Constance was surprised with how quickly things were moving with this whole Final 10 thing. Yesterday she was in the market, and now she was on a Furian ship with a couple of overnight bags and 9 others girls taking the 6 day ride to Furia. She didn't really know what to think of this whole thing, but she certainly knew that she wasn't going to be chosen judging by the looks of the other nine girls. Each one looked like they were made to be a Furian queen, especially the one called N'ria, and the girl knew it. She walked around like she was already the queen, chin up and an attitude that made Constance want to punch her. She was obviously raised in a wealthier household and spoiled to her rotten looking core. Standing at about 5'10" she towered Constance's meager 5'3" and allowing her to stare down at Constance and smirk. While N'ria's attitude was mean, the other girls were alright. A couple of them road on N'ria's coat tails, making a group of around 5 girls constantly ordering around the servants that had been provided for the girls. While each girl had their own personal servant, there were several floating servants for the group. Other than the mean group of 5 girls, there was Constance, a girl named Kira with a darker complexion, a shy girl with big green eyes and short black hair named Mia, a girl with dark eyes who looked like she had been crying and couldn't be older than 17 named Phami, and finally a girl who was thin and pale with pixy features and a blond pixy cut named Astro. So far Constance hadn't really been friendly with any of them other than the introductions Phasma had made them go through. Speaking of the devil.
Phasma walked into the bunk room for the girls, which had 10 neat beds with 10 wardrobes and trunks at the end of the beds, and all the girls stopped talking or doing whatever they were doing. Constance really didn't care to look up from her book since they took off towards Furia two hours ago. The other girls had busied their time with filling wardrobes and talking about their plans to win over the Prince, while Constance had emptied her two bags, one for a few dressed and shoes and accessories, and the other for books and things to entertain her during the 6 days on the ship. Phasma had ensured the girls not to make to much fuss about a dress to appear in front of the royal family in, since those would be chosen for them, not like Constance really worried about that in the first place. The Captain was a cool chick if you asked Constance, when the aristobrats acted up Phasma had no qualms about giving back handed comments to the girls, which was entertaining to no end.
"Girls, we have a surprise for you." Phasma began, smiling and clapping her hands together. "I know it has been a rough day to begin with, leaving your home planet so suddenly, but to make up for it we have a room we will be bringing you full of things we think you may enjoy. Please follow me."
The aristobrats giggled and followed suit quickly while the remaining 5 girls didn't make haste getting off of their beds to follow. Constance fell towards the back of the line, making note of the long, sleek hallways that they were lead through on the massive ship. It was a fairly short walk to the room they were going to, however, and that disappointed Constance, she wanted to adventure more on the ship. Maybe later though. Constance could hear the 'ooohs' and 'ahhhhs' as the aristobrats went into the room before her and the other girls, causing her to look at Kira and Astro with an odd look on her face, the other girls sharing the same concern about the rooms contents. As they walked in even Constance was a little stricken, though. It was large and round, covered in a deep red carpet and matching walls that were covered in cabinets and wardrobes, there were large closets that were open for the contents to be seen, mirrors with chairs in front of them and counters full of powders and makeup and women standing next to them at attention, jewelry cases lines the walls with more jewels than Constance had ever seen in her life, and in the center of the room on a red velvet chair was the most impressive thing in the entire room; Queen Leia herself sat smiling and glamorous as ever. Her hair was wrapped intricately around her head in braids the weaved in and out of her small formal crown, her long shimmering grey dress was pooled around her feet as she sat with her hands folded, and most impressive was the dark colored wrap around her waist, that held a jeweled dagger. Constance had known the Queen fought in wars years ago, great in battle and in grace, but Constance had not expected the queen to still carry weapons around in such a casual manner. It made Constance respect her even more.
