The Finale

by Leigh Walker

  Dallas chuckled darkly, sending all sorts of feels through me, as Mira snapped her fingers for the lights. She turned toward us, microphone in hand. “We’re here with His Royal Highness and Miss Gwyneth West, one of our four finalists, as they get ready to leave for their overnight trip to Settlement Four. Your Highness, what are you most looking forward to on this visit?”

  Dallas smiled for the camera. “I am greatly looking forward to spending more time in Settlement Four, getting to know its citizens better during this quick trip. I am also honored to get to see Miss West’s family again, who I came to care for very much during our last visit to Four. But most of all, I am honored”—he put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me against him—“to spend time with Miss West. She always inspires me. I hope the audience has the opportunity to get to know her better, to see how amazing she really is.”

  Mira Kinney put a hand over her heart as I leaned back into Dallas for support. “That’s quite the compliment, Your Highness.”

  He smiled at her—handsome, dashing, and utterly charming—and I imagined a hundred thousand women fanning themselves at home. “I consider it a compliment that Miss West said yes to staying as a finalist.”

  Mira arched an eyebrow and turned to face the cameras. “You heard it here first, settlers! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride to Four. We’ll be with His Highness and Miss West for every second of this journey. Stay tuned.” She turned off her microphone and motioned to the cameramen. “That’s a wrap!”

  She nodded toward Dallas. “That’s quite the statement you just made.”

  His smile vanished, replaced quickly with a frown. “I thought that since you forced Gwyneth into that provocative dress and had her crash my date with Miss Iman, I might help rehabilitate her image.”

  A few weeks ago, Mira and Tariq had had me interrupt Dallas’s date with Shaye to increase drama on the show. In the end, it made me look petty and jealous, wearing a too-tight dress while poaching on my friend’s time with the prince.

  Mira frowned. “I told you—that was Tariq’s idea, not mine.”

  “You’ve known me long enough to know I wouldn’t have approved.”

  Mira bristled, then sighed. “You’re right. It was the wrong decision. But trust me, I’m in Miss West’s corner. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says.”

  Dallas’s big body went tense. “Excuse me?”

  She reached out and clasped his arm. “This show is about engaging the audience as they watch you fall in love with one of the contestants. All the stunts and clever editing in the world can’t hide the truth. Make the most of this visit, Your Highness. Show the world who Miss West really is and why you care for her. This is your opportunity for the audience to see her through your eyes. Use every second.”

  He took her measure, then nodded. “I will, Mira. Thank you.”

  “I’m sorry about your date with Miss Iman. Can you forgive me?”

  He bowed. “You are forgiven. Now, let’s go. As you said, every second is precious.”

  He held out his hand for me, and we headed to the waiting SUV, the same one we’d driven to Settlement 4 the first time. I had happy memories from the time we’d spent in the backseat of that car, but my heart pounded in anticipation. Use every second. Mira’s words thrummed through me, along with a spike of adrenaline.

  Dallas leaned closer, keeping his voice down. “The cameras will be with us for the entire ride, as well as the rest of the visit—at least, until I can convince Mira to give us some peace. I want you to follow my lead and to trust me. I watched the footage of my visit with Tamara, and I understand why Tariq hailed it a ‘massive success.’ But we’re going to do better than that. We are going to be honest, and we are going to show the people of the settlements what we would be like as rulers. Are you with me?”

  “Yes.” I breathlessly followed him into the backseat of the giant vehicle. But there was no respite inside; three tiny cameras were strategically positioned around the interior of the car, all the better to track our every move.

  Plastering on my game face, I smiled for the cameras. But I worried. Would the next twenty-four hours be enough to help me win not only the prince’s favor—but also the favor of all the settlements?

  We drove for an hour, speedily heading for Settlement 4, a long procession of vehicles stretching before and after us. Black Guardsmen in massive SUVs led the motorcade. Mira and the production crew drove directly behind us, followed closely by several cars filled with more Black Guardsmen. “We’ll make quite the entrance,” I joked.

