𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚 [ 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 ]

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙫𝙚

When Eleanora was done talking to the prince, she left with a smile and proceeded to sit down in the middle of the table. I was probably way more nervous than I should be, but here goes nothing. I moved forward to face Prince Hunter. ''Good evening,'' I said, smiling and then dropping down into a short curtsy. He bowed and met my eyes when we were both bent down in a bow and a curtsy. When our eyes met, I felt a spark. I might be overreacting, but I felt something. 

''Liking the palace?'' he said, standing back up. 

''Are you kidding me? It's amazing!'' I said, looking around gratefully.

''I'm glad you like it,'' he said, his tone friendly and warm. ''Are you okay from earlier? You know, falling and all?'' 

''Yeah, yeah. I'm fine,'' I shrugged. ''No big deal.'' 

''July, right?''

I replied with a small ''mhm' and smiled. 

''Well, you look stunning tonight, and I, uh, just wanted to welcome you,'' he leaned forward and whispered, ''Would you like to go and enjoy dessert with me later this evening?'' he said, running his hand through his hair.

 I could feel my face turn almost as red as my dress.  ''I'd love to,'' I replied. 

''Great. Then I'll see you later?'' he smiled. I could see the relief in his eyes as he grabbed my hand and planted a kiss on it. I could feel my face flush as I smiled and walked toward Eleanora. She was sitting next to, whom to my surprise, Gwendolyn Halycon. 

There was an open seat next to Eleanora, who I leaned towards and whispered, ''Mind if I sit here?'' She turned and looked up at me. ''Not at all.'' she patted the seat next to her.  Fifteen minutes passed before Hunter took his seat at the extremely long dining table. 

A very regal trumpet fanfare started to play. Queen Torryn walked in, accompanied by her husband, King Phillip. She was wearing a silk white dress with golden accents. The dress was long and had a golden tulle train. King Phillip was wearing a suit adorned with military badges and achievements. As the Queen and King regally walked to the head of the table, you could hear a pin drop. ''Good evening, ladies,'' he said, bowing. ''I see you have all made it here safely. I hope you realize how fortunate you all are to be here attending my son's selection.'' Sitting down, he turned to his wife, which was a queue for her to start talking. 

''I know exactly how all of you feel. The Selection is a very exciting time for all of you young ladies who have been chosen,''  she turned to her left and right, nodding her head at each side of the table. She smiled and continued her monologue. ''I hope that all of you came here with your best interests in mind,'' she gazed around the room. ''and that one of you will win over his heart,'' she said looking over at King Phillip and then Prince Hunter. ''I bid you all good luck.'' she smiled the same smile I had seen earlier when Hunter asked me on a date. ''Dine in, everyone.'' she bowed while smiling gently. 

'''''''''

Dinner was more amazing than I could have imagined. The chicken and cream piccata were delicious, and don't even get me started on the Strawberry Tarts for the dessert. The chefs outdid themselves. I walked down the window-filled hall to my room. I walked in and sighed dreamily. ''Miss?'' I almost jumped in the air. Cala's voice had startled me. ''Miss, I'm so sorry to startle you! How was dinner?'' I squealed.''He asked me on a date!! Tonight!!!'' I flopped down onto the bed, my dress falling off the edge of the bed. 

''That's wonderful, miss! Would you like a dress for the date?'' 

''Oh! Sure!'' I replied. 

''I'll get it for you! I know the perfect one,'' called Rea from the other room. I watched her dash from one room to the other. Soon, she came out with a jade-colored dress with thick shoulder straps and it went down to a little above my thighs. Cait entered and put her hands on her cheeks and gasped. ''You look stunning!'' As Cait and Rea continued to gush over my dress, a knocking sound came from the door. My maids gasped altogether as they ran towards the door.

Prince Hunter stood in front of my maids. I could see their faces turn almost as red as mine did when I fell in front of everyone earlier. ''Good evening, ladies,'' he said, bowing and then offering them a charming smile. I walked over, trying not to blush. But, you know, that's hard to when the prince of Illea is standing in front of you. He grabbed my hand, kissing it gently as he did before, and then asked, ''Shall we get going?'' I replied, ''Of course.''