#princepercyschreave

[ariciaeast-blog]

T H E  M U S I C  R O O M;

ft the wonderful @princepercyschreave

“Is there a music room in this palace?” I asked my maids, turning to look at them, forgetting that they were fixing my hair. 

“Lady Aricia!” one of them scolded, making me turn back to face the mirror. I saw my blonde locks were lightly curled, the opposite of what they normally were; pin straight. My maids had applied a light coat of makeup to my face, and got me dressed into a pale blue dress and blue ballet flats. 

I asked my previous question again, and they all nodded, which made me happy. I havent played a piano since I was back home, and Liv ((ooc; Liv is her music loving friend from back home in Lakedon)) would not appreciate that I haven’t practiced at all. 

I went through one of my suitcases, and pulled out a book of waltzes that I was learning from, then I started walking to the music room. Once I was in the hallway, I realized that I actually didnt know where the music room was. I shook my head at my stupidity, and made my way to ask an older looking guard. 

“Excuse me, sir,” I said, walking up to him. 

“Yes?” he asked, impatiently. 

Wow, I guess somebody didn’t have patience

I resisted rolling my eyes at him, and asked, “Do you know where the music room is?” 

He nodded, and gestured to go down the hallway, so I obliged, picking up the excess fabric from my dress and walking down the hallway. I kept walking down the hallway, peeking through all the doors, until I saw one with a piano inside. 

Bingo!

I turned the knob of the door and walking in, making sure I wasn’t interrupting anyone else’s practice session. One thing I learnt from Liv was that musicians didnt like their practice interrupted. 

When I walked in, I was in awe. The room was ornately decorated, with various instruments lining the walls, and a beautiful black concert grand piano in the middle of the room. 

I made my way towards the piano, set my music down on the stand, and sat down, opening the book to the waltz that I was working on. 

I flipped the pages, before landing on the ‘Waltz in B Minor, by Chopin’. 

Perfect. 

I ran my fingers over the ivory keys, playing the piece until i got lost into the rhythm of the music, until I reached a certain portion of the piece which I could not play. My playing stopped abruptly, and I tried playing the section that I was having difficulties with, but it was to no avail. No matter how I tried, I kept stumbling over that particular part. 

“Ugh, this part isn’t working out the way I wan’t it to!” I exclaimed, and started over the piece. 

While I was playing through my favourite part, I heard someone talking, but I ignored it, immersing myself into the music. Just then, I heard a throat clear, and I stopped playing to look up, and I saw Prince Percy standing by the doorway, leaning against the doorframe. 

“Oh hey, I was just looking for you,” he said, walking further into the room. before stopping by the piano. 

I looked up at him, incredulously, “Oh, hi. You were looking for me?” I asked. 

He nodded, “Of course, we never got to finish our conversation from yesterday”

I smiled, remembering our conversation, “Oh yeah, so what did you want to talk about?” I asked, pivoting on the bench to face him. 

At that, his lazy grin had broke out into a full fledged smirk, “ I was just wondering...” he said, trying to draw my attention. 

Well, you’ve got to try harder than that, Percy 

I smirked back at him, “You were wondering?” I drawled, and laughed at the look on his face. It was a mixture of arrogance and.. something I couldn’t quite place my finger on. 

“Would you like to go on a boat ride with me? On the family yacht sometime?” I asked, grinning with overconfidence. 

Well, it would be a shame to end this charade! Lets keep it going for a bit longer...

I kept the smirk on my face, enjoying the dynamic between us, “oh, man, this is such a hard decision!” I exclaimed, gauging Percy’s reaction. His face was contorted into an arrogant smirk, his bluegreen eyes glimmering in amusement. 

“Well if it’s such a hard decision, maybe I’ll just go,” he said, raising his eyebrows and turning around at the speed of a turtle. 

I stood up, and let a loose chuckle pass through my lips, “Alright, Mr. Schreave, it’s not that hard of a decision,” I laughed, “I’ll go with you on this ‘boat ride’” I said, putting air quotations around ‘boat ride’, “But the better be the best part” I added, winking at the last part. 

He turned around, his trademark smirk gracing his lips, “Great. And it will be”

I smiled, “Thats nice. So I heard you play the piano as well?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. 

He nodded, running his hand over the roof of piano, smiling softly, “Yeah, a bit. So, what were you working on before?” he asked, looking back up at me, his eyes piercing through my own. 

“Well, I have a friend back home named Olivia,” I started, “and she was a really good musician, so one day, she dared me to learn this piece in a month, and its called ‘Waltz in B Minor’, by Chopin, and I can play the entire thing, except for a small section!” I laughed, thinking about Olivia and the face she’d be giving me if I told her that I was talking to one of the Princes of Illea about the piano, “if it were anyone but her daring me, I may have given up, but to give her that satisfaction? Never”

He nodded, smiling, “Hmm, let me see if I can help,” he said, and sat down on the piano, skimming through the piece, then starting playing, and I was floored. 

Wow

He played beautifully, paying attention to all the dynamics, tempo markings, and is feel was beautiful. 

When he finished playing, he turned to look at me, “You’re trying to get something like this, right?” he asked, and I nodded, still in awe about his playing. 

“Wow, you are really good! Well, I probably didn’t need to tell you that,” I said, laughing to distract him from the light blush that spread across my cheeks. 

He looked shocked at me compliment, and smiled, “Really? I didn’t think that I did that well...” he trailed off, but then refocused, “Well, anyways, so what specifically do you need help on?” he asked

I turned to the score, and pointed to a section, “Well, in the second page, there is a fast section and the fingering is a bit weird. I was trying to figure out a better alternative but so far nothing has been working”

I nodded, analysing the score before turning to look back at me, “Hmm... why dont you try playing just that section really slowly first so you can get the hang of it?” he suggested. 

I nodded, thinking about his fairly basic suggestion, before realising that he was right. I was throwing myself headfirst into the piece, so of course I wouldn’t be able to learn everything! I shook my head at myself, and turning to look at him. 

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I’ll try it! Thanks! I’m so happy that the palace has a music room! I always had to go to my Liv’s house to practice because I didn’t own a piano of my own, I only have a guitar...” I trailed off, smiling about the memories of my life before the selection

He nodded, “Yeah, the piano here is pretty nice...”

I smiled, and decided that I’d try to get know him a bit more. There was something elusive about him that I wanted to figure out. 

“So, how are you feeling about the selection so far?” I asked, “It must be weird having 35 random girls walking around your house...” I trailed off, trying to judge his reaction, and from the smirk that quickly overtook his features, I guessed that he had no problems with that many girls walking around his house. 

“I think its been pretty sweet so far,” he drawled, winking at me. 

I smirked, rolling my eyes at my assumption being correct. “That sounds great for you,” I said, laughing. 

He nodded, “it is pretty great”

I smiled, trying to get to the bottom of this prince, “So, tell me a bit about yourself, Percy! Are you really like what everyone says? Or is there more to the man behind the mask” I said, with a smile. 

He shrugged, “I like to think I’m a pretty open book. What you see is what you get.” he said, nonchalantly. 

I smirked, “Thats nice, so what do I get then?” I asked, trying to hide my surprise at where my flirty behaviour was coming from. 

He smirked back at me, making me feel like I was in a chick flick, “That depends, what do you want?” I asked, lowering his voice. 

I laughed at the irony of my position. Two months ago, if you told me that I would be flirting with one of the princes of Illea, I’d have probably asked you if you were drunk. But now... “That depends on what you’re willing to give me” I said, with a wink. 

His eyes glittered with amusement, as he said, “For now... a private boat ride in the family yacht”

I grinned, “Alright, that sounds wonderful” I exclaimed, smoothing down the front of my dress, trying to calm my nerves. Who could predict that my first ever date would be with none other than Percy Schreave? Certainly not me. 

“So...” he started, directing my attention back to him, “The boat ride. Does three days from now sound good? I need at least a little time to arrange things.”

I nodded, smiling, “That sounds great! I’ll be counting the days, Mr. Schreave”

He smiled back a genuine smile, “I’ll see you then” he said, his eyes lingering on mines for a second too long before walking away. When the door closed, I released the breath I didn’t know that I’d been holding. 

Wow

I shook my head, trying to clear away the daze that I had been in, and turned back to the piano. As I played some more pieces, and walked up to my room to prepare for dinner, there was one thought that never left my mind;

Percy

[finleygansey-blog]

EXPOSING ILLÉA SHIPS//A MASTERPOST

I’ll @ everyone once they’re listed lol//I’ll add as @exposingillea posts more of these

@domschreave: • misery and loneliness #domery • @melodynolan #melodom

@alinaschreave: • @finleygansey #finlina

@debbieker: • @isabellafaulkner #debbaella

•@ladykatdempsey #kebbie

@evadne-leventhorpe: • nuts #evadnuts

@ariciaeast: • @calistapledger #caricia • @jynsongxvii #jynicia

@calistapledger: • @ariciaeast #caricia

@finleygansey: • @jynsongxvii #finjyn • @alinaschreave #finlina • @devonmuerner #devley

@lady-fiona-rossi: • flowers #fliona

@princepercyschreave: • @charlotte-bane #charcy

@princeevanschreave: • no one (sorry my guy)

@melodynolan: • @domschreave #melodom

@ladykatdempsey: • @cameronnicholls #katmeron • @ruby-stones #rat

•@debbieker #kebbie

@berklee-boyer: • @charlotte-bane #charlee

@jynsongxvii: • @finleygansey #finjyn • @ariciaeast #jynicia

@annette-martel: • pasta #pastette

@devonmuerner: • @finleygansey #devley

@ruby-stones: • @ladykatdempsey #rat

[selection4-admins]

@princepercyschreave @charlotte-bane

[domschreave]

Challenge 1| Welcome Ball

We’ve finally reached the beginning of the Selection! In order to celebrate your arrival, and your survival of the interview round, my family is hosting an elegant ball in your honor. All the Selected are invited, as well as everyone in my family.

Prompt: You will be attending a ball in the palace in honor of the start of the Selection, you will also be able to formally be introduced to everyone in the royal family. Rp’s with the royal family or other Selected are recommended and appreciated, but not mandatory. Please don’t invent a conversation with any character without permission of the creator.

What did you do during the ball?

Did you talk to any royals? Why or why not?

How are you feeling after surviving the first round of eliminations ((remember in character, those weren’t dropouts, they were eliminated because Dom didn’t like them for whatever reason))

The royal family who are attending the ball are:

@domschreave (of course

@alinaschreave

@princeevanschreave

@princepercyschreave

@princesscallieschreave

@kingjamesonschreave

@queeneleanoraschreave

@princesslillianschreave

@princeisaacschreave

You have two (2) weeks to complete this challenge. This challenge will close Monday, July 10, and results will be posted the following day.

But wait! There’s More!

The Report is now ready to report, and this week you will all attend the Report and give statements about your time in the Selection.

The way this will work: You will receive a message with a short question from @hyacinth-pierce. Once you answer that question, you will be asked a more in depth question specific to your character. If you do not respond to the first question by this Friday, June 30 at 6pm PST you may be eliminated from the Selection. However, the second question is technically optional, though much appreciated if you answer.

The answers to the questions will be announced on Friday at 6pm PST throughout the span of 2-3 hours ((since this is the first I don’t really know how much time I’ll need)) to recreate the feel of a live show. @behindtheselection will be liveblogging the event as well.

If you have any questions about anything, please let me know!! ((I know this is a new thing so I’m sure you all have lots of questions))

[charlotte-bane-blog]

@princepercyschreave

[debbieker-blog]

WELCOME BALL

(( I apologize for the length of this fic, again! :S 

People mentioned in this fic: @isabellafaulkner @theiahuntley @madelynknightoftheselection @calistapledger @emmalynatwood @ariciaeast @domschreave @kingjamesonschreave @queeneleanoraschreave @princesscallieschreave @princepercyschreave @princeevanschreave @ladykatdempsey ))

“Okay, close your eyes, Lady Debbie, please!” Lisa said entering the room, eagerly walking towards us and closing the big wooden door behind her. She was carrying a garment black bag that contained the finished dress for the ball that she and Nadine have been working on the past weeks.

