The Unexpected Crown

Twenty-one

The news of the Spring Ball hits the Palace with a full force. In a sudden urge of joy, the staff goes beyond all limits to make the Palace look absolutely gorgeous. All dark blue curtains have been swapped for a soft yellow that brightens up the halls. All vases filled with roses are replaced with peonies and orchids. The gardens are trimmed and watered to a lively green. And best of all, the soldiers are training outside.

"Girls! I know that you all have the basic knowledges of etiquette, but with the ball in just two weeks, we will be learning small talents. A lady must be accustomed to art, dance, song, and piano." I groan inwardly at the thought of the last talent Miss Jenkins barked.

To my surprise, many of the other girls clap their hands in glee. I wouldn't suspect that this many girls would be excited for learning talents. Unless you have been doing a specific skill for years, you won't be automatically amazing at it. And many of these girls have never heard of Picasso, DaVinci, the foxtrot, the waltz, and Beethoven. These ancient artists and dances are only known in a high level of education.

"But before we head off to the art parlor, Prince Hunter has an announcement to make. His Royal Highness Prince Hunter may come in." On cue, he strides into the room and gives us a warm smile. But to my dismay, his eyes skim past me and land on other girls; giving each one a wink.

That little piece of sh...

My vulgar thoughts are interrupted as he clears his voice. "Ladies, I know that the Spring Ball is all you can think about at the moment, but I would also like to announce that at the end of the ball, I will be announcing the Elite. Thank you." Just a quickly as he came in, he went out leaving twenty-six girls speechless. In just two weeks, sixteen of us will be gone.

I contain myself from scoffing at his cocky demeanor. He was so sweet only yesterday, what happened? And it's not the only time I've seen him act like this. Any time he's in public or broadcasted, he puts up a rude facade. Alone, he's as sweet as can be, but what makes him change?

"Art parlor ladies!" Miss Jenkins demands sharply, pulling me out of my thoughts.

~~~

I take time on my artwork. I am no master at painting, but I can claim that I am a decent artist. We are to replicate a vase of lilacs in the center of the open room. Windows replace walls, allowing natural lighting illuminate the hall.

"How the heck?" Bianca groans next to me. Her  flowers resemble purple blobs with a green stick impaling a gold rectangle.

"Bia, I've seen horses paint better." I giggle quietly. Miss Jenkins previously scolded Amelia for chatting in an impolite manner - in other words, loud.

"Not all of us can have an extensive and expensive education." She retorts jokingly.

"Oh, I'm hurt." I reply, sarcasm dripping off of every word.

We share small banter through the next hour until I finish with my painting. I sigh, wiping my hands on the smock around my waist, but the familiar sound of clacking heels coming closer makes my spine rigid.

"Lady Corrine, splendid job. You are very gifted dear." She mutters in a low voice before turning to the others. "Gather round! I want the rest of you to practice every day until you can replicate Lady Corrine's gorgeous piece of work."

I feel the weight of glares and I try to shake it off. I try not to to show how much their hatred hurts. What do I do? Purposely fail? They can revel in my inability to play piano, but I will not bend to their will.

"Lady Bianca, did you paint such a piece in spite?" Miss Jenkins pulls her hand to her heart as if Bia's artwork physically hurt her.

The others scatter quickly and I rush to Bianca's side. A small tear slides down her face and when I reach out to help her, she turns away.

"I don't want any help from you."

"What?" I snap, bewildered at her sharp tone.

"I said go away and flaunt your talents, flaunt your relationship with the Prince, flaunt your wealth. We aren't all that lucky."

My arms wrap around my waist and I slide down the wall and land on the floor. Tears well up in my eyes; no matter how hard I fight them, some droplets escape out of the corners of my eyes. How could she? All I've been is nice to her. She knows how rude the others are to me. Why would she do this?

I choke back a sob before wiping my face - a sad attempt to look presentable. My body shakes more every second.

Am I a bad person? I've been beaten down by Mother my whole life. Then Hunter acts like a sleaze of a man, ignoring our make-out sessions and every kind bone in his body. Lastly, all of the girls are now banned against me. With the possible exception of London and Gracelyn. Why is jealousy so blinding in some people's eyes?

"Cor?" A small voice asks. I don't really care who the person is, I wrap my arms around them in a hug as they try to sooth me.

"I can't. I can't do this anymore."

"Yes you can. And I know what will help." The person's hands wipe away my tears and I finally look up. Gracelyn pulls me up out of my depressed stance and fixes my hair.

"What will?"

~~~

I shouldn't have asked her.

Gracie has me change into a gorgeous red, low cut ensemble, and she changes into a revealing dress of her own. Mistake number one. After assuring me that a walk in the gardens would calm me down, I begrudgingly follow her. Mistake number two. She drags me through the maze of rose bushes and towards an opening. Unaware that she stops, I continue walking until I get a nice pack of abs to the face. Mistake (if you want to ignore being surrounded by hotness) number three.

As I fall to the ground, I vaguely hear an "Are you alright, Miss?", but I'm too distracted by the packs of abs surrounding me. I swallow nervously as I spot the abs that hit me. Very hot abs at that. That also belong to a very hot guy.

"Yes, thank you." I gulp nervously.

I spare Gracie a side glance to find her choking on giggles. In act of being a supportive friend, she walks over to the heap of abs and me. She places a flirtatious hand on each of the guards muscles, signally them to move so she can come over to me.

"Corrine! My goodness, why didn't you look where you were going? Officers, I sincerely apologize for disrupting your work out." She frowns and places her jeweled hand on her heart in apology.

"I seriously doubt that Gracie." A deep voice with a sexy accent calls out, and a very handsome man steps forward.

"Why, hello Nick" Gracelyn mutters nonchalantly.

Nick. I know I've heard the name before. I piece the puzzles together as he embraces Gracelyn. The lack of formalities suddenly make sense. He's not just any officer, he's Prince Nicolas of England. Hunter's best friend and Gracelyn's secret true love. His muscles gleam with sweat in the sun, but that only makes him better looking. He has brown, scruffy hair, green, glowing eyes, and a smile that could make girls melt.

"Come on boys, five more laps. No slacking!" Abs that hit me shouts, signaling the pack to move. But before he runs off too, he offers me his hand. "I apologize, Lady Corrine."

"Thank you, Officer..." I pause in hopes of catching his name.

"Birming." He gives me a large smile.

When he runs off, I turn to see a thrilled Gracelyn. Nick left with the Officers but that didn't keep him from arranging a meeting with her.

"What was that about?" I ask her with a smirk.

She shrugs her shoulders and replies, "Well how else must a girl get a man's attention?"

Thank you all for reading!

Please vote and comment❤️