The Queen stood and all of the girls bowed in unison, Constance not knowing what was customary so just following what the other girls were doing. "Hello ladies," The Queen began, "I am so sorry that we had to pull you away from your homes so suddenly but I'm afraid that the original date of the wedding has had to be moved up, therefore the final 10 must be arriving on Furia faster. Hopefully this will make up for it though." She smiled and looked at the hopeful girls, her eyes falling on each of them before finally falling on Constance, their warmth reminding Constance of her own mother, causing an ache in her chest. "Well come along girls, let have some food and try on clothes." The Queen clapped and servants came in with trays of food and the other girls ran to the closets, even Astro and Kira threw caution to the wind and ran to where the jewelry was. All the girls seemed to have forgotten whatever worries they had before. But Constance never cared for material things and didn't really care now. It wasn't necessary to have them and they cost to much money. So instead of rushing to the clothes or shoes, Constance grabbed a green apple from one of the fruit trays and sat on the red sofa, pulling a small book out of her dress pocket and flipping it open. She began reading the philosophy of battle when a figure appears in front of her after only a few minutes, casting a shadow. Looking up Constance nearly choked on the apple as the Queen stood in front of her smiling.
Putting the book and apple down and went to stand but was stopped by the Queens hand on her shoulder. Constance didn't know what to say as a woman born and raised in royalty sat next to her and leaned back on the couch as though they were just sitting down for brunch and a friendly talk.
"So, Constance, why not enjoy the luxury like the other girls? Is the closet not pleasing?" The Queen asked politely.
Oh no, the Queen thought she didn't like the things. "Oh, n-no it's not that. I-I just have never been one to-to-" Constance couldn't come up with the words as the Queen looked at her.
Suddenly the Queen gave a chuckle and patted her on the knee. "Don't worry child. You aren't one to indulge in material things. That's alright. Can I tell you a secret?" Constance could only nod as the Queen leaned towards her. "I've never liked all the damn glam that comes with the job. Sure it's nice to dress up sometimes, but my glory was on the battlefield in armor with a saber in my hand." Constance couldn't believe that the Queen was speaking to her so casually. "Well don't feel like you can't talk to me, girl. Tell me how you feel about this while thing? You know, the possibility of marrying my son and all?"
Constance looked around to see if any of the other girls were paying attention to what was happening, but the only one who seemed to be paying attention was N'ria, who glared at Constance through the mirror where she sat getting her hair primped by a stylist. Looking back at the Queens expectant eyes Constance figured that she should just be honest. She shrugged. "I understand why the marriage has to happen, to bind the planets and in result our already massive and strong armies can become one and get stronger."
The Queen gave another chuckled. "No, girl. I mean what do you think about a possible relationship with a man like my son? The possibility of one day being Queen to a planet that you weren't raised on, possibly having children?"
"I-um-I guess it sounds...intimidating. I mean, I don't know much about your son, so I can't say what it would be like to be married to him. Being Queen sounds..." she tried to pick her words carefully considering she was sitting in front of the current queen. "It sounds tiring but like it pays off. I understand the decisions must be hard, but necessary." That was the best she could do.
Queen Leia pondered her answer. "You are much more mature than these other girls. That's why I chose your profile." Constance nearly choked on air now. "Your education and knowledge of politics and war in the test portion of the application caught my attention first, then your photo showed that you were beautiful as well. And you seem as headstrong as I thought you might be." Constance blushed at the dead on description of herself, wondering if she was that easy to read. "And I can see why you are so smart," She gestured towards the book Constance had been reading. "But if you want to be a queen, Constance, you must try to enjoy these fine things. It is what would be expected of you if you were chosen."
Before Constance could answer, another figure appeared behind their couch. Looking up Constance nearly rolled her eyes. N'ria. She gave a curt bow towards the Queen. "I'm sorry, your majesty, but I don't think Constance knows how to act properly in such a setting. Allow me to show her?" The Queens brow rose, she knew this girl was up to no good just like Constance knew.
"Be my guest to borrow the young girl, I must be off to some official business." The girls all gave their goodbyes to the Queen before she left. Now Constance was left alone with the leader of the aristobrats. N'ria crossed her arms over her chest and her other brats joined her, looking down at Constance sitting on the couch.
"That's the closest you will ever come to sitting as a royal. The Prince wouldn't choose a lowly country girl who doesn't even know how to dress appropriately. Look at what you brought to wear? Is that what you intend on trying to present yourself in? Its bad enough the Queen had to see you in those garbs?" The aristobrats laughed and pointed at the sky blue halter top dress she was wearing with a dark blue wrap around the waist where she kept her small book tucked. It was by no means fancy, but it was light and functional in the sunny weather she lived in.
While Constance was normally non confrontational, these bitches pissed her off. "Well last I checked the Queen came to speak with me, not the beauty queens getting their hair primped."
