Author's Notes: The Selection has begun! All the players are set. Jealousy and growing danger lurk about. How will the palace maids deal with the pressure?

All credit goes to the author.

Minor Warning: For mild adult language and content. If this sort of material offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All other readers please continue on and...

Enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

Updated ~ 09/03/2020

A Gilded Cage Just For Me"

Chapter 9

~ Anne

Bodies huddled in groups at all four corners of the servants hall that evening for the Report– maids, butlers and a good number of the guards. Some chose to perch themselves on top of the wooden picnic tables now bare of crisp linens that had covered their weathered surfaces. Some sat on the narrow seats, others stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes fixed on the television screens up ahead.

We listened respectfully to the updates but the news we wanted to really hear about and anxiously awaited was regarding the Selected. Like the rest of the nation, we were enthralled. A new princess would be chosen. Aside from the birth of our Prince Maxon which I could hardly remember, being a toddler myself at the time, it was the biggest event in almost two decades! And we were front and center of it all!

As soon as Gavril Fadaye took to the stage, a swell of applause rose from each corner of the room. I wrung my hands, anxious and feeling tense. Immediately as footage of the Selected appeared on screen and Gavril's familiar voice began with, "Here Miss Celeste Newsome…" a loud cheer from the other side of the hall boomed. Her maids. Lady Celeste was a brunette, tall, slender and very elegant. Some of the guards whistled; typical male behavior, I snickered and I heard one of them say she was a model. Great. She was indeed a beauty but I didn't think she looked like a very nice person behind the obvious smugness she proudly flaunted. Well, she was a Two, so no big surprise there.

It seemed that Lady Celeste's maids had set the mood in the room as footage of Ashley Brouillette popped up on the screen. Her maids clapped and cheered. More whistles; a mixture of guards and butlers this time. Gavril gave her a glowing report, calling her demeanor quiet and humble and comparing her to our Queen Amberly. I bristled inwardly and tried not to feel jealous at his words of praise. I had to admit from the initial looks of it she would make a lovely princess.

Next, was Marlee Tames. This time I groaned inside. She was pretty, and unlike Lady Celeste looked very sweet and likable and seemed very patriotic. I felt a little deflated as Gavril informed that she was an immediate favorite of several people that had been interviewed. That wasn't an understatement apparent by a few signs with her name scattered among the crowd.

I didn't linger on that thought for long, wincing in pain as fingers dug into my arm. "There she is!" Lucy cried, bouncing on the tips of her toes. Our Lady America was on screen. My stomach tightened something fierce hearing Gavriel's voice through the television say, "Also traveling with Miss Tames was America Singer, one of only three Fives who made it into the Selection."

I could see Mary from the corner of my eye pressing her fingers to her mouth, but her cheeks gave away her clownish grin. Our lady looked beautiful, caring. I smiled as they showed a picture of her hugging her father.

But then I wished nothing more than to kiss Gavril through the television screen when he said, "But we know that castes mean nothing in the Selection, and it seems Lady America is not to be overlooked..." I wanted to jump out of my sensible shoes even more at his assurance that she shouldn't be overlooked.

"Damn right," Mary murmured. I giggled inside. I loved Mary's spunk.

And I wished at that moment that I could see Skyler's stupid face.

"Miss America Singer is not afraid to get her hands dirty, a quality that many believe our next princess needs." I wanted to burst with joy at Gavril's words! But when Gavril noted that these were qualities many believed our next princess needed, Mary and Lucy fairly threw their arms about me, bouncing and giggling like two lunatics. We stumbled into a couple of butlers standing next to us but I didn't care. I felt like jumping for joy myself!

If first impressions were any indication, I think our lady did fabulously for the public to see. The footage had shown her stopping to take pictures and sign autographs, and just naturally speaking to the people. She would make a fabulous princess.

Once the Report was over, the air in the room crackled with excitement and expectations. Groups mingled discussing the footage of the Selected. It was surreal that all of our preparation, everything we had worked so hard on for the last few weeks would start to make a difference now. The Report made me feel like the starting gun in a marathon had just signaled and that competition had officially begun!