 “OMG! I can’t wait to see it!!” I exclaimed excited. I couldn’t turn around, but I saw Lisa’s reflection in the mirror of my dressing table, I was sitting on a cushioning chair in front of it, while Donna was styling my hair for the night. Lisa speeded up to stand in front of me holding the dress. She looked at me and nodded as a sign that she won’t open the bag until I close my eyes as she told me to. I rolled my eyes pretending to be annoyed. I could hear the noise of the bag being unzipped by Lisa. “Ready?” She asked, by her tone I could tell she was smiling. “I’m ready!” I answered exasperated. “Open your eyes” I opened my eyes and stare open-mouthed at the gorgeous silk, princess style dress. It was soft pink in the top and the color was getting high shades until the red bottom. “Ahh! You guys are artists! It’s beautiful! Thank you so much!” I shouted standing up to give Lisa a big hug. She didn’t know what to do at first, but then she hugged me back. “I will thank Nadine when she comes back with the shoes” I said smiling.

Donna spent some time on my hair, then Nadine did my makeup and the 3 of them helped me with the dress. “Aww you look stunning Lady Debbie!” Donna exclaimed with a sigh. I twirled looking the small lightning blue glitter reflecting the lights in the big mirror. “Thank you for everything, ladies” I said looking at each one of them, they nodded at me and I left the room.

The dress was floor length, for that reason I had to be careful and slow to walk down the stairs. When I finally placed my two feet on the flat, carpeted floor, I felt relieved. I had been in the palace for a few days now, but I still got lost. I didn’t remember where the ball room was, so, I follow the music across the halls to find it. I stand a few seconds on the door frame to admire the room. The view was surreal, the room was white with golden details all over the ceiling and walls, I could also see some art pictures here and there. The atmosphere was regal and formal, a low warmth light coming from big precious chandeliers was illuminating everything, but you still could appreciate all the colorful dresses twirling around, dancing. The place was perfectly decorated with colorful flowers in fancy vases.

I walked inside with my mouth open in amazement. I looked around the room looking for Dom, my eyes found and followed him for a couple of minutes, he was smiling, talking, enjoying the night. His smile made me smirk unconsciously. I walked two steps towards him, hesitating if it was the correct time to approach him. He seemed to be busy talking to some girl that I didn’t recognize because of the distance, that’s why I decided to wait for the right moment. My eyes looked around a little more until I glimpse a group of girls talking, across the room. I walked in their direction and included myself in the group. I greeted them all and we started complementing each other’s looks and dresses. They all looked gorgeous. Maddie and Emms were wearing different princess style, black dresses, Theia choose a white one that made good contrast with her tanned skin, it has tons of shining stones on the top of it. Aricia’s and Bella’s had similar style dresses, but totally different design and colors, Bella was wearing red and Aricia a nude color. Calista looked great as well with a dark purple dress, mermaid style with a pronounced decollate, it seemed she was ready to leave Dom open-mouthed.

We all talked a little about ourselves, our families and our lives before the selection, then each one of us share our experiences at our interviews with Prince Dom.

“…So, how’s everyone feeling after the eliminations? Calista asked us

Ten of us were already gone. For me that was a considerably number, I wonder why Dom decided to eliminate so many girls in one day. The thought of that one of those girls could have been me, made me feel both, grateful and nervous. We never know when will be our last day here, that’s why I was determined to enjoy each day fully. 

“Relieved I’m here, but still a little nervous” Maddie said

“I am so relieved! I thought I was going home” Isabella answered laughing. I had had this conversation with her before, when she joined me on my morning jog at the beach. She told me she was afraid to get eliminated. I laughed at her concern, because I knew that Dom liked her even before we arrive at the palace, but she explained to me that the reason of her nervousness was that the topic of her mom had come out at her interview. I have never been good at advices or comfort, so I tried to distract her attention talking about myself, but the story was about to be picked up again.

“Oh no! What’s the matter with your mother?” Maddie asked scared

When Isabella explained that her mom doesn’t like the royals and that she uses to organize meetings to demonstrate she’s against them. Maddie was relieved, but we saw sadness and nostalgia in her face. “Mads, you don’t seem fine, what’s … oh, your mother” Cal said remembering something, I looked at her and then at Maddie again.  

“What, what is it?” I asked confused.  “I’m sorry, Mads.” Cal said looking at her, then she turned to face me “Debs, her mom is no longer around” That phrase hit me harder than it should have. It’s not that I didn’t think about my dead mom all the time, but I promised myself that while I’m in here living this experience I would keep my sad memories inside. I took a deep breath to get rid of the knot in my throat.

“Yes, she passed away when I was nine” Maddie said, “I am so sorry, Maddie” Bella said comforting her

“Well, let’s talk about happy things to enjoy the ball!” I suggested to lift the mood. I was afraid that suddenly I end up crying in the middle of the party, embarrassing myself.

They all agreed with me and then we spread out to get some drinks.

I got close to the food table, there were all kind of snacks. Everything looked delicious. I didn’t know what to try first. I decided to taste the baked egg rolls and coconut shrimps. I took one of each delicately. Every bite was sublime. When I turned to see the drinks table I couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered the iced coffee. I had lots of those before coming back to the group.

When I get to them I realized Calista was gone, I look around the big room and I see her walking towards Dom slowly. I felt a little twist on my stomach. I guessed it was because I shouldn’t have eaten that amount of shrimps. I turned my back on them to talk with the girls.

“Now that I came back everyone is leaving” I said faking a sad face. “Sorry I got distracted by the iced…”

“Debbie! They have iced coffee!” Isabella shouted excited interrupting me. I smiled at her “Yes! I know!” I said laughing.

“Yes, they do and it tastes great!” Aricia added. It seemed like I wasn’t the only one excited about it

“I actually already had too much. I won’t sleep tonight” I said worried. This definitely wasn’t the first time I drink coffee like crazy, I used to do it at home all the time, but there was something different this time. I wasn’t sure what was it, but I keep smiling.

“That’s alright” Aricia continued smiling back at me “… now you can dance into the wee hours of the morning!”

“Yeah, if only there was more than one man to dance with” I said winking. There were some guards that they have let be here to dance with us, because in that way we all could have the opportunity to have fun and Dom could have time to talk and dance with each one of us at a time. The thing is that for some reason I didn’t felt comfortable with the idea of dancing with the guards, the same reason why I felt weird looking at them training the morning Isabella and I were running at the beach next to them. I didn’t want to give that reason a name, not yet.

“You can also dance with me, though” Isabella offered excited before anyone noticed my mistake

“That’s the attitude!” I shouted. She grabbed my hand and we run as quick as our dresses let us to the center of the ballroom to dance.

We start bouncing with the rhythm of violins and piano. “Have you talked to any of the royals yet?” I asked her.

“No, I haven’t! Is that bad? I giggled at the look of his face. I don’t understand why a pretty, intelligent and nice woman like her always worries so much.

“No. I guess not, but I’m curious to meet them all. I also would love to meet and greet the Queen and King, but they are kind of intimidating.” I said pressing my lips together and looking at them. Queen Eleonora looked happy, enjoying the party by her husband side. She is one of the most beautiful woman I ever seen, I’ve heard that she’s a lovely and compassionate person, but her regal bearing makes me feel nervous, not to mention King Jameson, I couldn’t tell if he was having fun or not. Both were just walking around the room. When my father use to took Keelan and I to his friends, colleagues and distributors parties, he always made us to greet and thank the host, besides this could be my only opportunity to talk to the regents of my country.

“I know right! But they are just people after all” Isabella said laughing. Her saying made me relax a little. “…that’s me saying that, while I am too scared to talk to the prince” she continued.

“What are you scared of? He likes you! Everything will be alright.” I smiled at her trying to make her smile too. I honestly thought there was no reason for her to worry. I was convinced that if I had to pick my next queen from one of these girls, I would pick her.

“Perhaps the fact that all these other girls are competing for his heart as well”

I stopped a second to think in a response to make her feel better, but I couldn’t find any, maybe she was right. I wonder if I should be that concerned as well. I shake my head to erase those thoughts. “Well yeah, you have a point there, but don’t be scared, because the fear isn’t going to let you enjoy all this” I said twirling around with the music “… relaaaax and have fun”

“I will try to enjoy this more!” She said giggling. “Are you going to ask Prince Dom for a dance?”

We both turned in his direction and saw him dancing some feet away from us. “I would love to, but he has danced with almost everyone, I wonder if he’s feeling dizzy already” I scoffed “…He looks really handsome tonight, isn’t he?” I whispered.

Isabella smiled and agreed with me “He always looks handsome”

“How annoying!” I said frowning pretending to be mad

“The one that ends up with him has to suffer a lot”

“That’s why I’m willing to sacrifice myself” I said sighing “but only because I love you all”

“How generous of you! I bet your children will be just as handsome” We both burst in laughing, but I was shocked inside. The thought of having children made my heart skip a beat. I know it wouldn’t happen right the way, and having a family is something that would have to happen to me eventually, but just the idea of it left me speechless. It was just a joke, why are freaking out? I told myself.

I’m not sure if Isabella noticed something weird on myself but if she does, she decided to ignore it.

“Girl, I’d say go ask him for a dance! I think he would love that!” She insisted

“I will go talk to him!” I saw he had stopped dancing and I thought it might be the right time to spend some time with him. Both of us stopped bouncing. “but first, let’s go to the desserts table. I will not leave you here dancing alone.”

I grabbed her hand and lead her to the dessert table. “So, you would rather leave me at the food table, where I can stuff myself? I like your way of thinking” She said laughing hard.

“I just want you to save me some of those mini-cupcakes” I scuffed and grinned at her, pointing at a tray with some cupcakes left. Desserts at the castle were little pieces of art, they all look beautiful and taste even better.

“I can’t promise you there will be any left when you return” she laughed again. I look down and pretended to be sad.

“I was only kidding! I will protect them with my life!” I couldn’t tell if she meant it or she was only playing with my feelings, but I decided to trust her. “Now go to him. Be flirty.”  

“I’m serious, Bella. Our friendship depends on this!” I said winking sarcastically and pointing at her. I grabbed two glasses of red wine from a tray carried by a waiter that passed in front of me and then walked towards Dom.

When I get where Dom was I realized he wasn’t facing me, that’s when I thought it would be nice to surprise him. I put one of the wine glasses on the nearest table so my hand could be free to make my move. I walked closer to him carefully. Before he noticed my presence, I stood behind him and try to cover his eyes with my right hand.

“Guess who?” I whispered in his ear

“Uhh… Santa Claus?” I frowned and giggled at his answer. Who’s thinking about Santa Claus at this time of the year? Still I founded it funny.

“Well… almost” I said uncovering his eyes and standing in front of him. There they are those bright unique eyes and that deep look that makes everyone blush instantly. I tried to stop staring and continued talking “…because I brought you a present” I said smiling and handing him the glass of wine I had on my left hand.  

“Oh awesome, thanks!” he exclaimed. I nodded glad that he liked the detail

“Great party! Are you having fun?” I asked him

“Absolutely. I’m surrounded by gorgeous girls, what’s not fun about that?”

“Good point.” I chuckled at his statement and hated myself for asking the obvious. I had already noticed that the Prince was enjoying this whole selection thing. “I had never been in an opulent party like this before, elegant ones, yes, but this one is awesome! I said taking a small glance to the party and then turned to face him again. “I know you are a party guy, which one has been your favorite so far?” I asked curious if he had any specific good memory about one of the millions of parties he has been in.

“I don’t know if I have a favorite party. The Europeans sure know how to party, though”

“Oh yeah, I can imagine, they are kind of intense in everything they do. I bet there are also flirtatious girls there” I inquired smirking. I wanted to know more about it. I guessed his face would tell me if there was someone special to remember or he has been just playing around. 

He grinned at me “Oh absolutely”. That was the face I was expecting to see. - Don’t get too excited about it- I said to myself I still can be mistaken about this. I have always been a good face reader, but this guy was being difficult to decipher, and that made him even more interesting and attractive to me. 

 “Which is the worst pick up line you’ve ever got?” I asked

 “I lost my number, can I borrow yours?”

