In breakfast, there were visibly a lot of chairs empty. 10 to be exact. We were now down to 25. Because of the empty chairs, we had a little rearrangement.

The royal family still sat at their places. My old place was now taken by Gayle and beside her was Carmel, Isabella and Irene. They all glared at me as I walked inside the hall with Tony.

Tony took his seat beside William and I sat at the end of the table opposite from Tony and away from Gayle and the others.

In front of me sat Julianne and on either side of her was Claire and Harriet. Beside Harriet sat Christine, Margarette, Elena, Aisha, Diana, Clover, Jane, Dianne, Mae, Bloom and William. Beside me was Mary, Lucy, Louise, Leigh, Daphne, Catherine, Ashley, Irene, Isabella, Carmel, Gayle and Celestiana.

I ate quietly and eavesdropped on some of the Selected's conversations. Beside me, Mary and Lucy were talking about their dates with the Prince.

I felt a kick at my legs so I looked at the person across from meㅡwhich is Julianneㅡand looked at her with asking eyes.

'Let's talk later' She mouthed and I nodded.

"Ladies, since Lady Haidee's team are out, my date for today will be with Lady Mary in the morning and Lady Louise in the afternoon." Tony informed.

Beside me, Mary squealed and whispered to Lucy, "Oh my god! I'm getting the first date!"

Lucy rolled her eyes, "Technically, you didn't. Haidee got the first date."

Mary sighed, "I know that. Don't crush my joy."

"Tomorrow, Lady Christine is first and Lady Julianne in the early afternoon. Lady Harriet will be the last one." Tony continued. "Lady Haidee and Lady Claire, have you thought about your wishes?" He asked.

Claire and I looked at each other as if to say 'Have you?'

"I haven't, Prince Thornton." Claire answered.

"Me neither, Your highness." I replied.

He nodded, "Take your time, but not forever if possible."

Some laughed but I rolled my eyes.

"Don't worry, Zeke. I promise it won't." Claire said and laughed.

Everyone paused and looked at her, so did I. She called him Zeke.
Claire gasped and covered her mouth, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

Tony smiled, "It's okay. No harm done."

Claire smiled, "So will I be allowed to call you that in public?"

He smiled and nodded. Claire ate happily after that. My heart throbbed. I haven't tried calling him Tony in public. Should I try? But if I do everyone would call me a jealous attention seeker. I decided against it with a sigh.

"Lady Gayle, can I take your time on the day after the party?" Tony asked.

Gayle smiled victoriously, probably thinking 'Finally! He's taking me out on a date!',"Of course, Your highness."

"Excellent." Tony stated. "Lady Aisha, can I come into your room after lunch?"

Aisha smiled, "You don't need to ask." She said and winked, "Come in any time you want."

Tony smiled fakely, "Sure." His face almost seemed disgusted.

I shook my head slowly. By now, the girls should know that if he asks to come by your room then that means you're going home. Except, of course, for me. If he takes me on a date he'd always come to my room to escort me wherever we'd go.

Now that I think about it, it's been several days since Tony and I went on a date. I sighed once again. Yes, we did see each other, but that isn't considered as a date. I barely even saw him until yeaterday. He's been so busy doing his work and managing time with the other selected that I guess he forgot me.

I can't ask for his time. Who was I to ask? I was just a girl who looked like Celestiana and got tangled up in a plan that was arranged by him. If he didn't make me put my fingerprint on that paper and I hadn't delivered those flowers then maybe I'd be back home, helping mom in the flower shop, singing during special occasions, teaching kids how to dance, hanging out with my brothers and Laurence, and hopefully settled down in a nice house with a nice husband and kids running around the house.

Breakfast ended and I walked with my friends to the Women's room.

"So, Haidee. You need to tell us what happened last night." Julianne said once we entered the room and positioned ourselves into a corner.

"That was what you wanted to talk about?" I asked with shock. "I thought it was something serious!"

They laughed.

"Well, just spill the beans!" Claire exclaimed.

I blushed slightly, "It was nothing, really."

Harriet raised her eyebrow, "Really?"

I nodded, "Yup. We just said good night to each other. Nothing serious."

"Come on! I know there's something more!" Claire urged.

"Have you two kissed?" Harriet asked.

My eyes widened, "What?! Why would you even ask that?"

"So you have?" Christine asked curiously.

I shook my head furiously, "I haven't!"

Claire pouted, "I was expecting something juicier."

I rolled my eyes, "There's nothing more as juicy as calling the prince without formalities."

