by Leigh Walker
I wasn’t sure, but I might not like her.
“She seems fine being around all of us. But having cameras will be interesting, that’s for sure.” Shaye sighed.
Shaye had told me that the other girls had been busy forming cliques and making predictions about who would advance to the next round. Wrapped up in my own issues, worrying about Eve and trying to figure the prince out, I hadn’t given the other girls much notice. But Shaye said they talked about me, so I would probably have to pay attention to them soon.
“Speaking of interesting,” Tamara said, “I heard the prince will begin his individual dinners tonight. Each night, he’ll ask one of us to dine with him in a private dining room. Can you believe it?” She fanned herself.
Shaye played with her curls. “I wonder who he’ll ask first?”
“Miss West.” Tariq interrupted us with a bow. “I have a letter for you.”
He handed it to me, and I blushed as I saw Dallas’s distinctive scrawl across the front.
“Well, open it,” Tariq commanded.
Inwardly cursing him, I opened the envelope as Tamara and Shaye watched curiously.
Dear Gwyn,
I will see you at six. I look forward to it.
I’m with Eve right now. She’s doing well and says, in her words, “Hey, you bootlicking East-Ender.”
This will require some explaining.
See you this evening.
Dallas
Tariq watched me with glittering eyes. “What did it say?”
I swallowed hard. I might as well tell them now. It was going to get out anyway. “The prince has asked me to dine with him tonight.”
Tamara looked me up and down, as if trying to figure out why.
“Good for you.” Shaye said it encouragingly, but her cheeks flushed.
“Interesting choice.” Tariq arched an eyebrow.
And I just stood there, wishing the floor would swallow me up.
Instead, a harried-looking production assistant came over. She checked her clipboard and peered at us. “Miss Iman?”
Shaye nodded. “That’s me.”
“Great. You’re up first.” The assistant leaned forward and pulled down her glasses a bit. “Mira will have my head if I don’t get you on camera in five. Let’s move it, please!”
Tamara watched as the assistant hustled Shaye off. “She means business, I guess.”
“She’s the best for a reason.” Tariq turned to me, sizing me up. “Do you have a special dress for this evening?”
Tamara inched closer, listening.
“Y-yes. My maids had a dress designed for me because of the broadcast. I’ll wear it tonight.”
Tariq winked. “Good idea. I can’t wait to hear all the juicy details.”
I swallowed hard. “Juicy” made me think of steak. “Steak” made me think of delicious. “Delicious” made me think of eating.
What would Dallas be thinking of, tonight?
Tariq noticed my discomfort and tsked. “There, there. You’ll be fine. It’s not as though you haven’t already spent private time with His Highness.”
Now Tamara really gave me the once-over. I willed Tariq to shut up. I was relieved to see the harried production assistant heading our way again.
“Miss West?” she asked. “You’re next.”
“See ya.” I grinned at Tariq. Even being interviewed by Mira Kinney on television would be better than sticking around here, being sized up, looked down on, and grilled for details.
“Yes, see you.” Tariq’s gaze followed me across the room as I happily escaped.
“I’m just adding some more highlighter here.” The makeup artist frowned and dabbed me with yet another brush. “There. That’s better.”
“What was wrong?”
“Oh, nothing,” he said. “It’s just your face.”
I frowned back, but he glared. “I told you not to move. You’ll smudge. Relax your face and stay still. Mira’s almost ready for you. She’s just about done with Miss Iman.”
“Fine.” I frowned with my voice, instead.
He ignored me, turning to watch the interview. “Look at her.” He sighed. “That girl’s sheer perfection.”
I glanced over to where Mira was interviewing Shaye, who admittedly looked flawless and stunning, even under the blitzkrieg lights. She chatted easily with the intimidating Mira, and again, I tried to keep the jealousy about my friend’s effortless charm at bay.
In my heart, I was rooting for Shaye. But I also knew that she was prettier than me, smarter than me, and a lot less clumsy and ill-tempered than I was.
If I were the prince, I’d fall for Shaye in a heartbeat.
I needed to accept that I was holding on to a little ambivalence about my friend. I wanted her to do well, but I also wanted to do well. Still, my friendship with her came before my ambitions, and I would just have to keep reminding myself of that when I felt a stab of jealousy.
Mira Kinney laughed at something Shaye said. Oh, would she stop being such a suck-up? Sheesh!
I cursed under my breath. Note to self—you’re doing it again.
The makeup artist swiped me with his brush one final time. “There. My work is done. You look as good as you can.”
“Uh, thanks.” Except I was pretty sure he didn’t mean it as a compliment.
Shaye and Mira shook hands, and then Mira checked her list. “Next up, Gwyneth West of Settlement Four. I’m ready for you!”
I took a deep breath and headed over. Mira sized me up quickly then firmly planted a smile on her face. “It’s a pleasure, Gwyn. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.” I sank into the seat and noticed that I was already sweating. Great.
Mira checked her notes. “I understand that the other young woman from your settlement was already eliminated from the contest.”
“That’s right.” I swallowed hard.