  “It’ll certainly be a spectacle—and Mira will love that.” Dallas smiled. “It’s good for the settlements, too. It brings excitement and unity to have royal visits. My family hasn’t visited enough. I plan to change that.”

  “I think that’s wonderful. I remember how excited my neighbors were when we were here the last time.” Crowds had lined the street to catch a glimpse of the prince, cheering as we drove past.

  Mindful of the cameras, Dallas continued small talk, leading me through an easy conversation about the weather and my favorite foods at the palace. But then his expression turned serious, and he reached for my hand. “Gwyneth, tell me more about your family.”

  My breath caught in my throat. “As you know, my younger brother and sister live with my mother. She’s homeschooling them at the moment.” I left out the fact that their private school had long since shut its doors, per order of the king. In our present financial condition, we wouldn’t have been able to afford it, anyway.

  “And what of the rest of your family?” Dallas’s gaze burned into mine, and my jaw dropped.

  “I’m sorry?” Was he asking me what I thought he was asking me?

  “What of your father? You never mention him.”

  “I… Um…”

  He reached for my hands. “Miss West, neither you nor many of the other girls from the contest ever mention your father or older brothers.”

  “Yes, well,” I stammered.

  Dallas’s eyes flashed with sympathy and kindness. “That’s because you’ve been afraid. But you needn’t be, and neither should the other contestants or any of our citizens. I know about these family members, the men that no one dare speak about. They’re dead, or still fighting a war that they haven’t given up on. They’re rebels. I met so many young women who came to the palace with fear in their hearts, fear they’d be discovered as rebel sympathizers simply because the people they loved had fought for their country. I want to tell you—you personally, Miss West, as well as the people at home watching—I don’t judge you. Any of you. Each one of us would fight to protect our home. The settlers didn’t know my family or what we represented when we came down from the North. And for that, I owe every settler an apology.”

  I swallowed hard, completely taken aback by his directness. But underneath my surprise, fear lurked. The king will not stand for this sort of talk. “Your Highness. Th-thank you.”

  He gripped my hands tighter. “You do not need to thank me for doing what’s right. That’s my duty and my honor as Crown Prince of the Settlements. I believe that you and I can work together to bring peace, real peace, to the settlements. You understand what people have gone through, as you’ve lived through it yourself. Together, we can unite the settlements as one prosperous, happy nation. Do you agree?”

  I nodded, momentarily unable to speak.

  “Good.” Dallas seemed to calm down and sat back against his seat. “We are heading to a new government building in Settlement Four. It’s a community outreach center. I was inspired by our first visit to your settlement, Miss West. I want to provide services that have been sorely lacking in the past few years, since the revolution.”

  I finally found my voice. “That’s very generous, Your Highness. What sort of services do you mean?”

  “Basic services to promote the health and wellness of the citizens of Four.” Dallas watched the countryside fly by. “A medical clinic, like we discussed, so that people can ge
t the attention they need. A pharmacy. A tutoring center for children and a skills clinic for adults who wish to continue their education. And counseling services so that citizens can get the help they need to deal with the loss of loved ones—rebels and non-rebels alike.”

  I squeezed his hand. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I know for a fact that resources are in short supply in Four.”

  He nodded. “We will visit the clinic this afternoon, then dine with your family. I’ll be holding a meeting with citizens tomorrow morning, to discuss the center and any concerns people have. Will you help me, Gwyneth? Will you be there and talk about your experience with the royal family? There’s been so much mystery surrounding us. I want that to end.”

  I nodded, even as icy needles jabbed my spine. Is Dallas talking about outing himself as a vampire? The king wanted to continue to hide his family’s ancestry, but Dallas did not. We were being filmed, but as far as I knew, no one could see this footage yet except for the production crew.

  Did the prince plan to tell the citizens of Settlement 4 the truth about being a vampire? What was Dallas playing at? Was he really making this bold a move?

