The Prince & The Pauper || z.m. [Book 1]

~8~

"They're here!" Madeline immediately got up from the chair she was seated on. "Let's go!"

Genevieve speechless from excitement, she quickly followed Madeline out of the ballroom to make her way to the front of the castle. As they both approached the front doors, which were opened all the way, Genevieve saw limousines parked in the long driveway right behind each other. Madeline went out of the castle and waited on the steps to greet the royal guests. Genevieve stayed closely behind her and followed her actions.

Madeline and Genevieve stood on either side of the marble staircase as they waited for the princesses to step out of their black vehicles. Genevieve held her breath in as she prepared herself for what would be the twelve most beautiful females that she would ever lay her eyes on. The next thing Genevieve knew, all the doors of the limousines opened simultaneously. She squinted her eyes in order to get the first look of the princess that was about to step out as the sun was blazing high in the sky.

A girl with light brown hair which was braided and brought over her left shoulder, in a sky blue summer dress stepped out with a big smile displayed on her face. She definitely was pretty and had a friendly vibe to her which made Genevieve smile and relax herself. The princess stood and waited in front of the stairs for the other princesses to line up beside her.

Each princess that walked up to where the first princess stood, was beautiful and looked very friendly. Genevieve was still star-struck but she felt these princess were approachable. They didn't seem stuck-up or self-conceited. But princess number twelve didn't give the same impression.

The last girl to step up to the castle had long curly blonde hair. She wore a short tight black sequined dress which showed off her curves even from a distance. With her really tall stilettoes, her height was towering. A smug smile, which was painted with red lipstick, was presented on her perfect face. Genevieve couldn't help but stare at her as the princess definitely had the showstopper look from her appearance to her choice of clothes.

"Genevieve!" Madeline hissed.

"Huh?" Genevieve whipped her head around to look at her.

"We need to go welcome them. Let's go." Madeline started down the steps and Genevieve followed. "Welcome to Genovia your highnesses! Your presence here means a lot to all of us. I am Madeline."

"I'm Genevieve." she introduced herself after.

"As you are here as female suitors for Prince Zayn," Madeline continued. "Genevieve and I will be accompanying you throughout the day. We will be waiting in the ballroom as the prince will spend time with each of you in order for both of you to get to know each other."

Genevieve glanced at each princess that stood in front of her. When she reached the end to the princess dressed in black, she noticed she was studying her nails unlike the other girls who were listening attentively to Madeline. Genevieve also caught her rolling her eyes. So far the princess didn't give a good impression of herself, character wise to Genevieve.

"Let's go inside!" Madeline chirped. She excitedly turned around to lead the princesses to the ballroom.

Genevieve also turned around and climbed up the stairs feeling odd to have royals follow behind her.

Once the two girls led the princesses into the ballroom, they handed out refreshments. As the princesses nibbled on their snacks and drank their drinks, they conversed with each other as they waited for Zayn's arrival.

"So far so good." Madeline whispered.

"I agree." Genevieve nodded.

Madeline looked down at the tablet she was holding. Genevieve leaned her head towards her to see what she was looking at. She saw a list of pictures of the princesses with their names beside it.