I fixed the sash around me as I looked in the mirror. The red gown I was wearing was similar to the gowns the others were wearing. In front of me was a couch where Tony was seated with Irene who batted her eyelashes at him flirtatiously. I rolled my eyes inside my head. The cameras flashed and I peeked at the picture. It looked nice.

"Remind me why we should do this again," Harriet said as she rolled her eyes at Irene.

"It's for a poll they're making about who looks the best with Zeke." Julianne answered.

After Irene was Clover. She headed to the spot beside him. She placed the tiara on top of her head and smiled at the camera while holding Tony's hands.

"For what purpose?" Harriet asked while she leaned her head on her hand for support.

"To see who the public likes the most," Christine replied.

"I bet Claire would get the most votes," I commented.

Claire flushed, "How do you know?"

I smiled, "Back then, there was also a poll where you placed second after Beatrice and now, she's gone. But you're not."

"But I think Julianne would get a lot of votes." Claire countered, "I mean, look at her!"

Julianne really did fit the gown. Red is definitely her color. She fixed her sash as her cheeks heated.

"She already looks like a queen!" Claire continued while pointing to her.

I nodded along with Harriet and Christine.

"Point taken." We said.

"Lady Harriet," The cameraman called.

Harriet rose from her seat and glanced at us worriedly, "How do I look?"

"Gorgeous!" I said.

"Go wow them!" Claire encouraged.

"Everyone will be bowing down to you when they see your photo." Julianne stated.

"You can do this, Harriet!" Christine exclaimed.

He smiled at us gratefully and she walked to the couch. She placed the tiara atop her head and sat down after Tony kissed her knuckles. Her cheeks heated at the gesture and the camera caught that moment.

"She looks great," Julianne commented.

"She does," I agreed.

"So far, who do you think had the best picture?" Christine asked.

"Honestly? Carmel." Claire stated, "She's a model for heaven's sake!"

"She looked regal," Julianne agreed.

"I think it was Bloom," I said, "They looked so happy."

Out of the 18 girls, only 11 girls took a picture with the prince, Harriet included. Only Claire, Christine, Julianne, Daphne, Catherine, Mary, and I haven't.

"For me, Diana's looked best." Christine stated.

Diana looked graceful in her picture. She held his hand with her left and her other was placed on his chest. They were looking at each other in the picture and I couldn't help but feel jealous.

"Lady Catherine," The man called.

Harriet left the room after a wave of goodbye to us. Catherine walked to the couch and placed the tiara on her head.

"Who do you think should be eliminated next?" Julianne asked.

"Clover," Claire stated, "She's horrible."

"I agree," Christine said with a nod of her head.

"Don't say that," I said with a shake of my head, "She might just be pressured by this Selection and that's why she acts like that."

Julianne nodded, "Haidee's right. We barely even know the girl."

Claire sighed, "I know but if she doesn't want people to think of her like that then she shouldn't act like that."

"Fair point," I agreed.

"Lady Christine."

I patted her shoulder, "You'll do wonderfully."

She smiled gratefully at me.

"Go make their jaws drop!" Claire exclaimed.

Christine laughed and nodded.

"Go get'em girl!" Julianne said and pushed her to the couch.

I saw Mary and Daphne talking at the corner, "Let's go talk to them." I told them.

"Sure, why not?" Claire said.

Together, we walked to where they were and waved.

"Hello," I greeted.

Mary smiled at me, "Hey, Haidee."

I didn't know what else to say so I glanced at Claire for back-up. She seemed to get the message.

"So," She started, "Is it true you have a little something with a guard?"

My eyes widened along with Julianne's, Mary's and Daphne's. I gasped and slapped her arm, "Why are you asking that?" I scolded.

Claire looked at me innocently and shrugged, "Curiosity kills the cat."

"I'm so sorry about Claire, Daphne. She's just joking." I told Daphne.

Daphne smiled, "It's okay, Haidee. And to answer your question, yes."

