15. Chapter 15
Michaela
O kay, so it was more than twenty minutes, but I had both of them super glammed by the time we had to be in the ballroom. My scarlet gown with the slit up to… well, just high enough… looked amazing on Sadie with her updo and dark makeup. For once, she looked her age, which was apparently twenty-five, not seventeen like she normally looked. Blair, though hesitant to give up control, finally let me take the lead. With a smooth chignon and my black and deep-purple ombre strapless gown, she was a knockout. Granted, that left me with little time, but I kept it together, and Dahlia at bay with her scissors.
We entered the ballroom together. Fallon was the first to turn and her jaw literally dropped. I squeezed Sadie’s hand to let her know I saw it, too. Whispers followed us as we moved. Had I unwittingly put a target on their heads by making them stand out? About the time I thought of regretting my choice, I noticed the confidence in Blair’s step.
Worth it.
We took our spots where we would wait for our verdict to be announced. The crew still bustled around with the cameras and lighting. I leaned forward, searching for Fitz, but as usual, they’d squirreled him away somewhere.
One of the nameless producers approached, but not to talk to me.
“Lady Ragaelion.” He spoke directly to Blair and extended an envelope. “From the prince.”
“Thank you.” She shot me a worried look before she popped the seal with her finger. Blair pulled a card from the inside, read it quickly, and gasped. Of course, I had to be super snoopy and peek. Without asking, I tugged the edge closer and for once, she didn’t fight me.
You’re a lady of court, and tomorrow, with the prince as a guide, you’ll be treated as one as well. Dress for a solo day date in Princeborough. Car leaves at 11 a.m.
“Blair, that’s amazing.” I couldn’t hold back my excitement for her. “You have a solo date with the prince.”
“Yeah.” She nodded slowly, but her excitement wasn’t even half of mine. I exchanged a glance with Sadie, but she didn’t understand either.
“Why do you look so bummed?”
She blinked rapidly and cleared her throat. After swiping at her nose, she said, “ Blimey , look at me. I had to get all posh for him to notice me.”
Before I answered, I searched for Fitz again, but couldn’t find him. “Look around. He’s not here, Blair. And this is personally penned.” I pointed at the note written in calligraphy. “He made this choice before he saw you.” I took her by the shoulders and forced her to face me. “You’re gorgeous even without all of this. All I did was make it so that no one could ignore you anymore. Now, pick your chin up. You are a lady of court, and you drop your head for no one.”
“Except the prince,” Sadie offered.
“Yes,” I forgot that part, “definitely do the whole curtsy thing for him, but screw the rest of them. You don’t have anything to prove.”
Her teeth caught the inside of her lip as she looked at the note. “You really think he did this before I came down here?”
“I’m positive. He wants to know you better, and now just imagine what’s going to happen with you looking like a total snack?”
Her brow wrinkled as she cast me a dubious stare. “Snack?”
“Sorry, American phrase. It means you look good enough to eat.”
“Dishy,” Sadie translated with a wink.
I started to say more, but they called for our attention. As we got into place, Blair hid the note in the bodice of her dress.
I noted the increase in security. After last night, they weren’t taking any chances. I spotted Kabir with the others. Nothing could happen to me with him around.
A short whistle split the air. It didn’t take me long to find Bishop. As a reward, he winked his approval.
Lights flashed once to signal the start, cutting Bishop’s flirtatious nature short. The music cued and Corbin Snyder, looking far less wussy than he had last night during the attack, made his entrance.
“Hello, Nolcovia!” His bright-white smile caught the lights. “Welcome to another night of… Royally Yours .”
With my new knowledge from Bishop about my position with the king and queen, the nod to our secret letters made me smile even more.
Corbin continued, “Tonight, Prince Leonidas will continue to shorten the playing field. After giving the night’s favorite charm to Lady Gwendolyn, only eight charms remain. Three ladies will go home tonight.”