"So, I see your Lady America received some kudos tonight." I sighed. Skyler was now standing in front of me with that aura of smug superiority she oozed.

I arched a brow. "It was a nice piece, wasn't it?" I wasn't about to let her stomp over our Lady or us as a matter of fact.

"Well, no need of getting your hopes up too high, Anne. After all, the real competition hasn't started yet."

"If I wasn't sure Skyler, I would say you're a little worried." If she wanted to test my confidence, I was going to let her feel just how solid it was.

"Worried? Of what?!" she snickered.

"Oh, I don't know… that maybe Lady America isn't the loser you thought she would be."

"Well... Good thing for the rest of us Anne," she sneered, "that this competition isn't based or won on a 30 second piece of video footage."

I sighed, crossing my arms in front of me. I wanted nothing more than to slap the bitch. "Say what you must, Skyler, but we know our Lady has just as much of a shot as being the next princess as any of the other 34. And I think that after what you saw tonight, you're worried that she might actually be competition."

Skyler's jaw tightened and I knew I hit a nerve but she recovered too quickly for my satisfaction, flashing that condescending smile she'd so easily mastered. "We'll see if that's the case soon enough, Anne. I would wish you good luck but... I'd be lying." My hands curled into fists just as she turned on her way. I rolled my eyes hating that she got under my skin. Mary and Lucy joined me.

"What did she want?" asked Mary, a scowl on her face.

"What do you think? To knock the wind out of our sails."

"I hope she knows we're bringing it," Mary glared as Skyler made her way through the crowd.

"And that she can't intimidate us either," Lucy added, making both Mary and me glance over at her with shocked expressions. "We aren't. Right?" she asked, glancing from Mary to me.

"Of course not. We are in 100%," Mary confirmed, looping her arm around Lucy.

I hated cutting this little pep session off but we had work to do. "We better get going. Lady America should be up to her room soon after dinner."

~ Skyler

The nerve of Anne to place that dolled up, low-class, uneducated Five on the same level as Lady Kriss was an insult to anyone's intelligence. Competition. Right! As if a Five had any shot at the crown! I wanted to laugh in her face. But I hated to admit that even after meeting our Lady Kriss, I didn't feel super confident either, unlike Marguerite and her Lady Celeste. I wasn't naïve like Anne. I knew how the One's operated. If King Clarkson has his way, there would be nothing stopping Lady Celeste from winning the Selection. Yet, as long as Lady Kriss was standing, I couldn't allow myself to fail. I had plans of my own and I had no doubt that Lady America wouldn't be here for long, that is, if Prince Maxon had any self-respect whatsoever. Then again, his mother had been a Four. Perhaps, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree. I let out a huff of irritation. There was no way in hell I would allow a Five to cheat me out of my chance at the crown. But why was I even worrying?

I had felt relieved at Gavril's report. Lady Kriss seemed on the sweet side and didn't present the mild arrogance I would've expected from a Three. Surely, that would appeal to Prince Maxon. They would be a good match. The docile, little princess and the noble prince. But the sheepish act would only carry so far. I needed Lady Kriss to stand out if we had any chance of winning. I could manage it. Hopefully, behind the cameras she would be prove to be more aggressive.

Right now, though, all I wanted was to get back to our room and relax. It had been an insufferably long day. Virginia of course, volunteered to take the first shift with Lady Kriss and I wanted to actually hug the girl for sparing me, but didn't. Besides, I was dreading having to spend any time alone with Lady Kriss. I had been a Three once but that was a long time ago and a life I didn't want to remember. What the hell would I even talk to her about? How to bed the Prince of Illéa? Hardly!

Everyone was slowly filtering out of the servant's hall still chatting about the Report. 'Where the hell is Virginia?' I asked myself, looking about the crowded room. I scanned the room again and rolled my eyes as Ashton and Markson slipped out of the room. I swear, those two must fuck as often as they breathe.