Julianne and I gasped.

"What?" Julianne said in shock.

Daphne shrugged, "I said it's true."

"But that's illegal!" I whispered.

She only smiled at me, "Love can make you do illegal things."

"She's hopelessly in love," Mary stated.

"Don't you think you should tell Zeke?" Claire asked.

Daphne sighed, "Yes, I know. And I plan on telling him when it's my turn."

"I'm sure he wouldn't punish you," Julianne told her.

She smiled, "I hope so."

"It's nice to know that you're telling him now," I said.

"Lady Daphne," They called.

She took a deep breath, "Here goes nothing."

Mary patted her back, "You can do this."

She smiled and hugged her, "I'll miss you. Don't forget me, okay?"

Mary returned the hug looking a little teary, "I won't. I'll miss you too."

They broke from the hug and Daphne smiled at us before leaving. She placed the crown on her head and sat down beside him.

"I hope she'll be happy," Mary said with a sigh.

I patted her back for comfort, "She will."

She smiled at me gratefully. We watched Daphne as she talked to Tony while taking pictures. He kept nodding at her words and I assumed that it was a sign that he was okay with it.

"Who's next after Daphne?" Julianne asked.

"Me," Claire stated.

She nodded at that, "Good luck."

Claire smiled, "Thanks."

I saw Tony shake Daphne's hand as she removed the crown from her head and gave it to him. She curtsied with finality and left the room.

"Lady Claire."

I smiled at Claire as she walked to Tony. She sat down beside him and smiled at the camera.

"Lady Claire, kindly wear the tiara." The photographer said.

Claaire smiled sheepishly and muttered a sorry. Tony placed the crown on her head and she blushed fiercely. The camera captured the moment.

It was perfect. It almost seemed like Tony was choosing her and gave her the crown. It almost seemed like my heart broke.

I turned away from the scene and smiled, "They look nice," I said.

Julianne smiled, "They do."

Mary nodded, "They look like a couple."

Silence followed after that. The two of them observed Tony and Claire smiling widely while I refused to look. They fit each other perfectly and that's why it hurts. Claire would be better for him than me. Claire would be a better queen than me.

"If Claire doesn't win this competition, I don't know if anyone will," Mary stated.

I pursed my lips and nodded, "I agree."

Julianne looked at me with concern before saying, "I'm sure if Claire doesn't win this then that means someone is better."

Yeah, someone that's not me.

I should just stop thinking. All these thoughts are making me stressed. He told you he likes youㅡalong with nine other girlsㅡso grip on that thought.

"Really?" Mary asked, "Who's better than Claire?"

"The queen?" I joked.

We laughed. I felt my mood lighten with my joke. I rarely make people laugh with my lame jokes.

"Lady Haidee."

I took a deep breath, "I'll see you guys in the women's room."

They smiled and nodded.

I went to the couch where Tony was seated. He smiled at me. I smiled back and pushed my stressed thoughts away. He stood from his seat and took my hand to lead me on the seat.

"Please wear the tiara, Lady Haidee."

I scanned the room for the tiara but found none, "Where is it?" I asked.

Tony's eyes widened, "Claire must have forgot to take it off."

I rose from my seat, "I'll go get it from her."

Before I could go away, however, he grabbed my hand, preventing me to leave. I raised my eyebrow at his action.

He smiled at me and I saw the flash of the camera. He pulled me back to the seat beside him.

"Let's get the picture taken." He said.

"But I don't have the tiara," I countered.

He smirked, "But I have my crown."

He laughed at my confused reaction and took the crown off from his head. He placed it on top of my hair and smiled. The cameras flashed.

"You look beautiful." He stated.

I rolled my eyes but smiled, "I bet you tell all the girls that."

He laughed and shook his head, "No, I don't. I tell them they're gorgeous, attractive, cute, pretty, and amazing. But never beautiful."

"Wow, that's comforting." I said sarcastically.

He laughed and suddenly the door burst open, revealing a running Claire with the tiara on her hands, "Sorry! I forgot to take it off!"