Night’s favorite? What did that mean? I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Gwendolyn, three people away. Her fingers played with a small snowflake charm on her bracelet, and her smug look of triumph was definitely new. Once more, Fitz had left me out of the loop. But it wasn’t like we’d had time to sneak in a chat.
“Now, the man the hour, the one you’re waiting for,” Blair’s hands clasped together as she bounced through her toes and waited on Corbin’s words, “his Royal Highness Prince Leonidas!”
Guards flanking either side of him, Fitz entered from a distant door. They appeared determined to follow him to Corbin’s mark, but Fitz shot a glare to warn them off. I understood. He didn’t want to look afraid, but was he leaving himself open to attack by refusing their help?
“Your Highness,” Corbin pursed his lips together as if he was speaking on the fly, but his cue cards waited by camera one. “The last twenty-four hours have been eventful to say the least, correct?”
“Yes.” The lack of excitement in his voice surprised me. “Actually, Corbin, if possible, I’d like to make this short.”
Once again, Fitz threw off the host. Panicked looks passed between the producers off camera. They obviously wanted to object, but we were live. What could they do?
“Yes, uh—of course.” Corbin started to speak but stopped early. With nothing left, but to allow Fitz to run the show… again… he took a step back.
The change in him, though subtle, couldn’t be ignored. Where his confidence typically stole the room, tonight Fitz barely made eye contact. Shoulders slumped slightly, he sought words he couldn’t find. With a shake of his head, he finally spoke.
“These ceremonies are not going to be any easier as we move forward. Maybe I didn’t think of that before. But I don’t see the point in prolonging pain and disappointment for any of you.” Though his stare grazed across us, I felt it linger with me. “If your name is not called, I apologize, but know this decision has not been made lightly. Time is simply not on our side.”
Time? Had something happened with his father? I knew he was sick, but had he worsened? Fitz had originally felt confident that finishing the competition on New Year’s Eve would work, but maybe he needed to speed things up.
“Lady Gwendolyn, as you have your charm, please, take your position to my right.” Fitz motioned to the space where the chosen had stood the night before. Whispers sprang to life around me, not just with the contestants, but with everyone who waited on the sidelines.
“He kissed her.”
“Can you believe it?”
“We could end it right now.”
“He’s so in love.”
Seriously, what had happened at the bonfire? I drew in a breath to calm myself, but an ache in my heart refused to be silenced.
He’d kissed her?
Why did that hurt?
That was supposed to be good news.
As far as I could tell, Gwendolyn was a great choice, but somehow, it left me empty. Split open.
“Lady Chantal, please step forward.” The murmurs grew to a gentle tumult. If he was ranking his choices, then she’d leapt to the top. Chantal’s strapless pink dress hugged her curves as she made her way toward him. This time around, I heard his words.
“I was impressed by how hard you worked with your team. I know it wasn’t easy for you and I appreciate the effort.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Chantal tipped her head forward in respect. “I look forward to showing you more.”
“I’m sure she does,” Blair whispered beside me.
Fitz picked up a dainty snowflake charm from the tray beside him. “Will you take this charm as a symbol that your heart is true, your intentions are pure, and you are willing to serve the people of Nolcovia as their future queen?”
Of course, she did. I wanted to be bitter, but she did play nice with the team. She gave it her all and never once treated any of us as less than her. He was right. She deserved to stay. But it still bothered me.
He worked through his choices quickly.
Esme.
Eirene.
Minny.
Dagny.
All agreed to his terms with a smile. Meanwhile, I waited on my turn again, growing more nervous by the second that I’d done something to anger him. Was my team’s loss really that bad? I glanced at the others with me. He would have to call Blair. They had a date in the morning. If he called me and not Sadie, I would happily give up my spot for her.
“Lady Sadie.” Fitz laughed to himself as he had the week before, a brief moment of frivolity in the middle of his brooding. As she arrived, he smiled and took her hand. “Any chance Sadie is short for something?”
Sadie’s mouth parted, but no words came out. Every time he talked to her, she froze. Like her coach on the sidelines, I internally willed her to find a voice.
