The Crown

The Prince - Chapter 5

The halls are endless. Echoing caverns that aim to confuse you, finding pride in losing your way. 

After I'd passed the same bathroom for the third time in a row, it began to don on me that maybe something was wrong. But what am I supposed to do? Ask for help? Unlikely when the only thing I can seem to find was an empty bathroom in the maze of halls.

"Liane?" I call, hearing the sound bounce off of the walls and fade into the distance. The plee is mostly out of desperation, considering she's likely bundled in her bed with a glass of water by her side.

I scowl, turning slowly until I come to a stop. 'The third floor' was was the guard had said. Of course that was before I'd lost the guard- go figure. 

I know i'm on the third floor. I know i'm in the right wing. So where is my room?

All of a sudden, I turned a foreign corner and run headfirst into the sign announcing 'Selected Dormitories'. And conveniently enough, my name is listed on the second door to the right.

My stomach flattens out of reflex, and I take a breath I would be holding for the next three seconds. With a simple push of my hand, the door swings open on it's brass hinges and I'm greeted by the sight of three women giving me strange expressions.

"Claire? Claire Brooks?" The shorter of the three asks, her voice soft and fragile, similar to her appearance. The tallest, a rather willowy woman, gazes at me with stern brown eyes. The third one flattens her feet and clasps her hands together in a respectful fashion.

"That's me", I respond, offering a small smile in return to her question.

"Oh! Wonderful! We expected you sooner! Oh but don't worry miss, we're glad to have you nonetheless!" The one who spoke earlier talked quick, spreading her words out so the syllables flowed like honey. "I'm Marie" She's quick to follow up as well.

She approaches me and gently takes my hand, leading me into the room.

My first impression is that of simplistic, but tasteful decor. It was obvious they left most of the decoration options up to me; However, I doubt I'll be staying long anyways.

"Calm down, Marie! You'll scare the girl", The tallest scolds, although the small smile on her face says otherwise. "I'm Juliana. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Brooks." 

It's obvious that Juliana is a very respectful person. I almost felt a bit embarrassed by her very professional nature.

Throughout all of this, the third one remains very quiet. "I'm Caroline", She finally says, her voice as delicate as a daisy.

I smile at the three of them and take a seat on the incredibly comfortable bed. "It's great to meet you guys. Please call me Claire, I'd really prefer it over Ms. Brooks", I wrinkle my nose and laugh softly.

"Alright.. Claire", Juliana says gingerly, as if testing how the word feels on her tongue. "Enough chitter chatter, girls! We've got work to do, and a lot of it! The prince's welcoming dinner is tonight", Marie winks, tugging me towards the bathroom.

"The stylists did a wonderful job with your gown, Claire. Of course we'll have to up the ante a bit", Marie continues, and almost evil glint in her eyes. Caroline fetches the scissors and Marie gets to work, snipped her and there at the gown while Juliana fishes through a large assortment of makeup.

By the time all of them step away, I'm left to check out the finished look.

Marie had snipped away at the top of my dress, leaving a V going down that was covered in lace. It showed what I had to offer without becoming excessive. As for the makeup, Juliana had given me a touch of olive shadow with a dark nude lip. 

"I love it girls! I would pay you back but I seem to have left my wallet at home", I tease, glancing at the clock out of my peripheral. 

"Oh, shit! I mean shoot! We have five minutes until the dinner", I says, feeling my maids push me out and towards the door. 

"Good luck, girlie! We're rootin' for ya!" Marie calls, watching as I make a mad dash for the dining room.

---

I get there just in time to slip into my seat unnoticed.

Everyone else looks so beautiful. I could just- gah, no! I'm here for the prince!

Even Renee looks gorgeous. Her hair pinned up and her long red dress.. no! Get it together, Claire!

My thoughts are interrupted by the entrance of the queen. She is the epitome of effortless grace and beauty, making her way into the dining room like she owns the place. Which in this case she kinda does.

The king follows close after, carrying with him an air of regality. And finally, the prince himself.

He has sandy brown hair with light blue eyes and a smile that seems to bring light to the whole room. His smile today is no exception, as bright as ever.

But that still doesn't make me like him. No matter what, I still think he's just a spoiled brat with no one to stop him from making reckless decisions.

After a short entrance speech from the king, servers begin to pour through the room carrying trays of delicious and exotic smelling food.

With the arrival of the servers comes the arrival of chatter amongst the selected. I spot Liane sitting a few seats away next to her new friend, and i offer up a small wave. Finally the smell of delicious food is just too much for me, and I grab as many pieces of food as I can fit on my plate.

Once the dinner begins to fill everyone's stomachs, and the prince has introduced himself to most of the girls, Prince Adam clears his throat.

"I hope you all have enjoyed your food! Unfortunately, the first task begins tonight. Partner up with one other selected and meet me in the hallway" He announced.

What exactly was this task...