifically until this point. Asteria was immediately on edge.
The queen stood, choosing not to speak with any of the other Selected at the table, and addressed the girl, loud enough that everyone could hear her. "It has been a pleasure. I hope to speak with you soon."
Asteria was outraged. What did Levana see in this little Earthling, who had been so hunched before, but now sat like she'd already earned the title as queen? She wasn't that pretty; nothing, really, compared to Asteria. She suddenly knew that she was going to have to blow Levana out of the water when her turn came.
Asteria watched the offending girl pop a miniscule grape into her mouth, looking deliriously happy. It must've been very juicy, because lurid red began running down her chin.
Disgusting. Asteria was about to turn away when she had a sudden realization. She didn't have to wait. She could make her move now.
The plan shaped itself like the perfect little insignias she used to make out of molds, and Asteria smiled. Levana's attention was currently on a group of sector girls who were eying the fruit with apparent wonder. They didn't get produce like it in their previous surroundings. She would be sympathetic for them, but she just couldn't bring herself to care.
Asteria made quick work, pulling a pen from her bag and scrawling a note on her lacy napkin:
Honey, you have something on your face. Your friend, Asteria
With Levana's back still turned, Asteria waved a hand airily in Little Miss Perfect's direction, snapping her fingers to get her attention. When that didn't work, she gave a dainty clear of a throat.
The girl looked up, among others around the room. Asteria tossed her napkin and it skidded along the floor and under the girl's table. She bent to pick it up, and not a moment too soon.
The queen stood and twirled around, making her way to the adjacent table. Asteria watched the girl closely, who had her lips screwed up in puzzlement. The girls beside her looked incredibly curious, but they didn't inquire.
Grape Girl took Asteria's inky napkin and began furiously dabbing at her face; her nose, her cheeks, her forehead, but not her chin. Asteria saw the paranoia building up, watched with enchantment as the girl lowered her head in embarrassment. She pleaded with the stars that the girl would go with the plan, and that she had that particular item on hand...
The fellow Selected reached into the depths of her jacket pocket - why she'd want to wear a jacket to a fancy dinner was beyond Asteria - and pulled out a pretty little hand mirror. It was pink, decorated with little flower stickers. Just what she'd been hoping for.
The Selected lifted the mirror to her profile, and Asteria could hear the intakes of breath from girls around her. The queen had just finished her conversation and was standing when she spotted the girl with the mirror. Asteria knew that behind the veil, her eyes were narrowing and her cheeks flaming a menacing scarlet.
"You," said Levana, wagging a finger at the table in question. "With the lovely jacket?"
The mouse of a girl looked confused, then excited. Their conversation must've went well if she was jumping to the positive conclusion. That, or she was just uneducated. She had to be, if she was looking so eager.
The room was deadly silent as the Selected came scurrying up the aisle, mirror still clutched, chin still decorated with the red splotch.
"Yes?" she said, her voice as delicate as her frame.
"Why do you have a mirror in your possession?" she said, her voice much sharper than usual.
The girl faltered. "I... I just had it on hand..."
"Did you? And why would you bring it out in the presence of Lunar high society?"
The girl looked apprehensive. "W-what? I just n-needed to check my reflection."
"Your reflection," said Levana, drawing out each word. "Do you learn anything down there on that planet of yours?"
The girl was trembling now. "Yes."
"Is that so? It seems you are in need of some fundamental lessons. Normally, I would have a thaumaturge assist you, but I shall have to do it this time."
The girl's dark skin seemed to be draining by the second. Asteria bit her lip against a pleased smile. Everything was going swimmingly.
Levana retrieved a spoon, spotless and delicate from a table, holding it handle-first for the girl. She still looked more confused than horrified, staring at the utensil. She must be brainless as the guards, if she didn't even know about the mirror legend.
The Selected took the spoon, eyes widening in recognition that her muscles no longer belonged to her. The spoon began to steadily ascend.
"Vanity," said the queen, leaning close, "will be your undoing. Not only is it incredibly disrespectful to use a mirror at dinner, it's unbecoming to even possess such tools. We could do without them, don't you think?"
The girl was speechless. The spoon was nearing her face.
"What is your name?"
"Lilli," she whispered.
"Lilli what?" asked Levana, still as stone.
"Lilli Mauri Astair!"
"I did not ask for your full name, girl!" said Levana, voice rising. "I think it is time for lesson number two: you will always address your betters with the proper titles. I am not your acquaintance. I am your queen."
The spoon came to rest at the corner of Lilli's eye. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, My Queen! I'll do better in the future, I promise - I'll impress you, My Queen."
"The future? Have no delusions," said the queen, tone icy. "You are not welcome on Luna. You will never see me again. You'll never see anything again."
The spoon brushed her eyelid, and the girl squealed, leaning back. Her hand persisted, following her progress as she retreated.
"Levana!"
Asteria's head whipped around, and she saw that the king consort was standing, eyes aflame.
"What are you doing?" he asked, much braver than she'd ever seen him. It was no secret that he didn't like the queen, but he was taking some perilous liberties.