“Ugh, no!” I frowned at the lame phrase. “Well it is really bad, but I bet there are worse” I continued, laughing. “You are lucky to have all that attention from all the beautiful ladies wherever you go. I’ve always got crazy, weird guys! I rolled my eyes remembering the scene I had with Reed outside the stables back at our farm, before my farewell party in Sota. I thought he was a serious decent guy, but he turned out to be a creepy guy, saying nonsense things to me, asking me to stay, when I hadn’t even talked to him before.

 “I’m not one of those crazy, weird guys, am I?” Dom asked bringing me back from the memory of that traumatic experience I had been trying to forget

. “I’m here for a change, so, I hope you are not” I answered sarcastically “…on a second thought a little craziness doesn’t hurt anyone” I winked at him

 “Was that a yes or a no?” he asked again. I chuckled at his insistence, but that made me think that he was truly interested in my answer, which surprised me. 

My plan was keep playing around with the words with him, but he has got me on this one. I had to stop avoiding the question and said the truth about my thoughts about him. “You are a gentleman, handsome and charming, so, definitely not one of them”.

 “Good” He stated“

… also kind of mysterious” I continued. “… is there something I would never guess about you?” I asked smirking, looking directly to his eyes, wondering if he was going to dare to be that honest, this soon.

 “Maybe, but you’ll have to figure it out. Can’t give out all my secrets”

 “Oh… Is that a challenge? I like challenges. I’m in” I smirked. Games, bets, challenges, had brought me here, but this one is could be more interesting and risky than I any other.

 “Go for it” he said, giving me the green light I needed

 “Okay, I will to figure your secrets out, or …” I said thoughtfully “I could eventually make you want to share them with me voluntarily”

 “We will see” He said

 “I have no doubt we will see” I replied with a wink. I keep staring at him a few seconds, still wondering why I couldn’t read him, like I read the rest of the people, they are like open books to me, but Dom, he’s intriguing and I like that.

 “I think I will go and greet your parents now” I said breaking the silence and looking at the King and Queen. “… any advice?” I asked 

“I don’t even know. They are different with everyone” 

“That… doesn’t help much, but thanks anyway” I thanked him laughing. “I hope to see you soon” I made a bow and started walking towards the rulers of Illéa.    

When I got where they were standing, I made a deep vow and then stood straight, even deep inside I was a little tense. “Your majesties…” I saluted, then presented myself.

Queen Eleonora has this sweet motherly look on his face that made me feel warm inside, she called me “Darling” and put a big grin on her face. King Jameson was less emotive, but still polite, nodding at my words. Our meeting was brief. I just wanted to express my gratitude to them for the amazing ball they had organized in our honor; and for having us in their castle. Although Queen Eleonora’s personality made me want to spend more time with her in the future. I curtsied again to say goodbye and speed my step back to the desserts table. I felt every muscle of my body relaxing again, but I really needed to recharge my energy with some of those delicious pieces of heaven.  

I took a raspberry macaron and gave it a small bite, while I was choosing between a chocolate and a coconut truffle to be my next victim. Suddenly I noticed someone was beside me, I turned to my right and saw the cutest member of the royal family. “Hii Princess, I’m Debbie” I said making a little bow.

“Hello” she greeted back

“How are you? Are you enjoying the party?” I asked feeling happy, because I hadn’t had the pleasure to run into her before.

“Yes!! I love any excuse to wear a fancy dress” She twirled gracefully, making me look better at her stunning white dress. She did look like a lovely little angel with it.

“What a lovely dress! Can I borrow it sometime?” I joked winking at her

“It wouldn’t fit you, silly!” She giggled

“True” I said making a playful sad face. Suddenly my eyes looked directly to where used to be the mini cupcakes tray and I remembered about Isabella. I was joking with her before about guarding the desserts, but I was curious about where had she gone. “Have you seen a pretty girl called Isabella? I left her here guarding the mini cupcakes and now they are both gone!” I asked Callie

She shook her head from one side to another “No, I haven’t seen her”

“Hmmm… which other dessert do you recommend me? Do you have a favorite?” I can’t imagine how would it be to grow up in a palace with access to this delights every single day

“Umm… what about one of these?” Callie pointed at a rounded tray full of chocolate covered balls.

“Yumm, they look good” I said while I took one of them delicately and gave it a bite. I thought it was a simple truffle, but it was a cookie dough ball.  “Delicious” I said closing my eyes enchanted by its flavor. This sweet experience made me remember about my childhood, when I used to bake the donuts my mother had teach me to do all the time, because the smell made me feel she was still there with me. Before the nostalgia comes for me for the second time in the same night. I continue talking “I remember when I was your age, I used to bake mini donuts and ate them all by myself” I chuckled.

“Ooh yum!” She exclaimed

“What do you say if one day you and I bake some of those?” I offered, excited to have someone so special to share the recipe with.

“Yeah! Let’s do it!!” Callie shouted as excited as I was.

“Okay!” I grinned. I hope the protocol lectures and stuff that was coming in our way let me enough free time to do this with her. “I have to leave you now, little princess, it was a pleasure to meet you”

“Bye”

I waved at her as I walked away.

The night was coming to its end, but we were all still enjoying the ball. The orchestra was still playing, and even though classic music isn’t my favorite, it sounded beautiful, and it made me swing around the room. I was doing just that around the iced coffee trying to decide if it would be prudent to have another glass, when I found Aricia. We have talked before in the group, but we hadn’t been properly introduced. We talked for a while and then we expend some time dancing. We talked about our experiences meeting the royal family and a little bit about our life before the selection. She is one of the sweetest ladies of the group. When we got tired of dancing I went to get some water, but when I lifted the pitcher and suddenly my hands start shaking splitting some water on the table “Shoot!” I exclaimed placing the pitcher back in its place. I almost got my dress wet, but I agilely took some steps backwards hitting someone behind me.

“Oops! Sorry!” I said turning around

“Oh, hey!” He said turning to face me. When I looked at him, I instantly recognized those iconic eyebrows.

“Oh, Hello! I think we hadn’t met before. I’m Deborah” I made a little bow and then extended my hand to shake.

But he lifted my hand to placed his lips on it and kissed it. “Ah, the lovely Lady Deborah. We meet at last.” I tried not to blush, but I bet I failed. When I heard about Percy doing this kind of things with almost all the selected girls, I founded it funny and I was hoping to meet him soon.

“Oh, so you’ve heard of me, good things I hope” I said

“Just what I read on your file” he answered. That made me remember that all the royals certainly had the advantage over us, because with those files they practically could get all the information they wanted.

“Right! I have forgotten about that. I though, have heard a lot about you” I smiled at the memories of the rumors about the famous flirty Prince.

“Good things, I hope” He grinned almost proud of stealing my line.  

I shrugged “Only that you are funny, confident and you flirt as a hobby… which I can see it’s all true”  

“Alright” I guess I’m okay with that”.  I laughed inside of his cynical personality, not in a mockingly kind of way, it was more like I was enjoying his company. He reminded me of my friend Jimmy. He flirts with everyone, but only because he doesn’t want to show how deeply in love he is with Trisha. I wondered if Percy was in the same or a similar situation.

“Is it flirty born or made? Cause if it is born then I’m screwed!” I asked curious

“I think it depends on the person” He replied shrugging

“Oh, there’s still hope for me then” I pretended to be relieved “I wonder why we hadn’t run into each other before, I guess you have been busy” I smirked. I actually have seen him around, from the distance, always surrounded by girls; and when he arrived at the sleepover I was already gone, that’s why I hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to him.

He shrugged again “I’m always pretty busy”

“Yep, I have heard about that too” I giggled sarcastically, but I immediately regret saying it. -ugh, you were doing just fine tonight, why did you have to ruin with your big mouth, again? – I said to myself.

Percy raised his heavy eyebrows, intrigued “And what have you heard?” emphasizing the “you”

I started it, I guessed I was obligated to answer. “Just that is possible that one of these girls could be the one that finally wins your heart” I replied, hoping that he doesn’t get too uncomfortable.

“… I guess, maybe”

“It could be great, in my opinion, if there’s anything I can help you with, I will be glad to. Maybe, we can organize a double date someday, who knows? I smiled. The idea didn’t sound so bad in my head. I have never had a double date before but here in the palace there are plenty sporty activities we could do.

“Double date? And who else are you thinking would be invited?” he asked

I laughed confused by the question. It was pretty obvious for me, but apparently not so obvious for him. “I meant Dom with me and you with whichever you prefer, of course”

“Mmmhmm alright” he said, not convinced

“It could be fun! We could do some skateboarding. Do you like skateboards?” I insisted. I noticed hands started to shake again, so I crossed my arms trying to hide it.

He shrugged “When I was a kid. I haven’t skateboarded in years”

“I haven’t done it lately either, but I remember I was good at it. Well… better than my brother, maybe he was too bad” I remembered how we used to roll all the way to downtown through the highway, but Keelan always got there full of injuries and scratches.

“Huh, well, maybe, we’ll have to try it sometime”

“Alright, I will go now, because I bet more than one girl is getting jealous, right now. I said with a wink.

“See you later”

I walked away slowly, because for a few seconds, I could feel my heart beating too fast through my chest. I remembered that had happened to me before; one time back in Sota, the Fosters had organized a fair to promote their new brand of coffee. I convinced Sophie, Trisha and James to go with me and we spent the whole day tasting the different coffee flavors. That night my whole body started shaking, and my blood pressure was too high… but that I couldn’t let that happen here, it would be too embarrassing to get all crazy right now at an amazing ball like this.

I walked towards the balcony to get some air, but before I got there I saw Prince Evans standing in the corner of the room watching the party from the distance. I shook my head in disapproval. How can someone be trying to avoid such a fun party? Instead of going to the balcony I put my hands back one on the other and went to talk to Evan, maybe I could cheer him up a little, or at least make him feel even more uncomfortable.

“Hello!” I said too enthusiastically. Probably the caffeine speaking

“Hello” He greeted in his very unique sober tone.

“Choosing a partner to dance with?” I asked in a sarcastic tone, and turned to see the crowd like he was. There still were a few people dancing, some others drinking wine and talking, waiters coming and going… and the musicians started looking a little tired. Even the face of the trumpet guy has turned purple.

“No, just… watching I guess”

“Just watching… sure!” I scoffed “By the way, I’m glad you changed your mind” I said giving a glimpse to him and then turning to continue looking at the crowd.

“Changed my mind about what?” He asked confused

“Well, I remember you told me you didn’t want us near you, but you are here… not really close, but at least in the same room” I replied, smoothing my dress with my right hand.

“I have to be here” He said. That’s what I thought, but part of me still couldn’t believe it. There was no reason for not to enjoy this ball. I guessed he just need a little motivation.

“Oh, I’m sorry you are being forced. I think, you should try to enjoy it…” I suggested. “…dancing or …eating! Someone told me the chocolate covered cookie dough balls are delicious and to be honest, she is right. Do you want some?”

“I guess I can have a few…” He said. Well, at least the plan of getting him back, closer to the real party, was working.

We walked together to the dessert table and I showed him where the dough balls were. We stay there for some minutes. I told him I finished the Jane Austen book he has borrowed to me and that I hated it. Love and Friendship, was written perfectly like every book Jane wrote, but the story wasn’t really my style.

I was still talking to Evan, when I started having problems to breathe correctly. I felt the urge to go to my room to get some rest; I guessed the party was about to end anyway.

“…So, I’m ready to read the next one. I will look for you another day. You will have to excuse me now, because I drank too much coffee tonight and I’m feeling kind of shaky. I said chuckling to made it sound less important

“… Good luck with that” he said

I noticed Kat walking near to in front of us in the middle of the big crowd “Also… now that you are closer, you can look better at the… panorama” I said looking at her and then at him.

“What?”  he asked

Thanks to the magazines and the press we all kind of know that something was happening between the two of them. Even “The Gossipel” have asked me about that topic, because for some strange reason, they thought I had feelings for Evan, which I found kind of funny. As I said to them, Kat and I have talked just one time, the first morning we spent in the castle, she used bitter and rude words, that for my opinion were unnecessary. I don’t hate her or anything, I just try to avoid her dark atmosphere, but if Evan likes her I don’t have any problem with that, at all.

