Dear Elise

Prologue

I should be celebrating with the other girls. But instead, I'm by myself, in my room. My stare is bleaker than usual as I watch my face in the mirror, adjusting my hair, my makeup- surely, it had to be me. I just wasn't perfect enough.

And even though, for me at least, the Selection was over a long time ago... it still stings, being eliminated from the competition. Now Prince Maxon will marry America, and they'll have the perfect fairytale life my parents expected me to achieve.
...the thought of my parents makes me even more frustrated. Yes, the Selection may have ended, but now there was a whole new battle to deal with... and I doubt there can be a fairytale ending even after it is over.

I'm snapped out of my brooding thoughts as the door creaks open- it can only be one of my maids, as all the girls are celebrating, so I turn around with a sigh. I doubt there's anyone else in the palace I could face right now. "Lady Elise...?"
I pause for a second to compose myself, then turn to face her. "Yes, Florence?" Though my tone is calm, I can't help the slight shake in my voice. She hears it too, I'm sure, but she doesn't mention it. She smiles weakly. "Lady America has arrived... I just thought you might like to... congratulate her? I know you're upset, and I didn't want to make it worse, but-"
"Don't worry about it." My voice is more confident than usual. I even cut in on someone while they were speaking... it's unusual for me, but I continue as if nothing has happened. "You didn't upset me. I would like to go and congratulate her." I pause, and my voice is slightly quieter.
"...she has just lost a family member, and her life is about to change forever on top of that. The least I could do is give her my support." Even if just for a moment... perhaps just a hug, or a few kind words.

So I get up and walk out of my room, not ready to face what comes next, but deciding to face it anyway.