Tris Prior's Selection

Chapter Seventeen- The Garden Party Part One

My maids are the first to hear my decision, the small and single word 'Eric' falling from my lips as I stumble from bed to meet them. Each of them nodding silently while leading me towards the bathroom to be bathed and dressed.

I can tell they feel sorry for me, each of them glancing at each other with worried looks that I see in the mirror. I'm not surprised, especially when I see the dark circles lining my eyes, the ragged hair framing my eyes and a stout frown plastering my face. Each of them apologises softly as they set about getting me ready for the day. My hair is brushed and treated so it looks soft and natural hanging down around me, small amounts of makeup stroked across my face, every movement they make is calming and brings me one step closer to whatever beauty looks like.

The dress I'm presented with is long and flowing, a multitude of different blues that feed into each other with a waterfall effect. My shoulders lie bare, until they begin to adorn jewellery across them, thread thin gold chains with small gems across them. Lastly, a metal crown of gold flowers is added to my head.

"Today is a important day." Lacey says calmingly. "Interviews in front of the nation." I nod my head, trying to cover up that I've already forgotten the schedule that I read only yesterday.

By the time Robert comes to escort me to the garden party I've practised walking in the small golden wedge heels I've been provided, delicate straps curling upwards like a fairy. Nerves bubble in my stomach, especially when I catch sight of the other girls, all of them in neat, structured dresses and their hair up, nothing like the free flowing look I'm wearing.

I want to turn around and run, Robert clearly foresees my intentions since he places a light touch on my back to move me forward. I see the chairs where I will soon sit, a few men setting up cameras around to film the interviews, press are crushed behind a barrier, a few have access to the garden itself.

"Lady Beatrice, just a few pictures please." A butler urges, the Press screaming much less polite demands for photos. I try to walk with purpose but I know I stumble towards the cameras, the flashes blinding me and shouts deafening. I'm going to cry, scream, both.

"You look a little lost." A deep voice whispers. Eric wraps his arm around my waist tightly, supporting me in front of the cameras.

"Smile." He adds in a low tone. Spinning me for the benefit of the press who shout appreciatively. When he leads me away, they groan, until the next Lady comes along.

"So, Tris." He begins, taking me hand. "I was wondering whether you had come to a decision?" Tobias is sitting with Christina across the garden on a table for two, while she watches him with glistening eyes his own gaze wanders around with no interest in her. My blood boils. Rude, selfish, arrogant bastard.

"Tris." Eric yanks my attention back to him.

"Hmmm, oh. I'm not sure yet." I mutter, embarrassed to be caught out.

"Would you at least come and have a conversation with my parents before you make your final decision." He begs, giving me puppy dog eyes and brushing stands of hair behind my ear. I nod instantly, letting him lead me towards an tent where King Marcus, King Charlie and Queen Jeanine sit on their thrones, little Augustus looking bored on his own throne.

Jeanine watches me coldly as I curtsy before her before standing to pull me into a stiff hug.

"Beatrice. I hope you've come to tell us your ready to court Eric." I look down instantly, feeling a warming hand on my shoulder.