Chapter Eighteen - TV
"Goooood evening, Illéa!" Chirped Gavril, grinning maniacally at the camera. "I'm so pleased to have Prince Dedrick and all of these lovely ladies." Gavril flashed a grin as the camera panned to thirty six young ladies in glittering gowns. "Before we begin, most of the crowd and I, would love to hear your opinion on some of the front runners!" Prince Dedrick bowed his head in a respectable manner. "They are all incredibly lovely and seem snatch my breath away. Miss Everly West is impeccable." He smiled but a light sheen of sweat was visible above his left brow. Murmurs echoed across the room and many Everly fans were pleased. "Delightful." Said Gavril, grinning from ear to ear.
"Speaking of which, let us invite Miss Everly West of Dominica to the stage!" The screen panned over to a young girl, Miss Everly, who was wearing the most beautiful dress ever. It was a brilliant gold.
The top had long robe-like sleeves and a V neck with a tulle overlay that contained gold etched into fancy patterns. The skirt fell like a waterfall, with a slit off to the left. Gold snaked up the bottom, perfectly matching with the glossy belt, strewn across her waist, its buckle made of pure gold. Everly had her hair across her shoulders in glossy waves and her lips were painted a glossy white. She sat down on a plush chair across from Prince Dedrick, batting her lashes. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Said Prince Dedrick warmly. Everly grinned, showing off her shiny teeth. "The pleasure's all mine. Everybody has been so welcoming, especially the public. I am honored at the chance to earn your love." She seemed to have said the right words because the crowd loved it, screaming her name and occasionally adding "Queen" in front.
Everly laughed politely, and gave Prince Dedrick a knowing smile that made the crowd go wild. They chatted for a few minutes about family and daily life. Cheers rung out as Everly excuses herself and a new girl comes. The cheers quickly quiet and turn into whispers.
"Miss Jayden Zjhorhen of Zuni." Said Gavrick. He smiled nervously as she lowered herself into the chair. She wears a somewhat military dress with her hair woven into a braid. "Lovely to meet you." Said Prince Dedrick, smiling. Jayden glanced around the stage, looking like a fish out of water. "I-i" She said "I love your outfit! Military but stylish." Said Gavrick. Jayden looked relieved, bringing a smile to the front. "Thank you." She said. "What a lovely hair style." Said Prince Dedrick. "My Ghanda taught me." Said Jayden. She looked quite happy for a second and her beauty was undeniable. They chatted for a few minutes in a formal way before Jayden left the stage.
"Miss Fhlora Perlyian of Paloma." Gavrick announced, his giddy voice filling up the crowd's ears. Fhlora smiled delicately and her cheeks flushed with color when the prince smiled back. "How does it feel to be in front of a crowd in these circumstances? A pleasure, or a great distress!?" He asked. "Really truly an honor. Never did I think I would be one of the girls on this stage." Fhlora replied, her earnest face charming almost every eager eye in the crowd. "Behind those doll eyes, do you believe a true Queen lies? Any ideas for the benefit of the Kingdom?" Gavril queried.
"I believe that the lower castes deserve a supply of medicines and meals. An allowance perhaps. Something to go off of if in desperate need of support, if it not already given." Fhlora said. Her face glowed as she spoke in an animated sort of way. "Lovely idea's from Paloma's crown jewel. Any questions for the prince?" Fhlora shook her head quickly and sent a tiny look up at the prince. The crowd "Awww'd" and she exited the stage.
"Next, let's welcome Miss Daina Hart of Belcourt!" Shrieked Gavric. Daina walked onto the stage, her shoulders held high and her shoulders held back. "It's a pleasure." Said Prince Dedrick. Daina sat down, her intense stare shifting to a pleasant smile. "I am ecstatic to be here, your highness." She said. "Your military presence is inspiring to young girls like you, and equally helpful to the war. You certainly have the strength and public approval to be Queen, but do you have the strategy?" Said Gavril
Daina smiled and began to speak. "I believe so. Similar to Miss Fhlora, I have many beneficial ideas for the future of Illea. Some include appointing a proper government and protective program for each province." Murmurs of approval echoed across the room. "Lovely." Said Prince Dedrick. They chatted about training systems and the military for a few minutes before her time was up.