  Leery of the three cameras pointed our way, I didn’t dare ask him. I just held onto his hand for dear life, praying that he knew what he was doing.

  Chapter 9

  Warm Welcomes

  We kept the conversation neutral for the rest of the car ride. With the cameras present, we couldn’t discuss his plans in detail. A snog-fest was also out of the question.

  I knew Tamara would disagree, but I was no Tamara.

  Still, we held hands for the entire ride. Being so close to Dallas was a relief—I wasn’t going to lie to myself. There was no place I’d rather be. He reached for me, pulling me closer as we arrived in Settlement 4 and drove slowly toward the downtown district. I snuggled against his broad chest as we looked out the windows to the streets, which were lined with cheering fans holding signs.

  “Choose Gwyn!” one read.

  “Dallas + Gwyn 4Eva!” read another.

  Two young girls held another large sign, decorated with glitter, hearts, and flowers: “4 Welcomes the Prince!”

  The prince leaned forward and lowered the privacy screen. “Can you pull over?”

  The driver nodded. He hit a button on his dashboard as he slowed and pulled toward the curb. “His Highness would like to stop for a moment.”

  A crackling noise issued from the speakers. “Copy that.” The vehicles in front and behind us slowed, then we all stopped.

  Dallas turned to me, his eyes sparkling. “Shall we?”

  I grinned. “I’d love to.” I might have been a bit shy, but these were my people. I wanted the chance to show how wonderful the prince truly was.

  He reached for my hand, and together, we climbed out of the car into the sunny, pleasant early afternoon. The wind was still a bit brisk, but I wrapped my coat around me and enjoyed the sun on my face and the smiles and cheers from the onlookers.

  Was it just this morning I saw my brother? With the sun, and the smiling, and Dallas’s hand clasped firmly around mine, it seemed a year ago.

  “Your Highness!” one young woman screeched. “Oh my goodness, he’s here! He’s real!”

  “And he’s gorgeous!” her friend announced, causing Dallas to chuckle.

  He bowed to the young ladies as their jaws went slack. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, grinning widely. “Thank you for having me to your lovely settlement.”

  “Uh…” one girl said.

  “Ah…” said the other.

  Dallas passed on to the next group, and I winked at the girls. “He has that effect on people. I get it.”

  They giggled, their cheeks reddening. “We’re rooting for you,” one said breathlessly. “Become the princess, Gwyn. Bring glory and honor back to Four.”

  I curtsied, my own cheeks flaming. “I shall do my best. You have my word.”

  Black Guardsmen followed us as we worked our way through the crowd. The sentinels fanned out on either side, but instead of being menacing, they smiled at the crowd. Still, I knew they were searching for any potential threats. Fine with me.

  Mira moved lightning fast, setting up a shot with the crowd cheering behind her. She grinned at the onlookers. “Are you excited for the prince’s visit?”

  “Yes!” the crowd roared back.

  Dallas laughed as he shook hands and signed autographs. Several girls visibly swooned as they got close to him, and I didn’t blame them. Tall and handsome, his pale skin brilliant in the sunlight, Dallas was a vision. I sighed as I watched him shake another hand, greedily wishing he’d put his hands on me instead.

  “You’re besotted,” a familiar voice said.

  I looked up to see Lyra, tall and poised as ever, grinning at me. “Lyra!” I reached for my old friend and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  She giggled against me, then pulled back and showed me her sign: “Gwyneth for Princess!” It was covered with rainbow glitter and star stickers.

  “Aw, you shouldn’t have.”

  Lyra swatted me. “Are you crazy? We’re all so excited we can barely contain ourselves! It’s all anyone talks about.”

  Dallas drew farther away, and I squeezed my friend’s hand. “It’s good to see you. I miss you.”

  “Don’t come home on my account.” She laughed. “I’ll come visit you at the palace when you’re the princess.”

  Dallas was suddenly beside me. Lyra’s dark-brown eyes almost popped out of her head as she took him in, his tall, muscular form, ceremonial uniform, loads of thick hair, and disarmingly handsome face.