“Was that difficult for you? Being the one left behind?”
I nodded. “I think I have some survivor’s guilt.”
Mira frowned. “That’s an interesting way to put it.” Up close, she was even more beautiful. Her skin was luminescent and poreless, and her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and acute attention to the details surrounding her.
She wouldn’t miss a trick.
“I just—I just want to represent my settlement well.” I smiled at Mira, putting on my game face. “Settlement Four deserves a real chance at winning.”
“You’re here to win?”
I nodded. “Yes. Absolutely.”
“Good for you. I like a strong young woman, and I’m sure the settlements will too.” Mira smiled approvingly. “One of the things I’m hoping to do in my coverage of the Pageant is educate our viewers about each of the settlements. How would you describe Four?”
I cleared my throat and sat up straight, knowing I represented not only my settlement but my family. “Everyone is very hardworking, and we look out for each other. Settlement Four is a great place to live.”
Mira beamed at me. “That’s lovely to hear, Gwyn. I imagine palace life is different than what you’re used to.”
“Quite.” I smiled again. Then, remembering what I was here to do, I said, “It’s lovely. The royal family has been very welcoming.” I lied, and I did it with a smile.
Lying was easier than I thought. All I had to do was picture Winnie and Remy starving to death.
“What’s the best part?” Mira asked.
“The food,” I said immediately. “I had the best popover of my life yesterday.”
Mira chuckled. “I’ll have to check those out while I’m here. Now, what about the prince? What’s he like?”
“He’s very tall,” I said.
Mira waited a beat. “And?”
I thought of the note he’d just sent me, still in my pocket. I thought of how he was hanging out with Eve, trying to help.
I smiled. “And he’s very kind.”
“Ah. Sounds like you have a crush.”
; I reddened.
“Cut,” Mira said to the photographer. She turned back to me. “I have everything I need. You did very well, Gwyn. I’m impressed. I look forward to watching your star rise.”
“Thank you.” My blush deepened as I rose.
Mira checked a note and motioned for me to stop. “You have the first dinner with the prince tonight?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She flashed a megawatt smile. “I’m looking forward to filming it.”
I fake-smiled so hard my face hurt. “Great.”
As if I wasn’t nervous enough already!
Chapter 18
There’s A Possibility
After a long day in the formal salon, I anxiously headed to my room. I closed the door behind me, grateful to be alone.
At least in here, I didn’t have to pretend. I could be a nervous wreck all I liked without worrying about Shaye or Tamara or worse—Mira Kinney filming Dallas and me tonight.
I paced the length of my room, then went and stood by the window. I hoped staring at the grounds for a few minutes might calm me down.
But Dallas was out there, walking with one of the other girls. I narrowed my eyes, trying to tell which one. The young woman wore a stylish, wide-brimmed hat and a powder-blue gown. She walked arm-in-arm with the prince, deep in conversation.
As they turned the corner, my heart lightened. It was Eve. Her hair was tucked beneath the hat, but I caught a glimpse of strawberry-blond curls. She and Dallas were talking animatedly. He gestured, as if he were trying to explain something to her.
Eve nodded and smiled, paying close attention. There was nothing romantic in the way they moved together. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until I exhaled, long and relieved.
Oh boy, was I in trouble.
Still, I smiled as I watched them walking and talking. Since that first terrible night, I’d never expected to see Eve alive again. I didn’t know what it meant to be a vampire, but she looked good. As they walked together, continuing to talk, she almost looked happy. The fact that Dallas was making such an effort with her made my heart skip.
I’d been too harsh. I’d been a bigot.
I’d judged him without getting to know him, basing everything on fear. But here was the Dark Prince, taking care of my friend.
He was a vampire. But that didn’t make him a monster.
With a renewed sense of calm, I went to get ready for our special dinner.
Bria and Bettina took turns smoothing my hair with a heavy brush. Evangeline fussed over my makeup.
“We have special jewelry for you to wear,” Evangeline said as she applied more eyeshadow. “The prince himself sent it.”
“Really?” I tried not to squeal.
Evangeline laughed. “Yes, really. Apparently, the set is from the royal vault. It’s priceless. Let me get it.” She grabbed a large black velvet box from the dressing table.
Bettina winked at me. “Try not to pass out or insult his family while you’re wearing their heirlooms.”
“Ugh, right.” I held my breath as Evangeline opened the box. Inside, enormous diamond teardrop earrings glittered alongside an ornate, exquisite diamond necklace. “Holy crap!”
Evangeline’s eyes bugged out at the jewels. “You could certainly say so, miss!”
Bria and Bettina gasped as Evangeline lifted the necklace and secured it around my neck.
Bria smirked. “I’m pretty sure he likes you.”
I gulped as I felt the weight of the necklace against my chest. “I don’t know what to say.”
Bettina got down in my face, giggling. “Nothing insulting! Start with that, miss!”
Evangeline fastened the earrings and put the final touches on my lip gloss. “There. Now, let’s have a look before the prince gets here in his tux, and we all officially lose our minds.”
