The Pageant

by Leigh Walker

  I shook my head, eyes filling with tears. This was where the prince and I would differ until the end. “No one deserves that.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, and how I know you haven’t seen much of the world,” Dallas said, sadly. “Some people absolutely deserve to die.”

  He left after that. I curled up into a ball and lay on my bed, watching the fire. Tonight, one thing was clear. Dallas had saved me. Again.

  But what would tomorrow bring?

  Evangeline and the twins brought me tea. They insisted on changing me into my nightgown and brushing my hair.

  “There,” Bettina said, laying down the brush and smoothing my hair. “Isn’t that better?”

  I nodded, but I only felt sick.

  After they left, I sat by the fire. I watched the flames curl, their different colors bleeding into one another.

  I’d made a mess of things. Each time I’d doubted him, Dallas had shown me who he really was.

  Yes, he was a killer. He’d never denied that.

  Yes, he was a vampire. He had more power than I could ever hope to understand.

  But he was also brave and loyal. He’d vowed to protect me, and he had. From the guards. From Eve. From Tariq. From the rebels. Even from his own parents.

  He owed me nothing. And yet, he’d given me so much.

  What had I ever given him, besides back talk and disdain?

  Tamara had lied to me about what he’d said. And yet, I’d believed her so easily.

  Because I’d wanted to believe the bad things about him. Believing the good would mean I was hanging on to hope in my heart, hope that he cared for me, hope that somehow, even though we were from two different worlds, we could somehow…be. Hope that he would choose me over the other girls.

  After my father and Balkyn had left for the war, I no longer let myself want things. Wanting wasn’t something I could afford. It lead only to disappointment.

  I’d been right about that. I’d been wrong about so many things, but I’d been right about that.

  Chapter 29

  Take Anything You Want

  I woke as soon as the sun broke over the horizon the next morning. My maids came in, and I greeted them warmly. I asked for a special dress. Today was a big day.

  They dressed me in a red velvet gown, leaving my hair in loose waves. Evangeline attached large sapphire earrings to my ears. Ever loyal, she smiled at me. “You look like a royal.”

  “Thank you,” I said, “for everything.”

  I descended the stairs and walked to the breakfast room with my head held high. I might be going home today, but I refused to break. I’d learned something important during my time at the palace, and nothing could take it away from me.

  “You’re looking rather posh.” Tamara scanned me up and down. “What’s the occasion?”

  Of course, she knew nothing about what had transpired last night. “I’ve decided to start bringing my A game,” I informed her.

  Her jaw visibly dropped before she composed herself. “Good luck with that.”

  I didn’t answer.

  Instead, I greeted Shaye. “How are you, my friend?”

  She beamed at me. “I’m well, thank you. You seem rather boisterous this morning. I like it.”

  “Thank you.” I proceeded to eat three scones slathered in butter.

  If I was going out, I was going out with a full stomach.

  Tariq came in at his usual time. He was pulled together as always, but dark circles lined his eyes. “We’ll be practicing dinner party etiquette this morning,” he announced and was met with groans.

  He looked through the tables, his gaze coming to rest on me. “A word, Miss West.”

  I stuffed the rest of the scone in my mouth for courage.

  He pulled me out into the hall, nostrils flaring as he stared me down. “You brought a load of trouble into my life last night.”

  “I believe you brought that on yourself. You should have done your homework, Tariq. First Eve, then this. The royals will have your head on a spike before you know it.”

  He visibly stiffened.

  “I don’t want that to happen, so I’ll continue to voice my support for you with the prince.”

  He nodded. “Thank you, my lady. The prince does seem partial to you.”

  “Speaking of His Highness, I’d like you to do me a favor in return for my support.”

  Tariq looked wary, but he nodded. “Yes, my lady?”

  “I’d like you to arrange something for me—a special lunch.” I explained the details, telling him exactly what I wanted. “And Tariq? One more thing.”

  He bowed. “Yes?”

  “No more obstacle courses in heels. I’ve come close enough to dying at the palace. I’m done putting myself in danger.”

  I waited nervously, pacing the room.

  Finally, the sentinels opened the doors, and the prince strode through.

  “Gwyneth.” He bowed, then looked around, surprised. “What’s all this?”

  I curtsied, then motioned around the winter garden, which sparkled with fairy lights and the sun shining through the atrium windows. “This is me trying to apologize. We never finished our one-on-one date because you wanted to help me. I didn’t appreciate what you did—what you’ve done—for me enough. I wanted to do something nice for you, for once. Instead of torturing you, my lord.”

  He grinned, and I glimpsed his dimple for the first time in a long time. “I have to admit I’m surprised.”

  I laughed. “You shouldn’t be. I haven’t exactly been easy to get along with.”

  I reached for his hand. “Shall we?” I led him through the garden to the table, which was already set with food for me and wine for him.

  I grabbed the wine glasses and handed one to him. “I’d like to toast you. For keeping me alive, despite probably wanting to ring my neck.”

  The dimple deepened as he cheered. “I vowed to protect you. Even from me.” He clinked his goblet against mine and had a sip of wine, then his gaze raked appreciatively over my dress.

