His Choice

⚜ TWELVE ⚜

Edited

---(Name this line?)---

After our break is over, I find myself sitting in the activity hall again. They've rearranged it so that the chairs are lined up in rows in front of a projection screen. We're in the middle of a lecture on how to correctly address the royals and nobles.

I sag further into my chair as my mind drifts off to my secret garden encounter. I don't believe him when he says he works here. He wasn't dressed in palace uniform. I think he's a noble nob.

But maybe I've been too quick to judge? He seemed alright.

But on the other hand, there's a good chance he's been lying to me about who he is.

But has he really lied? He just hasn't told me. Obstructing the truth.

But perhaps that's worse than lying. Evidently, whoever he is, allowing me to guess and potentially assume the worse, is better than just telling me.

But he has nice eyes.

Before my thoughts can carry on their rampage, Lola elbows me in the ribs.

"Girl, pay attention! She's talking about you," she whispers and I look up at Miss Mint on the stage.

"They were very impressed with her ability to carry on and do the work that needed to be done, despite the lack of control and support of her group." Miss Mint smiles warmly at me.

"What is she on about?" I whisper to Lola.

"The royals have commended you for your performance during the ice breakers." Lola leans closer so I can hear her better. "Apparently, they were monitoring us the whole time."

"Sneaky bastards."

I play with my fingers as I make myself small in my chair. I don't like being in the spotlight, especially not with an audience like the royals. I groan internally. I can't believe they just spied on us like that, like they can do whatever they want... well, I suppose they can.

Miss Mint soon moves on and starts explaining our first proper round of The Choosing where we're about to show our skills, but also our faces.

"In this challenge, you are tasked with organising and hosting a party for the royal family and their selected group of nobles. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how important it is that a monarch knows how to host a party. Your performance will be judged by your guests as well as myself." She pauses to pick up a black device of sorts. It's small and has straps to attach it to the back of your hand. "This is a point tracker. You'll keep it on you throughout the entire night. After every interaction you have with a guest, if they so choose, they'll be able to award you points. The five girls at the lowest scores will be eliminated from The Choosing."

I frown. So, basically, I need to make a good impression. But I'm conflicted. I still don't know whether to give this thing a shot or not.

I shake my head before I lose my focus.

That's tomorrow's problem.

"There is a selection of roles that need to be filled and split between you." Miss Mint continues. "The goal is to impress, so choose one that plays to your strengths and qualities. Because don't forget, not only is this your official and formal introduction to The Choosing and to the nobles, but also to the royal family - to the prince."

A low murmur runs through the crowd of girls. They're getting excited.

"This will be the first time you see him, and the first, and possibly, last time that he sees you. So make it count." Miss Mint finishes by saying, "Royals and nobles often have to host guests at the last minute, and if they are important, sometimes balls need to be held to welcome them. The event will start at precisely three-PM tomorrow, so you have twenty-four hours starting now. Good luck."