N'ria laughed. "Out of pity. You think she believes you could be queen one day? Please, you weren't bread for royalty. I was made for this role. I will have royal babies and dress in court gowns and attend balls around the galaxy when I an the Queen of Furia and Naboo, Something you know nothing about."
"You know there is more to being Queen than being a trophy wife? You must make political decisions and effect people lives every single day-"
The girl had the audacity to scoff. "Please, I will have a king to make the decisions for me, and he will, as long as I provide heirs that I can dumb on some servants he will do all the political stuff and I can rule."
Constance was so done with this girl already, but apparently N'ria wasn't done with her. She leaned down really close to Constance's face and spoke again. "And when the old bag kicks it I will be the greatest Queen Furia has known." Before Constance could control herself she sat up and punch N'ria square in the nose. While all of the other girls gasped while the little princess fell on her ass in pain, Constance swore she heard Captain Phasma hold in a laugh behind her. Straightening herself up with tears in her eyes and blood on her nose, N'ria pointed at Constance. "You will pay for this you little bitch!" She shrieked before running to a mirror to check the damage.
Captain Phasma cleared her throat behind Constance and the girl turned around timidly, knowing she would be in trouble. Phasma had a small smile on her face. "Ms. Payne," she spoke just low enough for Constance to hear. "While I don't care for the girl and would have done the same, let's try to keep our fists to ourselves shall we?"
Constance gave a nod. "Yes, maam."
"You!" N'ria was back again, pointed that finger Constance wanted to break in half. "Captain Phasma I want her punished! You saw what she did! Look at my face!"
Captain Phasma held a hand out to calm the girl. "N'ria i saw and it will be handled accordingly. But Ms. Payne will not be punished for hitting you, merely given a warning. I do not punish people on their first offence."
N'ria gave a childish shriek and literally stomped her foot. "But Captain she hit me!"
Captain Phasma stepped into N'ria's personal space, which was not what you wanted given the Captain looked like she could break anyone she wanted in half. "N'ria, I am a Captain in the royal army, not a baby sitter. While Ms. Payne will go unpunished, but scolded, you will be briefed on what caused the fight by the queen. Which shouldn't be a problem for you considering you can't wait for the queen to, what were the words, kick I believe."
N'ria paled and stuttered, trying to come up with an excuse. But Phasma spoke again. "If I hear such words leave your mouth again you will be ejected from this ship and sent home, never to see the Prince." Oh no, N'ria's greatest fear. "Now ladies," Phasma addressed the whole room. "Please continue your dressing up and choosing outfits. N'ria, the injury is not that bad, only a little blood which can be wiped away with a wet cloth. Constance, do try to at least put on one dress. And try to behave, I must leave for a while and cannot be bothered with school girl attitudes, you are all adults here." With a curt nod, Phasma left and the girls went back to playing in the clothes and jewels, N'ria wiping her face and them going straight for a jeweled tiara to try on. Deciding to head Phasma's advice, Constance went to one of the closets full of dresses, one immediately catching her eye. She pulled out the gown and held it up to her. it was stunning. It faded from a dark violet down to beautiful hues of purple and then a light lavender. (For a better idea of the dress, please google Lily Collins Elie Saab dress) But she couldn't bring herself to try it on, not wanting to get to attached to something she couldn't have. Returning to her place on the couch to read Constacne had to wait two more hours before they were given dinner and told to go to bed.
The next day, after a night of nearly no sleep, Constance woke up and was given a formal grey dress by her servant, along with healed shoes, and jewelry. After she was dressed they spent time trying to figure out the curls and kinks of her hair before just braiding it in several places and weaving them in and out of each other, leaving a few curled tendrils hanging. Once her hair was finished they moved to makeup, something Constance had never ever worn in her life. After plucking and pulling and applying layer after layer she couldn't even recognize herself in the mirror. While her eyebrows were naturally shaped, plucking away a bit made them look so precise, they gave her a dark red lip stick and stuck to a simple eyeliner and mascara on her eyes, only using a little bit of eyeshadow to make her blue eyes pop. She had never seen herself look like this, she didn't know if she liked it, though.
After they were given a moment to look themselves over the girls were pushed through the hallways in a line and taken to a room with a fancy table setting and a very official looking woman standing with her arms crossed and a no nonsense look on her face. Oh no, Constance could see where this was going.