"Virginia..." I growled under my breath. Still no sign of her! If I had to end up taking first shift, I would make her pay... dearly!

I turned to head out of the room, making a slow exit along with the crowd. Maybe I was doubting Virginia. As excited as she was about Lady Kriss' arrival, she might've already been on her way to Lady Kriss' room for all I knew. But as the crowd thinned I stopped dead in my tracks. A butler bumped into me and quickly offered apologies. I didn't acknowledge him as the sight before me, froze me where I stood.

Virginia was leaning against one of the far walls and Sebastian's finger twirled around a lock of her hair. He was smiling down at her; that smile that made a shiver run down my spine. My first instincts were to rush over there and grab the idiot from the mouth of the lion but I couldn't help but feel angry. If she wanted to play with fire, fine! I had warned her about Sebastian. She was an innocent and it would only be a matter of time before those hands, Sebastian's filthy hands started wandering to other, more desirable places.

I was ready to turn away but too late. Sebastian's eyes caught mine and he winked. Rage crawled up inside of me and I quickly exited the hall.

I didn't get far when I felt the clamp of fingers on my arm and I found myself face to face with Sebastian. I wrenched my arm from his hand. Bodies walked around, avoiding us as they continued to exit.

"What do you want?" I hissed.

He smiled, that feral grin, his tone smooth, like honey. "Temper, temper there Skyler. I didn't mean to get your feathers all... ruffled."

I let out an incredulous laugh not caring who heard me. I could feel the daggers shooting out of my eyes. "Oh... please!"

"Anytime. Any place, darling."

"Don't hold your breath." I moved to walk around him but he blocked my path.

"Your little friend? Virginia?" He cocked his head in the direction where Virginia had been but had magically disappeared, "I'm going to have fun breaking her in."

"That isn't any of my business." I countered, hoping the fierceness in my voice would convince him. His grin widened instead. I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. 'I don't care,' I told myself. I couldn't make myself care. Sebastian was vile and disgusting but he wasn't one to be crossed. If I showed any sign of weakness, he would use it against me. I had already shown too much the night I dragged Virginia out of The Hole. It had been a mistake, one that hadn't come back to bite me in the ass yet but one I knew he had scented like a bloodhound.

He simply smiled at me and ran a hand down my arm. I shrugged it off.

"I like your fire, Skyler. I'm not done with you... yet."

I pushed passed him, feeling like I had just been stripped naked before him. I buried his words, the images of Virginia with Sebastian deep down. I didn't care. I couldn't make myself care. Caring was dangerous and I wasn't in any position to save anyone.

Anne ~

Lucy had laid out the very feminine green nightgown on Lady America's bed. We chose to go with green again, liking the way it made our Lady look on television. We weren't sure what her favorite color was but it would be one of those things we'd get to learn eventually. Hopefully anyway. She could go home as soon as tomorrow. But our emotions were still riding high after the Report so I brushed the troubling thought away and continued making preparations.

The bedtime routine was one of my favorite. We hoped to make it as relaxed and enjoyable for Lady America. Once she returned from dinner, we immediately went about preparing her for a good night's rest. The three of us were still abuzz with excitement, inquiring of the evening's events as we pampered her along, not rushing the process.

"Did you meet all of the other girls?" Mary asked regarding the contestants as we moisturized her skin and brushed her hair.

"Yes, I got to see them all" she replied.

"Were they very chatty?" Mary followed up with a smile.

"No. They weren't very talkative."

That wasn't surprising. Guessing they were probably sizing each other up.

"Did you enjoy the food?" I inquired, trying to veer away from the topic of the other girls.

"Yes, dinner was fantastic."

Lucy asked had she met the prince? Lady America replied that she wouldn't meet the prince until tomorrow as we helped her dress. Lucy blushed. Perhaps she'd hoped for a random, chance meeting with the Prince. I though, felt butterflies flutter in my stomach. I could only imagine how she was feeling about meeting Prince Maxon face to face.