Tony and I laughed. She handed me the tiara and winked at me before leaving.

"Okay, now that the tiara is here, gibe me my crown back." He said.

I shook my head and smiled, "No. I think this fits you better."

I placed the tiara on his head and laughed at his sour expression.

"I look gay," He stated which fueled my laughter more.

He laughed with me now and I can't even notice the flashes of the camera since the tiara came back.

"Now a more serious pose, please." The cameraman said.

Without notice, he slid his arm to my back and pulled me closer. He grabbed my left hand and interlaced it with his. My right hand was on his chest due to the sudden pull.

He looked straight to my eyes as if he was entering my soul. I couldn't hear the camera or the cameraman. I could only hear my horrendous heartbeat.

He smirked at me and leaned in to my ear to whisper, "I can hear your heartbeat, love."

I gulped at his statement and at the nickname. I slapped his chest with my right hand, "Shut it."

He laughed at me as he pulled away.

"Finished. Great work." The cameraman said.

I rose from my seat and curtsied. He smiled at me and waved. I removed the crown from my head and placed it on his after he took off the tiara.

"I'll see you at dinner, Dee." He said.

I rolled my eyes, "I might just skip dinner." I stuck my tongue at him.

He laughed and winked, "I know you wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Whatever," I said with a smile and walked out of the room.

I saw the girls crowded in the Women's room and saw Claire, Christine and Harriet beside the window. I walked to them and sat down on the window seat beside Harriet.

"How was your shoot?" Harriet asked.

I shrugged, "Fine."

Claire smirked, "I'm sure it was more than fun."

Harriet raised her eyebrow at this, "What happened?"

Claire's eyes glinted mischief, "Zeke's crown was on her head and her tiara was on his head."

I blushed slightly, "So?"

"So it was more than fun!" Claire exclaimed.

Christine smiled, "I guess we all know who would be the future queen."

I scoffed, "Who knows? Rebels might attack and take the throne."

Harriet coughed slightly, "That'sㅡDon't say that."

Christine nodded, "It might come true."

Claire raised her eyebrow, "Why would it? The palace is the most guarded place on this country! Besides there aren't any rebels anymore."

"Claire's right," Harriet stated and looked at Christine's eyes.

Silence entered after that. It was uncomfortable and left an unsettling feeling inside me.

"It was just a joke." I said.

Christine cleared her throat, "Right. I'm going to the rest room."

"I'll come with you," Harriet said and they left together.

I looked at Claire, "What's with them?"

She shrugged, "I don't have any idea."

We saw Julianne come in and she approached us. She seemed confused as to why Harriet and Christine weren't there, "Where areㅡ"

"Restroom," Claire and I said in unison.

Julianne nodded and sat down beside me, "Why don't we go change? Dinner's about to begin and we have a long day tomorrow."

We started practicing the dance ever since that day. We also thought that it would be unfair to the missing six that they have little time to practice. So, Tony sent a mail to them with the attachment of the video so they could practice.

The 1st of December is approaching and I can't help but feel jittery. Our team is prepared and everything was taken care of, I don't need to worry about anything. But the thought of meeting the French royals seemed surreal.

These thoughts raced through my mind as I made my way to my room.

I removed my gloves andy heels as I shut the door to my room, "Hey, guys." I greeted my maids who were cleaning the spotless room.

"How was the shoot?" Georgia asked as she made her way to me.

"Interesting," I answered as she helped me take off the dress.

Vivianne raised her eyebrow, "Oh, darling. Anything with the prince is more than interesting," She said and started removing the pins on my hair.

I rolled my eyes, "You'll see when the pictures come out."

"Or we can go ask the cameraman," Hannah said with a smile as she wiped away my makeup.

"You know the cameraman?" I asked incredulously.

Vivianne flashed Georgia a teasing smile, "Georgia here has been friends with the guy forever."

I smirked at Georgia, "I see you have a romance that I don't know of."