Now the girls turned to Claire who's face turned red.

"How did you get him to permit you to call him Zeke?" Christine asked.

Claire sighed, "It happened in our date. I kept addressing him Prince or Your highness that I think it annoyed him. He didn't say he was annoyed but then I suggested on calling him Thornton but then he said that 'No, no. Someone told me that it was a pain to say my first name since it's long. Call me Zeke'." She explained and mimicked his voice.

He talked about me again furing a date with another girl. How insensitive could he be?

They nodded.

"I envy you, Claire!" Harriet exclaimed, "I want to call him without formalities too!"

"Don't point it only at me! Haidee also calls him without formalities! Well, at least before the Selection happened." Clara pointed at me.

I gasped dramatically, "When have I ever?"

"Did you not?" Claire asked.

"I was supposed to marry William, remember? I still called him Prince." I lied.

"She's right." Julianne pointed out.

"Then why did he call you 'Dee' yesterday?" Christine asked.

I was taken aback but I masked it quickly, "Dee? He said Haidee."

"So he doesn't use formalities with you?" Harriet asked.

I nodded, "But I use it with him." I lied again.

Forgive me, good lord for I have lied countless of times since I came in the palace.

"It looks like Claire is a favorite too." Julianne said and raised her eyebrows suggestively.

We laughed when Claire's face turned red.

"Do you have any suggestions for the wish I'd make?" Claire questioned to change the topic.

They paused to think. Then, Julianne had an idea which was obvious because her face lit up, "What about getting the first dance?"

Claire considered it, "I'd like to be his first dance but I'd want him to ask me willingly."

"Then what about wishing for a thing back home that you want inside the palace?" Christine suggested.

Claire shook her head, "I brought everything I wanted with me."

"A gift?" Harriet suggested, "You know, for remembrance. Maybe jewelry?"

Claire nodded, "That's a nice idea, Harriet. But did you rememver that the prince can't give us anything until the Elite?"

I instinctively touched my necklace. He wasn't allowed to give gifts?

"How about wishing for your family to come to the engagement party?" I suggested.

Claire's face lit up, "That's a great idea, Haidee! I can't wait to see my parents and sister!"

"What about you? What are you wishing for, Haidee?" Julianne asked.

I shrugged, "I haven't thought about it yet. I'm going to reserve it until I need the wish."

They nodded.

"Um, Haidee?" A voice called.

I turned around and saw Bloom, I smiled, "Yes?"

"We're playing a game and we thought it would be more fun if everyone joins. Your group is the only one not there." Bloom explained.

I looked at Harriet and the others and they nodded in response, "Okay. We're joining." I said and Bloom clapped happily.

"Great! Let's go!" She exclaimed and pulled me toward the group of girls crowded in the middle.

We sat down on the floor in a circle. Julianne and Claire sat on my left and right respectively.

"Okay. This game is called The Concentration Clapping Game." Bloom started, "First, what we have to do is to assign numbers. I'll be number one and beside me Claire will be number two, Haidee number three and follow. Then all we have to do is sing the  song by slapping our thighs twice then clapping our hands twice." Bloom continued. "This is the song,

Concentration (slap slap clap clap)

Are you ready? (slap slap clap clap)

If - so - (slap slap clap clap)

Let’s - go! (slap slap clap clap)." She sang, "After singing the song once, I start the game by saying my number twice and saying one of your numbers twice. When your number is called, say your number twice and another number. The one who messes it up will have a punishment." We all nodded at her explanation. "Let's start!" She chirped.

"Concentration (slap slap clap clap)

Are you ready? (slap slap clap clap)

If - so - (slap slap clap clap)

Let’s - go! (slap slap clap clap)." We chorused.

"1, 1, 6, 6." Bloom started.

Number 6 was Harriet, "6, 6, 10, 10."

Jane is 10, "10, 10, 3, 3."

"3, 3, 20, 20." I said.

"3, 3, 22, 22." Louise stated and we all stopped and stared at her.

We laughed at her as she groaned.

"Punishment! What punishment should she get?" Bloom asked.

"What about going to Princess Celestiana's room and telling her you have a crush on her?" Carnel suggested.

We all agreed, well except for Louise.

"No! That's too embarrassing!" She complained.

"It's a punishment!" Gayle exclaimed. "If you don't like it then what about wearing your night gown on the engagement party?"

"No! I'd rather do the first one!" Louise exclaimed.

"Then do it!" Bloom exclaimed.

"Come on everyone. Let's go with her for moral support!" Isabella said and laughed.

