Chosen

13

I sat with Jack on the roof. It had become our spot. I wanted to talk to him about what he had said last time and how the other girls were treating me but, I couldn't find the words. Instead we sat in silence looking over the gardens.

"Its nice up here." I said breaking the silence. "Have you brought any of the other girls up here?"

"Of course not. This is our place." He smiled. It was a genuine smile not the usual playful smirk he had. "Are you excited for the report tonight?" I shuddered. It was going to be our first time on the talk show. Last time they had clips of us but now it was the real thing.

"So excited." I lied. He could tell because he laughed at me.

"You will do fine. They are going to love you." He paused and leaned closer to my ear. "Like I already do." It was time.

"You can't keep saying you love me. When the time is right I will tell you but it's too soon." I sighed. He caressed my cheek and I stared into his eyes.

"As you wish." He was such a gentleman.

"And I want you to stop favoritizing me. The other girls have noticed. I'm not really a favorite among the selected." I bit my lip.

"If that's what you want." He looked kind of upset about it but he quickly shook it away.

"Thank you Your Majesty. Now I must leave. I have to get ready for the report." I curtsied and hurried away before he could protest.

My maids worked on me for hours telling me I had to look absolutely perfect. My hair was braided and my makeup was perfect. The gown they chose was strapless and beautiful. Even if I made a complete fool of myself, I would at least look good doing it. They added a few pieces of jewelry and admired their handy work.

"Perfect." They said in unison. I thanked them as they pushed me out of my room where a guard was waiting to escort me. I looped my arm in his and we walked silently to the stage. I sat with the other selected between Punzie and Mer.

"You guys look gorgeous!" I complimented.

"Thanks Elsie you too!" Punzie squealed.

"She's right Elsie." Mer smiled.

The show was pretty simple. For most of it we had to sit there and look pretty. At the end there was a brief portion about the selected. He only talked to a few girls, thankfully not me. When the show was over we all went back to our rooms. As I was leaving, Jack pulled me to the side. I noticed a camera on us and got a bit uncomfortable. Most of our exchanges were private. I knew it wouldn't last but I liked it that way.

"That wasn't so bad." He smiled to me.

"You were right as always your Majesty." I curtsied and gracefully walked back to my chambers.