The Non British Princess

Part 27

I told the King and Queen what I knew, not leaving out the moment I had with Penny on the couch. They got the answers they needed pretty quickly and dismissed me.

Once the prince returned to speak with Penny I was asked to leave the room, so I made my way back to the day room.

As I entered I saw all the other girls sat awaiting information, chatting in groups or staring off in their thoughts. Everyone was still waiting to find out what happened.

A lot of heads turned as I came in the door, girls jumping up from their seats to hear any news.

"Where's Penny?" Freya asked, a look of distress across her face as she flung herself off the couch.
I knew Freya had formed a good friendship with Penny, but now her worry had her running her hands anxiously through her red hair.

I shake my head, "I don't know where she is now or what they've decided to do about it." I sigh and take a breath before continuing, "But she did steal the jewels."

A few gasps from the girls went around the room and I did see a few knowing smirks.
"Is she being sent home?" Harriet asked, moving to stand beside me.

"I don't know, but she was really upset and the Prince sent me away to talk to her." I explained to the crowd of girls waiting for gossip.

Freya looked like she was about to punch a hole in the wall, or scream, or just burst into tears.
"This isn't fair! She would never!" Freya demanded, getting defensive for her friend.

I put my hands up, "I had no say in it Freya, but she did tell me she took those things. I just don't know what is going to happen to her now."

We all stood in silence, making of the situation what we could, while we all thought about what had happened.
I don't know if Penny was being honest about her motives, because surely she knew better, but I hoped I could trust she was sorry.

I didn't want to start questioning these girls honesty, because then we'd all make enemies out of one another.

But soon my question was answered as Prince Thomas, the Princess, the King and Queen all came through the doors.

Penny was no where in sight.

"Ladies, please listen up." The prince said, clearing his throat, and by the look on his face I knew what had happened.

"In light of recent events," The prince began as all eyes fell on him, his gaze flickering to me for a mere second, "Selected girl, Penny Heart, has been sent home and removed from the competition."

Freya was crying now, seconds away from storming out, but the queen started to speak.

"Use this as a warning, taking anything without permission from the palace is not allowed, especially if it's not yours. Miss Heart has gotten off lightly, and let this be a lesson to you all, theft is a serious crime." Queen Kate said firmly as she looked into the crowd of selected girls.

It was a frighteningly serious gaze from the queen, an authoritative side I hadn't experienced so far during my time here.

The first elimination of the selection was technically decided for by Pennys actions. And just like that the number of selected girls was down to 19.

"If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask." The King begins, "Also remember that from now on, as the 2 weeks of compulsory stay is up, my son is able to let people go. So make better choices than Miss Heart today."

I heard the Queen whisper, "Come on honey." To her daughter and together the three of the royals left while Prince Thomas stayed with us selected girls.