I asked if she was tired after such a busy day, my fingers pinning the final touch to her nightgown, her silver name tag. I had to say, the jewelers did a phenomenal job on those pins. It just glowed against the green background of her nightgown.

"Yes, I am very tired." Her answers had been concise, not detailed in the least but we wanted to chat her up nonetheless, hoping she'd warm up to us a bit. I wasn't sure it was working.

Having finished our duty, and to our dismay, we were again being sent away as Lady America said, "It would really help me wind down if I could have some time alone."

Neither of the three of us replied. We must've looked disappointed because she quickly added, "You're all very helpful. I'm just used to spending time alone. And I've been swarmed with people today."

"But Lady Singer, we're supposed to help you. It's our job," I gently protested. I was head maid of this group and I had to make sure our Lady was being attended to per our instructions from Mrs. LaFontaine.

"I do appreciate you all, and I'll definitely want your help getting started tomorrow. But tonight, I just need to unwind. If you want to be helpful, some time to myself would be good for me. And if you're rested, I'm sure it will make things better in the morning, right?"

She was tenacious, I had to give her that much. Mary, Lucy and I looked at one another. "I suppose so," I acquiesced.

But Lucy, to my surprise spoke up, though she looked nervous telling Lady America, "One of us is supposed to stay here while you sleep. In case you need something." I was proud of her.

"If I need anything, I'll ring the bell. It'll be fine. Besides, I won't be able to rest knowing someone's watching me."

We glanced at each other again, uncertain if we should allow this at all. It was strictly against protocol.

"You're supposed to obey my every command, right?" said Lady America.

I knew where she was going with this. We all nodded.

"Then I command you all go to bed. And come help me in the morning. Please."

I smiled. Regardless of her caste or whatever anyone else thought of her, she wouldn't cower away. She was a fighter. And would be competition.

"Yes, Lady Singer. We'll see you in the morning." We curtsied and left the room quietly. I took one last look at Lady America before closing the door.

We headed back to the maid's quarters, disappointed, although this time, we weren't the only maids there. Each maid's quarter, housed twenty-four beds. Some of the beds were stand-alone twins while others were stacked into bunks. We had enough room not to be on each other's backs but sometimes I longed for the privacy of my own space. Our quarters were always spotless as Mrs. LaFontaine required. Beds were to be made and no personal items left strewn about. We were each given a trunk to keep personal items, not that many of us had much but it was really the one personal part of each of us we could keep private.

Our maid's quarters housed Mary, Lucy and myself; Skyler, Ashton and now Virginia. Lady Ashley's, Lady Marlee's, Lady Bariel's, Lady Tiny's, and Lady Tuesday's maids shared the common living space with us. Most were an agreeable bunch though a few were on the wild side like Skyler, who had an infectious influence and not always for the better of things.

"How come the three of you are here?" asked one of Ashley's maids. Of course we knew the question was unavoidable. We had already received several inquisitive looks which we ignored. "Isn't one of you supposed to be with your lady?"

"Yeeess," Mary hissed, flopping down on her mattress. "But our lady requested solitude tonight so we can only respect our lady's wishes."

"Hmm…interesting," she merely shrugged.

"What does that mean?" Mary frowned, pushing herself up on her elbows at the rather accusatory tone.

"Just what it means. Interesting." But before another word was spoken, she walked away.

In a barely audible tone, "And out, come the cat's claws," quipped Mary.

"Don't worry about it." I turned to sit on my own bed, bending over to untie my shoes. I couldn't wait to shower and slip into bed. It had been a long day and I was grateful to be able to sleep in my own bed.

It would be interesting indeed to see how this competition would test people's character. I had no doubt that the devious, manipulating, calculating sides of some people would in time manifest themselves. However, the question was how soon would the backstabbing begin? Especially when the prize was a prince and a crown? I wondered how many of the Selected ladies were here fighting for Prince Maxon or just the throne? And I wondered how quickly their thirst to win would filter down to us?

