The Russian Selection

Chapter 5

"Miss Rose, it's time to get up." Mia said trying to shake me awake. "We need to get you ready for the American's arrival." I just groaned and that satisfied her.

She went over to the big windows in my room and thrust the curtains open allowing all the light to come into my dark room. I groaned as light flooded my eyes and tried to shield them with my duvet.

Mia and Jill laughed as they both finally got me out of bed. Jill dragged me to a warm bath that was ready for me. It was now September, but in Russia it felt like December. Whenever we went outside we all had to be bundled up and kept warm.

Today I was not allowed to spend as long as I normally do in the bath. Jill got me out and dried and into a robe. Mia then set on drying my hair and styling it. They each said it was going to be simple for breakfast and then they would go all out when it was time to welcome the American family.

Once they put me in a simple of jeans, a blouse, and a pair of heels, Mason was in to escort me to breakfast. Today was the first day that I was allowed to leave my bed. Two days ago I passed out from exhaustion and was bed-ridden until today.

"How you feeling Rose?" Mason asked as we got to the main grand staircase.

"It feels weird that I am actually allowed to wear jeans." I said truthfully. "We have been forced into so many dresses, I feel free. Like I am actually back in Turkey."

"Doesn't your family come last?" That saddened me, but my father sent me a letter saying that we had the best time. After all of the visits, Dimitri is likely to make another elimination and the Turkish family would be the most recent thing in his mind.

"Yeah, they come in less then two months." I said sadly. I couldn't wait to finally see my parents again.

We arrived at breakfast and I saw that the other girls, except Natalie, were already there. Also joining us was the entire royal family.

Up until recently, they all have been keeping distance from us. Dimitri said it was so they didn't become attached to any of the girls only to see them go home. They knew all about us but I haven't had any real conversation with them. From time to time I would see one in the hallways and say hello and make small talk. Other then that I would see them from far away.

They were all at the head of the table and I saw a seat open next to the Princess Viktoria. So I made my way over there and sat down between her and Delilah.

"Morning Rose," Delilah said to me as happily as ever. I said good morning to her before turning to Viktoria.

"Good morning your Highness." I said with a graceful bow of my head. Viktoria mirrored it with a smile on her face.

"Call me Viktoria, Rose," She said with a laugh. "I know that we haven't really gotten to know each other well, but we shall after all of the families come." Then she leaned in closer to whisper something to me. "Besides, I feel that you will be here to the very end." Then she finished her meal and wiped her mouth with the napkin that was on her lap.

"May I be excused mother?" She asked politely to her mother who was sitting at the head of the table talking to Dimitri on her left.

"Of course Vika." Olena said before returning to her conversation with Dimitri. Dimitri had caught my eye and gave me a small smile before returning his attention to his mother.

The rest of the meal went without incident and I was one of the last people there. It was my first meal back at the dinning table and I ate as much as I could.

Finally I decided that it was time for me to return to my room to allow Jill and Mia full access.

When I arrived at my room they were happy as ever and I saw a garment bag hanging up. That must be my dress. Jill sat me down at the vanity and started on my hair.