Nikoleta smiled and nodded in return, though her insides were a giddy mess. The prince wished to see her again. In reality it wasn't much due to the requirements of several meetings, but Niko was simply pleased to know she had done something right. The girl's eyes widened a bit, noting the queen. Stars, she was gorgeous, just like her son. Her attention was then taken by the cameras being set up. Niko had always performed in front of an audience, but never on television. This would certainly be… interesting.
The queen did look her part, even with the tiny smile resting on her face. She was clearly waiting for the cameras to be set up, and only turned to talk to Talin when he asked her a quiet question. The attention of the girls was also something she was waiting for, though that wouldn't take as long.
Zaera gave her attention to the queen. She looked as regal as she ever had, which was quite regal in Zaera's eyes.
Zia's eyes caught on the queen, and she inhaled sharply, one hand fisting in her gown nervously as she tucked back a stray curl of hair behind her ear. She fidgeted anxiously, still unsure of what to do. Hells, she was a mountaineering photographer from the north, not…not a princess. She knew she probably didn't have a chance in a thousand, but…but still. This was…this was terrifying.
(Her hair is in a style close to this: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftherighthairstyles.com%2Fcasual-and-formal-bun-hairstyles%2F&psig=AOvVaw0Jg5fJ7dnsrp_Ozq2-TNPz&ust=1583513733896000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCKiGp9Dmg-gCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD)
"Welcome, ladies." The queen started, her voice echoing throughout the room. She was clearly used to this, but even though her voice was commanding, it had a gentle tone to it as well, "You have been chosen for a very special opportunity, a once in a lifetime chance to spend time with the prince. This isn't just a nice vacation though, as while you're here, you will be learning how to take my place. Taught proper etiquette, rules, and much much more." She paused at this, looking around the room at the girls and brushing a stray hair out of her face that had fallen from her perfectly made bun.
Cress bit her lip, to hide a grin. The queen seemed so beautiful. This was who she wanted to be like when she grew up. She listened intently.
"I will warn you, it will not be easy, but I know all of you are up for the challenge. There are a few rules I do have to cover though, with the most important being, you are forbidden from having any sort of a romantic relationship with anyone else in this palace or outside of it. This is not an option, the punishment for being found out can be anything up to death." The queen said, her tone changing to a much more stern and unforgiving tone, though she didn't seem mad or angry, "There is also no sabotaging of any of your fellow competitors, and if you are found out, no matter who you are, you are immediately out of the runnings." Again she paused, taking the time to push in the emphasis of these rules.
(hey Grace, is it alright if I use the same plot I had in mind for last time? With Henry and stuff?)
(Yeah that's fine with me :) )
Nikoleta watched the queen carefully, hanging onto every word. Her warning was quite intimidating and it almost made her shiver. She had understood this from the start. As much as she would like to be chosen, there was no honor in forcing something that wouldn't work. The issue that really horrified her was the risk of dying of the rules were crossed. Sure, that was technically like treason, but it was scary to consider. At least there weren't any rules about asking not to wear heels. If she was going to be living here for awhile, her heels were going to blister if she was forced to wear those shoes every day.
Zia bit her lip, feeling a chill run up her spine as she wondered how Henry would react to this. What he would do. She thought of the bruises that she had hidden for so long, that had luckily faded away and weren't visible anymore. She was still…well. They had never slept together, for which she thanked God, but…she didn't know how he would respond to her being in this contest.
Zaera had no problem with what the queen said. She wasn't looking for love at the moment anyway, despite her presence in the competition. And sabotaging her competitors? The only one she could think about sabotaging was herself. Though she wasn't going to do that, not yet at least. She wanted a few more days of freedom.
Cress gave a small, ironic grin. One of the main reasons why she had signed up for this in the first place was that she didn't have anyone. The queen, and the prince, didn't have to worry about her.
She crossed her hands and continued, "Besides these two, the rest aren't as severe but you are still expected to follow all of them. Contestants are not allowed on the top floor, which as you know contains the royal suites. Other than that, I will only bore you with one more rule, that being that any command from the prince, the king, or myself is to be followed. Again, no exceptions to this." The Queen seemed to be bored with telling rules herself and looked over at her son, quietly saying to him, "Anything to add?" Talin just shook his head and she turned to face the girls again with a polite smile, "That's it from me ladies, please stay for the press though, as they want to get a picture of each of you as well as one with my son."
Cressida made a face. She hated pictures, mostly because then she would have to smile. When she didn't want to. She brushed some hair from her face and straightened to her tallest height, which wasn't very tall at all, and tried to look dignified, to the best of her ability.
Zaera had no problem with pictures or the given rules. She was a model, her whole job was having people take pictures of her.
Zia sighed at the idea of getting her picture taken, shaking her head a little bit. She absently tucked back a curly strand of dark hair, sighing softly.
(Hey um, I'm sorry I haven't been active… at all… I'm kinda dealing with some issues atm, so I felt like I should let you know that I'm not going to be able to keep up with this (as I obviously haven't been) and that I'm really sorry about it)
Niko hadn't had her picture taken a lot, especially not with this big of a crowd. However, she was used to an audience, so Nikoleta wasn't too nervous about the press and cameras zooming into her face. It was still a lot to be standing next to the prince to easily, pretending to be calm. Taking a breath, She pressed her lips into her most sincere smile.
(Hey um, I'm sorry I haven't been active… at all… I'm kinda dealing with some issues atm, so I felt like I should let you know that I'm not going to be able to keep up with this (as I obviously haven't been) and that I'm really sorry about it)
(It's fine! Please take care and hope things get better!)
(Hey um, I'm sorry I haven't been active… at all… I'm kinda dealing with some issues atm, so I felt like I should let you know that I'm not going to be able to keep up with this (as I obviously haven't been) and that I'm really sorry about it)
(Its alright! I hope everything gets better :) )