  My heart hammered in my chest.

  “I like it when you’re nice,” he growled. He reached for my hand and pulled me closer. “It’s unusual, but I could certainly get used to it.”

  My skin flushed. So close to his side, I could smell him, which for some godforsaken reason, made my mouth water.

  A sentinel opened the door. “Your Highness, I’m so sorry to interrupt, but the king sends word that he needs you.” His gaze flicked to our entwined hands. “My apologies, my lord, but it’s urgent.”

  Dallas nodded. “Of course.”

  He waited until the sentinel left to turn to me. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

  I smiled at him. “And I am just sorry.”

  He raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. “Apology accepted.”

  “For everything?”

  He grinned. “I’ll have to go back and check my list. It’s gotten so long that I can’t remember everything on it. I’ll see you later, Gwyneth. I’m looking forward to it.”

  I watched as he strode from the room, cape sailing behind him. Once he closed the door, I fanned myself.

  I’m looking forward to it too.

  Chapter 30

  You’re The Only One I See

  Mira Kinney motioned for us to quiet down.

  “The prince is away on business for the next few nights,” she announced. Everyone started talking, and my heart sank.

  “Settle down. He’s announced the next round of cuts. Fifteen more girls will be heading home this afternoon, with the same generous stipends promised to the first girls.”

  Mira pulled an envelope from her pocket. “I have the names. The prince wants you all to know that if you’re being sent home, it by no means reflects on you personally. He’s had to make difficult choices and has enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you.”

  Mira opened the envelope and read through the names. The sour blond with the braids burst into tears, so
she was going home.

  I held my breath as she read down the list. My name wasn’t on it.

  Neither was Shaye’s.

  Neither was Tamara’s.

  The girls who’d been cut gave tearful goodbyes to the rest of us—not to me, of course, because I hadn’t bothered to get to know any of them. But as soon as they left the room, the rest of the girls erupted into cheers.

  “We made it! We made it!” Tamara jumped up and down. “Only twenty girls left. I can feel the crown on my head!”

  I arched an eyebrow at Shaye, and she giggled.

  “She’s going to be even more difficult to deal with, now that she made the cut,” I whispered.

  Shaye nodded. “She’ll be upping her squat count to two thousand a day.”

  I giggled. “What about you? Are you happy?”

  Shaye nodded. “I am. I want to get to know him better. And I’m not ready to say goodbye to the food. Not yet.”

  “Let’s go beg the kitchen staff for ice cream,” I suggested. “Then we can avoid this craziness and, you know, ice cream.”

  “Win-win.” Shaye grabbed my hand, and we happily left the hubbub together.

  Later, my stomach swollen with too much Black Raspberry, I wrote a letter to my mother, telling her I’d advanced to the next round. She’d be ecstatic, of course. Then I wrote a note to Eve. It seemed silly, as she was only downstairs, but Dallas said he didn’t want me going to see her alone. As a goodwill gesture, I was going to listen to him.

  Dear Eve,

  Thank you for coming to my aid the other night. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been there.

  I haven’t been able to say this, but you seem like you’re doing very well. I’m amazed at how you’re coping with your transformation.

  I hope your training gets to the point, soon, where we can spend some proper time together. I miss you.

  I’ll come and see you soon.

  Sincerely,

  Your Bootlicking East-Ender BFF

  There was a knock on my door, and Evangeline stuck her pretty face into the room. “You have a letter, miss. From the prince.”

  “Thank you.” I eagerly tore into the envelope as she left the room.

  My Dearest Gwyneth,

  I’ll be traveling for the next week for political purposes. I’m so sorry that I had to leave in the middle of the lovely meeting you’d arranged.

  I was quite enjoying that dress.

  I know they were announcing the young women who’d been cut today. I hope it’s okay with you, but I kept you around. I look forward to seeing you—and smelling you—when I get back.

  Stay safe. Follow the rules and stay alive, at least until I return.

  Sincerely,

  Your Dallas

  I folded up the letter and went to the window, staring at the garden.

  I knew three things.

  My want had turned to need.

  I’d fallen hard for the prince. The vampire prince.

  And I had no idea what would happen next.

  Dear Reader

  Thank you so much for reading this book! It means everything to me!

  If you enjoyed The Pageant, please consider leaving a review here: Amazon-The Pageant. Short or long, reviews help other readers find books they’ll enjoy. This is a brand-new series, so your review means a lot!

  The next book is coming soon! You can subscribe to my newsletter for new-release notifications:

  https://www.leighwalkerbooks.com/subscribe.

  Thank you again. It is THRILLING for me to have you read my book. Please sign up for my newsletter and come along for Dallas and Gwyneth’s exciting adventures!

  xxoo

  Leigh Walker

  Also by Leigh Walker

  The Division Series

  Premonition (Book #1)

  Intuition (Book #2)

  Perception (Book #3)

  Divination (Book #4)

  Vampire Royals

  The Pageant (Book #1)

  The Gala (Book #2) COMING SOON!

  IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK, YOU MIGHT LIKE

  If you enjoyed The Pageant, you might also like my other series, The Division!

  Here’s a sneak peek of the first three chapters of Book 1, Premonition. Enjoy!

  In Which My Mother Completely Loses It

  I finished packing early. As a reward, I grabbed my blanket, a bowl of popcorn, a bunch of mini candy bars, and the remote control. Snuggled on the couch with my snacks, I turned on the television. For my last night at home, I planned to enjoy a Walking Dead marathon that lasted until my eyeballs popped out.

  There was a sudden thud outside our apartment door. “Oh, crap!”

  My mother’s words sounded slurred from in here, but they were still clearer than I wished they were. Oh crap, indeed. So much for my final cozy night on the couch.

  My crazy, drunk mother was home.

  She tried to shove the key into the lock, but she must’ve dropped it. She cursed and banged on the door again. “Riley! You in there? Open the door!”

  I gave the television one last, longing look. I shoved a mini Twix into my mouth, braced myself, and headed to the door.

  I opened it, and she fell through, landing in a heap on the cheap, industrial carpet.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  She squinted up at me through her bangs. She was wearing a jean jacket, capri pants, and rubber flip-flops. She would’ve looked almost normal, except that she was crumpled on the floor. Her toenail polish was a bright, crazy blue, a color she never would have tried before.

  Slowly, Mom picked herself up, her eyes trying to focus on my face. “I realized something tonight. Something big.”

  I nodded, even though I had no idea what she was talking about. I took her arm gingerly and led her inside, trying not to breathe too close. She reeked of the VFW. Once we got to the couch, I dropped her as if she were a hot potato about to explode. “Okay then. Good night!”

  She collapsed onto my blanket, probably crushing the remote. “Oh no, you don’t. I said I realized something tonight.”

  “Oh.” Oh joy.

  She scrunched up her eyes, waiting for me to say more.

  “Yay?”

  “Don’t you be fresh with me, young lady!” Even drunk, she managed to be irritated by me.

  “Well, maybe you can tell me about it in the morning when you’re feeling… better.” I knew she wouldn’t be feeling better, but it would be easy for me to avoid her as she slept it off.

  I tried to escape to my bedroom, but she caught me by the wrist.

  “Riley.”

  I had to fake enough patience to avoid a fight. “Yes, Mom?”

  She warily released me. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I had an epiphany.”

  I wanted to ask how many drinks had brought it on, but I kept my mouth shut.

  She leaned forward conspiratorially. “It has to do with your dad. Your sister.”

  I recoiled as if she’d slapped me. She never mentioned my sister. As in, never. As in, not once since the memorial service. “What?”

  She held up a finger, shaking it at me. “When your number’s up, it’s up.” She sat back, her glazed eyes shining in triumph.

  “That was your big epiphany?”

  “That’s right.” She nodded, two hectic spots of color in her cheeks. “Both of them—it was their time. It was fate. You can’t fight fate. When it’s your number come up on the wheel—boom!” She clapped her hands, making me jump. “That’s it. There’s nothing you can do.”

  There was nothing I could do. It was official. The cheap Chardonnay had finally eaten her brain.

  “Well. That’s… that’s deep, Mom.” I coughed “Really.”

  “I told you not to be fresh with me!” Her voice, thick and miserable with booze, carried the sharp edge I hated.

  “I’m not being fresh.” I struggled to keep my voice from shaking. “It’s just that you never say anything about Katie, and when yo
u finally do, it’s gibberish. I wish you’d respect her memory more.” I wish you would talk about her when you weren’t shitfaced.

  She sat up straight. She’d become small, shrunken, her collarbones jutting out painfully from underneath her jean jacket.

  I’d feel sorry for her, but I wasn’t big on feeling these days.

  “I don’t talk about your sister because I can’t bear to,” she said, teetering precipitously close to tears.

  Aw, hell no. “It’s okay, Mom! I’m sorry I said anything. I’m just being sensitive. You know—teenage hormones.” I smiled at her brightly, knowing she would never remember this conversation tomorrow. Hormones, my butt. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d talked to my mother about something personal.

  “Oh, honey, I know. I mean, I don’t know… but you’ve been taking care of yourself, right?” In a rare moment of maternal concern, she looked me over. She must not have liked what she saw because she frowned.

  “Yes, Mom. I’m fine.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “You’re going to Hollingsworth tomorrow, and I don’t even know if you’re ready. You don’t have to go.”

  “It’ll be good for me. It’s the best school in the state.” I fake-smiled so hard that my jaw hurt. I’d applied to Hollingsworth, the town’s exclusive boarding school, when I realized my mother was never going to sober up. Number one in my class at my public high school, I’d received a full scholarship. I was moving into my dorm tomorrow morning to start my summer work-study program. My senior-year classes didn’t start until after Labor Day, but I’d jumped at the chance to move out of the depressing basement apartment I shared with my mother and work on the grounds crew all summer.

  Anywhere but here sounded good.

  “I need to go to bed. I have to get going early tomorrow.” Eager to flee, I backed toward my room.