The Selection

Chapter Seven.

"MISS ARE YOU AWAKE?"Nicole said as I stirred. "Noooo," I moaned into the pillow. I hadn't had nearly enough sleep, and the bed was far too comfortable. But Grace, Nicole and Poppy laughed at my groan, which was enough to make me smile and decide to start moving. These girls would probably be the easiest for me to get along with in the palace. I wondered if they could become confidantes of some kind, or if training and protocol would render them completely unable to even share a cup of tea with me. Though I was a born Five, I was covered with Three-ness now. And if they were maids, that made them all Sixes. But that was fine with me. I did enjoy the company of Sixes. I moved slowly into the monstrous bathroom, every step echoing against the vastness of tile and glass.All they did was remove the gown with care and usher me toward the bath. I wasn't used to being naked around other people-not even Mom or Amie-but there seemed to be no way around it. These three would be dressing me for as long as I was here, so I would have to bear it until I left. I wondered what would happen to them when I was gone. Would they get assigned to other girls who would need more attention as the competition drew on? Did they already have other jobs in the palace they were temporarily excused from? It seemed rude to ask what they used to do or imply that I was leaving soon, so I didn't. After my bath, Poppy dried my hair, pulling half up with ribbons I'd brought from home. They were pink and just so happened to accent the flowers in one of the day dresses my maids had created for me, so that was what I wore. Grace did my makeup, which was just as light as the day before, and Nicole rubbed lotion into my arms and legs.

There was an array of jewelry to choose from, I was awestruck, I had never had that much jewellery at home, this was like heaven. I had put on a small golden choker with matching earrings. Nicole, grace and poppy looked me over and smiled at the results. I took that as a sign I was decent enough to leave for breakfast. With bows and smiles, they wished me well as I went to leave. I went into the upstairs foyer where we had all met yesterday. I was the first one there, so I took to a small sofa to wait for the rest. Slowly, others started to trickle in. I quickly noticed a theme. Every one of the girls looked phenomenal. They had their hair pulled up in intricate braids or curls, away from their faces. The makeup was meticulously done, dresses pressed to perfection. And I thought I was being original by going all out, they were trying to impress the Prince, little did they know I already had. I thought it had taken me a long time to get ready, but it took the other girls much, much longer. Even when Silvia came to escort us downstairs, we still had to wait for Celeste and Tiny, who, true to her name, had to have her dress taken in. Once we were all assembled, everyone started to move toward the stairs. There was a gilded mirror on the wall, and we all turned to take one last peek as we descended. I looked phenomenal.

We went downstairs expecting to be taken into the dining room, where we had been told we would be eating. But instead we were taken into the Great Room, where individual tables and chairs had been set up in rows, all with plates, glasses, and silverware. There wasn't any food, though. Not even a hopeful smell. In the front corner, tucked away in a small nook, I noticed a small set of couches. A few cameramen, stationed around the room, filmed our arrival. There were no placemats in this room but I decided to sit next to Celeste, I found her Amusing, and apparently she did too as everyone dodged her seats. "Had nowhere else to sit?" She whispered and I shook my head. "Believe it or not, I enjoy your company." I said and she turned to face the other way. Silvia entered and the first thing she did was call America out for Laughing. "Tsk-tsk. A lady never raises her voice above a gentle whisper." I saw America go red and look at the cameras, there was really no need to be rude like that. "Hello again, ladies. I hope you all had a restful first night in the palace, because now our work begins. Today I will begin to instruct you on conduct and protocol, a process that will continue for the duration of your stay. Please know that I will be reporting any missteps on your part to the royal family. I know it sounds harsh, but this isn't a game to be taken lightly. Someone in this room will be the next princess of Illea. It is no small task. You must endeavor to elevate yourselves, no matter your previous station. You will become ladies from the ground up. And this very morning, you will receive your first lesson. Table manners are very important, and before you can eat in front of the royal family, you must be aware of certain etiquette. The faster we get through this little lesson, the sooner you get to have your breakfasts, so faces forward, please." She began explaining how we would be served from the right, which glass was for what beverage, and to never, ever reach for a pastry with our hands. Always use the tongs. Hands were to rest in our lap when not in use, napkin draped underneath. We weren't to speak unless spoken to. Of course, we could talk quietly to our neighbors, but always at a level befitting the palace. She eyed me seriously as she gave that last note. Silvia went on and on in her elegant tone, taunting my stomach. Even if they were small, I was used to getting my three meals at home. I needed food. I was getting a bit grumpy when we heard a knock at the door. Two guards stepped away, and in came Prince Maxon.

