The Gala

by Leigh Walker

  I resisted the urge to smack him. “Four is hardly miserable.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “So you say.”

  I sighed, tired of him, tired of his rabid, ceaseless posturing. “Let me see if I’ve got this straight: I don’t say a word to the prince, and you don’t say a word to the king.”

  “That’s right.”

  “But what’s the point of all this?” I cried. “We’re locked in a study, and you’re fluttering your eyelashes and maneuvering. I don’t understand what you’re trying to accomplish.”

  “I wanted to be clear. I am happy to support you in the contest and keep your secrets, but you must also support me.”

  “I told you before—if you helped me, I would help you.” I’d asked a favor of Tariq and had him organize a special lunch for Dallas and me. I’d told him in return, I would voice my support for him with the prince. “But I’m going to be quite a bit less happy about it after the way you’ve spoken to me tonight.”

  “I’m doing it for a reason.” Tariq’s voice was tight. “You don’t understand. There’s a lot at stake in the competition.”

  I straightened my spine. “I understand perfectly. You think this competition is going to make or break your career with the royal family. And you will use any leverage you can find to shore up your position.”

  “Then I suppose you’re not as dull-witted as I thought.” He shrugged. “The point is, I have leverage over you. And I can make or break you.”

  I’d asked him to speak plainly, and now I regretted it.

  “At some juncture, you might be in a unique position to help me. So if I ask you for a favor, I need your word that you’ll do it.”

  I lifted my chin. “I won’t do something that I think is wrong.”

  He smiled, and this time, it reached his eyes. “Then we will have to see what you’re made of, my lady.”

  I was still shaking by the time I made it to the common room, unable to get Tariq’s words out of my head. I’ll head straight for the king.

  The king, who did not approve of me. The king, to whom Dallas had lied in order to protect me.

  Mark me; I have his ear.

  I cursed Tariq, his stupid eyelashes, and his scheming. He would attempt to use me for something. I prayed it was nothing too horrible.

  Dinner was just finishing up. I spied my favorite kitchen maid, Andrea, and she promised to bring me a full plate of food. Tonight’s offering was creamy macaroni and cheese, asparagus with lemon, and biscuits. Perhaps there is a God.

  I felt eyes on me, and I turned to find Tamara staring as if she’d just smelled something rotten. Perhaps not. I sighed, making my way toward our table. Shaye gave me a tight smile while Tamara gnawed on a raw carrot, giving me the once over.

  “How’s your sister?” Shaye asked.

  “She’s much better, thank you.”

  “That’s good.” Shaye was friendly as usual, but an awkward silence settled over our table as I sat down.

  My gaze flicked to Tamara, who was still chewing. “And how are you, Tamara? Sore from your daily squat count?”

  “I’m not sore.” She arched an eyebrow. “But are you?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  She looked me up and down. “Since you’re not that pretty, and you’re really quite dull, I’ve been wondering what the prince sees in you, why he’s running in circles, chasing his tail to take you back to your shit-hole of a settlement. And now I think I have an idea.”

  “Tamara. For the love of all things holy, stop it.” Shaye closed her eyes and shook her head, as if she knew exactly what was coming.

  “I don’t think so.” Tamara whipped her ponytail back around and resumed glaring at me.

  I glared right back. “What, exactly, are you insinuating?”

  “I think you’ve been giving it to the prince.”

  “Giving what?” I didn’t understand at first, but then it dawned on me. “Ah, I see.”

  Shaye’s face turned crimson. She stared at her plate.

  “Is that what you both think?”

  Shaye shook her head miserably, but she didn’t say a word.

  “That’s absolutely what I think, and most of the other girls do, too. I bet you’ve been letting him have his way, and that’s why you’ve been getting special treatment.”

  Andrea set a plate in front of me, caught one whiff of the conversation, and scurried away.

  “So.” I dug into my mac and cheese. “You think I’ve been riding The Royal Stallion.”

  Tamara tossed down her carrot. “I can’t think of another explanation that makes sense.”

  “The prince has been a bit handsy, lately.” I took another bite, enjoying the fact that Tamara’s eyeballs were almost popping out of her head. “But when things got too intense, he told me that my virtue was of the utmost importance to him.”

  I buttered my biscuit and had a bite, slowly chewing, savoring it. “It’s a pity,” I said when I’d finished. “Because he is a rather good kisser, and I quite enjoyed having his hands on me. So I hope he eventually changes his mind.”

  I grabbed another biscuit and stood. “Well, I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but…”

  Tamara rolled her eyes, not looking sorry in the least.

  My gaze shifted to Shaye. “I expected more from you, at least.”

  Her pretty face puckered. “Gwyn.”

  But I was already out the door, heading for my chambers as fast as I could. They could say what they wanted about me.

  But I wouldn’t let them hurt me.

  And I sure as hell wouldn’t let them see me cry.

  Chapter 17

  Bring It On

  There was a knock on my door first thing the next morning. Evangeline bustled in, a note in her hands. She handed it to me then curtsied. Her quick gaze ran over my face, probably taking in my puffy eyelids. I would never admit it, but I’d cried myself to sleep.

  “I’ll just go and fetch your tea.”

