The Unexpected Crown

Eighteen

A week passes in a blur. I continue to stay in lessons but I am exempt from all tests because I am "already a proper lady" as Miss Jenkins proclaims. I sit through to keep from being noticed, separated as I was before. Mealtimes are relatively plain. I sit with London and Bianca; we wanted to sit with Gracelyn as well but she came with a lot of - let's just say - royal baggage, otherwise known as Hunter. Sometimes he wasn't present along with one of the Selected; twice this week Amelia didn't show, and the following day, Erica didn't either. I still cheered on London and Bianca but only London has snatched a date with him. When not in lessons, mealtimes, or moping in the library, I spent my time sipping tea with Gracelyn and London, Bianca let it be known that she was a coffee drinker and liked to spend our tea time outdoors with the horses.

Currently, I sit in the rows of chairs once again on the set of the Report. My gown is crystal blue, as icy and cold as Hunter has been to me the past week. Bianca is in a dark green on my left while London fashions a sunset orange gown.

"Ready girls?" Gracelyn squeals, coming over to wish us the best of luck on the one-on-ones.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Bianca grumbles while wringing her wrists. She told us only minutes before that she is deathly afraid of public speaking.

"You'll be fine! Jasper's good with people and he'll help you if you are ever getting nervous!" Gracelyn assures Bianca.

"What if I just totally freeze up?" Bianca chatters nervously.

"One minute!" Jasper calls out while settling in his chair.

"That's my cue! You'll be fine!" The peppy Princess chirps with one last smile.

I wave her off before turning to help calm Bianca down. Helping her also eases my nerves. Though I've been through many interviews and talk shows, none compare to required nation news.

The Report starts with more news of the increase in thievery along with news of an international meeting in half a weeks time. Jasper soon turns to Hunter for a quick update of the Selection, he announces that after dinner tonight, he will eliminate eight of us. Unlike the previous Selections, Hunter gave all thirty-five of us twelve days before having an elimination.

"Now for the interviews. It has been a pleasure getting to know these lovely ladies and I am proud to present them to you. First up, Lady Megan." Jasper announces with a bright smile while fake applause sounds through speakers.

Megan glides her way over to the chairs in a navy dress and shakes Jasper's hand before settling into a chair.

"Lady Megan, How has the Selection been so far?"

"Fabulous! The Palace is just lovely and the hosts could not be kinder." She shines her pearly whites at the camera's before answering Jasper's next question.

"Why yes, other than the group picnic, Hunter and I have had a date. He took me out on a stroll in the garden. It was simply marvelous."

"Splendid. Thank you Lady Megan. Could I have Lady Sophia come down?" The girls exchange seats with unwavering smiles.

In the next hour, both London and Bianca went through their interviews. London was perfectly elegant and poised while answering each question with ease. Bianca did much better than she spoke of but you could still sense her uneasiness of the situation.

"Lady Corrine, please come down." My head pops up and my brain starts functioning again, causing me to stroll elegantly down to Jasper. I must be the last to have my interview because not a single one of the Selection seems to be able to sit still.

"This ladies and gentlemen is the wonderful Lady Corrine of Angeles." Jasper gives me a warm smile that I return.

"Why thank you Jasper, what a lovely introduction." I start while folding my hands in my lap gracefully.