I stood, taking a deep breath, and faced the mirror. The red gown fit snugly up top, accentuating my curves. The bottom of the dress billowed out behind me. The embroidery and jewelry sparkled in the light, making me feel like…a princess.
I swallowed hard.
Bettina put a hand over her heart. “You’re a vision, miss.”
Bria sighed. “Absolutely stunning.”
Evangeline grinned. “The seamstresses outdid themselves.”
I collected myself and grinned back. “The dress is lovely, the jewels are lovely, everything’s perfect. Now I just need to not screw it up!”
“You’ll be fine.” Evangeline beamed.
There was a knock at the door, and the maids clapped their hands together then ran for their station along the entryway. “Come in, Your Highness.”
A sentinel opened the door, and Dallas strode in, exquisite in a black tuxedo. His hair was tall and tousled, as if he’d made an extra effort with it. “Evangeline. Bria. Bettina. Good evening.”
They basked in his careful attention, looking very pleased as they curtsied.
He turned and grinned at me widely, his dimple at full wattage.
I grinned back.
“Gwyneth. You look stunning.” He bowed deeply.
I curtsied, praying I didn’t tip over. When I raised myself back up, I found his gaze raking over me.
I flushed, probably turning as scarlet as my gown.
He held out his hand for me. “Shall we?”
I grasped his hand, electricity zipping through me. “Yes.”
Bettina winked at me as we swept through the door.
Dallas pulled me close against him, and I inhaled his heady, marvelous scent. It made my mouth water.
I refused to think that through.
“I saw you with Eve earlier,” I said. “How is she?”
He nodded thoughtfully. “I think she’s doing well. I was telling her more about what she can expect in the coming weeks.”
“Can you tell me?”
“I will train her. You asked yesterday why she was wearing trousers and a tunic. She wishes to become part of our Guard. She wants to fight.”
“That sounds like Eve, all right.” But I frowned. “Does that mean she’ll leave the palace?”
“Not if I can help it,” Dallas said. “I believe she’s my responsibility. I want to take care of her.”
“That’s very kind.”
“I don’t think it’s kind, Gwyn. I’m trying to make good on a debt that can never be repaid. I’m the one who invited her here. I should’ve had my mother under control that evening, but I did nothing. I stood by and watched. That hesitation will be with me forever, on my conscience.”
I stopped walking. “I watched you that night. The king forbade you from interfering.”
The muscle in his jaw jumped. “I must learn to stand up for what I believe in. Even to the king.”
I thought of my own mother and what she could persuade me to do. “It can be difficult.”
He frowned. “I agree. But it’s worth it. It’s part of becoming a leader.”
“This world forces it on us sooner rather than later. But that’s not a bad thing. I’d rather make my own mistakes, if you know what I mean.”
The prince’s frown vanished. He took my hands, gently. “I do, indeed.”
“Not that I’m a leader—”
“You shouldn’t underestimate yourself. You seem quite strong to me and certainly capable of speaking your own mind.” His eyes sparkled, and he loomed over me.
Unsure of what to do, I cleared my throat, breaking the moment.
Another genius move, Gwyn! “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He stepped back then resumed leading me down the hall. “But let’s talk about tonight. Our dinner will be served in the winter garden.”
“Is that outside?”
“No, it’s a special room in the house. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s one of my favorite parts of the palace.”
I nodded. “I’m sure it’s lovely. Do you know if the camera crew will be with us, filming?”
Dallas’s eyes flashed. “I spoke
with Tariq about it, and I laid down some ground rules. They’re allowed to film us before dinner, but after that, we are to have complete privacy.”
I exhaled, relieved. “Thank you. It’s a bit unnerving to have Mira Kinney watching my every move.”
“She’s not so bad. I’ve known Mira for years.”
“I didn’t know she was…a vampire. I could never tell on television.”
“Speaking of that.” Dallas stopped walking again. “That’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. I’m wondering if we should be more forthcoming with the settlements about our heritage. My father and Tariq are against it, but I feel strongly that the people have a right to know the truth. I think this contest is the perfect venue to bring it up and highlight our similarities, not focus on our differences.”
I’d been wondering when, and if, the royal family would let the settlements in on their secret. Now that girls from every settlement in the land were privy to the information, the news would get out. Not even an airtight confidentiality agreement could stop that.
I nodded. “I agree with you one hundred percent. And I admire your bravery.”
His forehead furrowed. “Why do you think that’s brave?”
For all his sophistication and charm, Dallas seemed a bit clueless about the nature of the people he now governed—my people.
I put my hand over his. “The people in the settlements will be afraid, at least at first. Right now, it’s just a rumor. No one knows for sure that you’re a vampire. Only the people who work for you know the truth.” And maybe the people who went to fight you.
And Eve. Eve knew.
“But I think telling the truth and showing how you get along with the contestants and treat everyone so well will go a long way to making people less afraid. The more secret your racial identity is, the more frightened people will be.”
“Father thinks secrecy is power.” Dallas’s eyes were dark. “But let’s speak of this later. We’re about to be bombarded with cameras.”