I didn’t want to make Evan angry, that’s why I pretend my words haven’t had hidden intentions “I’m just saying, you were watching before, so now you can continue watching from here… it’s kind of closer.” I grinned

“Alright then…” Evan replied

“…But I will be back, so don’t eat all the dough balls!” I warned him smiling.

“I won’t” he promised

“See you later, Prince” I said walking away.

I speed my step to leave the room, I was feeling better already, but my nerves were too frayed and I needed to relax a little.  Upstairs, I was still able to listen to the melody the orchestra was playing, it was the last slow beautiful waltz.

[alinaschreave-blog]

look who we just brought home !!!! meet the newest member of the royal family, max ! @domschreave @princepercyschreave @princeevanschreave @princesscallieschreave

[exposingillea-blog]

@ariciaeast seems rather caught up with @finleygansey more so than @domschreave or @princepercyschreave

[illeas-confessions]

I totally ship Aricia and Percy, even though they've never spoken, their fc's seem cute together

@princepercyschreave @ariciaeast

[ariciaeast-blog]

C H A L L E N G E   # 1  ;   T H E   W E L C O M E   B A L L

ft all these amazing people -> @domschreave @princepercyschreave @calistapledger @madelynknightoftheselection @emmalynatwood @isabellafaulkner @ruby-stones @debbieker @theiahuntley @aikoellis 

((there are some pictures in the fic, and I tried to equally distribute them but it didnt really work so theyre like kinda randomly scattered haha))

It’s tonight. It’s tonight. It’s tonight.

That was the sole thought running through my head as my maids helped me get ready for the welcome ball. I was happy that I at least knew some ladies. I smiled, remembering the nice breakfast I had with Aiko, Cal, Debbie, Devon, Emma, Izzy, Maddie, and Theia. They were all wonderful ladies and I was happy that I had their company tonight.

“Lady Aricia, you can look now,” one of my maids said, and I opened my eyes, looking at my reflection in the mirror, not recognizing the girl that was staring back. My hair was let down, with a deconstructed brain running in it. My eyes were done smokey, and I had on a pale pink lip gloss and minimal bronzer. I was in a pale pink dress- more like a gown, and it fit me perfectly and gently brushed the floor. I had on pale pink heels, which made me look taller then I was, and made sure that the dress wasn’t completely trailing on the floor. All in all, I couldn’t believe that the girl in the reflection was me.

I smiled, and hugged the nearest maid, repeating my ‘thank yous’ to her and all the other maids.

“It wasn’t a problem, Lady Aricia” they said, grinning at me

“Thank you so much,” I said, hugging them all again once more. They assured me that it wasn’t a problem, and then quickly ushered me out of my room.

I smiled at their behaviour, and started slowly walking down the stairs and to the ballroom, making sure not to trip on the hem of my dress.

The last thing I needed tonight was to make an utter fool of myself.

I walked into the ballroom, and was in awe. It was decorated beautifully, with tables upon tables of refreshments, and people in fancy dresses and suits, mingling around.

I saw Cal and the other girls speaking in a circle, so I decided to go and join them. Right as I walked up, they all smiled at me.

“Girls, you all look so wonderful in your pretty dresses!” Cal exclaimed, looking beautiful herself in a magenta mermaid style gown.

“Aw, thank you Cal! You look beautiful as well!” Maddie said, smoothing down the skirt of her mid length black dress with a gold bodice.

I nodded, “You all look beautiful!” I exclaimed, with a smile.

They all thanked me, and Izzy took her chance to speak, “Thanks Cal and Aricia! I agree, you all look so gorgeous!” she said, looking very happy to be here in her red one shoulder gown.

“Thank you so much, Cal! You look wonderful as well! You all look perfect!” Debbie said, smiling in her light pink to dark pink ombre dress.

Aiko grinned, “Thank you! Everyone looks so beautiful tonight!” she exclaimed.

Cal smiled, “So, how’s everyone feeling after the eliminations?” she asked

I smiled, “I’m happy I’m still here! I was so nervous during my interview, though”

Madelyn shrugged, “Well, I’m relieved that I’m still here, but I’m still a tad bit nervous”

Izzy nodded, “I am so relieved! I thought I was going home!” she said, with a laugh, lightening the mood.

Cal smiled, “Aww you girls, I would lay down my life before I let you get sent home. I don’t know what I’d do without you all, you have all made me feel so safe!”

We all gushed over her compliment, and agreed that no matter what, we would stick together.

“Hey, Isabella,” Madelyn started, looking towards Izzy, “didn’t Dom say he enjoyed your conversation?”

Izzy nodded, “He said something like that, yes! But we kind of had a difficult talk”

Cal frowned, “About your mother? I’ve heard how she is, Izzy”

Izzy groaned, “Oh gosh, you heard about her as well,” she said, bringing a hand up to her forehead.

“Oh no, what’s the matter with your mother?” Madelyn asked breathlessly, suddenly getting pale. I was about to ask her what the matter was, but I refrained from doing so, not wanting to put her into a position she didn’t want to be in.

Izzy frowned, “She doesn’t like the royals and organizes demonstrations against them and all that. I hope I convinced Dom that I don’t share her opinion!”

Madelyn sighed, “Oh, I see”

Izzy looked at Maddie worried, “Madelyn, are you alright? Would you like something to drink?”

Madelyn shook her head, “Oh, no, no. I’m fine! I was just worried for you, that’s all”

Izzy gave Madelyn a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry, I am fine!”

“I heard she reacted badly to you being selected, Izzy. I’m surprised it wasn’t on the news.” Cal said, and turned to look from Izzy to Madelyn, “Mads, you don’t seem fine, what’s- oh your mother…”

Madelyn frowned, “Yeah…” she trailed off, not liking the toping of conversation

Debbie frowned, not happy with her friend seeming so sad, “What is it, Mads?” she asked

“I’m so Mads. Debs, her mom is no longer around” Cal said sadly

Madelyn nodded, “Yeah, she passed away when I was 9”

We all hugged her, expressing our condolences, until Cal, Aiko and I decided to grab some drinks.

Suddenly, Cal had an idea, “How about after drinks, we divide and conquer? I want to see if Prince Evan will dance with me”

Madelyn nodded, “Okay, I’m a little nervous to go talk to all of the royals. I may try Alina first, since she seems nice”

I nodded, and had an idea, “Hey Cal, do you need a wingwoman?”

She frowned, “Whats a wingwoman? That sounds fun though, I’ve never had friends or flirted with a boy before but I’ve always admired Prince Evan’s literary nature.”

“A wingwoman is a friend who just goes with you to help you out when you’re flirting with someone!” I explained, laughing a little at the absurdity of the word.

Cal laughed as well, “Alright sounds fun! And Mads, you should try Princess Callie too! Just give her flowers and she’ll love you!”

Madelyn grinned, “Oh yeah! I’ll try that! Ooh, how about we take a polaroid together!” she exclaimed, getting really excited. We all huddled around the camera, and made funny faces as Madelyn snapped the button on her polaroid camera.

Just then, Theia walked up to us with a glass in her hands, trying not to spill her purple drink on her beautiful white dress.

“Have you guys tried this fruit punch? It’s the best” She gushed, chugging down some more.

Izzy laughed, “No I haven’t yet! I should get some though, does anyone else want some?”

Cal shook her head, “No thanks, I’ve already spilt some on myself. This is why you don’t trust a blind girl to get drinks. Thank god Isla made this dress water- well juice proof just in case. And the colour matches me dress!” she added, with a chuckle.

Theia laughed, “Yeah, the colour does match! Do you need any help?” She asked, smiling

Cal shook her head, and Emma complimented her on the functionality of her dress.

“I know! Isla is a god send. Anyways, are you all having fun?” Cal asked

Emma nodded, “Definitely. This ball is… well, incredible!” She said, and we all laughed at her awestricken expression.

Theia agreed, “I’ve never seen something like this before!”

We all nodded, and I felt rather thirsty, so I went over to the drink station, and just then I saw something that made my jaw drop.

No. Way.

There pitchers upon pitchers of drinks, and one pitcher in particular grabbed my attention. I picked it up, and poured its contents into a glass, needing to taste the drink to believe that it was there.

I added caramel sweeteners, just how I had it at home, and took a sip, moaning at the taste of my favourite beverage in the world.

Iced Coffee

I poured some more into my glass, added some more caramel, and walked back to the girls, feeling absolutely elated.

“Guys, have you tried the iced coffee! They had it hidden in the back, but oh my, if you add some caramel sweeteners, its tastes amazing!” I gushed

Izzy laughed, “That sounds like something Debbie would love!”

I grinned, “That’s great! Maybe I’ll take her there when I see her!”

Theia beamed, “Caramel sweeteners? There’s stuff like that! Oh my god!” she exclaimed, as excited as I was.

I nodded, “Yeah, its amazing!”

Just then, Madelyn came back to the group with the iced coffee in her hands, and took a sip.

“Ooh, Aricia, this coffee is good!” she exclaimed, hurriedly drinking some more.

I laughed, “I know right! Slow down, though, we wouldn’t want you to choke!”

Cal frowned at her coffee, “Oh no, I’m going to be up all night now!” she complained, “But… coffee also gives me a boost of confidence. I’m going to ask Prince Dom for a dance! Dancing with a blind girl would be quite the experience!” she said with a laugh

“I’m scared to ask him to dance!” Madelyn exclaimed

Emma smiled, “You both can do it, I’m sure he’d have a great time!”

Cal turned to look at Mads, “I’ll tell him you want to dance after me,” she said, smiling at the look of relief of Madelyn’s face.

“Hey, do you guys mind if I take pictures of you?” Emma asked, smiling. We all nodded, and posed for the pictures, laughing hysterically.

“You may see me with my camera later too, for some candid shots” Emma said, smiling.

Madelyn laughed, “Me too, I can’t let Emma have all the fun!”

Izzy smiled, looking at them with awe, “You are so passionate about photography! That is lovely to see” she said, and I nodded in agreement.

“Thanks Isabella,” Emma said, “I figured while I’m here, I though try to take as many pictures as I could to remember”

“Do you two have any problems with your camera?” Cal asked, “I would love to advance on the technology!”

Emma and Maddie both nodded, and arranged a time with Cal so she could fix their cameras for them.

Emma grinned, “Oh look, Cal! You can ask Dom now, he’s not talking to anyone!”

I nodded, “Yeah! Go for it, Cal! Good luck! You’re going to do great!” I exclaimed, smiling.

Cal smirked, and smoothed over her dress and hair, “Alrighty then, have fun ladies, but not too much fun! This girl is gonna take down a man”

I laughed at Cal’s comment, and we all said bye to her as she walked off towards Dom.

I excused myself, and made my way over towards the drinks station, so I could grab myself some more of that heavenly iced coffee.

I’m going to be up all night now

I shook my head, and reached for the pitcher of iced coffee, but I jerked my hand back when I felt another hand. I turned and looked at the person, who was wearing a beautiful pink dress.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there!” I exclaimed

She shook her head, “Oh no, it’s alright, go ahead! I already had a lot of this glorious thing” she said, laughing as she held up her cup, “I probably have to stop now, cause my nerves will suffer later!”

I laughed, thankfully finding someone who enjoyed iced coffee as much as I do, “It is glorious! And I think I may have had a bit too much myself! Anyways, I’m Aricia, its great to finally properly meet you!” I exclaimed, and extended my hand.

The girl took my hand, and shook it with a smile, “Hi Ari! I’m Debbie! Aren’t we in the same hall?”

I nodded, so that’s where I’ve seen her before!

“Yeah, I think so! I think we’ve seen eachother around but never spoken,” I said, and she nodded, “So, Deb, tell me a bit about yourself!”

“Well, I’m from Sota, and my family has a farm there” she said, with a smile, “Where are you from, Ari?”

“I’m from Lakedon,” I said, smiling at the mention of my home province, “I used to live with my father, but I got kicked out when I entered the selection. Oh well,” I shrugged, “Its probably for the best, though. He didn’t even care about me and I could barely stand him. Anyways, what did you grow on your farm?” I asked

“Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that,” she said, a sympathetic look on her face, “My dad didn’t react well either when he found out that I’m going to apply for the selection,” she sighed, “Parents are complicated” she concluded, and took a small snack from the table.

