Becoming a Princess

Chapter Twelve

"Good morning," says Belle, trying to wake me.

I roll over and wrap myself tightly in the blankets.

"Victoria, it is time to wake up," says Belle.

"No!" I moan.

Suddenly, the blankets are pulled off of me. I lift my head up and see Gwen staring at me like a mother does to a child. I sigh in defeat and sit up.

Beth goes into the closet and pulls out a silver dress. The skirt of the dress runs to my feet and is made of silver tulle. The top is covered in silver lace flowers and has sleeves that run the my elbows.

They pull me to the bathroom and my hair is put in crown braid that wraps all the way around my head. Beth pulls out pieces of hair to frame my face and curls them.

Gwen is applying the usual makeup: mascara, lip gloss, and some eye shadow. I try to stop in front of the mirror to admire their work, but I am instead pushed out the door.

"Thank you!" I call before they shut the door.

The door reopens and out pops Beth's head. "Don't be late," she says with a smile.

I smile back and walk to Annie's door. Before I reach it, the door opens and Annie and Emmeline spill out.

"Good morning, Victoria," Emmeline greets cheerfully.

"Good morning," I reply.

The three of us make our way towards the dining hall for breakfast. As I enter I notice the Royal Family is already seated. Liam catches my gaze and immediately smiles. I smile back and make my way towards my seat.

After breakfast, all the girls head over to the Women's Room for some announcement that Silvia has to make.

"Ladies, before lunch today, you all will attend a tea with Queen America and Princess Celia in the gardens," says Silvia. "It is important for the Queen and Princess to get to know you because one of you will be the next princess, and then the next queen."

Girls start to giggle and sigh at the that thought. The princess, however, seems annoyed and quickly rolls her eyes. Her gaze meets mine and she stares at me observingly, as if she could find out everything about me by staring into my eyes. I turn my eyes towards Silvia as she continues.

"You are dismissed," calls Silvia.

Everyone starts to go back to do what their doing and Silvia exits the room. I start to stand up to get my sketching paper and pencils when Emmeline grabs my hand.

"Wait. Two things," she starts. "First of all how was the date? And second of all, how did you miss everyone's evil eyes at breakfast?"

Evil eyes? Why would there be-oh. It's because of my date with Liam.

"Um," I say, trying to process my thoughts. "The date went fine," I say quickly. "Who was glaring at me during breakfast?"

"Um, let me see," says Annie, pretending to think. "Just about everybody."

I look around the room and suddenly feel the tension. Some girls, *cough* Blair and Beatrice *cough* are definitely shooting angry glances my way. I turn back and put my head in my hand.

"Ugh," I say and close my eyes. "Why is this so complicated?" I ask more to myself than my friends.

Annie answers anyway. "'Cause it's the Selection. But I wouldn't worry." she says matter-of-factly. "This will all blow over."

"How did everyone even find out?" I ask, even though I knew the answer.

"I'm guessing from yours truly," Emmeline says, motioning her head towards Beatrice and Blair.

Just then, a maid walks in holding an envelope.

"I have a message for Lady Victoria Waters from the prince," she announces for the whole room to hear.

I sigh and force a smile as I get up and retrieve the envelope.

This is definitely not going to make I everything easier, I think to myself.

I grab the envelope and feel all eyes on me as I walk back to where I was sitting. I sit down and admire my name. It is written in a beautiful cursive script. I break the seal on the envelope and pull out the letter.

Dear Lady Victoria,

Would you please do me the honor of meeting me in the gardens at 11:00?

Thank you,                                                                                                                                                                               Prince Liam

Annie and Emmeline read the letter too.

"Two dates in two days? He must really like you!" Annie teases with a smile.

I roll my eyes. Emmeline looks like she forced a smile.

"Congratulations," she says with a hint of sarcasm. I think I can also detect some jealousy.

"Well what are you waiting for? You've got five minutes until eleven!" Annie says.

I stand up and murmur a good-bye. I start to walk to the gardens and see Liam sitting on a bench. I smile and walk over to him.

"Hello, your Majesty," I say with a smile.

"Hello, beautiful," he replies. "How was your day?" he asks.

I sigh as I sit down next to him. "I've had better," I say.

"What's wrong?," he says, a worried expression taking over his face.

"Nothing," I sigh. "Just the other girls."

"Is there anything I can do?" he asks.

I turn to look at him. "No, its nothing I can't handle." I pause. "So, are you going to the tea party?" I question with a smirk.

"Oh goodness, no," he says with wide eyes and a shake of his head. "Scones and tea are not my thing,"

"Well, you know more about it than I do. What is a scone?" I ask.

"Oh my goodness. You don't know what a scone is? That is common knowledge!" he playfully exclaims.

"Well not for me!" I say with a laugh.

Suddenly, Liam is kissing me. We stay kissing for a few moments. Little do I know, you can see the garden from the Women's Room.