Children of Olympus: Selection.

Chapter 42*

To say I was a wreck on the day of the report was an understatement. My maids had woken me up later than usual because we weren't needed until the report today. Mrs. Holloway had a class planned, but it had been canceled. I had a feeling part of that had to do with the fact that she was still salty about Zagan ending her class early on Sunday.

The report was also early today, so maybe that was a nicer reason. When I say that the dress I was wearing tonight was perfect, I meant it. It was royal blue to signify Illea. The heels were black, but were barely seen from under the dress. They put in simple silver earrings that hung lightly by my head. My hair was in a simple half up and the tiara they had picked out was silver with sapphires on it.

The makeup they used was minimal, yet brought out the color in my eyes. I smiled at my maids after seeing myself in the mirror.

"It's wonderful," I gasped, spinning in the mirror like a toddler.

"It really is, but you've got to go or you'll be late," Celeste said, pushing me out the door.

I rushed swiftly down to the report room feeling confident. Of course that was shattered as soon as I walked into the room. "What in the world do you think your wearing!" Mrs. Holloway practically yelled.

That caused all eyes to go to me. All my confidence was drained, so I just sat and stared at her. Luckily, Hazel came to my rescue.

"I told her to wear this. Come with me darling, we've got your seat set up."

I was seated on Zagan's right hand side. Zagan walked in a few minutes later, mouth wide open at me. He made his way over quickly.

"You, you look, look really really good," He stuttered.

"Thanks," I said softly.

I walked past him to my seat as the national anthem began to play. Hazel stepped forwards alone. "Citizens of New Asia, today we have special news. Our selected will not be speaking today due to an announcement from our very own guest."

She turned to me and nodded. That was my que to stand. I took a deep breath before walking up to the podium. "Most of you will recognize me as Lady Victoria of Japan. As much as that title is appropriate, it isn't exactly accurate or the entire thing. My actual title is Princess Victoria of Illea, twin sister to Prince Owen, and future general of the Illean army."

I paused for a second and took a deep breath. "I know many of you will believe this is forced and that it was a way to false a betrothal. I promise it was not. None of this was planned. I have no say in this selection, and I know it wasn't a set up plan."

There was silence on the set before Zagan was beside me. "That will be all for tonight. Tune in next week for more selected news."

The cameras cut. A ton of the girls were staring at me. Even Brittney had the decency to look mortified. "Girls, there is no reason to change the way you interact with Victoria. There's no need to use her titles or anything, just simply know that there are slightly higher stakes in what you say to her. She does after all, know quite a lot about being a royal," Zagan said before exiting with his parents.

"That was well put. Short and sweet," Angel said.

I smiled, "Well, that was the point of doing it now. I have to go though. I have a ton of meetings to clear things up not only in Illea, but for Zagan's birthday party on Wednesday."

Angel nodded, waving goodbye to me. I kissed the boring days with nothing to do goodbye for a while. My schedule had just been filled. Sure some of that had to do with Zagan's eighteenth birthday drawing nearer, but a good portion would also come from the title that had just been placed back on my head.

Even busy though, I couldn't forget my thoughts from a few nights ago. Did I really love him? Well of course I did. Now the question was, did he love me back?