Georgia blushed, "He's just a friend." She pushed me to the tub.

I laughed, "Alright, no need to get flustered."

"I am not!" She said defensively.

I rolled my eyes, "Right."

She left the bathro, leaving me alone in the bath. The water was relaxing and I enjoyed it very much.

Sadly, I had to get out of the tub to prepare for dinner. They made me wear a simple floor-length dress and just curled my hair at the bottom.

I walked to the Dining Hall and saw that Tony's and Mom's chairs were not occupied. I frowned inside my head, He said he'll see me at dinner.

I shook the thought away. There must be a problem. They wouldn't miss the meal unless somwthing bad happens. As much as I want to know what happened, I didn't want to pry.

Dad started the meal and little noise accompanied eating.

"Hey," Mary called to me. I looked at her, "Have you heard?"

"Heard of what?" I asked.

"They said that the prince is narrowing it down to the elite tonight."

My eyes widened, "What? Why?"

She shrugged, "We still don't know why."

Something must definitely be wrong.

What was so urgent that he had to take it down to the elite now?

"Who do you think will get in the elite?" Mary asked.

"Claire, definitely." I answered.

She nodded in agreement, "Besides Claire, I think Diana would too."

I nodded, "I think so too."

Mary told me names and I just nodded. My mind was preoccupied with the absence of the queen and prince, and the sudden rumor about the announcement of the elite.

The doors burst open and Mom and Tony entered with grim expressions. This only added to my concerns. We all rose from our seats and curtsied.

"Ladies," Tony greeted and motioned for us to sit down.

Mom sat down on her seat but Tony stayed where all of us can see.

"Due to little circumstance, my mother and I came to agree with a decision." Tony started and my heartbeat quickened. "Will the ladies that I call come to me? Lady Diana, Lady Claire, Lady Bloom, Lady Julianne, and Lady Harriet. After them would be Lady Christine, Lady Haidee, Lady Louise, Lady Gayle, and Lady Mary. Then, Lady Elena, Lady Catherine, Lady Clover, Lady Carmel, and Lady Irene. Lastly, Lady Isabella and Lady Leigh."

Claire, Bloom, Harriet, Julianne, and Diana rose from their seats with wary looks. They followed the prince to a side of the hall where no one can hear.

They talked for a while then the five of them left the hall. What happened?

Mary, Christine, Gayle, Louise, and I stood. Gayle surprisingly looked nervous. Mary and Christine were a bundle of nerves, so I held their hands as we made our way to Tony.

I looked him in the eye and asked, 'Are you okay?'

He shook his head slightly that could have been mistaken for just looking at the side. I frown slightly.

He took a deep breath, "Don't make any noise, the five of you are included in the Elite. Please leave the hall quietly and enter your rooms. Don't leave your rooms without permission."

I heard Gayle release a breath and Louise sighed in relief. I couldn't care less about the part where he said that I'm an elite. My thoughts trailed at the part where he said to not leave our rooms without permission.

"Have a good night, ladies." He said and we curtsied.

We left the hall. Gayle, Louise, and Mary had smiles on their faces. Christine's face was indecipherable like mine.

"Am I dreaming?" Mary asked.

I shook my head, "You're not."

Louise squealed, "Oh my goodness! I'm an elite!"

Gayle chuckledㅡreally chuckled, like one that was genuineㅡ"I know, I can't believe it too." She said.

Gayle being genuine almost lifted my spirits. I smiled sadly. At least I could smile.

"Aren't you happy you're an elite, Haidee?" Gayle asked me.

"Oh," I muttered, "Yes, I am. But my mind is elsewhere."

She nodded and didn't push further. I certainly liked this side of Gayle. We arrived at the second floor and separated ways into our bedrooms.

I plopped down on my bed, too lazy to take the gown off. Unfortunately, I can't sleep comfortably wearing this dress, so I took it off and wore my night gown. I drifted off to dreamland once my head hits the fluffy pillow.