Now, we were in front of Celestiana's room and Louise knocked on her door. I couldn't keep myself from laughing when Celestiana saw every remaining selected in front of her room.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"Princess Celestiana." Louise began. She took deep breaths and looked at us, "I can't do this! Can't you give me another punishment?"

"Nope," We chorused.

She sighed and turned back to Celestiana who was raising her eyebrow at us, "What is happening?"

"Princess Celestiana, I-I h-haveㅡ"

"You have a what, Lady Louise?" Celestiana asked.

Louise sighed, "This is a punishment, your highness."

"Punishment? For what?" Celestiana questioned.

"We played a game and I lost." Louise explained.

Celestiana nodded, "Well, I suppose you cannot do anything about it. Say it. I'm sure it's not that bad."

Louise took a deep breath, "I have a crush on you, Princess Celestiana."

Celestiana raised her eyebrow at that, "Who said that you have that punishment?"

"Carmel, Your highness, but it was better than the other one."

"What was the other one?" She asked.

"Wearing my night gown to your engagement party." Louise answered.

Celestiana shook her, "The one you did right now really is better. Besides, why am I related to both punishments?"

All of us shrugged.

Celestiana sighed, "Go on, now. It's almost lunch time. Fix yourselves first before going to the Hall."

We obliged and went back to the Women's room. Carmel, Gayle, Isabella, and Irene were laughing at Louise.

The Women's room was noisy despite the absence of Beatrice, Harmonia, Diamond, Violet and Natalie. My friends and I gathered around our usual corner and fixed each other's hair.

Soon, we were ready and all of the Selected went to the Dining Hall together which was unusual since this was the first time we went together.

We sat down at our new seats and ate after curtsying to the royals. The Hall was filled with happy chatters and I couldntr help but think that what would it feel like to eat with silence once again. I was getting used to the presence of these girls that I don't know what I'll do if we were lessened to the Elite. Would I feel lonely assuming that I did get into the Elite?

The two princes weren't with us right now. They were probably doing work.

"Lady Haidee and Lady Claire?" The Queen called.

"Yes, your majesty?" I asked.

"Could I talk to both of you after eating?" She asked.

My heart started beating rapidly. Claire and I looked at each other with fear.

"O-Of course, Your majesty." Claire answered.

Harriet, Julianne and Christine looked at each other with worry. Were we in trouble?

I could see some of the girls smirking and smiling triumphantly.

I took deep breaths and put on a blank face as I ate.

We aren't going home. Only the prince can judge if we were to leave or not. Besides, the queen and I are on good terms. There's no way we were leaving.

We were done eating lunch and the girls left so only the three of us were inside.

"Come with me." The Queen said as she rose drom her seat and left the hall.

Claire and I held hands as we followed her. The Queen led us to a hallway that led to a room in the back. She opened the room and we saw nothing. It was empty.

Then, we were surprised to see the royals inside.

"Come in." The Prince consort said and we obeyed.

Inside the room was The Queen and her husband, their two sons, Celestiana, and an unknown man.

"Lady Haidee and Lady Claire, Meet my father, the king of Italy. King Francis." Celestiana said and gestured to the man beside her.

Claire and I curtsied to them as a greeting.

"You must be wondering why you're here." Tony pointed out and we nodded.

"As you know, the engagement party is after tomorrow." William began, "And the royal family will be performing a dance."

"My mother will dance with William. Celestiana will dance with King Francis. Leaving me and my father without a partner." Tony explained.

"The original plan was to make one of my wife's siblings or my siblings to dance but both of our sides have gentlemen. Ahren's daughter is not available on the date." The prince consort said.

"This is where you two come in. Zeke told us that both of you are great dancers when he observed yesterday." The Queen explained.

"One of you will be Zeke's partner and the other is for Father." Celestiana explained.

My eyes widened, "It's such an honor, Your majesties. But will it really be okay to the others?" I asked.

"Don't worry. They won't know. The dance uses masks and they won't know it's both of you." William said.

"What dance is it, Your Majesties?" Claire asked.

"It's sort of like the Viennese Waltz." Celestiana answered.

Fairly hard, but I can do that.

"Except it's faster." William said.

Claire and I gulped and nodded.

"Let's begin, shall we?" King Francis asked and motioned for a girl sitting behind. She seemed like the dance instructor.

"The first part of The dance is that the girls are seated on a chair and the gentlemen will offer their hand and lead them to the center." She explained. "The gentleman to take your hand is not your partner. The one on the right is."

