The Fall

Chapter 4

The days were pretty boring for the next couple of days. We would go to breakfast, have a lesson, have lunch, another lesson, then go have dinner. I made sure to sit between Kate and Avery during meals to avoid another awkward conversation. Other than that, I spend my time with them. They were really easy to talk to.

The next day was our first competition. We all walked out into the courtyard where the Royal Family was.

“Today is your first competition. You will be writing down the 50 capitals of the 50 states of the former United States of America. This competition will prove your knowledge of history and your ability to memorize information. You will be given a piece of paper with the states, you must write the capitals. Your time begins when all of you have paper, good luck,” the Queen said.

The servant handed out the sheet of paper listing the 50 states. I remembered some of them from school but not all. I began working, as well as everyone else. I wrote the ones I remembered down and before I knew it, time was up.

“Put your pencils down!” the King shouted.

The servant came back around and collected the papers.

“The results will be given at the end of dinner tonight. You are dismissed,” the Queen said.

We all walked out of the courtyard and into our rooms. The afternoon went by quickly after that. I only had time to go to my room, shower, and watch a little TV before it was time to start getting ready. I dressed in my lavender skirt and a white top and went down into the dining room, my hair still curly from this morning.

I sat down in my usual spot between my friends. We all ate and chatted like we usually do. All of the chatter came to a halt as the King and Queen walked in.

“We have the results of our competition from earlier today,” the Queen said.

“The winning male was Gabriel,” the King announced.

Everyone clapped politely for Gabriel.

“The winning female was Kendra,” the Queen announced.

I had won the first competition. I was so proud of myself. Even after only answering 32, I still won.

“The two of you will get to spend time with our children alone. Treasure this time as it may be the only opportunity to speak to one another without others there. Enjoy the rest of your meals and congratulations,” the King said.

He and his wife then walked out of the room. Avery, Kate and I squealed in excitement on the way to my room.

“I can’t believe you won!” Kate said excitedly.

“Me neither,” I said.

“Woman, you need to go get ready!” Avery said, pushing me towards my dressing portal.

We all laughed as I stepped inside. I came out and their jaws dropped.

“What?” I said, feeling self-conscious.

They both simply pointed at the mirror. I stepped in front of it and my jaw dropped, too. I was wearing this beautiful black dress with sequins on the top and ruffles on the bottom.

“Wow,” was all I could say.

The dress was stunning and fit me perfectly.

“You need to go!” Kate said pushing me out the door.

I laughed and walked out to the main hall where I was supposed to meet Carter.

“Hello, beautiful,” a male voice said from behind me.