"Teaching a lesson, Kaito," she said, sounding aggravated.
"She isn't yours to teach," said Kai. "This is a citizen of Earth, a guest you welcomed with the promise that no harm would come upon her. She didn't know any better."
"Nevertheless, she must be made an example of," said Levana, practically spitting venom. "Now that we are allies, I govern over Earth as well-"
"No, you don't," said Kai, matching her fiery tone. "Not yet. That's my planet, and you're not going to control it anymore than you already have. Send her into a desert, make her a servant, anything but harming her. It's unflattering, really. These girls are sufficiently terrified."
Everyone automatically looked at each other in acknowledgement of the king consort's words. Many girls were shriveled in their seats, eyes on their shoes, while others were attempting to comfort their neighbors. A few girls were looking openly angry, while others - like Asteria - were enthralled by it all, like watching a trial, but better.
Asteria had made her first move. Many of the Selected had seen the note and most likely connected the dots. Now they knew who they were dealing with.
"He's right," said Obsidian, suddenly standing as well. He looked torn, really, his eyes flitting from the queen to Kaito. "This is my Selection, and I get to make the choices."
The queen's lips were tight with frustration, the spoon now shaking in her rage. "You forget your status, Obsidian. I, as queen, take seniority over everyone in this room - everyone on Luna. Are you telling me that you think this girl deserves mercy, after what she did?"
"No," said Obsidian. "No, I just think gouging her eye out with a spoon is a little... extreme. And she didn't know. We can have an educational video sent out or something, to make sure this doesn't happen again, but you can't just do that on the spot."
The queen opened her mouth and closed it again, looking positively livid now. A pot boiling over. "This is unforgivable. If I see you again, Miss Astair, I will follow through on my threat. You are a menace on Earth and Luna, and I suggest you take refuge in the most remote place you can find." In a swift move, Asteria threw her lovely mirror against the far wall, the glass exploding out like confetti. The frame lay cracked and forgotten on the beautifully polished marble.
Lilli was near hysterics as Levana finally released her control. She collapsed, dropping her spoon, and a pair of guards stepped forward to apprehend her.
As they dragged her away, Levana turned to the other Selected, head held aloft. Her demeanor changed in a split second from murderous to airy.
"It was lovely to meet you all. I hope you learned from Miss Astair. Please go to your rooms, and I will see you..." She paused, "soon," she finished, sounding disgusted by the very idea.
The girls made haste in leaving, shoes scuffing along the floor in their rushed attempts to get out. Asteria curtseyed, her abundance of curls bouncing.
"Good evening, Your Majesty."
Levana sighed. "Good evening," she said curtly before fixing her attention on some invisible spot on the ceiling.
Asteria left, heels clicking, and smiled to herself. In truth, she'd done this girl a service. She would certainly go down in history. Lilli Astair, the girl that had brought a mirror before the queen and survived.
...
7,000 FREAKING WORDS! How that ballooned into a ginormous chapter, I'll never know. Who woulda thought that a Welcoming Dinner would take up so many pages? If it was boring, PLEASE let me know, because at this rate we might just be having 4-5k chapters every time. And if you liked it, let me know that too! :) Also, Lilli didn't belong to anyone, she was just there to serve a purpose.
The Selected that I briefly mentioned weren't my top picks or anything. They were just the ones that Asteria and Sid noticed at the time, but there isn't any bias. And also, I will get to your Selected eventually. I know it involves a lot of patience and trust, but I can't squeeze every Selected into every chapter like some of you miraculous people. As always, thank you to the people that have supported me and given me constructive criticism. I've grown so much as a writer and I've got a ways to go, but y'all have brightened my day and sharpened my writing skills more than I can say.
I would love for you guys to answer five additional questions for me, for your Selected. :) I'm so sorry that I didn't think of these before, but they'd be VERY helpful to me. Please send it by PM, if you can. I'll pop them onto the form too, for those that haven't submitted. No deadline, but ya know, I'd love them sooner rather than later... If for any reason, you can't or don't want to do this, that's totally fine, I'm just trying to improve my portrayal of these girls. Thanks again!
How would they treat Iko?: (If you need more info about Iko, let me know.)
Mannerisms: (What does her voice sound like? How is her posture? Does she have any nervous habits? Does she stutter or speak unusually loud? Are there any phrases she likes to say? Any examples of dialogue would also be helpful. You don't have to answer all those questions, they're just to help you think. This section is super important and helpful to me.)
How is your Selected when it comes to romance?: (Shy? Quick to fall? Forward? Would she kiss someone right off the bat?)
Is there any scene ideas you would like me to include?:
Is there anything you wouldn't be okay with in regards to your character?: (Death, injury, falling in love with a different person at the palace? I'm still pretty young and new to writing, so it's not gonna be wild, but I'm just making sure.)
One more thing! (I'm sorry, this is outrageously long.) Halloumi has a Hunger Games SYOT called City of Angels. Go check it out, because it's wonderful. Okay, I'm leaving now. Next chapter we get to see someone we haven't caught up with in awhile...