“About the farm,” she continued, gratefully moving away from the topic of fathers, “we are more focused on milk products but we have vegetables too, such as potatoes, tomatoes, corn, carrots, lettuce… you should come visit us when this is all over!” she exclaimed, talking animatedly.

I nodded, “I’m sorry that happened to you! And of course! I’d love to visit”

Deb smiled, and turned around to see people dancing, “Look, there’s prince Dom! He looks even more handsome tonight, don’t you think?” she giggled, and I laughed along with her

“Yeah, that he does” I laughed, and gazed at the dance floor.

“Hey, Deb, I’m not a great dancer, but do you maybe want to go dance with me?” I asked, with a smile.

She grinned, and we both grabbed eachothers arms and made our way to the dance floor, grinning.

We both went over to the dance floor and waiting for the next song to come on. When the next song turned out to be another slow song, I groaned.

“Are all these songs going to be slow?” I asked, dragging a hand down my face.

Deb giggled, “I’m afraid they will. I wish we could change the rhythm a bit! Something to make us move more!”

Suddenly, the song changed, and something a bit more upbeat begins to play. I look towards the guy who was playing the music, and he shot a wink towards me. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Debbie, “Hey, this is actually danceable!” I exclaimed, and moved along to the rhythm.

Debbie starts moving along with the music as well, and we were both laughing at how terrible our moves were.

“So, have you talked with some of the royals?” she asked, smiling.

I nodded, “Yeah, aside from Dom, I’ve spoken to Percy, but that’s about it!”

She gave me a knowing smile, “Percy! How is he, I haven’t had the pleasure to speak to him yet. I’ve only spoken to Evan and Alina”

I rolled my eyes at the look on her face, “He’s cool. You should talk to him when you can. How are Alina and Evan?” I asked

She smiled, “Alina is the sweetest person on earth! Evan is not a talkative man, but he’s a good guy”

We both continued talking about other trivial things, and we eventually both went our ways. I was getting tired of all the dancing, and my feet started hurting, so I made my way over to one of the large windows, and looked out. I saw the vast expanse of the palace grounds, and I could even see the beach!

“Lady Aricia, would you like to dance?” a voice asked from behind me, and I turned around faster than the speed of sound. When I turned around, the face of Dominic Schreave was staring back at me, his eyes glittering in the light.

“Sure, but I should warn you, I’m not the best dancer,” I said, and he nodded.

“Don’t worry about it, we don’t have to do anything too crazy,” he said, smiling at the relief on my face.

“That’s great, thanks!” I exclaimed, and he nodded, pulling me out to the dance floor.

“So, how have you been enjoying the palace so far?” he asked, starting to move us in a dance. I placed my hands on his to stabilize myself, because as I mentioned earlier, the last thing I needed tonight was to fall while dancing with the Prince of Illea.

I smiled, remembering all my experinces in the palace so far, “Its been nice! The food is wonderful, and I’ve spoken to a lot of the ladies, so I’m in good company,” I grinned, remembering my day with Izzy, and my chat with Percy, “Also, have I told you that its beautiful here!” I exclaimed, smiling at his laugh. It was truly a beautiful laugh, and I found myself thinking that he should use it more often.

“Probably,” he said, with a chuckle, “So, I hear you’ve been seeking company with people other than the other selected,” he accused joking, raising his eyebrow with mockery, his eyes glinting with amusement.

I laughed, “Well your cousin did seek me out and talk to me in the music room”

He smiled, “Yeah? And what did the two of you talk about?”

I shrugged, “Nothing much. We just talked about music, and he helped me out with a piece. Nothing big.” I said nonchalantly, trying to keep the smile off my face.

“Anyways, enough about me,” I continued, trying to get the topic of conversation off of me, “How are you enjoying the selection so far? Do you think you’ve found your future bride and queen?”

He shook his head, “Hmm.. I don’t like to think of it in terms of that. I prefer to just have fun with it as I go”

I nodded with understanding, “Well, that’s a nice way to look at it. I bet it reduces the pressure that you probably- and most likely- have on your shoulders”

He nodded in agreement, looking down at me, “Absolutely it does”

I smiled, changing the topic of conversation to something more lighthearted, “So, any new music that you’ve listened to recently?” I asked

He laughed again, its melodious sounds filling my ears and making me content to just be like this forever. Dancing with Dom, in a ball with my friends and plenty of iced coffee.

Sounds like heaven to me

“Not really,” he said, and I was wondering what we were talking about again.

Oh yeah, I asked him if he liked any new music! Come on Aricia, get your head back in the game!

“Oh, well I’m still loving the classics, so if you finally decide that they aren’t boring,” I said that last part in air quotations, quoting that Dom had told me that he thought classical music was boring during our interview, “then you can hit me up” I finished

He laughed, and agreed, and we both continued swaying around as the songs changed.

“So,” I began, and Dom diverted his attention to me, “Are you enjoying the ball so far?” I asked, and he smiled.

“Absolutely,” he said, and looked me up and down, before his eyes met mines again, “Are you starting to get a hang of this dancing thing?” he asked.

I laughed, the idea of getting used to all this seeming absurd, “Well, not really. I think I’m better at other things rather than dancing,” I smiled, “Have you been dancing since you were a kid?” I asked, and he smiled

“Yeah, just lessons to be able to survive at balls like this” he said, looking around the room.

“That’s nice. Do you like dancing?” I asked, because in all honesty, he seemed like he belonged on the dance floor.

He shook his head, “Nope, not really. But its alright when theres a gorgeous girl in my arms” he added, smirking.

Woah, that escalated quickly.

I laughed at the absurdity of my situation. The heir of Illea was flirting with me?

I shook my head, trying to stop my laugher, and looked at him, “Wow, Dominic, are you trying to impress me with your compliments?” I asked, smirking.

He scoffed, “Obviously. I’ve got to start weeding out girls somehow, so I’ve been trying to figure out which girls are made uncomfortable by my compliments.” He explained, and I nodded.

“I see. Has that been working for you so far?” I asked, smiling.

He shrugged, “Mostly”

I nodded, and asked the question that I have been dreading all night, “That’s good. Have I passed your test?” I asked, slightly nervous for the answer.

He nodded slightly, smiling at my predicament, “I think so” he concluded, and I released a breath that I didn’t know I’d been holding.

I smiled broadly, “Phew! Now I think I can stop worrying about embarrassing myself in front of a prince” I said, laughing.

He nodded, smiling, “Well that’s good”

We both continued dancing, the smiles never leaving our faces. After a few songs, Dom and I both agreed to stop because I, for one, was tired. We both said our goodbyes, and I walked around the ball room, so I could refill my glass with some iced coffee.

Oh boy, I was going to be awake all night

I got to the refreshments station and refilled my glass with the heavenly iced coffee, and I drank it down in one gulp. Just as I was about to grab some more, I saw a tall figure standing by the window that I occupied earlier. His dark hair was slicked back, and even without seeing them, I could imagine his bluegreen eyes twinkling in delight.

I set my glass down, and made my way over to him, trying carefully not to trip on the hem of my gown.

“You’re looking lonely, Mr. Schreave,” I said, and he turned around, smiling, “Care to dance? I’m not the best, but maybe I can give you something to laugh about.” I asked

He nodded, “Yeah, okay, sure,” he said, and we both made our way over to the dance floor, our hands finding their places as we begun dancing.

“How are you enjoying the ball so far?” I asked, slightly preoccupied with my attempts to get into a comfortable position.

He nodded, smiling down at me, “Oh, it’s been great. How about you?”

I grinned, reminiscing on the events of the night, “It’s been wonderful! The iced coffee is heaven! The only problem is the dancing…” I trailed off, slightly embarrassed, by my dancing ability- or lack thereof.

He shook his head, laughing, “You’re not that bad, you know”

I smiled in disbelief, “Well, thanks! I’m just happy that I’m not falling all over you,” I laughed, and watched his eyes light up as he laughed as well.

“Yes, that’s very good,” he said, leading our bodies on the dance floor.

As we were dancing, I remembered something that I wanted to tell Percy, but I hadn’t had the chance to.

“I forgot to tell you that I can play the piece completely now without a problem! Thanks for all your help,” I said, referring to the time we spent together in the music room.

He smiled happily, “That’s great!” he exclaimed, seeming happy that I could finally play the piece completely, “Soon, you’ll be just as good as me.”

I nodded, silently agreeing with his statement, and subconsciously assessing my own ability, wondering if it were possible to be as good as Percy one day.

As I was daydreaming about my possible musical future, I felt Percy’s gaze resting heavily on my face, his head cocked to the side.

I should probably stop daydreaming whilst dancing with princes

“So,” I began, shaking my head to clear the image that was appearing, “are you working on any new pieces as of late?”

He shook his head, “Not really. I don’t have much time for the piano anymore”

I frowned, trying to imagine my life without playing the piano or the guitar. For me, music was just a pastime, but an important one that I couldn’t possibly live without.

“That’s a shame,” I said, understanding Percy’s situation. Sometimes life gets in the way of things we really want, but sometimes life gives us the things we really want, and we should go along with it either way.

He shrugged, and his trademark smirk quickly appeared on his face.

Oh great

“Yeah, but now I have more time to spend with gorgeous girls,” he said almost seriously, though I could detect the undercurrents of humour in his voice.

I rolled my eyes and laughed, “Wow, only you, Mr. Schreave, can pull compliments out of nowhere and still make them work”

He grinned bashfully, happy that I noticed his secret ability, “It’s a skill,” he drawled, chuckling at the end.

I laughed, realizing that nobody could work their words as well as Perseus Jackson Schreave ((ooc; currently dying of laughter because of that middle name hahah xD))

“What else do you like?” I asked, trying to gauge the full personality of the boy I was dancing with.

He shrugged, “I don’t know. I mean my dream is to travel the world,” he said, nonchalantly.

I made eye contact with him, and relished in how his facial expression changed when he was talking about traveling. His features softened, and his eyes seemed to glimmer even more, with unspoken adventures hidden behind them.

“I’ve always wanted to do that as well,” I said, “I really want to visit Europe! It seems like such a beautiful place!”

He nodded, “Yeah… it is. Or the parts I’ve been to, at least. But there re so many places I’ve never been to.” He said, almost remorsefully, as if he felt bad that he hadn’t gone to those places yet.

I nodded in agreement, “Where have you been to in Europe? And the world is so massive, there are many places that the entirety of humankind haven’t laid their eyes on yet. I hope we can see them all one day…” I trailed off, imagining a future where I could travel the world, and see all the sights. Then I imagined a future where instead of going to all of those places alone, a smiling Percy Schreave accompanied me everywhere. Showing me everything from the 7 wonders of the world, to the wonders of sushi.

I shook my head, trying to erase that image from my head, and focus on the task at hand. In my desperate attempt to clear my head of images from the future, I almost missed Percy’s next comment.

“I’ve mostly been to the capitals of European countries. London, Paris, Moscow, etc.” he said, smiling at the old memories that he must have, stored inside the inner corners of his mind.

I smiled, “That’s cool! I haven’t even left Illea yet!” I exclaimed, and the smile slowly slipped off my face as I remembered why. Flashbacks from my past flashed before my eyes, from my parents awful split, to my father not caring about me at all.

That’s why I want to get away, I realized, as I swayed in Percy’s arms, To get away from my past

I looked up at Percy again, just in time to see him shrug, “Most Illeans never leave the country,” he said, a mildly concerned look on his face. If he noticed my slip into the past, he never brought it up. During the remainder of our time dancing, we talked about small things, resulting in me laughing so much that I forgot why I was sad in the first place.

Eventually, my feet started throbbing, and my iced coffee withdrawal symptoms kicked in, so Percy and I concluded our dancing, and went our separate ways. After I finished talking to Percy, I started to walk towards the refreshments, but I realized that I didn’t need iced coffee to clear my head and that I just needed fresh air. I silently stepped out of the ballroom, and aimlessly wandered the halls, until I remembered the balcony I discovered on my adventure with Izzy. I walked around a bit more, until I found the balcony, but something was different about it today. Instead of it being empty, there was a dark-skinned girl standing there, hunched over the railing.

