Hi guys! I apologize if the formatting on this document is a little different than normal. Hope you enjoy and happy four days late November!
Lunaris -
"Ich werde dich umbringen." I say threateningly.
Peter whimpers, backing away. You better. I woke up early for this.
"What does that mean?" He asks.
I hold up a fist menacingly.
"Take a guess." I reply in English.
I punch him hard in the jaw. He coughs blood, screaming like a maniac, but no one can hear him now. No one can save him.
"Don't ever touch anyone again, ekelhafter Perverser!" I yell, punching him again.
He shrieks and runs away, tripping over himself. I let him, pulling down the black cloth covering my face. I may not look like Lia, but I don't want him to recognize me. I could get our family in trouble. The German was just a nice touch.
Dawn -
The aftermath of the Report is a dozen magazines being delivered to every girl's room the next morning. Each one is filled with articles about the selection, numerous polls and speculative gossip.
One such piece compares each selected girl to the princess of Italy, who was rumored to have had an affair with Austin. I smirk at that article. Everyone knows that rumor is untrue; the king and queen themselves came out and said it. I can't believe they're still printing this nonsense and that it's allowed.
There's also a lengthy article about... me? Iana eagerly flips through it while Violet, Lilac and I crowd around her, trying to get a glimpse of the page.
"The silver-haired mystery seems to have captured the prince's attention with her beautiful message to her family. After the events of the Report, she's risen above Lady Geneveive Night and taken the spot as the public's favorite."
Glossy images of me surround the article, as well as a few of Austin, making it look like he's deeply engrossed in what I'm saying. I don't even know how they got those pictures. Each photo is captioned with: Dusk Willow in font so small I can barely read it. Iana tosses the magazine onto the dresser and Lilac descends on it like a starved animal.
"This is wonderful news, My Lady!" Iana exclaims, clasping her hands together.
I force a smile, hoping she can't tell it's not real.
"You must've done something well on the Report to be the new favorite!" Violet adds.
Lilac flips through the pages wildly, practically ripping it apart, and I giggle at her endeavors.
"I talked about my family." I tell Violet.
Lilac puts a hand on her heart and collapses into Violet's arms, so they must've made up since their fight.
"That's so kind of you! The prince must be so in love with you!" She exclaims.
"I think you might be a little too much of a romantic."
I tell her, laughing. Even Violet snickers a little.
"There won't be another Report for another two weeks. I suppose the prince will want to go on more dates until then." Iana adds.
"Today the prince will be eliminating a few ladies." Violet puts in.
The mood instantly sours.
"It won't be you, Lady Dusk." Lilac assures me.
"I know. I'm not worried." I say.
But I am worried. I'm worried because I know after moving into the top spot there's no way Austin is sending me home this time. I'll have to try harder to be unreachable.
-o-
The Women's Room is quieter than usual. The queen sits in the corner, but neither of the princesses have been seen since yesterday and at breakfast. I watch as she idly chats with her ladies-in-waiting, admiring how she's effortlessly perfect. She wears a deep blue dress that complements her eyes, and I'm reminded of Princess Amber. She's an exact replica of her mother, though she looks a bit younger.
I've heard she was named after the deceased Queen Amberly, but there aren't many historical records of her or her husband, King Clarkson. Both were killed in the last rebel attack. A maid walks in and whispers something in the queen's ear. She smiles mischievously, then nods once. The maid walks back to the doors and pulls them open. We all stare as Austin walks in and smiles sweetly at his mother. It makes him seem less like a prince and more like a son. My heart warms at the sight, but I quickly tamp it down. I still need to go home. There is no place for love in my heart, except for family members. Losing Kyle already broke me; Dusk could barely put me back together again. I can't let anyone else in because next time I'll shatter.
"Hello ladies." Austin begins.
No one says a word. Queen America observes quietly. I wonder if she's remembering her own selection.
"As you all know, today will be an elimination round. The next official one will be in a month, when I select the Elite, but I will be sending Indvidual women home up until then."
Nina straightens next to me, though based on what I've heard about her date, she has nothing to be afraid of.
"Will the following ladies please step forward? Lady Calypso Everest, Lady Danielle Black, Lady Evelyn Turner, Lady Ruby Dixon, Lady Quinn Fisher, Lady Elysia Adams, and finally, Lady Alicia Wynn." Austin says.
They stand up. Quinn's back is trembling, and Austin actually looks uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry ladies, but I don't see a future with any of you. Your things will be packed up and you'll be on your way home before lunch. I wish you all the best of luck." He swiftly leaves, turning on his heel.
The queen's face shows no emotion. Ruby openly starts crying, and Quinn grabs her hand. The two leave together, and the others follow. Ouch. That was harsh.