  He bowed to her, then smiled charmingly when he rose. “Hello.”

  “Your Highness.” Lyra, typically unflappable, sounded breathless.

  I grinned at them. “Your Highness, this is my friend Miss Lyra Thornton. Miss Thornton, this is obviously the prince.”

  He took her hand and kissed it. “It’s a pleasure, Miss Thornton.”

  Lyra looked as if she might need to fan herself. “The pleasure is mine. Really.”

  Dallas nodded to me. “We must make our way down the street and then back to the car if we want to make it to the center on time.”

  “Of course.”

  Dallas grabbed my hand, lacing my fingers through his, a move not lost on Lyra. She grinned at us. “It was lovely to see you both.”

  Dallas nodded. “We’ll meet again, I’m certain.”

  He turned away, and Lyra gaped at me. Oh my God! she mouthed. He’s perfection!

  All I could do was giggle in response.

  The prince and I continued down the street, shaking hands, hugging children, and signing autographs as the cameras captured every second. For once, I was thankful for them. Dallas’s smile for the gathered crowd was genuine. In return, their enthusiasm and excitement about our visit was infectious.

  He held my hand in broad daylight, and even though we were in the midst of an excited crowd, I felt calm and safe. It was as if Dallas’s hold anchored me to the shore, so I was no longer adrift in my emotions. But I knew the undertow was out there, lurking, waiting to drag me under.

  I had to have faith and hope we could both hold on.

  “This is amazing.” I stared up at the community center. The government had refurbished one of the downtown federal buildings to its former splendor. The gleaming brick facade was elegant, and the repaired clock tower and spire jutted gracefully into the sky.

  Dallas smiled, inspecting the large building. “They’ve done a good job. Come, let’s go see inside.”

  Hand in hand, followed closely by Mira Kinney and a team of Black Guardsmen, we entered the building. I admired the marble flooring and the grand staircase, the ornate carvings in wood painted baby blue, and the soaring windows.

  A large staff waited for us in the lobby. They bowed and curtsied as a royal sentinel announced the prince. Dallas introduced me to the employees, telling me what their roles we
re. Every one of them clutched my hand. One woman leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Thank you for this, Miss West. The center is a blessing. We’re going to do wonderful things here, and it’s all because of you.”

  I clasped her hand. “It was completely His Highness’s idea. I cannot take credit.”

  “But you must.” The woman smiled, a web of glorious wrinkles breaking out over her face. “You were the spark that lit the flame.”

  I nodded, my cheeks heating. I wasn’t used to being treated like, well, like royalty, but each person I met spoke to me with a reverence that I was completely unaccustomed to. We reached the end of the line, and Dallas clasped my hand once more. “I’d like to show you the clinic. It’s down the hall.” He seemed quiet all of a sudden, almost as if he were holding his breath. Mira excitedly whispered directions to the camera crew, and they hustled down the corridor to set up the shot.

  “What’s all the fuss about?” I asked.

  Dallas looked straight ahead. “I don’t know.” But it sounded like a lie.

  Curious, I clutched his hand as we walked through the center. But I understood why he was tense as soon as we reached our destination, a set of double doors with a gleaming gold sign above it: “The West Medical Clinic.” The cameras got closer, their klieg lights in our faces, scrutinizing my reaction. I put my hand over my heart, gaping back and forth between the sign and the prince. “You named the clinic after my family?”

  Dallas nodded, looking unsure. “I wanted to honor your family for their bravery—for weathering the storm without your father, for keeping the faith when Winifred was sick, for sending you to the competition in the hope of a brighter future. I believe your family’s spirit shows the essence of Settlement Four and all the lovely people here.”

  My eyes filled with happy tears. “Oh, Dallas. That’s incredible.”

  He reached for me. “You don’t mind?”

  I threw myself into his arms, cameras be damned. “Are you kidding? I’m beyond honored!” I hugged him fiercely.