  I opened the letter, hoping against hope it was from the prince.

  My Dearest Gwyneth,

  I’m so sorry, but there was a security breach at the palace while we were gone. That, on top of everything going on with the competition, is going to keep me incredibly busy. I’m afraid I really won’t be able to see you for a while. There are some other issues as well. I’ll explain when I can.

  Why ever did we leave the SUV? I miss it, and I miss you… Not necessarily in that order.

  Security measures are being increased. I know you love to bend the rules, but please, do as you’re told. Follow the instructions to the letter.

  This note was a risk, but I wanted to let you know that even if I appear too busy or distracted, my heart is with you.

  I said it before, and I’ll say it again: do not doubt me. No matter what. I’ll be thinking of you.

  Sincerely,

  Your Dallas

  I folded the letter up and cradled it against my chest. I did not doubt him. But I felt weary from Tariq and Tamara’s attacks and from Shaye’s failure to defend me. And it had only been a few hours, but I missed the prince.

  Ugh. Feelings were seriously inconvenient.

  I understood that Dallas couldn’t see me. He had a role to play. It’s a game, I reminded myself. They’re all playing, and so should you.

  Instead, I pulled the blankets up over my head.

  I wasn’t sure I was cut out for all this maneuvering. It was literally exhausting, and I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed and eat biscuits until the competition ended.

  Another blasted knock on the door and Evangeline stuck her pretty face into the room. “We’re here with your tea, miss. I’m afraid it’s time to get up.”

  I groaned but did as I was told. Bria and Bettina bustled in. Bria took my face in her hands and tsked. “I knew that Tamara was going to have a fit. But you can’t let her get to you. It shows all over your face!”

  She hustled off to the wardrobe to pick out a dress. She pulled out a stunning
emerald velvet gown and fingered it approvingly. “The best revenge is looking good. You are going to bring it today, if I have anything to do with it!”

  Evangeline and Bria nodded at the dress. “That’ll do the trick.” Evangeline smiled at me in encouragement.

  I beamed at them, in spite of wanting to hide. I loved that my maids were rooting for me to the point of revenge-dressing me for breakfast.

  “How is your sister?” Bettina helped Evangeline set up the tea service. “Is she really better?”

  “She is, thank you. The prince had an excellent doctor treat her, and she was given IVs, which she desperately needed. It took a couple of days, but her fever broke. You should have seen her when she met the prince. She was positively beside herself.” I grinned. “She kept calling him ‘Your Highness’ at every opportunity. It was adorable.”

  “And how did the prince get on with your family?” Bria asked.

  “He was wonderful. He played with my little brother, and he made Winnie feel so special. He even managed to handle my mother. It was lovely.”

  The twins shot each other a knowing look.

  “What was that for?” I asked them.

  Bria smirked. “You’re gushing, my lady.”

  I scoffed. “I am not.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Are so—and I’m so glad to hear it. The prince is worthy of gushing. And if I may say so, so are you.”

  She hustled to change me out of my nightgown. “So do not let the jackals get to you. Nothing can stand in the way of something that’s meant to be. Nothing.”

  I hesitated before entering the common room. I couldn’t bear to sit with Tamara and Shaye again. Tamara wasn’t the worst of it. She barely concerned me. I expected her lewd speculations and jealousy. But I felt quite disappointed in Shaye, even though she hadn’t really said anything. Maybe it was the fact that she hadn’t really said anything—even in my defense—that had me feeling let down.

  “Hey,” a friendly voice called from behind me. “You’re late, too?” Blake came even with me, a big smile on her pretty face. “Want to sit together? I know Tamara’s been being a beast.”

  I exhaled in relief. “I’d love to. Thank you.”

  Shaye and Tamara watched me with thinly veiled interest as I came into the room, but I ignored them. Several of the other girls openly stared, too, but I kept my head held high as Blake and I found seats at an empty table.

  “You look lovely.” Blake put milk in her tea. “I kind of thought you’d go for mousy today, with all the drama, but I’m glad you didn’t.”

  “You thought about what I’d wear today?”

  Blake laughed. “We had a pool going, silly. While everybody’s gossiping, I’m staying busy trying to earn a living.”

  “There’s a pool about how I’d dress today?”

  She shrugged. “It’s been a bit boring without the prince. We have to keep things interesting. And plus, some of these girls have more money than they know what to do with. We aren’t playing for chocolate croissants, I’ll tell you. Hustling them is like taking candy from babies, although quite a bit more satisfying.”

  I shook my head and grabbed an enormous muffin, bursting with blueberries. “You’re ridiculous.”

  “I’m an entrepreneur. Plus, there was no one left to hustle in my settlement. Everyone’s gone broke. This is much more fun.”

  I laughed, relaxing a little. But then a girl at the table next to me whispered something to her friend, and they both looked at me with disapproval.

  I put down my muffin. “Everyone’s talking about me. Tamara said they all think I’ve been…improper…with the prince.”

  Blake tore my muffin in half, helping herself.

  “Hey!”

  “Well if you’re not going to eat it… I told you I was an entrepreneur. That means I’m opportunistic!”