“Hello?” I called out, approaching the girl cautiously, as to not disturb her.

The girl whipped her head around, and looking at the face, I realized she was Lady Ruby.

“Oh, hello Lady Aricia,” She said, tucking a lock of hair behind her.

I walked up beside Ruby, leaning on the railing and letting the wind whip through my hair.

“hello Lady Ruby. What are you doing out here?” I asked, gazing at the moon

“Ohh, I just needed a break, giving my body some time to sober down a bit, but I don’t know if that’ll work,” she said, holding up a bottle of alcohol.

I nodded in understanding, “Ahh, I see. The first step of sobering up is probably to get rid of the alcohol” I laughed, and she nodded.

“Yep, that’s why I need to finish this,” she said, and raised the bottle to her lips, gulping down the whole thing in one go, and placed it on the railing, “So, why did you leave that electrifying party, my dear?” she asked, turning to look at me

I shrugged, “Well, my feet started hurting from all the dancing, and I had to run from my emotions, as usual, but mostly I wanted to stop hearing that music”

She laughed a little, “Its not that bad,” she retorted

I looked at her incredulously, “Well, when you’ve been dancing and listening to it all night, it gets a bit repetitive”

She nodded, “Touché. So, any interesting thoughts about our dear prince so far?” she asked

Which one, I wanted to ask, but I shut my mouth.

“He’s alright. He’s nice and has a good taste in music, except he doesn’t like classical. But, I can probably convince him that classical is wonderful by the end of the selection. How about you my dear?” I asked, winking at the use of Ruby’s earlier nickname.  She rolled her eyes at my jab, and responded.

“He seems very nice indeed, but I am not so confident about my time here as you are,” she said sadly.

I frowned, “Why?” I asked. The girl standing beside me right now, even though I barely knew her, seemed interesting.

She shook her head, “Apparently I’m very boring. I talked to Alina earlier and she mentioned that I shouldn’t really worry about that but I don’t think he seems very interested, in me atleast,” she sighed, and looked down at her glass, “Gosh, I wished I had more of that sweet liquor,” she sighed again, seeming lonelier by the minute, “I don’t even know why I am telling you this,” she said, slightly shaking her head.

I shook my head vehemently, “hey hey hey,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder, feeling immense sympathy for a girl I barely knew, “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. You should never hold your true emotions inside because they will destroy you”

She looked directly at me and gave me a small smile, “Thanks, that’s very kind of you. I am just so used to barely talking to anyone ever and never even talking about my feelings and thoughts, that it feels so wrong speaking up about anything now”

I gave her a small sympathetic smile, “Yeah, it’ll take some time, but it’ll all work out at the end” she smiled at that, and the look in her eyes made me change the subject, “So, how was your life back home? Where are you from?” I asked, realizing that I didn’t even remember the province that she is from.

“I am from a very small town in Dakota, with a tiny gymnastic club and ballet school which partially represented my entire social contact I received until now. What else is there to say?” she trailed off, looking into the sky wistfully as she thought about her past, “Well my parents are wealthy jewellers, I was born a 4 and trained to become a 2 and am a only child”

I smiled softly, “Oh, that sounds cool. Did you like your life in Dakota?”

She frowned slightly, “It mostly sucked, if it didn’t I wouldn’t have been so desperate to get away. Most people I know aren’t very nice, including my parents”

I frowned back, understanding the part about the parents, “Although that sucks, at least your parents were in your life. My mom cheated on my dad with his best friend and ran away with him when I was young, and after that my dad became a coldhearted man who didn’t care about what I did. So that’s why I tried my hardest to get out of there. If I wasn’t selected, then Id be off to university in the fall, and doing some stuff there just to get away from home,” I concluded, remembering the life that may await me after the selection.

She grimaced, “So apparently both of us have awful parents,” she laughed, equally bitter to her smile, “You know, I came here to live life at its fullest but now that I tasted it, fear is consuming me. I always worry that I don’t have enough time left to experience everything I want to do. And there is always my mothers threat in the back of my mind,” she said, her voice slowly getting softer as her sentence concluded.

I shook my head, “well you are still young. You have your whole life, probably a good 100 years left, and 100 years is a long time,” I looked to her, and seeing the sullen expression on her face made me remember what she had said, “What do you mean, threat?” I asked, concerned for the broken girl standing beside me.

“If I don’t find a husband, I wont e able to go back home ever again. And that would mean my career would be over as well,” she sighed, shaking her head, “But at the moment, I try not to think about it”

I gasped in shock, “Oh god, that’s serious! It’s the same for me, actually. My dad found out that I entered, and I got kicked out of my house…” I trailed, then I thought of an idea, “hey, maybe if the selection doesn’t work out for either of us, we can both be roommates!” I exclaimed, and Ruby’s face brightened.

“We should totally do that,” she giggled, “maybe in a nice little down at the sea so I can finally learn how to surf. It could also be near the big loud city of Angeles, so we could wander through the streets at night, hearing music pulsing around every corner,” she said, dreamily staring at the moon.

I smiled, liking the sound of that, “That’d be great,” I said softly, staring at the soft waves lapping the beach.

“So, have you got any exciting plans for the time you are still here?” she asked, slowly turning her attention from the night sky to me

I sighed, “well, not really. I just want to enjoy all the experiences, and hope that everything works out well. You?”

She shook her head, “I’ll just enjoy making my own choices and trying not to think about how stupid they are,” she said, giggling slightly at something she thought.

I laughed at her attitude, “I agree! You should let loose and have fun,” I said, smiling

She laughed, “I’m trying very hard, ok? My next goal is actually to finally taste some chocolate cake!” she exclaimed

“Ah, we should go to the kitchen one day and try the cake!” I exclaimed, laughing along with Ruby.

She laughed harder when she heard my laughter, “We definitely should. I need someone to protect me so I wont die of a sugar overdose!” she yelled, bending over and laughing even harder. I laughed along with her, not caring if people could hear our laughter from inside the ball.

“Same, Ruby, same!” I said, trying unsuccessfully to stop my laughter.

“We’ll probably die together, just like Romeo and Juliet,” she said, her laughter reducing to a mere chuckle.

I shook my head, grinning at her Shakespearean reference, “Wow Ruby, very pessimistic,” I chuckled, and she laughed as well, “Is there anything that you want to do with your life?” I asked, and she sighed.

“To fall in love? I would also love to finally make friends. I don’t know if I am good at that, and if I’ll be able to put my trust into people, but I really want to try that. And you, Aricia?” she asked

I smiled, “That’s wonderful, but when the right person comes along, you’ll know to trust them. I also want to fall in love with someone who loves me back, and didn’t just settle for me because they couldn’t get someone else, you know?” I asked, hoping she understood, “My dad chose himself over me, my mom chose my dads best friend over our family, so I want someone to choose me first instead of pushing me aside for something or someone else,” I sighed, thinking about my past.

Ruby nodded, “That’s very understandable, Aricia. I am certain that there is a person out there who will choose you, no matter what. And I really hope you will find this person very soon,” she said, smiling softly.

I grinned, “Thanks, Ruby. I wish the same for you as well”

She nodded, thanking me, then shivered slightly, “Shall we go back? Its getting a bit chilly out here,” she said, looking at me.

I nodded, “Sure!”

With that, we both walked inside to the ballroom, and went our separate ways, and as I walked around to grab my long-awaited drink of iced coffee, I realized that Ruby and I could have a wonderful friendship over the horizon.

As I consumed my iced coffee, I spoke to Isabella, both of us talking about trivial things before she retired for the night. I finished drinking my iced coffee as I looked around the ballroom, admiring the beautiful decorations, and everyone dancing around. I stood there, and thought about all the wonderful things that had happened tonight. As I placed my glass on a tray and walked out of the ballroom to head to my room, the thoughts of this wonderful night never ceased to stop playing in my mind.

[finleygansey-blog]

☀️ practice challenge two ☀️

mentioned! @annette-martel @emmalynatwood @evadne-leventhorpe @ariciaeast @cameronnicholls

other less important mentions! @berklee-boyer @princepercyschreave

enjoy heckers (lmk if you want faceclaims for the other characters lmao)

“From Labrador… Lady Finley Gansey.” Hyacinth’s lips were still moving, but Fin couldn't hear her words over her mom screaming and her dad clapping.

Fin hadn't seen them this happy since before Helen. She wasn't used to it at all. She always felt guilty when she was extremely happy, which right now, she was. She shouldn’t feel this good. Her older sibling, her best friend, wasn’t with her. They should be with her.

Fin choked back a sob, effectively stopping her parents' celebration. Her mom sat on the floor next to her, hugging her. “Is it Hel?”

Fin nodded and started to cry. “They should be here. They should be here and be celebrating and fuck, I miss them so much, Momma.”

At some point, her dad had excused himself from the room. He hated talking about Helen. Her mom, however, stayed and held Fin tight. “It's okay, honey, she- they weren't happy here. We tried as hard as we could, but it's not our fault that they decided life wasn't worth living, it’s theirs. They’re someplace where they’re happier.”

Fin wiped her face. “I know. But it's so hard.”

Her mom hugged her closer. “One day at a time, baby. One day at a time.”

☀️

“Why did you have to tour this month, you fuckers?” Fin asked, laughing. She was packing and facetiming Robbie and Tony while they were preparing for a meet and greet.

“I don't know Finley, why did you have to sign up for the Selection?” Robbie asked.

“Fuck you, tell Salsa I love him, uglies,” she said as she packed a small bag with photos and the essentials: phone charger, headphones, laptop, spiral. “I gotta go, but good luck today!” She knew Tony had anxiety about big crowds and this would probably be a rough day for him.

“Thanks, you too,” Tony said, a small smile on his face. “Lot’s of love from us.”

“Love you too, bye!” She hung up right as she heard a quiet knock knock knock on her door. “Door’s open!”

“Hey kiddo,” her dad said as he walked in, rubbing the back of his neck. “Just wanted to, um, say that I love you and I’m really proud of you.”

Fin walked over to hi and gave him a bear hug. He grunted and awkwardly hugged her back. “I love you too, Dad.”

☀️

“And here is our own Daughter of Illéa, Lady Finley Gansey!” Governor Maldonado said, gesturing towards the side of the stage set up in the middle of the square. Fin walked onstage, adjusting the blue cornflower in her hair as she walked on. She smiled and awkwardly waved (why would they choose my socially incompetent ass for this?) as she searched the crowd for Vinny. A pointless search, she knew that, but she was still disappointed when she didn't see him in the crowd.

She mentally repeated the same mantra she’d been saying since she entered: Fuck him. Fuck his opinion. He doesn’t matter.

But he did.

That was the hard part.

She ignored that part and let herself be ushered offstage towards the carpark, where her parents, Meghan, and Malia were waiting for her. Her mom hugged her and cried, her dad gave her an awkward clap on the back, and her friends screeched about how lucky she was to be meeting cute princes (“And princesses! Don’t forget the ladies!” courtesy of Meg).

A cough came from behind the girls. Fin turned to see Vinny, a bouquet of orchids (her favorites, dammit) in one hand, the other one awkwardly tapping against his leg.

“We’re gonna go,” Meg said as Malia awkwardly gestured before they ran off with a quick “Love you bye!”

Vinny handed her the flowers. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I just wanted you to know how I feel and it came out wrong.”

Fin grabbed the flowers and gave him a small smile. “Um, thanks, I guess.”

“Just,” he started with a sigh and a tight, sad smile on his face, “don’t fall in love while you’re gone.”

Fin just waved and hopped in the car.

☀️

She sat on the bench next to another girl. Emmalyn? Maybe? She didn’t remember. She sighed. “Okay.”

The other girl looked over. “Everything okay? I’m Emmalyn, by the way.”

They quickly struck up a conversation, only stopping as they introduced themselves to each other. The first girl. Emmalyn, Baffin, Photographer. A distant, but kind girl. Evadne, Hudson, Fundraiser. A standoffish girl. Cameron, Hansport, Surfer, apparently. A nice girl. Aricia, Lakedon, Basically a puppy. And her, anxiously enthusiastic. Finley, Labrador, Professional wreck.