A peal of shrieks broke my train of thought.

"What?!" Skyler. I frowned. Her irritating voice carried like the shrill clash of two cymbals in my ears. I looked in her direction as she laid flat on her stomach on Ashton's bed, wearing only her underwear, her legs hanging off one side. I never understood how she could just lounge about in just her bra and panties. Indecent. She held something in her hand.

"Oh, my gosh. Ashton Lynne. You damn slut!"

Ashton snatched whatever she was holding, tucking it away in a bag that looked like a gift bag. "It was a gift!" Ashton declared, not overly embarrassed but she was never one to broadcast her business.

"Let me see it again!" Skyler demanded with a chuckle and Ashton threw it back at her. She caught it one-handed. It looked like a bra.

A few of the other maids, those who either died to be a part of Skyler's little group or others that were merely curious enough, gathered to see what the fuss was all about.

"Isn't it divine?" Skyler asked, now kneeling on Ashton's bed, pressing the bra over her plain issued undergarment. There rained a chorus of "Oooh's" and "Ahhh's". Some asked to feel it while others just gawked. "Is it from that secret admirer?" I heard her ask Ashton.

"I will neither confirm nor deny."

"And matching panties too," someone said. Laughter echoed from the little band that had gathered as some other unmentionable things were uttered.

"You'd think they'd never seen a bra before," I murmured. I hated the tendril of jealousy that crept through me.

"It's not just the bra, Anne. It's everything else that goes along with it," Mary smirked, sitting up with her eyes fixed on the scene.

"I know." I didn't mean to sound bitter. I liked Ashton but she was another example of a maid who had managed to nab an admirer. Now, what she had done to get such a gift? Well, there wasn't much to guess at. But no one would tell. We all wanted the same thing. What separated people like Skyler and Ashton from the rest of us is that they took chances. I wasn't a risk taker. I guessed I had no one to blame for that but myself.

I grunted, remembering the message I had for Skyler. Why did I even volunteer?

I waited awhile until the group dispersed and approached once Skyler and Ashton were the only ones left.

"Anne!" greeted Skyler, now sitting on the edge of Ashton's bed, her arms propped behind her as she leaned back, one leg crossed over her knee; and still only in her underwear. I hated to admit it, but she had it all in the right places.

"I wondered if you would come over." She wore that smug smile on her face, the one I wished to slap every time I looked at her as she began to bounce her leg. "Then again, knowing how proper you are, I…"

"I only came over to deliver a message." I cut her off not needing to hear any of her insults which I'm sure she had in plentiful amounts.

"A message?" She crinkled her brow almost seeming uninterested.

I took a breath. "Officer Hector…"

At the mention of his name she groaned loudly and fell back on the mattress. Her breasts stood like two rounded melons. I hated her.

"What did he want?" she demanded, inspecting her nails.

"Be nice!" Ashton reprimanded, throwing a pillow at her head.

To my growing irritation, it was obvious Skyler didn't appreciate the fortune she had been blessed with. Must be nice to shoo away male callers having as many as she did.

"He only wanted to let you know he came by looking for you."

"Pssh! Well, he didn't need to waste his time," she rolled her eyes.

I didn't mean to huff at her statement but it came out before I could rein it in.

Skyler shot up, sitting up on her elbows. "If you're so interested, Anne, you can have a go at him."

"Not my type."

"What is your type? I've never seen you with a man. Have you ever even had a boyfriend?"

"That's none of your business."

She sat up even straighter and I could see the killer instinct in her eyes. "Why Anne, now I'm intrigued. Have you ever even kissed a man before?" The smile she threw my way clearly was meant to make me feel embarrassed.

It worked. The flush of embarrassment tinged my neck, my cheeks.

I scrambled for footing. "Not as many as you have I'm sure." I had been kissed...once. And although I didn't want to admit it, her jab stung. "At least my virtues are quite intact."

My insult didn't have the effect I was hoping. Skyler laughed. She leaned back on her hands as she had been before and shaking her rounded breasts, said, "Don't hate the player, Anne; Hate the game."

