The Choosing

Chapter 17

"Oh please. Do stand up. No need for formalities in my house," The Queen gleamed. I raised an eyebrow, but didn't hesitate to stand back onto my feet. My face was still burning with embarrassment, my heel now in my hand.

"Apologies your highness. I was just on my way to bring her to lunch now," Darius spoke.

I was taken aback by his formalities with the Queen compared to how he normally acted. Darius placed a hand behind his back.

"I will bring her to lunch immediately," He swore already starting to move away.

"Actually, if you don't mind, I would like to accompany you both to lunch. No offense to my guard," The Queen winked at a tall man behind her, "But he isn't the most entertaining person."

"I will take my leave then," The Queen's guard bowed, as he immediately left. Confusion was painted across my face, as her guards figure disappeared down the hall.

"Now that he's gone, let's head to lunch. I'm starving," The Queen giggled, waving towards us to follow her. I lifted my eyebrow, surprised by her causal behavior. Darius eyed me, most likely pondering the same thing as I. We followed her outside, the sun brightly shining down on our faces. 

"Please don't find any offense to this your highness," I started, "But you seem very..." I stumbled, searching for the right phrase.

"Laid back? Casual? Easy- going?," She giggled. "Honestly, being stuck-up is not my character. Even after becoming queen, nothing but my social class altered." The Queen halted and bent down towards my feet, snatching my shoe from my palms.

"Your Hignes-"

"Hush child. I spotted you struggling to put these puppies on a mile away." She strapped on my heels and abruptly stood up, brushing down her dress. "I used to struggle to place heels on too!"

"Thank you Your Highness!" I sputtered, at loss of words after the Queen's actions.

"Please. Call me Georgia."

"Then call me Nessa," I smiled.

"If I must say, you are my all time favorite candidate so far. You've only been here for a couple of days, but yet your aura is very heartwarming," She stared off into space. "Though your aura wasn't as heart warming during your fight with Darius in the sparring room."

My heart dropped as Darius and I both gaped at her. "You know about that?" I gulped, my throat suddenly becoming dry. The queen simply laughed.

"I'm the Queen. Of course I know everything that goes on inside of my castle," She beamed, though it faltered quickly. "Though, I'm oblivious to what happens outside of it," She uttered under her breath. I raised my eyebrow.

"What did you say," I questioned.

"Oh look. We successfully made it to lunch. And on time too!," She ignored me, smiling at some of the candidates seated at tables. "It was nice chatting with you Nessa, but duty calls!" She winked, heading towards a golden table surrounded by guards.

"I have to go now Squid. There is assigned seating, so be sure to find your name without embarrassing yourself," He chuckled, tugging my ear. I swatted his hand off, sticking my tongue out as I searched for my seat.

Daniela and Mari were seated next to each other, both chatting away. I sent them a silent wave, in which they returned. Sadly, my name was not at their table. I groaned, hoping I was sitting with someone I was at least acquainted with. After acting like a lost puppy for two minutes, I finally spotted my name and couldn't help but roll my eyes. I was seated right next to Caroline, the pest from the plane. She was currently playing with her long, blood painted nails, not a care in the world. Makeup was caked onto her face, and her breasts were practically exposed with her low v cut dress. Puke was threatening to jolt out of my mouth as I sat next her, evidently avoiding eye contact.  Luckily, Alicia was seated across from me at the table, so I had some company.

"Ew," Caroline clamped her nose together. "It's the annoying farm girl from the plane ride."

"I'm not so fond of you either," I spat, not sparing her a glance. "And I'm a gardener, not a farmer."

"Same thing," She scoffed.

I was vulnerable when the announcer started to chat away, for I was going to give her a piece of my mind. I don't know why she was so rude to me. In fact, I've noticed some candidate continuously sent glares my way as the competition extended on.

"Good afternoon ladies, and welcome to Lunch with the Queen!" The announcer exclaimed a little to excitedly. "You'd better be on your best behavior, for you're in the presence of Queen Georgia. Any mistake could affect your time here at the castle."

I practically laughed at his statement, for the Queen was not that stubborn. Especially considering I've already had a small talk with her earlier. 

"Let us begin eating," The announcer yelled, clapping his hands twice. Servants began to crowd the patio, placing trays of food onto each table.

"I bet you've never had food like this before," Carolina quipped, properly grasping her knife and slicing up her steak. I practically growled, choosing to disregard her comment. Candidates began to start conversations with Queen Georgia, questioning her on what she does in her free time, what she enjoys, even what her favorite color was. Caroline was unquestionably putting herself out there, laughing at semi-hilarious statements, and asking the queen serious questions. I would've asked questions, but I was too enraptured by the calamari on my plate. It's crusty edges, and the warmth you feel when you bite into it....So good.

"OMG! It's Prince Erik!," A girl loudly whispered, gaining the attention on all the candidates, including me. The prince was currently leaning against a pillar on the castle stairs, a smirk evident on his face. My heart jumped and I grasped my chest, confused on why it kept doing that while he was around. There was no way that I could ever like him. I shrugged, choosing to yet again, ignore it.

"Hey farmer girl, lean back. You're blocking the Prince's view of me," Caroline smiled fakely, fixing the dress around her breasts, and tugging at her short blond hair. I could've sworn the prince's smile grew wider as he caught sight of me. I bit into my calamari. There was no way that could be true. He was most likely staring at Miss Boobs right next to me.

"Oh my goodness, he's coming this way," Caroline gleamed next to me. "I knew he couldn't resist my beauty," She cockily smirked, giving the prince a flirtatious smile. Alicia rolled her eyes from across the table, her book now placed beside her plate. I tried to conceal my laughter as Alicia began to mockingly act like Caroline from across the table. After a couple of seconds, I couldn't help but laugh. Tears were forming in my eyes as I grasped my stomach. I glanced back at Alicia only for her to abruptly have a serious, well-mannered look plastered face.

"Excuse me," A husky voice stated behind me, sending chills down my spine. "May I steal you for a minute Nessa?" The voice questioned. I slowly turned around, and there was Prince Erik, his signature grin present on his face.

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I️ knoowwwwww. I️ was supposed to post this chapter a forking long time ago. Lol.  But my cheer schedule got crazy and I️ was never able to edit it on time!!! I️ hope you enjoyed this chapter!! Love you babes!!