Becoming a Princess

Chapter Eleven

After a few minutes of crying and comforting, all you can hear in Annie's room is some sniffles.

"W-why were those g-girls called into th-the hallway?" hiccups Annie.

Emmeline and I look at each other. I think we both know why.

"Um," whispers Emmeline, "I think they were sent home."

It's hard to believe that the prince can already make a decision that quick. He sent home nine, leaving twenty-seven girls left. Then a thought dawns on me.

He didn't send me home! That is not what I expected.

A knock at the door stops my thoughts. Emmeline opens the door to reveal Prince Liam. He walks in and gives an awkward pat on Annie's back. She lifts her tear stained face up to him.

"Are you alright, my darling?" he asks.

Annie gives a small smile. "Yes, I'm fine now. It just really hurt," she replies with a little chuckle.

The prince grins. "Well, if you would like, you can take dinner in your room tonight. Trust me, when your cheek hurts, it's best to give it some rest," advises the prince.

Emmeline puts up a hand to her mouth to cover up her smile and I blush and stare at my suddenly fascinating shoes. I guess Annie told her about the incident.

"Yes, of course, your Majesty," she says. She gives a small curtsy and he goes for the door.

Before he steps out, he says, "Hello, ladies," and gives each of us a nod.

Emmeline blushes and I smirk. I close the door and walk back to Annie. The handprint is still there, but it is not as red as it was before.

"Would you like us to stay with you for dinner?" asks Emmeline.

Annie nods her head. "Yes, please," she responds.

We all change into sweatpants and comfortable shirts and spend the rest of the day in Annie's room. Annie admits to telling Emmeline. Emmeline makes me tell the story to her and we all laugh. We tell Emmeline of our siblings, my family's florist shop, Bonita, and anything else she would listen to. Annie and I learn that Emmeline is from Ottaro. She tells us about snow, something residents of Bonita have never experienced.

"Summer's in Bonita are unbearable," speaks Annie. I nod my head in agreement.

"Well, you two are going to have to come to Ottaro one winter. We get mountains of snow every year," she responds matter-of-factly.

After hours of talking and getting to know each other more, dinner has come and gone. I get up and go towards the door.

"Where are you going?" questions Emmeline.

I turn around and pause for a moment.

"Victoria, what is it?" Annie asks skeptically.

"I'm going on a walk?" I say.

"No, I don't think you are," she responds.

I sigh. There's no keeping secrets from her. "I'mkindofgoingonadatewiththeprince" I say really fast.

"Whoa, slow down," says Emmeline with a laugh.

"I'm going on a date with the prince," I huff.

They both gasp.

"Where are you going?"

"What are you wearing?"

"When did he ask?"