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Astralia -

Dusk is all smiles today. I wonder what happened. The bruises on my arm have faded, and luckily, Ari seems to have forgotten about them.

I sweep the last of the garbage off the floor. At least I don't have to work there anymore. Dawn will come home soon, Dusk says. But why isn't she home yet? It's been three days since she left. The day after tomorrow is the Report. If I see her on TV, will she look completely different? Will she be unrecognizable? I wanted her to be selected, but not like this.

Dusk has to act like she's Dawn in front of the whole province, Dawn has to act like Dusk in front of the whole kingdom. I wonder how long they can keep pretending to be each other before it all catches up to them.

Dawn -

What have I done? I didn't mean to talk so much about my family. I shouldn't have even mentioned Kyle. I was supposed to come across as too reserved, too distant to have any personality. I can only hope the prince's first impression of me gets me sent home.

After I return to the Women's Room, Nadia sends me to the hospital wing to get the mandatory physical. I resist the urge to scowl at her, though it's difficult. Thanks to my adventure last night, I know where it is, and after a couple of wrong turns, I find it.

Dr. Greene is very kind and doesn't make me uncomfortable. She takes a few blood samples, though I'm not sure what for, then tells me I'm underweight but it's nothing a good few meals can't fix and I'm in good health.

-o-

I can't believe it's already lunch. When Nadia leads us back to the royal dining room, the princes, queen and king are sitting at the table. They stand as we arrive and we all hurry to curtsy. The queen smiles warmly at us but doesn't speak. Her red hair is tied into a single shiny ponytail on the back of her head, held back by an elaborate crown that matches the king's. Neither of the princesses are here.

"Please, sit." The king says.

We all obey, hurrying to find places next to the girls we like. Nina quickly sits next to Austin, a wise move on her part. She beckons for me to join her, and I reluctantly do.

The king and queen eat in silence, but the princes talk like nothing is different. Nina tries to catch snippets of their conversation but can't. I'm not sure I want to know what it is they're discussing, so I'm taking that as a blessing. Then I remember that if someone up there really wanted to help us, I wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.

I stab my chicken with my fork, earning me a concerned look from Nina. I give her a small smile, then return to eating with much less vigor. Austin leans over to Nina with a conspiratorial grin on his face. My heart drops.

"Lady, Nina, is it?" He asks her.

My heart starts beating again. Nina giggles and nods. He smiles at her, like it's endearing.

"Would you do me the honor of spending your afternoon with me? We can do anything you'd like, within reason of course." He asks.

Why is he so formal? I shudder inside.

"I would love to, Your Highness." Nina breathes.

He smiles again, then says he'll pick her up at five. He leaves shortly after. I elbow Nina and smirk.

"Seems like you made the right choice by sitting there." I tease.

Her blush intensifies.

"I can't believe the prince finally asked me on a date!" She says in a barely contained whisper. I laugh with her. It is endearing.