Chosen

22

It was time for another report and even though she was depressed Elsa would be rejoining the show. She was back to wearing light blue but it was very conservative. She still looked gorgeous as usual but she was clearly unhappy. Merida seemed unusually happy though. The world was turning upside down.

I sat in my usual spot with Elsa and Mer. I held Elsa's hand tightly knowing she needed support. Jack walked out and stared at Elsa. He looked so sad. Elsa didn't notice, she was staring at her feet.

I squeezed her hand and she looked up. She made eye contact with him then looked away. The report started and the king and queen made their announcements. Then as always all eyes turned to Prince Jack.

"Prince Jack welcome back. Ha that rhymed!" The audience laughed.

"Yes indeed Genie. It's great to be back."

"Rumour has it you've been getting intimate with some of these girls. Two have even been seen coming in and out of your room. Care to elaborate?" Genie asked. I felt Elsa tense up but she wasn't the only one. Prince Jack and Merida both tensed. What was Mer not telling me?

"Well a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell." Prince Jack smiled at the crowd trying to play it cool. I could tell he was uncomfortable. The crowd reacted as expected going wild.

"You naughty boy. I think the audience wants to hear from some of the lovely ladies trying to woo your heart." Genie stood up and walked over to us. "Hello ladies."

"Hi Genie." We all chorused.

"Now the first selected I would like to talk to is the one we have all been wondering about. Lady Elsa." Elsa looked up and I could tell she was doing everything in her power not to panic.

"Nice to see you again." Elsa smiled politely.

"Glad to see you're feeling better."

"Thank you." Elsa replied.

"Now to the stuff everyone wants to know. How is your relationship with the prince?" Genie asked. I looked at Elsa and saw the sadness in her eyes. She quickly blinked it away so no one else noticed.

"Well I would say my relationship with the prince is similar to most of the other girls here. We all want to win his heart. I hope that I am lucky enough to win the heart of such a truly wonderful person but who knows what the future holds?" Elsa smiled once again and Genie nodded before moving onto a different girl.

"Lady Astrid how are you?" Elsa sat back down and I tuned out Genies interview.

"Are you okay?" I whispered. She nodded and gave me a weak smile.

"Lady Merida!" Genies voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to Merida.

"Yes?" Mer turned to the host.

"We have pictures of you exiting the prince's room with a big smile on your face and quite the blush. Care to explain?" Merida's eyes went wide.

"It's not what it looks like." The audience chuckled. "We were just talking." She assured the crowd.

"We all know what that's code for." Genie smirked and once again the crowd lost it. Merida blushed and sat down.

"Prince Jack." The prince was also blushing when he looked up. "If I'm not mistaken, you have an elimination planned for today."

"Indeed I do. I have grown rather fond of these ladies, some more than others. This decision was hard because I do care for every girl here but it must be done. If I say your name you are eliminated from the selection. Mavis, Ella, Aurora, Jasmine and" I hoped for Vanessa to be eliminated but lately the Prince had seemed very interested in her so I doubted that would happen. "Meg. I'm sorry but your time here is over."

"That's all the time we have for today. See you next time folks." Cameras stopped rolling and I looked at a still blushing Merida.

"Mer what was all that about?" I asked her.

"Nothing I swear. We just talked and I bumped into one of his guards." Merida explained.

"I want more details later." We walked Elsa to her room then separated. I fell asleep shortly after.