“Yes, Your Highness.” I nearly whooped as she finally spoke. “My full name is Sadira.”
His features warmed every time she talked to him, as though her voice acted as his reward. “May I call you that? Lady Sadira?”
“You may call me whatever you wish, milord.” As if to remind him of his station, Sadie lowered herself and dipped her chin, but as she brought their joined grip to her forehead, Blair sucked in her breath through her teeth.
I stole a glance to check on her. Lip trembling, face turned to the ground, she looked ready to burst into tears. Did I miss something? Even Fitz appeared shocked by whatever had transpired.
It was like the goats, some Nolcovian tradition I didn’t understand. But no one in the so-called winner’s circle looked happy about it as Sadie joined their ranks.
“Lady Fallon.” She brightened as Fitz spoke her name. Fallon took two steps forward, but Fitz put up his hand to stop her. “I had planned to ask you to stay, but I’ve heard rumor of your treatment toward others and I’m afraid I can’t tolerate it. Please step back.”
Fallon’s angular face twisted in pain. “But I’m not the only one.” Her finger pointed at the others. “They’re just as bad, and yet you let them stay?”
“This is not for debate.” Though he faced her like a wall of stone, exhaustion waited below the surface. “I have record of your misdeeds and if I gain the same for any of them, they’ll earn an equivalent fate.”
“But this isn’t fair! First, you make them ladies of court and then we’re supposed to act like they deserve to be here, and now you’re saying—” She turned to the rest of us. “Which of you said something? Who ratted me out? A bunch of skints and paupers who never deserved to be here in the first place. I can’t believe you would dare to destroy the future of a real lady of—”
“Enough.” The fire in Fitz’s eyes returned, kindled by Fallon’s hateful rant. “It wasn’t any of them. Footage was captured of you harassing Lady Sa—” he caught himself, “Lady Sadira, and it won’t be tolerated.” He flicked his hand. “Guards, remove her.”
Blair’s hand gripped mine as the guards escorted Fallon from the room. Unlike Lilith, the red-haired noble went without a fight. Lighting shifted to follow her, a spotlight that highlighted her fall from grace. But before the doors closed, she jerked her arm free, spun to face Fitz, and issued her final words.
“Beware, Your Highness.” The spotlight only amplified her crazed expression. “Your bloodline is marked for death!”
“Cut the feed!” Tom yelled over the top of her ranting. The crew sprang to life, but Fallon wasn’t even close to done.
“The whispers grow to screams inside your head, and they will not be silenced. Civil war approaches, and I could have saved you, but now … I swear, you’ll never take the throne. A corpse before you’re ever a king!”
The double doors slammed shut, silencing her venom. I braced myself. The last time someone issued threats, the whole place went nuts, but all around me, people stood still, shocked, and scared.
“Can we get back to one, please? Reset the feed.” Tom tried to act as though nothing had happened, but how could we pretend? How much had been broadcast? Fitz turned away, face strained, hands locked around his head as though the screams she’d promised had come early.
“Get eyes on the king,” I heard a guard call out.
“He’s with her majesty. He’s fallen ill. A full squad is with them.”
“Double it.”
Their chatter left me uneasy. Tom called again to get the feed back up and running. “The kingdom needs to see the prince. Technical difficulties can only last so long. Start recording!”
Blair still clung to me like a refuge in a storm. I turned to her, speaking carefully, seeking some understanding. “You’ve lived here most of your life, right?” She didn’t answer, other than a wide-eyed nod. I glanced at the room still gripped in partial chaos. “Is this normal?”
“No,” tears welled in her eyes, “we’re not a perfect people, but I had no idea this much hatred waited in the dark.”
“Places, people!” Tom shouted for everyone to get back to where we had been. “You’re safe. Remember, nothing is wrong. We need happy faces!”
Was he kidding? Another threat had been issued against Fitz and the royal family, and he wanted us to pretend like nothing had happened? While he sorted out the crowd of frightened ladies of court who’d bunched up like a peewee soccer team around a ball, I focused on Fitz.