"Good afternoon ladies. Today we will be working on table etiquette and what not to do in a formal setting." The woman began. The aristrobrats smirked, being trained for fancy dinners from birth. As they were led to their seat Constance grimaced, this was not going to be good for her at all.
(A/N-I will not go into much detail for this class because no one wants to attend a boring etiquette class let alone hear me go on and on about one)
Four hours. Four fucking hours is how long Constance had to sit on her ass with her legs crossed in the most uncomfortable position and listen to the aristobrats get praised while her and the other girls got barked at for not eating with the right spoon or slouching. If this old witch had kept up the attitude and she had to hear N'ria scoff at her having to be corrected at one more thing Constance was going to punch everyone in the damn room, fuck the consequences. But They were called out just in time. After being with the old woman it was about 2 in the afternoon. Now they were being measured for dresses and shoes for meeting the Prince in 5 days. And they had been assured the training would continue for the next 5 days and the wedding would take place in only 10 days. Constance found herself wondering for the thousandth time what Prince Kylo must have thought about all this. Did he want to get married and be king one day? Was this really what he wanted?
Constance was snapped out of her thoughts by them being whisked away into another room to get more grooming done. And not the kind Constance cared to get, the kind that was painful and involved wax strips in places she didn't care to have them. Why was this even necessary? Is this what the Prince liked of his women? Because if so fuck that guy.
Three more days had passed the same way, primping and training and remarks from N'ria towards Constance and the other girls. Only a little more time and they could all escape this ship and not have to deal with her at all. Two more days and she would be on Furia, watch one of the aristobrats get chosen, and then go home to Naboo. Just two more days.
Two days passed, but not fast enough. Constance read all of her books and was losing her mind listening to the rest of the girls talk about wanting to be a Princess. Even Astro and Kira were on the boat. Leaving Constance to be the only one not swooning over pictures of a prince who's face they couldn't even see. This was insane. As she packed her bags to unload on Furia Constance suddenly felt a pang in her chest. She didn't know what it was, but with it came thoughts of Naboo and all the green that was there, the forest she escaped to as a child, her mothers warm voice comforting her during storms. Why were these feelings coming now? This homesickness. She would be home soon, there was no way the Prince would choose someone like her.
"Girls." Captain Phasma came in. "The royal family will be on the landing pad to great you, excluding the prince, who was unfortunately called away for a meeting with his generals. He will be attending dinner, where he will get to see and observe all of you. At the end of dinner he will announce his choice and the other girls will be given a week to roam the planet on the royal families dime and then sent home. The chosen girl will then be prepared for the next five days for the wedding ceremony." The girls gave a giggle and Constance rolled her eyes. Did they not see what was going to happen here? They would be in charge of two planets, people lives, wars, council meetings, etc. Whoever got chosen would have a rude awakening.
They were ushered from the ship after dressing in the dresses they were given for meeting the family and attending dinner. Someone must have spied Constance looking at the flowing dress the first day because that is what was laying on her bed this morning to change into. It hugged her curves like a glove, curves that they had to custom fit the dress to fit. It wasn't surprising because her body had always been an issue. She was not a standard issue size, she had thick thighs and wide hips, a small waist, and breasts that wear a solid two handfuls in a normal persons hands. Which as far as she was concerned were not to big, despite what N'ria said.
On the platform waited King Han, who Queen Leia walked out first to great, embracing him and kissing him, making Constance's heart swell with their long lasting love. Everyone knew King Han was not born royalty, but Queen Leia broke all of the rule to marry an outlaw who turned into one of the greatest Kings in the galaxy. Once Leia and Han were done saying their hello's the girls were formally introduced, Han shaking all of their hands before leading them all inside of the palace. Constance would describe the palace, but they had landed on a platform behind the palace with high walls guarding it, so she didn't actually know what it looked like yet, which disappointed her because she had heard it was beautiful, and it was one thing she wanted to see in all it's glory before she left.
Once in the palace they were led through winding halls covered in art and intricate pieces. Constance couldn't help but be awed by everything for the first time. living here looked amazing. Even though it was so big it was still homey. King Han explained some of the decor and how parts were rebuilt over the years. Constance sunk into every word he said, eating up the history of the palace. He talked about it while leading Queen Leia through the halls, who looked at him lovingly the whole time. After a while they entered what looked to be a large entertainment room that was probably larger than her entire apartment building. It was ornately decorated and had a large fireplace. The girls were left to get comfortable and explore the room together, but Constance was drawn to a bookshelf that was obviously there purely for decoration, but there were still books on it which was all Constance cared for. Her fingers ran over the spines and she had to stop herself from pulling one out and curling into the corner. They were in the room for about 30 minutes before a couple of male servants entered the room.
