Selected of Illèa-A Selection Fanfiction

5

While my maids find a way to put my waist length hair in some sort of bun, I tap my finger nervously against the vanity. I've never really even spoke in public before, except when I left Dakota, let alone been on live television.

My maids sigh in exasperation. After an entire hour of trying to put all of my hair up, they decided it might be easier to put it in a half up bun, like in the classical Beauty and the Beast. It looks absolutely beautiful.

Denver massages her hand after doing my hair. "Please let me cut off, just a few inches!" She pleaded with me. "Of course not! My hair is the only beautiful feature! I haven't cut it since junior high, I've only trimmed it." I protest, knowing very well she already knows the answer. She rolled her eyes as she pulled out a stunning, red dress.

I gasped, my hand going to my mouth at its beauty. "You have out done yourselves." My maids smiled, but ducked their heads in humbleness. I stepped into the dress, suprised at its lightness and easy fitting. It's the most comfortable dress I've ever worn. This is going to make the Report bearable. Maybe.

I stepped on the set, slightly shaking with nerves, but relieved to see Brynnlie's confident smile. Her dress looked like frost had settled over a light blue. She looked amazing, but her mouth was gaping at my dress. "You look like the most beautiful ice queen," I told her honestly. "And you like snow white," she replied with a joking smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

I look over at the royal family, seeing Queen America for the first time in person. She looks exhausted, as she's due in two months. She gives me a small smile as she sees me staring. I smile back shyly, slightly embarrassed. I watch Rachel enter and she gives me a small wave, just after I wave to her. Then Lucas enters. He looks over to me and gives me a smile that makes my heart flutter. Or maybe it's just my VSD.

Faye walks on, gives us a nod, sits down, and signals to the cameras to start. I wring my hands nervously, glad to be in the back row where most couldn't see me. Scarlett sat in the center front, wearing a dress way revealing with a nearly identical Zoey sitting right next to her.

I do a quick count, and notice there are only 25 girls left. I wonder who he eliminated. After a quick look over, I notice who's missing. Out of all of the people, he eliminated sweet, shy Aria Rodriquez.

The king finishes up the news and politics, which leads Faye to us, the selected of Illea. I feel my heart rate increase as the camera turn to us. I fell a little faint, but I promise myself not too faint on live television.

Faye once again becomes the center of attention and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. She invites Lucas over for an interview and he looks perfectly calm from years of practice.

"So, ten gone, 25 left, is there a favorite?" Faye asks with a small smile. He blushes, embarrassed, but nods quickly. "Who's the lucky girl?" she asks with a mischievous glint in her eyes. He gives a small sigh and shakes his head. "If we don't get to the favorite, tell us what's been happening," Faye requests, trying to not make him uncomfortable.

He relaxes, glad to have changed the subject. "Well, other than the rebel attack, we've been pretty good. We've also had someone get a concussion, and been diagnosed with VSD. She's also scheduled for open heart surgery." My cheeks heat up as he talks about me. I am, however, glad he didn't give my name.

Faye looks over the selected, stopping on me, but doesn't call me out thankfully. "What a terrible first week at the Palace!" Faye exclaims with almost true pity.

They talk on about the other girls and first days and whatnot, so I let my mind wander. I think about Ashlie and her wedding coming up. I can imagine her never ending smile, reaching from cheek to cheek and her small laughs at everything. I think she'll be happy no matter what.