Not a Fairytale Ending, I suppose - A Percabeth Selection

Part No, Part Yes.

The girls came in a steady trickle. I was not entitled to stay on the balcony with Percy, but I stayed for most of it. 

I bid him goodbye when the manager, Ms. Michaela, called a meeting for announcements that have not already been given to the girls via guard and signing of the contracts in their own home. 

Sally had given me the logistics, but we sort of laughed at the thought of the guards having awkward conversations with the girl they were stationed to escort, making sure they fit the requirements of the competition. All I really did was sign the form after reading it. 

Jason practically begged Paul and Sally to let him go, but he was a special circumstance so they refused. Jason wasn't happy with this choice, saying it didn't help him feel normal. To make him feel better, Leo announced that he didn't get chosen either. Unbeknownst to him, I requested that Leo stayed, for the sake of this kingdom and the girl he would be escorting. 

Some girls were wearing dresses, others were wearing their best everyday outfits. Most were nervous, others making polite conversations. I slipped in unnoticed, which was a bit relieving. There were already whispers that me and Percy were together because I lived in the castle, or that I was a maid, or something like that. 

Few actually didn't know that I lived in the castle. 

"Alright, alright." Ms. Micheala's voice rang out among the quiet chatter. She is a young lady, probably in her early twenties. Her straight dirty blonde hair hung down, almost to her elbows. The most startling thing, though, was her dark blue eyes. They were bright like the night sky, and it almost felt like she should be in this competition, not in charge of a bunch of girls.

 "There have been a few announcements to be said. First, I am your teacher and superior. You will go to me if you have questions, and I will be with you in every activity. 

"Second, there will be no flirting with the guards, or even talking to them for that matter. The guards will also not talk to you. Your loyalty is to the Crowned Prince and him only for the time being. 

"I ask that you obey the curfew, but there are some exceptions. Like if there is an activity that requires more time, or if you are on a date with the prince. 

"Please refrain from rude everything, and talking to any of the members of the Royalty families unless spoken to first. Your room numbers you have already acquired. The staff that is needed for your bunch will arrive tomorrow afternoon, so try your best to look approachable in the morning. Mainly cuz you will all have your first meeting with Prince Percy himself before breakfast."

A couple of girls broke out in objections, "I can't approach the Prince without someone to make sure I look my very best! Like a princess, or a queen!" She wailed. 

A girl with long black hair plastered a disgusted frown on her heavely makeup-ed face. "Puh'lease. A girl should know how to do her own makeup."

A brown haired girl with beads and feathers braided into the choppy locks, shot back, "Well, Drew, maybe you need to know how to put on less makeup."

Drew folded her arms. "Piper." She clicked her tounge chastisingly, "Dear sister. I would shut your little mouth up. No wonder many people don't find you attractive. You don't take care of your poor self. Look at your disgusting face. Look at the clothes your wearing. Look at you. I'm ashamed to share the same blood as you."

"Half." Piper muttered. 

"Did I give you permission to speak?"

 Piper said nothing, just looked down at her beat up sneakers.