  I laughed again, but then I sighed as I caught the girls at the next table still staring. “Doesn’t it bother you? Sitting with the Pageant harlot?”

  “You’re hardly that. Tamara was the one who’d been going around, saying that she’d like to show the prince what a real woman’s like.” She snorted. “I, for one, don’t care if you get improper with the prince, so long as it’s your choice. Your body, your choice, I say.”

  “I think the general objection is that my body’s keeping the prince from everyone else’s. I meant, at least from all the dates he’s supposed to go on.”

  She shrugged. “If the prince isn’t interested in someone, that’s rather their problem, isn’t it? Not yours. He’s not interested in me, but you don’t see me whinging about.”

  “Why is that?” I quickly buttered the other half of my muffin, lest she try and take the whole thing.

  “Because I believe if something’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. What’s the point of crying over something that’s not yours? It only means it probably never will be, and it would be in your best interest to move on.”

  “Blake. You’re smart.”

  “It’s true. I had to drop out of school, of course, but while I was there, I always got top grades.” She looked around the room, her pretty face scrunched into a frown. “While I have your ear and you’re thinking I’m all smart, let me give you some more wisdom: girls can really be prats. You’ll be happier if you ignore them.”

  I nodded, hoping I could follow her sage advice, grateful that I at least still had a friend. Shaye waved to me from her table, but I averted my eyes. Maybe I’d be better at this ignoring business than I’d thought. Feeling slightly better, I grabbed another biscuit.

  Chapter 18

  Take A Bow

  We sat through Ms. Blakely’s lecture about the evolution of social etiquette at royal parties. The morning dragged. Shaye tried to catch my eye a couple of times, but I continued to ignore her, even though it made me feel bad. I tried to focus on the lecture, not on my friend’s questionable loyalty.

  At the end of the class, a royal sentinel handed Ms. Blakely a note. “Ladies,” she said, “you’re invited to a special screening of the newest Pageant episode. Go and see Mira in the west lounge.”

  Tamara managed to wedge herself next to me as we headed down the hall to the west wing. “This is going to be a good one. I guarantee it.”

  “Because it’s starring you, beating the prince at chess and tricking him into kissing you?”

  She tossed her long, raven hair and it fluttered in waves back down to her shoulders. “That, and I also had a visit from His Highness late last night.” She winked at me. “This episode’s sure to be a scorcher.”

  I balled my hands into fists, but I forced myself to smile at her. “How nice for you. I can’t wait to see it.” I’d rather stick a dull pencil in my eye, but no way was I going to let the little douche-whinger know that.

  Blake gave me a thumbs-up as Tamara flounced off, chest heaving, to catch up with Shaye. “Nice work. Never let them see you sweat.”

  I smiled bravely, but dread pooled in my belly as we took seats in the lounge. Dallas visited Tamara late last night? No good could come of that. The news gave me every ick-factor in existence.

  A few rows ahead, Tamara talked animatedly to the girls to her right. Shaye sat, picking at her dress, to Tamara’s left. She looked uncomfortable and possibly as if she might cry. My stomach sank.

  “Good morning, ladies!” Mira Kinney sang out. She was dressed to thrill in a hot-pink skirt suit and sky-high spiked heels. “I am so excited to share this episode with you. We were up all night putting it together. It includes all the recent updates, including footage of the second dates and the prince’s mission trip to Settlement Four. I think the settlers are going to go wild for this episode, and you will, too. So let’s roll it!”

  I sat back and watched the opening sequence, trying to reel in my anxiety. The first part of the show was Tariq announcing the remaining four weeks of the contest and the news about the royal gala. There was no doubt in my mind the viewers were going to be excited about that. A fancy bal
l, followed by the announcement of the four finalists—the ratings were going to shoot right off the charts.

  Then the footage showed the remaining twenty girls in various pursuits at the palace—having breakfast, listening to lectures, meeting with the seamstresses for fittings. The next part featured my riding date with Dallas. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat at first, worrying what the other girls might be thinking. But when I saw us riding across the lawn together at top speed, my heart soared with the memory of that day.

  Dallas looked strapping and regal astride his horse. The wind whipped my braid as Maeve and I caught up to him. Then the film showed us sitting near the lake. The prince was witty, charming, and impossibly handsome as he sipped his rosé and we looked out at the view. My heart twisted. I longed to be back there with him.

  The final part of the segment showed when we’d been about to kiss and the well-meaning guard had interrupted us. Dallas turned to him, his face twisted in annoyance. “Oh, for the love of all things holy. Your timing’s horrible!”

  Several of the girls chuckled at this, and the tightness in my chest eased a bit.

  “After enjoying his ride with Miss West, Prince Black decided to open the stables to all of the contestants for their enjoyment,” Mira Kinney said in a voice-over. There was footage of the day all the contestants had spent in the stables, laughing, talking, and brushing the horses. There was no mention that I’d been the one to ask for that particular privilege, but I didn’t let it bother me.

  “His Royal Highness had planned to have his next second date with Miss Tamara Layne of Settlement Eleven. But news of a tragic situation reached the palace, upending his plans. Gwyneth West’s younger sister, all of seven years old, had become very ill with the flu.”