When I open the door, I see all the camera's set up, the chairs for the Selected, thrones for the Royal Family, the love seat at the front along with Gavril, his camera and chair. I spot Maxon hanging around the girls, Kriss is draped over Maxon. Even Celeste is shocked and glaring daggers at her. A wave of pain clouds over me when I see them all fighting over him like hungry dogs over a treat. I guess I don't have the advantage of being the Prince's favourite any more and I have to fight the other girls for Maxons hand. I sigh and walk over to my seat, I see Queen Amberly look at me with sympathy in her brown eyes, I give her a small smile and she returns it.
I ignore all the looks I get from the Elite and sit down, my dress billowing out. I hear somebody sit down next to me, I look up and see Kriss standing there. Well done Kriss, I say in my head. You finally untangled yourself from Maxon. Now get out my way you yappy annoying dog.
Kriss is wearing a light pink flowy strapless gown with a sweet heart neckline and a belt of silver jewels lining her waist, on her feet are light red strappy heels. Her make up is done light with foundation, blush, red smokey eyes, mascara and red lipstick with clear gloss. Her brown hair is tied up in a bun with a few curls framing her face and a few tiny pink flowers dotted around. Kriss looks Princess worthy, but there's something about her face that tells me she's not all calm and collected.
"America?" She asks, a glint of fire in her eyes. "What do you think your doing? Stop sulking, Maxon belongs to me. If you snatch him from me again then I'll-" She brings her hand up to my hair, I glare. Kriss wraps her fingers around a red curl and pulls. Hard.
"Hey!" I exclaim. Everybody turns to look at us, a deep blush blossoms on my cheeks.
"Oops," She says innocently then bends down so her breath is in my ear, "Tell anyone and I'll hurt you. Bye Ames!" She kisses my cheek then walks away smiling and playing with that stupid star necklace.
A part of me wants to go tell Maxon what a cow Kriss is, a part of me wants to catch his eye and tug my ear, the strongest part of me wants to walk up to Kriss and slap her across the face. Oh how satisfying that sound would be, my hand whacking her precious face with a big slap! I bite my lip and stay quiet, gripping on to the chair to restrain myself.
"Okay," Gavril yells. "Take your seats we are on in twenty!" The room buzzes into action and everyone on camera sits down, Elise next to me.
"Hey," She says quietly with a smile.
"Hi," I respond. "I love your dress," and its true. Elise is wearing a deep red gown with a one shoulder strap. The colour matches great with her tanned skin.
"Thank you, yours is nice too," She compliments and begins to straighten out imaginary creases on her dress. "America," She whispers. "You have to win. I know I'm only here because I have relations with New Asia, Celeste is only her because she's a two and Kriss is nice," I hide my snort. "But you would be amazing for this country, I can see how much you've suffered because of the way this country is run and it only makes you a stronger and better leader. Please win, Illéa needs you."
I smile genuinely and I'm pretty sure a few tears have gathered in my eyes. "Thank you Elise," I say. "I had no idea everybody was counting on me. I just don't think I can win this," I look over to Kriss and then to Maxon with a small sigh of anger.
"You can win this not just because you want it, but because you deserve it," Elise smiles at me and I do too, again. Gavril raises three fingers in the air, then two, then one. We both look to the front to pose for the camera, our conversation long forgotten.
Gavril looks into the camera with his usual kind smile on his face, "Good evening Illéa!" He sings into the microphone. "We would like to say a very warm welcome to the Elite; Lady America Singer, Lady Kriss Ambers, Lady Celeste Newsome and last but not least Lady Elise Whisks!" The crowd cheers and the camera turns to us. I quickly force a smile on my face. "How are you, girls?" He asks.
Celeste, ever the one for attention answers for all of us. "Oh we are just fine Gavril!" She laughs. "We're all honoured to have made it this far, Prince Maxon is keeping everything a secret but we have been going on a lot of dates recently," She lies smoothly. I can tell she's lying by the silent laughter and eye roll of Maxon.
"Good, good," Gavril nods. "Is this true Prince Maxon?" He turns to face Maxon and his family.
"Gavril, I have no favourites but every one of the Selected are very special and unique beautiful ladies," Maxon says and almost all the girls blush and squeal, except me and Elise.
Gavril chuckles and turns back to the camera. "Now Illéa, getting on to serious matters, the King would like to say a few words about a recent rebel attack."
King Clarkson stands up from his throne and walks towards the camera. "Thank you Gavril," He clears his throat and begins speaking. "As you know Illéa we have been suffering from the Rebels for years. This one however was a Southern Rebels attack and did grave damage to the Palace and everybody in it, I assure you that we are all fine and only a few guards have been injured however they are recovering nicely in the Infirmary." I feel the room breath a sigh of relief.
"From many meetings with the advisors about the matter with the Rebels, we have figured that there is nothing we can do to stop them. All we can do is make sure everyone is in the Safe Rooms on time and hope for the best. Do not panic Illéa, everything will turn out alright," The King nods and goes back to sit with the Queen and Maxon.
"Hear that folks?" Gavril asks the camera. "Everything is okay, don't worry the Guards have it under control. Prince Maxon, I heard you would like to say something?" Maxon nods and makes his way up to the front.
"Due to Rebels attacking the remaining Selected Castes the Elite has been narrowed down to four. Lady Natalie received some depressing news that her sister had been killed and was sent home to be with her family. Lady Natalie was a wonderful girl and chose to leave the Selection to comfort her family of her own accord, please send her family your prayers for the future.
"On to other matters, since the Elite has been narrowed down to so a smaller group than usual, we thought it would be a good idea to set up a Ball with the Royal Family of Italy, the Royal Family of England and the Royal Family of France to get each girl used to the members of each family for she will be working with them in the future. The Ball will be held on the Fourth Of September. Six days. With the help of Silvia and My Mother the Elite will be assigned different rules for decoration of the Ball. With help, I believe that they can pull it off. Thank you," Maxon nods and walks back to his seat.
"A Ball you say!" Gavril exclaims. "Am I invited?" He jokes.
"Of course not Gavril," Maxon teases.
Gavril gasps, "And why not Your Highness?"
"You have to tell everyone who your favourite girl is," The crowd gasps and laughs at Maxons condition.
Gavril stops and thinks out loud. "Well their all beautiful in their own way. I fuss Celeste is pretty on the outside, Elise is kind, Kriss is lady like, America is extremely stubborn and like fire so she'd be good for the country. I can't choose!"
Maxon chuckles, "Your lucky you don't have to."
"Honestly Prince Maxon I don't know how you'll ever choose between these amazing women."
I feel Maxons chocolate brown eyes flick over to me, "Neither do I," He sighs.
Author Note.
QOTD:
Who's your favourite character from The Selection Series and The Heir?
Wow, that was a long chapter! I have a lot of ideas for the next one so I'll update again tomorrow if I have time.
Please review and let me know what you think!
Love you guys 3
/\ Izzy \/
xxxxx