After getting on the plane, snapping a photo for Evadne, and napping to take the edge off, (I hate heights oh god) they arrived, were rushed into the palace, and started the flurry that was makeovers.

Fin was quickly seated beside a pretty girl, who looked over, saying, “Hey, I’m Annette, nice to meet you.”

“I’m Finley, or Fin, or whichever you prefer.”

“Fin it is then.” Annette smiled. “How are you feeling about this whole selection business? I'm a little hungry, to be honest, I haven't eaten since this morning.”

“Me too, honestly. I've been too nervous to eat,” Fin said like the mess she was. Way to overexpose, dumbass.

After talking about alcohol preferences and how they should drink together at some point, Annette told her that she’d be going to the sleepover and providing the alcohol. “Don’t tell anyone,” she said with a smile.

“I won’t,” Fin replied with a wink. Annette was soon swept off to change, and fin had her hair and makeup done in no time. She was put in a black dress, a tight bodice with cutouts in the side and a scalloped, low neck with a knee length loose skirt, her hair in loose waves, and a smokey dark eye. Vinny would’ve said perfection. Fin wasn’t so sure, but everyone said she was beautiful, so she went with it.

☀️

The sleepover was… eventful. She and Annette, true to their personalities, got incredibly drunk, Berklee tried to steal the alcohol, and people passed out.

Truth or dare was played, which got even more fun after Prince Percy showed up.

All in all, a good first day.

Next challenge: getting her shit together enough to meet Dom and not seem like the anxiety filled mess that she was.

Time to drink some more.

[selection4-admins]

Royal Week Day 2: Perseus "DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS CORRECTLY" Schreave @princepercyschreave

[domschreave]

Update

Ok so since the Selected will be at the palace by the end of your fics, technically they could be at the palace now, since your fic could be completed now (I don’t expect them for a few days, but you know.) That MEANS that you could perchance (lol perchance is a funny word) come across one of the members of the royal family.

You are NOT SUPPOSED to see Dom until the Interviews/Introductions challenge, but I could be convinced if you have a specific plotline ready to go (such as from the original books when America and Maxon met) then we could rp it and you could say we met before the introductions. But I have to approve of it first, and I might not.

I think... that you are allowed to rp with the other royal family now. So that means @alinaschreave, @princeevanschreave, @princepercyschreave, and @princesscallieschreave (or the adults, but I assume no one cares about the adults)

You still have to make any rp’s with the other royal family make logical sense, since it will take place the night after the arrival/makeovers and night before introductions. I also reserve the right at this point in time (probably not in the future though) to refuse an rp if the situation doesn’t seem realistic story-wise.

Let me know if you have questions or anything.

[charlotte-bane-blog]

Challenge 1: Charlotte Bane

I didn’t edit this so I am truly and deeply sorry for all the mistakes and typos, but I hope whoever reads this that they enjoy it :) People mentioned: @berklee-boyer @alinaschreave @domschreave @princepercyschreave @princesslillianschreave

———————————————————

It’s easy to let your guard down. It’s easy to make mistakes. But five sets the record.

I was used to attending formal events growing up, but not as an invited guest. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I was completely terrified and insecure. Being a six in a room full of ones and twos was enough to knock down my ego a few pegs.

As my maids proceeded to set my hair and apply my makeup, I couldn’t help but think of the recently eliminated. There were girls sent home that I never imagined I’d make it further than. The process made me feel special but terrified. I felt that I could be thrown out at a moment’s notice.

“I’m not okay,” Berk exclaims as she swings open the door, effectively interrupting my thoughts.

My poor maid, startled, dropped her brush and glared at my blonde friend. “Berklee! What?”

“I don’t know! Something about my hair doesn’t seem right!”

I examined her hair to try to figure out what her issue was. “What about it?”

Berklee looked at me as if I was stupid before her faced formed into one of thought. “I don’t know. Like it looks amazing. Maybe I’m just nervous. Like what do you even do at a ball?”

I chuckled at her rambling. “Your hair is definitely gorgeous. And does it look like I would know? Aren’t you the know it all three,” I grinned.

“Stop,” she rolled her eyes. “But do I look okay?”

I let out a sigh. “You look beautiful, trust me.”

“Girl, you look so much better.”

I smiled a bit to myself. It was nice to be complemented once in awhile. With my former profession, I was used to being the one to offer my praise. This all felt so new, yet amazing. “I’m not even fully dressed,” I retorted, gesturing to my robe.

Berk gave me a flat look. “Whatever. Hurry up.”

“Just a second,” I hushed. “I have to finish up my hair. How is it by the way?”

“I love it! The twists are super cute,” she grinned.

I smiled and nodded at her before walking into my closet with my maid. She helped me into the gown since there was no possible way of me getting it on or off single handedly. Once the job was done, I stepped out to show Berk. “Here, how’s this?”

“Oh my god. That’s amazing! It’s so pretty! It’s so you!” The dress was a gorgeous emerald color that reached the floor. There was a 90% chance I’d end up tripping over it at least once tonight.

“Thanks, Berk,” I said awkwardly. “We should probably head over now. Wouldn’t want to be late.”

With that said, Berk and I made our way out of the room and down to the ball. I was met with beautiful decorations and a striking wave of anxiety. I took a deep breath and walked towards the Bitch Squad for a small photo session with the press. I smiled at them and spoke to them for a bit before leaving the group. I still have no clue why I left. I probably should’ve stayed with a friend to help my nerves. But, alas, I had made the first mistake of the night.

I glanced around the room before deciding to busy myself with a few refreshments. I noticed a guard eyeing me closely, so I grabbed a drink, hoping it would discourage him from starting a conversation with me. This plan did not work.

“Hey, princess, how are you,” the guard smirked.

I looked at him out of the corner of my eye uneasily. “I'm… uh… okay.”

He inched closer to me. “Wanna dance?”

I stepped back. “I don’t think so…”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

The guard leaned back. “Alright, but find me when you change your mind. Because you will.”

I cringed. “Okay…” I definitely wasn’t going to change my mind. I stepped away from him quickly and looked around for an easy exit or distraction. I was definitely distracted as I saw Evan and Kat talking. Percy had mentioned before of his thoughts toward the pair. He said he felt his brother was a bit hypocritical. Evan must’ve thought the same thing since he seemed to leave Kat quite suddenly. Huh, I thought.

I found a comfortable area to sit in as I watched the ball go on. I was kicking myself for not enjoying this ordeal like all the other Selected seemed to. This could be your life, I scolded myself. You have to get a grip.

Pulling me out of my thoughts, an older woman strutted towards me regally. “Is there something wrong, darling, or are you just not a party person?”

I looked up a bit startled. It was Princess Lillian, Percy’s mom. This should be fun. “Everything’s fine,” I smiled weakly. “This is just a bit new for me.”

Lillian sneered down her nose as if she thought she was better than everyone else. She probably did. “Well, you’d better get used to it if you ever hope to join the royal family.”

Though what she had said was true and something I had already told myself, I wasn’t comfortable with the way she spoke to me. To be honest, it sounded like my own mother.

“Guess you’re right. My apologies, your highness,” I said, gritting my teeth. “I didn’t mean to offend you so greatly.” I didn’t sound sincere at all.

“Of course you didn’t.” Do you not understand sarcasm, Mrs. Schreave? Lillian eyed me more carefully. Part of me was worried she could read my mind. “Which one are you again?”

Should I say someone else’s name, I asked myself. Nope, definitely not. That would end very badly. “Charlotte, ma'am.”

Her eyes flashed with recognition. “Ahh, you’re the one my youngest is so obsessed with.”

Youngest? “Callie? Funny. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet.”

“No, I mean Percy of course.” Poor, ignored Callie.

“Right, Percy. I’m not sure I follow.”

Lillian pinched the bridge of her nose. “What don’t you follow dear girl? It’s not that complicated.”

My patience was definitely running out with this woman. Whatever I had drunken earlier wasn’t helping my control at all. “I don’t follow,” I began slowly, “why you would choose the word ‘obsessed’. It’s not that complicated,” I mocked.

“You’re all he talks about. You’re all the media talks about in regards to him. Seems like an obsession to me.” This woman didn’t seem too fond of this realization.

I shrugged. “I prefer the word ‘interested’, don’t you? Sounds less crazy. You wouldn’t want people thinking your son was crazy.”

“My son is crazy, darling. Both of them are, in their own ways. The trick is just learning to accept it.”

Don’t say it, Charlotte. Don’t say it.

“Did you also accept yourself?”

Why? Why did I do that? This would be the second mistake of the night.

“Excuse me,” Lillian blurted.

Shoot. I have to fix this. “Just that if your sons are both crazy, in lovable ways I assume, wouldn’t you say you are too?” Total B.S.

Lillian look absolutely appalled. “No, of course I am not! How dare you accuse me as such,” she exclaimed.

“I didn’t accuse you of anything. I simply asked a question.”

“Mmhmm. A question insinuating that I am, in fact, crazy. Which I am clearly not.” Yeah…

I simply nodded. “Clearly.”

Lillian crossed her arms. “Well, is there anything else or are you able to enjoy my party now?” Oh yes, I’m just having a grand time.

“I’m enjoying it immensely,” I grit out. “Thanks for asking.” There wasn’t a genuine bone in my body in that moment.

“Excellent. Have a nice rest of your evening,” she responded before turning to leave. When she finally walked away, I let out a deep sigh. Lillian was the mother of Evan, Percy, and Callie. I haven’t met Callie or Evan personally but I knew they weren’t awful. And Percy… he wasn’t too bad.

I forced myself to stand up. I may not have been having the best of times, but I might as well try to be social for a bit. If I was feeling miserable after trying, I’d leave. Simple as that.

I spotted Berklee and decided to make some conversation. “Hey, Berk. Enjoying yourself?”

She turned around and smiled at me. “Yeah expect that my feet are killing me. You?”

“Horrible. I just got done having a lovely conversation with Princess Lillian.”

“What happened,” she asked concerned.

“I was already feeling pretty awkward and she wasn’t really happy about that. But, she said her youngest was obsessed with me. I’ve never even met Callie. She did correct herself and say Percy, but whatever. You’ve spoken to Callie, right,” I rambled.

“Yes I have. She’s the cutest,” Berklee grinned. She really seemed to love that girl. “She’s right over there if you want to talk to her.” She pointed over to a little girl with blondish hair.

“Yeah, sure. Why not?” Berklee grabbed my hand and led me over to the youngest royal. Callie was a whirlwind of energy. She was pretty funny for a little kid. Though the moment she mentioned that I seemed to be the topic of conversation quite frequently. “Oh!! YOU’RE Charlotte!!” Callie exclaimed after I was introduced by Berklee.

“I’M Charlotte?”

Callie grinned. “Yeah. I keep hearing your name, but didn’t know what you looked like.” This little girl seemed to have a mischievous glint in her eye. She acted innocent, but I had a feeling she knew exactly what she was talking about.

Berklee and I shot her a questioning glance. “You keep hearing her name,” Berk asked.

“Yeah. Dom and Percy talk about her a lot.” I flushed at her response. I hoped it wasn’t anything too awful. It probably wasn’t bad at all. Percy and Dom were interesting guys, but I doubted they were the type to gossip. I think.

Callie continued to ramble about her silly antics and never fail to embarrass me with talk about her brother and cousin. She was a good kid.

Berk and I said our goodbyes as she left to enjoy more of the ball. I stood there for a moment thinking about what else I could do to pass the time and maybe actually have fun there.

“Hey there, angel,” someone whispered from behind me, sliding their arms around me.

I jumped away from the person and whipped around. “Jeez, what is wrong with you!? You scared me half to death,” I yelled at Percy.

He simply laughed. “Sorry, I thought it was funny.”

“I’m sure you did.” I retorted sarcastically. “What are you doing over here?”

“Just… came to check in on things. How are you feeling about being at your first ’royal ball’,” he said with raised brows and finger quotes.

“Not… well to be honest. Lots of anxiety in me at the moment,” I sighed and offered him a small smile.

“Why? Just cause I scared you,” he teased.