Claire sat down on my right and Celstiana and the Queen sat on the opposite side of the room. Tony came in front of me and on his left was King Francis. Then that means my partner is the Prince consort. Tony smiled in front of me, I smiled back.

"Gentlemen, bow to the ladies and offer your hand after." She instructed.

Tony bowed and offered his hand. We all took their hands and they pulled us to the center.

We formed a square in the middle. It was supposed to be a circle, but there were only four partners.

"Ladies, put your arms six inches away from your sides. Gentlemen bow once again. Ladies, curtsy after them."

We obeyed. Tony bowed and I curtsy. Then she instructed us to do the basic dance but instead of justswaying from side to side, we went in circles. My left arm was placed above his right and my right was extended and held his left.

"Did you make Aisha go home?" I asked.

He nodded, "Before I got here I already told her. She was too . . ." He cringed.

I laughed, "I get your point."

We pointed our toes out of the circle and our arms that held each other's were pointed upward. We did another after a few spins. Then we extended both arms and twisted it. Then I was spun to my partner. Claire was now with Tony.

We did another point then we went back to the basic position. We corcled around the room again and the boys twirled the girls. We always circle the room counter clockwise. We did another twirl and went clockwise.

"How is the competition, Haidee?" The prince consort asked.

I smiled as he lifted me on the air and landed me safely, "It's a nice experience. I've found a lot of friends."

"I'm glad you found friends. Considering you're all competing, it'd be hard to."

We went counter clockwise again and he twirled me outside of the circle then another twirl inside the circle.

I smiled, "All of the girls were wonderful. Zeke would be lucky to have any one of them."

"We'll be changing the formation in this part. You will waltz into aa semi circle position then form two lines where the chairs are. Prince Thornton and Lady Claire and King Francis and Princess Celestiana will be on the left and The prince consort and Lady Haidee and Prince William and Queen Eadlyn on the right."

We did as we were told and now we were dancing towards the center again and crossed to the other side. We danced back to the center but the men stayed before we got to the middle. Queen Eadlyn and I strode to the middle and so did Claire and Celestiana. Claire and I smiled at each other. I put my left hand on her right and we circled each other the way the Queen did with Celestiana. Then the four of us went to the back of the room and formed a circle. The guys already formed a circle outside ours.

We strode back to our partners. We walked gracefully in a clockwise manner and stopped. The girls once again go to the middle and do a curtsy then twirl back to their partners.

We did a series of twirls before stopping and facing the one on our left. William now faced me and he bowed at me as I curtsy. We turn back to our partners.

I could tell that Claire was really giddy and ecstatic. Who wouldn't? She was partnered with Tony.

We turned clockwise then counter clock wise. We twisted our arms two times.

"Gentlemen, twirl you partners and ladies, Go to the man at your right."

I twirled to Tony.

"You dance wonderfully," He said behind me.

I blushed and I was thankful that we weren't facing them, "Thanks. You do too."

Then our partners also twirl and move to us. Then we circled around the room again.

"Prince William and Queen Eadlyn twirl to the north. King Francis and Princess Celestiana, move in circles to the south. Prince Thornton and Lady Claire move to the left in a clockwise motion. Prince consort Erik and Lady Haidee to the right in a clockwise motion too."

The Queen's husband twirled me over and over like what Tony did to Claire. When they were twirling us, Prince William and The Queen twirled to the south as Princess Celestiana and King Francis did to the north.

I heard Claire giggling. It lowered my mood, but being taught better, I covered it with a smile.

We returned to the circle formation. Then, we were twirled two consecutive times before spinning around with our partners fastly in a counter clockwise motion. We were once again lifted to the air.

Then Celestiana and King Francis followed us in moving clockwise and crossing Tony and Claire and William and Queen Eadlyn. We now formed a V position. Then we crossed again in an X and my partner and I were at the back of the room with Tony and Claire.

The boys twirled us consecutively around them.

"I'm getting a little dizzy." Claire stated softly.

"Would you like to rest for a while?" Tony suggested.

Claire shook her head, "No, no. It's okay. If Haidee can do it, then I can do it."

Tony smiled, "Don't compare yourself to Haidee. You're two complete different people."

Claire smiled at that with a slight blush on her cheeks.

We returned to the circle and spun several times before leaning to our right and the boys catching us. The girls' left arm were raised.

The instructor clapped, "Perfect!"

We curtsied to end the dance correctly.

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I apologize if half the chapter is describing the dance. Also, credits to the owner of the video!

I hope you're liking this story.