i just might love you (a hosie royalty au)

Part 5 "You have got to be kidding me."

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"As a reward for passing your exams, you are all invited to participate in a picnic with the Mikaelson heir." A squire to the King was standing before an audience droning on about what was to happen next.

Much to the blonde twins chagrin, only a handful of suitors had been sent home. The rest had passed, some with higher marks than others, causing tempers to rise as the braggers made themselves known.

A certain Lady of higher social standing than the Saltzman twins had decided to target Lizzie in an attempt to unnerve her. It had started before the exam, with a glass of water being "accidentally" knocked over, soaking part of Lizzie's dress. She didn't have time to change. Then the harassment continued into the grand hall, with tiny pieces of grain getting thrown at her as she tried to concentrate.

The twins were currently at the back of the crowd in the grand hall picking raw corn out of Lizzie's hair. They had been called down here again for their results quite promptly, not allowing the girls to have time to properly fix Lizzie.

Unknowingly to the group, they had been meticulously studied throughout the day, even now (though by someone different) they were being watched. Hope Mikaelson and Penelope Park stood leaning against the doorframe, exchanging glances of confusion as Josie continued to rid her twins hair of corn. They had only planned on passing by, but the sisters antics caused them to pause.

After a few more moments Hope nodded to her companion, sneaking off down the hallways and towards the stables. Penelope herself snuck up behind the twins with a cheeky smile.

"Hey guys."

Lizzie let out a scream of surprise, she had already been tense and on the edge. Everyone turned to look at them, even the squire stopped speaking to stare. Lizzie turned as red as a tomato, trying her best to glare them all down. She was strong. She would not break... well, maybe she would break Penelope's neck.

"You're a demon!" Lizzie hissed at the raven haired girl once everyone's attention had left them. Penelope laughed, ignoring the twins as she listened to the rest of the squire's speech.

"It is imperative that you dress correctly for the occasion. There will be a few activities at the picnic that require a more comfortable choice in attire, the King would hate for any of you to miss out on the fun."

The group just stared back at him unblinking.

"The carriages will arrive at the inner gate tomorrow at noon, anyone who misses their ride will be left out. You're dismissed."

The grand hall emptied slowly as people migrated towards their cliques.

"What do you think the King has planned for the picnic?" Josie wondered aloud to her sister as they made their way to the staircase.

"I heard there's going to be games." Penelope replied from behind them. When the sisters turned to look at her she had her hands behind her back, an innocent expression on her face.

"What does he think we are, children?"

"I think it's all a test." Josie said, tugging her sister along by their now joined hands. "Let's go."

The twins spent the rest of the evening picking out the perfect outfits and preparing themselves for the unknown.

Lizzie was rather anxious, the idea of failing to choose the right dress weighing on her heavily. Josie didn't complain when her sister woke her up with the sun. It was early enough that the birds were still singing encouragement to each other. The brunette thought it was going to be a good day.