"Good morning, ladies," he called. The lift in the room was tangible. Backs straightened, locks of hair were tossed over shoulders, and hems were rearranged. I looked at maxon, he looked even better in the light. "Your Majesty," Silvia said with a low curtsy. "Hello, Silvia. If you don't mind, I would like to introduce myself to these young women." "Of course." She bowed again. Prince Maxon surveyed the room and found me. Our eyes met for a moment, and he smiled. He remembered me. "Ladies, if you don't mind, one at a time I'll be calling you over to meet with me. I'm sure you're all eager to eat, as am I. So I won't take up too much of your time. Do forgive me if I'm slow with names; there are quite a few of you." I took that personally. There was a low rumble of giggles. Quickly, he went over to the girl in the front row on the far right and escorted her over to the couches. They spoke for a few minutes, then both rose. He bowed to her, she curtsied back. She went back to her table, spoke to the girl beside her, and it happened all over again. These conversations lasted only a few minutes and were spoken in hushed voices. He was trying to get a feel for each girl in less than five minutes . "What do you think he wants?" Celeste whispered to me. "I'm not sure, maybe he wants to know what celebrities you'd do, that's a conversation I'd be interested in." I say and Celeste smirks. "Chris Hemsworth." Celeste says before her name got called.

We weren't the only ones talking. Around the room voices lifted like gentle hums, as we tried to distract ourselves until it was our turn. Not to mention the cameramen were hopping around, asking girls about their first day in the palace, how they liked their maids, and things like that. When they stopped by Ashley and me, I let her do all the talking.
I kept looking over to the couches as each of the Selected were interviewed. Some were calm and ladylike, others fidgeted in excitement. Celeste looked put together, she even looked seductive, I swore I saw maxon glance at her boobs once or twice. She suited him. She was powerful. I was near sweating when she came back, meaning it was my turn to go. I took a deep breath and steadied myself. I curtsied as I got close to him. "Let me see if i got your name correct, Florence correct?" He says smirking. "You read it off my name-tag, but please remind me of yours? I can't seem to find your tag." I say sitting next to him. He leaned in and whispered, "Did you sleep well, my dear?" I didn't know what my face looked like in response to that name, but Maxon's eyes glittered with amusement. "Dear? Did you use that for the other girls too?" I say smirking. "It's the only like I could think of!" He exclaims laughing slightly. "Did you accept my challenge Miss Florence?" He says smirking again. "Oh please you know my name, use it properly, no miss before it, and yes I accept your challenge." I say winking at him. "Okay Florence. Shall I come to your room this afternoon, to look at the challenge of course." He says and I go silent. He wants me to paint him? "Wear your best suit, I can't have the painting look plain." I say jokingly looking him up and down. "I feel offended! I spent a lot of time choosing this out just to be told it is plain, well Florence you have made me question all of my outfits." He says pretending to look hurt. "Oh please it looks like you just threw whatever your maids picked out!" I say laughing. "That's exactly what I did!" He says back. "Oh please your an open book Prince Maxon, come by today at four, don't be late or I'll paint from memory and nobody wants to see that outfit on a painting." I say before getting up. "Oh and please hurry I'm starving I want food." I say before going back to my seat, leaving him laughing.