"Alright folks, time to pop a bottle and pour a glass!" Said Gavrick as the crowd chuckled. "Next up, let's have Miss Adelaide Welsh of Sota!" A rather plain girl in a strappy emerald green dress and heels. Her hair was tied in a neat ponytail and her expression was permanently angered. "Hello, it's lovely to meet you." Said Prince Dedrick, slightly taken aback by her sour attitude. Adelaide scoffed and crossed her arms. The crowd gasped as Adelaide plopped onto the chair. "Have you been enjoying your stay?" Said Prince Dedrick. Adelaide scowled. "If you think that stealing us away to pick and choose for your "wife" is pleasant, then you have the wrong idea."
Prince Dedrick looked enraged. "If you wish to leave-" He began. "The only reason I haven't packed my bags is because of the food and money." She said rudely. Gavric's mouth was agape. A guard grabbed Adelaide's arm, leading her off the stage while Prince Dedrick and Gavric exchanged some silent conversation. "Ahem. Sorry for that." Said Gavrick, looking sheepish.
"Next let us invite Miss Svelva Heavens of Kent!" Svelva stepped up to the stage, grinning from ear to ear. She was wearing a rose gold shimmery dress with a puffy skirt and sleeves and large teardrop earrings. "I'm simply so pleased to be here. With you." Said Svelva, smiling shyly at the prince. Prince Dedrick smiled back, although he looked uncomfortable. "How's Kent?" Prince Dedrick asked, eager to change the topic. "Oh it's simply marvelous. My cousin, Slava, is ever so jealous of me. I'm part Swedish you see, I get it from her part of the family." Svelva chattered on, filling the crowd's ears with silly nonsense.
Gavrick soon forced Svelva off the stage after her emotional and loud goodbye to the crowd. Prince Dedrick wiped sweat off of his clammy hands as Gavrick announced, "Next up, Miss Scarlett Fjorn of Fennley!" The crowd whooped as Scarlett entered, waving and playing up to the audience. Prince Dedrick kissed Scarlett's hand and screams of happiness and delight erupted. "QUEEN SCARLETT!" Somebody screamed.
"Your highness, it is an honor." Said Scarlett, looking at him from below her lashes. The two performed idle chatter. At one point Scarlett confessed how she missed her family, but was staying strong for him, and he held her hand. The audience squealed and laughed along with the interview. At one point a few even burst into tears. After the interview ended, almost everyone was swayed in her favor.
"Alright everyone! Next up we have Miss Sayra Chin Lee of Summer!" Said Gavrick. Sayra entered, smiling widely. She was wearing a soft pink dress with white tulips embroidered into it and a flower crown on her sleek bob. "Miss Sayra, for a five you show surprising support, more than some fours and even three's. Why is that so?" Asked Gavrick. Sayra laughed politely. "I'm not sure honestly, but perhaps they believe I have a better chance than some." She said. She glanced at Prince Dedrick, a light blush painting her cheeks.
"Well I can tell you! You seem like a very pleasant and likeable young lady!" The crowd murmured agreements as Sayra glowed in the spotlight. "Do you have any suggestions for Illea if you were to become queen?" Asked Gavrick. "Yes, my top priority is health and happiness." Replied Sayra. "Care to inquire further?" Said Gavrick. "My sisters and I have experienced health issues because of our caste, and nothing is more heart wrenching than watching someone you love suffer and not being able to help them," Sayra said. She seemed to age a few dozen years, her face lining with worry.
The crowd cried for her, lived for her, breathed every single word she spoke. "What a lovely story Miss Sayra. I hope for the best for you." Said Gavrick. Sayra exited the stage with applause and nobody forgot the girl with a dream, bigger than herself.
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