"Whatever." I turned, headed back to my side of the room.

Skyler's words played in my mind over and over.

Later that evening, I stood in front of the floor length mirror in the dressing room wearing my standard issued undergarments. Cotton underwear and simple white brassiere- No frills. I couldn't help the sight she'd burned in my brain of her voluptuous, slender body. No wonder she didn't have a problem attracting a man. I never saw myself as sexual or provocative. I wasn't overly curvaceous or blessed with a generous bust line but I didn't think my body was… unattractive. But under layers of fabric, who would know? But then again, hadn't Skyler and Ashton... Marguerite and several others been able to attract a male under layers of the same fabric?

I knew I didn't have the equation correctly in my head. I wasn't flirty or coquettish. I didn't bat my eyelashes or twirl my hair. That sort of thing wasn't me. I didn't even understand why women acted that way! I wasn't about to sink to that level of primitive behavior. And pondering further on that vein, I could see why I was still without a man.

~ Hector

Lucky me. I had the privilege of guard duty tonight so trying to stay focused even amid the stillness of the palace was proving difficult. My thoughts were consumed with one person. One girl in particular. That raven hair, those wild, chocolate browns and that laugh that perked my ears and sent my heart racing every time I heard it. I could see her face clearly, even now as I stood here, rifle draped over one shoulder. I had removed the bandage from my hand at least for appearances sake. The last thing I needed was to give away any hint of an injury in case of a rebel attack. At least the pain was nothing but a dulled throb. It wouldn't stop me from using my weapon, if need be. I could certainly manage a little discomfort for the next few hours. But that throb was a reminder of why I was standing here. I had punched that damned wall and had been assigned or the way I saw it, punished with evening guard duty. But it was worth it. I had had her in my arms. I had kissed her and she kissed me back. I didn't image that. Skyler had actually kissed me back! I felt a smile tug my mouth at the memory. But then she pushed me away and ran from me. What the hell had happened?

I needed to talk to Skyler but with the Selection girls now here, I wasn't sure when I'd have a chance. Nevertheless, I had had every intention of speaking with her after the showing of the Report. I saw her there, heard that beautiful laugh that made my insides feel a jumble. But she didn't look in my direction. Not once. I had willed Skyler to at least acknowledge I was there. Maybe if I made eye contact, she would see a need to talk to me too. But will and all, she never looked my way.

I wondered if Miss Anne had relayed my message?

Who the hell was I kidding?! Frustration welled inside of me. Who was I in comparison to Sebastian? Of course she wouldn't spare me the time of day when a guy like Sebastian was hot on her heels. I let out a huff through my nose. I had a death wish. That's what I had. But, damn it! Why should I back off? And even as I asked myself that question, the answer was swift… 'Because you want to live!' The voice inside my head cried. Sebastian would no soon back off himself before making sure I was buried 6-feet under.

Hearing approaching footsteps, I straightened up, stiffened my back and squared my shoulders. My eyes were the only part of me that moved, quickly catching the form of Prince Maxon. I jutted my chin, schooled my features. I couldn't appear... distracted. It was well known that the prince had a habit of milling about the palace during late evening hours. He passed, glancing briefly in my direction. He looked a little restless. Perhaps he too needed a quiet moment to think about his life.

What would I do if I had 35 girls fighting for my affection? I could only imagine how overwhelmed I would feel. I snickered. I didn't have one girl or any girl. And the one girl I wanted didn't even think I was worth her time.

I was starting to feel a bit sorry for myself but I snapped out of my brooding when I heard it.

A female voice.

PLEASE READERS...DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!

Thank you to all that REVIEWED for Chapter 8! I was ready to dump this story but because of your reviews I will keep going! Thank you! Thank you!

See my message for all who reviewed on the "REVIEWS" message board.

For the rest of you that are reading and not reviewing, please contribute! It's important for writers to know your opinions. We LOVE to hear from ALL of you!