His chest rose and fell steadily, but it was because of effort, not instinct. The burden of his life and his decisions wore on his physical strength, dragging him down, chin to his chest, brow wrinkled as though it hurt to be alive. We were only on the second day. How was he going to weather the rest? I couldn’t help but feel like I was failing him.
“Okay, we’re back in five, four, three…” The countdown from Tom jolted Fitz back to the present. Once again, he didn’t have a choice. He had to perform. “Two.” Tom mouthed the word ‘one,’ and backed away as the cameras moved into position.
“Sorry,” Fitz mumbled to himself as the focus came back.
No one had checked on him. Tom and the others had made sure the rest of us were okay, Security went over a checklist with the king, and even Kabir had watched me for any sign of distress, but no one had stopped to make sure Fitz wasn’t on the edge of a breakdown. He laughed lightly, but I didn’t sense any joy in it, more like the bitter snicker of someone ready to crack. Was he about to tell everyone what had happened, despite the crew’s best efforts to keep it hidden?
I could imagine the words: Sorry, we had to take a break so yet another person could threaten my life. Tell me again why I want this job.
At least, that’s what I would’ve said.
But Fitz had always been stronger than me.
Our eyes met, a faint smile slipped across his face, and he nodded slowly as if it was all he’d needed.
“Michaela and Blair, please come forward.” Fitz rubbed his palm over his face, weary in every movement. “We can finish this here.”
Like I had in many pageants, I held Blair’s hand as we stepped into the spotlight. Somewhere, I knew Tom and Corbin had to be lamenting the prince who’d gone off script again. He forgot to call us ladies, he didn’t pause at the last charm to create drama and let the lighting crew make it show-stopping.
But, as close as I could tell, Fitz wasn’t playing their game tonight.
Laughing dryly, he shook his head. “Now, considering the last ten minutes, I understand if you both want to flee for the nearest exit. Everything has clearly gone to pot, but please, for all that’s holy, tell me you’re willing to stick it out.” He held up the two charms. “What do you say?”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Tom’s languished cry of frustration likely made it on camera.
“Uh… well…” Blair could hardly put her thoughts into words. “I—”
“She means yes, Your Highness.” I lifted Blair’s arm up to display her bracelet.
Amused, Fitz barely held back his smile. “Pleased to hear it.” He fastened the charm to Blair’s bracelet, then took her fingers and lifted her hand to meet his lips in a tender kiss. “I look forward to tomorrow, milady.”
Blair all but melted into a puddle. Their connection was so strong, I nearly got a contact swoon out of it. As she floated away on her fantasies and daydreams, Fitz turned his attention to me. I lifted my wrist for him to attach the snowflake in its place. He made quick work of it, all the frivolity draining out of him as though he’d sprung a leak. I wanted to ask what was wrong. I needed to know that this was about Fallon and not something bigger. I wasn’t here for the competition. I was here for him. Worries about his father, his timeline, his own health billowed up in my mind, but I kept my lips pressed together.
“And there you have it!” Corbin stepped forward, stealing the spotlight, confirming again that the American contender didn’t warrant airtime. “Your top nine, Nolcovia. Join us again in three days for the next live…”
Fitz hadn’t released my hand. In fact, his grip tightened, as if to pull me closer. As his thumb grazed my knuckles, Corbin’s voice faded away. I glanced up, locking eyes with my best friend in the world. But once again, I was struck with how much we’d changed since our early years.
We weren’t kids anymore. When he held my hand, it wasn’t as simple as it used to be. My heart fluttered with anticipation as he took another pass, dragging his thumb slower this time, deliberate, gaze locked on mine as if he needed to see my reaction.
The world churned to life around us, the broadcast ended, winners had been selected, but we hadn’t moved. The sadness lingered in his eyes, and I ached to throw my arms around him and hug him tight until everything made sense again. His stare dropped to our joined hands. As though he realized his mistake, finger by finger, he released his grip. As our final connection pulled apart, his whisper was meant only for me.
“What would I do without you, Coco?”
And without another word, he turned and left.