The Princess Games

The Loser...Almost

Clarissa

***

There was a horseback riding competition and an interview the next day.

Clarissa won the interview. Ferrah won in horseback riding.

Much to Clarissa's relief, only the winners from the past two days were invited to dinner with the prince. Everyone else had to dine in the dining room with the queen and king.

Clarissa's servants dressed her with great care as her excitement built and built. She was giddy by the time they finished, and she actually liked her reflection.

Her hair hung in loose waves to the small of her back. Her white satin dress was mid-sleeved and had a deep v neckline. It showed just the right amount of skin and made her complexion look snow white and flawless. A crown of white flowers rested on her head and contrasted beautifully with her raven hair. Her cheeks were flushed with anticipation, her eyes glowing.

For once, she felt confident and beautiful.

She could do this. She could win these Games.

The same escort from the last two nights brought her to the parlor, where the other three girls were sitting. She sat in a plush chair around the round table that had been set up. The lights were dim and romantic, candles everywhere and the fireplace roaring. Champagne and lobster sat on the table.

The prince came, eyes wide in appreciation.

Alaina had a strapless dark blue dress on, and her hair was down and straight. Theresa was stunning in a deep green velvet dress, her dark curls pulled halfway back at the top and tumbling, long, over her shoulders. Ferrah was gorgeous in a black dress with a tule skirt. Her red hair was pulled to one side.

They were all going full out tonight. They were all here to win the prince over, and it was quite obvious to each of them.

This was definitely a competition in itself, official or not.

Clarissa sat up a little straighter, glad she had been seated on the prince's right side. Alaina, on the prince's left, did the same, eyeing her disdainfully. Clarissa turned her attention to Xavier.

***

Xavier

***

Four amazingly beautiful princesses, all vying for his attention over a romantic dinner.

Xavier could get used to this.

His eyes found Clarissa, again, and he lost his breath, again. She was a vision in white, a romantic glow all around her from the candles. He pictured another hundred dinners like this, with her as his wife, and smiled.

Theresa made a joke, and everyone laughed. Clarissa made a witty comment in response, making everyone laugh again. Alaina pushed her chest out and sat up straighter, leaning toward him. Her hand rested on his arm. His mouth felt a bit dry, and he gulped.

"Prince Xavier, you seem to be enjoying yourself. I hope we aren't too boring?"

She fluttered her eyelashes in an alluring way.

"Um, yes, I, uh, yes, I am."

Ferrah rolled her eyes, reminding him how ridiculous Alaina was. He was glad for the distraction and he leaned away, not believing he'd fallen under her spell.

He looked guiltily at Clarissa, but she seemed to be laughing at him. He smiled and changed the subject.

This was the most fun he'd had since the Games started. They had dessert and lounged by the fireplace, having a blast.