"We present to you, the prince of Furia." The one on the right said before opening the door. All of the girls held their breath as they waited, and after a couple of seconds and huge dark figure swept in and Constance's heart slammed. The posters hadn't exaggerated. This man was huge, his was at least 6'3" without the the boots and mask. With the he was a solid 6'6". He wore dark robes and a sabor at his side, something Constance had never seen in real life before. There was a hood covering his head and most of the dented and scuffed mask. Leia walked across the room smiling and embraced her son, who merely wrapped one arm around her in return before his father clapped him on the back.
"Welcome back, son. Dinner is almost ready." Han lead the way as all the girls gathered in the middle of the room, every one had their gaze on the floor, trying not to meet the dark gaze of the mask. But Constance couldn't stop staring at him. He was just so damn big. But for all she knew he could be normal height for a man on Furia, everyone above 6 feet tall was a giant from down here.
"Oh Kylo, take that thing off, you're scaring the poor girls wearing that thing. Take it off the meet them" Queen Leia said, patting her son on the arm and looking up at her son. A static sigh sounded from beneath the mask, but the Prince removed his black gloves, revealing large pale hands. He grasped the mask, flicking his thumbs where his jaw line would be and a hiss sounded before the mouth piece folded up. When he lifted the helmet Constance's breath caught in her throat, he was quiet possibly one of the most stunning things she had ever seen. He had long unruly black hair and dark eyes that matched. Eyes that analyzed the entire room, and moved over the girls. He wore a blank expression, so unlike his parents. He seemed to have no emotion as he moved to a side table and set the helmet down with a loud clunk that made Constance jump and release a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Leia clapped her hands. "well now that we have all the kids here its time to sit for dinner. Let's eat!" As if on queue a servant came out to announce dinner. The girls took their seats and Kylo sat at one head of the table, his mother taking the other head and his father to her right. Constance was stuck right in the middle of the table, where she could blend in easily and stay unnoticed until he chose. The first course was silent, the prince picking at his food more than eating it, looking up every once in a while to analyze the table. Queen Leia began a conversation by the next course, talking with the girl while Constance tried not to glance at the prince but failing, and it seemed every time she looked up his eyes flickered to hers. His cold stare made her heart race. She finally decided to just keep her eyes on her food no matter what. That was until she notice a couple of the servants moving around the back of the table, behind the Prince. Constance watched them from under her lashes, knowing they couldn't tell she was looking. They only seemed to be checking on everyone plates to see who was done eating, but their moves made Constance uncomfortable. It was so...practiced. But not like a, we've done dinners like this a thousand times practiced, more like a we are up to something practiced. Constance continued to watch when it happened. One of them took a spot behind the Queen, her and the king laughing and talking to much to notice, and reached behind himself. The Prince seemed to notice the same time Constance did because he was up, but he was to far away to get there fast enough as the servant/assassin raised a knife. Constance was only two seats down and could get there first. Making the decision she grabbed her sharp dinner knife and jumped onto the table, causing the Queen to duck while she kicked her foot out, martial arts training kicking in, and kicked the mans hand and causing him to drop the knife just short of the Queens spine. Then Constance jammed her knife into his neck, being mindful of his jugular, they would want to question him. While the first one went down and Constance jumped down from the table to take a place in front of the Queen she forgot the second man that acted suspiciously. He came at her and before she could ready herself he sliced at her with a knife of his own, she dodged in time that it sliced through her dress and into her rib area, not deep enough to be life threatening, but deep enough to hurt like a motherfucker and scar. Blood stained her dress. When the man moved to attack her again she flinched, knowing that with the injury on her ribs that caused her to fall on the ground would be her demise. At least she would die knowing she protected the Queen. The other girls huddled to the side of the room and flinched away from where the fight was going on. Suddenly a loud whoosh and buzzing sounded and the only thing Constance saw before her attacker fell limp to the ground next to her was a rush of red light. The last thing Constance saw before she blacked out was the prince kneeling over her to pick her up in his arms.