The Non British Princess

Part 2

Heading upstairs to my room I carry my tote bag that holds netball gear from this morning and push my door open with my shoulder. I flop down onto my bed, facing my wall that's crowded with printed photos I'd taken, pulling out my phone from my back pocket.

I immediately google search Prince Thomas.

I had seen the Prince before, but never really looked closely at his appearance. It had never even been the chance of possibly meeting him before. I zoom in on a photo where he stands beside his father.

He had short, chocolate brown coloured hair. I was surprised at how bright green his eyes seemed, but perhaps that was photoshop. He had broad shoulders, standing tall at the kings side. He looked like he would have girls falling at his feet regardless of his royalty status.

I always thought Prince Thomas would marry a princess from some French island or a famous duchess who was perfectly regal. It was an interesting choice to pick a lottery's worth of girls at random.

Then I thought, if I could enter then people I knew would enter too.

I reach for my laptop on my desk and set up a call, trying to get my friends to join. Abbey, one of my school friends, came up on the screen almost immediately, answering within two seconds.
Michaela came up next, picking up after a few moments. Ruby's face popped up not a second later.

"Are you guys signing up for this Royal thing?" I asked eagerly, not wasting any time.

A chorus of, "Yes." "Of course." And "Yep." Followed my question. 

Michaela seemed giddy with excitement, getting into a spiel about how good looking the prince was. It was like she already knew him the way she was talking.

Ruby and Abbey seemed more relaxed, like they wanted to go to enjoy the opportunity. 

I didn't know how to feel about it all, but it certainly would be a fun experience.

"My parents insist on entering my name only a few thousand times." Abbey says with an eye roll, and I see by her face she wasn't too keen about it. Ruby laughed and Mim giggled along too.

"My mum is the same. Entering me before I even knew about it." I tell them.

"What are the chances one of us becomes a princess?" Michaela says dreamily. 

"Slim to none." Abbey says honestly and we all laugh. Because really, there is no chance any of us are making it in.

✿✿✿

After a week there was a live announcement from the royals, Queen Kate opening the talk with a greeting. Although since the time zone difference, I was watching it the next day. 

"Good Morning Citizens of the Commonwealth. We'd like to thank those who have applied to be in the draw to come to England to meet my son. Know that entries are still open for the next 7 days so you still have a chance. We look forward to hosting 20 of our commonwealths daughters here soon." I admired the queen, she looked regal and beautiful, dressed in a stunning, deep blue gown that flowed down and kissed the floor. She had an arrangement of jewels in her hair, dotting the spaces between her braid crown.

I was watching my phone screen intently as I was out running errands and listening through my airpods. The chill of the early morning air didn't seem to bother me as I just paid attention to the screen.

"And now my son would like to say a few words." Queen Kate stepped aside and Prince Thomas stepped into the frame. He was dressed in a freshly starched cream colored suit and his hair was neatly slicked back.

He cleared his throat and stared down the lens of the camera as he began to speak. His eyes were bright as he talked, a genuine interest in them, "Good morning everyone. I am looking forward to getting to know the young ladies who will be coming to the palace very soon. It will be an honor to meet you all. I am astounded by the great number of you who have entered and I am very thankful to know you want to better the future of our country. Good luck, and tune in next week to find out who the lucky 20 will be. Thank you."

The announcement finished and the screen cut off to some other news. But what still lingered in my mind was Prince Thomas, his smooth voice. He was going to break more than 19 hearts after this.

I rounded the corner as I pulled up the news, the top few articles all catching my eye.

Prince Thomas caught with girl days before the choosing of the selected!

The Prince's scandalous love affair with French Princess!

Is the Royal family hiding something from us about their connection with the French?

I turn off my phone, letting the gossip site articles disappear. 

I suddenly felt antsy, wanting the girls names to be read today. It would be so cool if I knew someone who was asked to go.

My phone buzzed in my hand with a call from Elizabeth. I swipe to answer it and put it up to my ear.

"Hey Ellie what's up?"

"Issy, Isla's got a bit of a cold coming on. Could you go by the store and pick up some medication? Dads caught up at work." She asked.

"Of course. Give me ten minutes."

✿✿✿

I checked on Isla resting in her bed before I left her to sleep. Poor thing must have picked up something from her friends sleepover.

I went back to my room and decided to do a bit more research into the selection, as they were calling it. Dozens of news articles had already been posted and I clicked on a popular one.

Scrolling through I could see photos of the palace, the rooms and grounds. It was incredible looking, very well kept and regal in appearance.

The setting looked like something out of a historical romance. Lots of fancy hallways and chandeliers. Royal paintings. Gold accents on everything.

It was a princess fantasy waiting to be written.