“No.” I rolled my eyes. “Because I’m not used to this. It’s stressful doing new things, I’ve come to learn.”

Percy shrugged. “Yeah, I get that. But seriously, there’s nothing to worry about here. It’s just the Selected and my family. No big deal. It’s not like you need to worry about the Czar of Russia showing up or anything.”

“But I do need to worry about Illean Royalty being here,” I pointed out.

“Nah, we’re not as special as people think. Really, just be yourself and you’ll be fine. Or just ignore them. That works too,” he joked. Percy looked around the room. “Listen, I have to be seen talking to more than one person, but if you can survive the rest of this ball, I’ll save the last dance of the night for you. Okay?”

“Okay.” Not okay. I really didn’t want to left by myself. I didn’t want him to leave.

Percy gave me an encouraging smile before walking away. I watched his retreating figure and say him turn towards the direction of Aricia. My chest tightened.

I never considered myself an overly emotional person. Everything I felt, I usually kept inside, and I was not about to let it all out. I needed to get out of there.

I stalked towards the exit and say Alina by the door. I figured I’d at least greet her. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love Alina. But what I did next shone that moment in a negative light. “Oh… Hey Alina.”

“Charlotte,” she exclaimed, drink in hand. “Where are you going?”

I wracked my mind for an excuse. “Just thought I’d take an early night.”

“Noooo! What happened?” She was clearly drunk.

“Nothing,” I glanced towards the dancing couple. “This just isn’t really my scene. I just haven’t gotten used to all this yet.”

“Well that’s because you haven’t had anything to drink!” Alina looked at me as if I was crazy. “Come on, let’s find out what you like!”

“I don’t know, Alina… “ I’ve never had a real drink before. I wasn’t sure if I could even hold my liquor. Percy and Aricia weren’t worth getting drunk over. I looked over towards them again and practically threw my last thought out the window. “You know what? Never mind. I’ll try those pink drinks.” And that was the third mistake.

“Hell yeah you will!” Alina dragged me towards the refreshment table and grabbed me a glass.

I took a sip of the blushed liquid. I burned a bit but had a fruity aftertaste. “It’s not that bad, I guess.”

“It’ll get worse if you keep sipping it like that! Chug!” Wait, what? I wanted to say no. I should’ve said no. I didn’t say no.

I took a deep breath and drank a large gulp. “Oh my God, what’s in this?”

“Keep going,” Alina encouraged and ignored my question. “You can’t get drunk off one glass, so you better chug faster.”

Stupidly, I followed suit. I finished the drink and pressed my palm to my forehead. I still wasn’t feeling it. By then, I wanted to. I wanted it to distract me. “Give me another.”

It took about three drinks to really get to me. It really got to me. “I think we’re done now,” Alina giggled.

I was beginning to why people drank and also why they didn’t. “The room is spinning, oh God,” I stumbled. “This night sucks. Like super sucks.”

“Why?!”

“People. People suck.” He sucks. “You know what, I wanna dance. I’m going to dance.” Before Alina could even get a word in, I stormed onto the dance floor. I needed a dance partner. Maybe that creep of a guard from earlier. Yeah, he’d work. I search the room for him, trying my best to clear my blurred mind. I spotted a tall guy with brown hair and figured it was him. Even if it wasn’t, it didn’t matter. I just needed someone. “We should dance.” I grabbed the guard before recognizing him as someone else. “Oh wait… uh. You’re not the guard from earlier…”

Prince Dominic Schreave. Of course.

That was my fourth mistake of the night.

“Well, hello there, Charlotte.” Dom smirked.

“Your highness… I’d curtsy, but I don’t think it’s possible in this position.” Dom and I were a dancing form. I was trying my best to act ‘not drunk’. I’m pretty sure I was failing. I was sure he could smell the alcohol in my breath. Just great.

“No need to curtsy. Are you feeling okay? You seem a little… high-strung.” He glanced at me worriedly.

“It’s just really hot in here. Do you think it’s hot in here?”

“I don’t know. Hmm… maybe it’s just you,” he winked.

I let out an overly loud laugh. Yeah, that’s not obvious at all. “You’re so funny! Who knew you were so funny? Wow.”

“Yeah, I am pretty funny… Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

“Is ‘no’ an acceptable answer?” I grinned.

Dom raised his eyebrows. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Probably not, I thought. That’s what the drinks were for.

“Tell me what’s in the pink drinks they’ve been serving here?”

“The Amarula Sunsets? Please tell me you didn’t drink one…” Dom looked actually freaked out now. How sweet. He wasn’t the one I wanted to worry.

“I didn’t drink one. I drank three,” I giggled.

Dom’s eyes widened. “Holy… Charlotte, those things are filled with vodka! And I’m guessing you haven’t had much of a chance to drink in the past, so you haven’t built up any tolerance… maybe someone should take you back to your room…”

“No, no I’m fine. I’ll be fine,” I stumbled. “I’m so sorry. This is really embarrassing…” I looked over towards Percy, hoping he didn’t see that, but didn’t spot him at all. Where was he?

“Charlotte, are you okay,” ran over and asked frantically. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“I’m fine,” I grumbled.

Percy glared at me. “You don’t look fine.” He looked over to Dom. “What happened?”

I hated he looked at me that way. I hated that it bothered me at all. I didn’t want my emotions to get out, yet I let them get the best of me. I drank to make myself forget them, but lost control of them altogether.

“She drank too many of those Sunsets,” he replied.

Percy ran a hand through his hair. “Char, why would you do something so stupid?”

“I didn’t realize what was in them,” I bit. I may not have known what type of alcohol was in those drinks, but I knew what I was doing. In the back of my mind I knew I was being stupid. “You’re stupid.”

Dom nodded towards Percy and stepped away, seeing he could handle this.

“Why am I stupid, angel? You’re the one drinking things when you don’t know what they are.” I knew.

“Th-they were pretty.” I stumbled again and fell into Percy. God, this was embarrassing. I was so pissed off. And for what? A guy? What would my mother think…

Percy catches me. “Maybe I should take you to your room…”

“Don’t flirt with me,” I slurred into his shirt.

He let out a laugh. “For once, I’m not trying to. Come on,” he said as he led me towards the doors.

From that point, I can only remember mumbling random things to Percy. As we got closer to my room, a strong wave of nausea hit me. “I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

Percy groaned. “Ok, let’s hurry this up.” He picked me up bridal style and raced me into my room.

“Percy, I swear to God if you drop me…”

He grinned wickedly. “Never.”

“Put me down anyway,” I scolded. “You have to leave. I’m going to be sick. Why the hell do people drink?” I knew why I did at least.

“No, I gotta make sure you don’t choke on your own puke. And I don’t have any clue why people drink. I guess to make themselves seem more interesting. I’ve never had any interest though,” he responded as he carried me into my bathroom and set me down.

“You’re already interesting.” I dropped to the toilet and leaned over to breathe. Percy gathered my hair up and held it back.

“Exactly why I don’t need to drink. And neither do you.”

It was quiet for a little while as I steadied my breathing. The feeling of throwing up was beginning to leave. “I think I’m fine. Nausea passed.”

Percy rubbed my back. For the second time that night, my chest tightened. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“This was the worst night ever,” I said lowly.

He chuckled. “It absolutely was not the worst night ever. I have had SO much worse.”

“Did you make a complete fool of yourself in front of someone you’re supposed to try to impress,” I retorted.

“You ever heard of strip poker?”

“You’ve played strip poker? You’re 17.” Sure, I was one to talk. I was getting drunk at 17.

“Yeah. Word of advice, never play it when an African King is in the next room over. And you’re playing against his daughter.”

“Of course. His daughter,” I muttered and rolled my eyes.

“Yeah… being a little drunk in front of a few minor royals is nothing compared to that… You should’ve seen Uncle Jameson’s face,” Percy laughed humorlessly and shook his head slightly.

“Are you okay?” I actually worried about Percy. I wasn’t exactly sober but I wasn’t fully drunk either. I wanted him to talk to me.

“Yeah, just… I’ve made a lot of stupid mistakes in my life… Well, I think you need to get to bed. Sleep off the embarrassment and hope you don’t wake up with a wicked hangover.”

The room became quiet. “You never danced with me.”

Percy looked at me nervously. “Are you…,” he cleared his throat to continue. “Are you feeling well enough for a dance?”

I looked looked up hesitantly. “Are you asking me to dance?”

Percy stared at me for a moment. I couldn’t make out the look on his face. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Then I feel well enough.”

Percy smiled softly. “Well, okay then.” He pulled me closer to him and let me rest my head on his shoulder as we began to sway slightly.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Percy tightened his hold on me. “What are you sorry for, angel?”

“For being an idiot,” I started. “For getting jealous and not thinking.”

Percy jerked in surprise. “Jealous? Of what?”

I glanced up at him and shook my head quickly. “N-nothing. It’s nothing.”

“No, tell me… Please.” The look on his face and in his eyes told me I couldn’t lie or refuse him. I wanted to.

I dropped my head. “You… other girls… her.”

Percy let out a breath. “You know I have to dance with other girls if they ask, right?”

I looked away quickly. “I know. Of course I know that.”

“Then why’d you let yourself get so drunk? I know it wasn’t entirely an accident. You’re too smart for that.”

“That’s the thing, Percy. I’m not smart. I’m a six. I’m a stupid maid. I can’t be some princess or three,” I pointed out. I knew I wasn’t exactly his type. I knew there was no point to what I’d done tonight. There was no point to any of this. I was a pastime for him. I wasn’t a real prospect. I was just me.

Percy stared at me. “You were smart enough not to trust me at first.”

“I wasn’t smart enough to not let myself get hurt so easily by trivial things that… that shouldn’t even concern me.” I ran my hand through my hair. It was a while before we said anything.

“Everyone has their limitations, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” I scoffed at his joke. “Anyway, you really should be getting some sleep…”

“Maybe I should…” Percy made no move to leave. “I’m still in my dress.”

He grinned. “Do you need help getting out of it?”

I looked down quickly. “Actually, yes.”

Percy flushed and I strangely loved the sight. “Oh, um…. What do you normally sleep in?”

“Whatever is given to me. Usually a night gown. They’re in the closet over there,” I gestured.

Percy nodded and walked to the closet. He ruffled through the hangers before pulling out a skimpy nightgown. He turned around with a questioning look and his signature smirk.

“Definitely not. Grab the white one,” I said flatly.

He chuckled and pulled it out. “I see. So you’re going for the pure, virginal one.” Nothing wrong with that.

“You don’t call me angel for nothing.”

He smiled slightly. “Alright, turn around.” I followed suit. “Hold onto your dress.” I grabbed the front and held it to my chest. Percy slowly pulled down the zipper of my dress. The whole ordeal felt very intimate. Time seemed to slow down and everything faded away. Every problem outside my top was silenced.

When the zipper reached its final point, Percy stilled for a moment. He began to speak but his voices cracked. I smiled to myself. “Ok I’m going to put the nightgown over your head,” he instructed. “So now you can drop the dress.”

“Okay,” I responded quietly. I dropped my dress and tugged the nightgown down fully. I turned around slowly. “Thanks, Percy.”

“You’re welcome, Char,” he replied sincerely. “Alright.” Percy put his hands under my knees and lifted me up. “Let’s get you to bed.” He carried me over and gently set me onto my bed, lifted the covers, and tucked me in. He stood back up to leave.

“Percy, wait.”

“What?”

I hesitated before reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. “You’re a good guy.”

He stared at me with wide eyes and let out a small laugh. “I know, but people never seem to realize it…” He looked at me seriously. “Are you going to be okay now, angel?”

“Yeah,” I said softly. “I’ll be okay.”

He took my hand in his and squeezed it before letting it go. “Good night, Char.” Percy walked to the door but hesitated like he was nervous to leave. With one last glance, he stepped out of the room.

That was my fifth and final mistake of the evening– letting him.

[selection4-admins]

Royal Week Day 7: Favorite jokes! Answers: @domschreave @alinaschreave @princepercyschreave @princeevanschreave

[selection4-admins]

Royal Week Day 6: Crazy Questions! Answers: @princepercyschreave @princeevanschreave @queeneleanoraschreave @domschreave @alinaschreave