Chapter 12
"This is kind of strange isn't it?" I bought up the next morning to Crystal, who looked concerned at my puffy eyes.
"How so?" She asked, taking a bite of her toast with little interest.
"Why would they ask us to come the night before for a task that commences the next day? It won't be early in the morning will it?" I groaned at the thought. I already had to sacrifice my work, but my sleep too?
"Does it matter? We get to spend the night at the palace. That means a night of luxury or rather nights of luxury since it'll be for a week" Crystal was clearly still on cloud nine.
"I suppose it does" I replied disheartened at the idea. I looked to my aunt who strictly ate small pieces of devilled egg and a cup of a strange green liquid. "Aunt Elizabeth. I'm terribly sorry about having to stay longer." I really was sorry.
"Nonsense my dear" she waved a hand at me and then with a condescending smile she added, "I must say though, I'm quite surprised they kept you on. You must have kept quiet the whole time you were there" she laughed and I heard Randall snicker.
I must have looked like a sorry toad after hearing that.
Where did I go wrong? I presented myself terribly and I made sure that guy knew it.
"I'd also like to know that" I said to myself as I finished my buttered bread.
"Well girls, make sure you pack your essentials with you. We'll be setting off at six" Aunt Elizabeth, stood up and a row of pearls gleamed on her neck as the light caught her face, "I hope you girls do well". She seemed to mean it as she beamed a grin and made her out of the room.
I didn't reply to her words, finding them taunting more than encouragement.
"I hope you do terrible" Was all Randall said before he left. Crystal shot him an obscene gesture, breaking her good girl behaviour to be a true sibling.
"Go dig yourself a ditch" she grumbled while I chuckled.
I hadn't had such a close relationship with my brothers. Randall truly cared for Crystal and it showed. My brothers seemed to find me a nuisance more than anything and made it a point to speak out about how I was a perfect little princess.
I was glad to be away from it, but I could understand their feelings to an extent. My father had been a guardian Angel for me and Lucifer for them.
"Anyway- I think you don't have to worry about getting further. The ball may have been a fluke, but from here on out nobody should get anywhere without effort, so if you take it easy then I'm sure it'll end soon" she gave me an encouraging smile. Her words really made me feel better.
"You're right. I shouldn't be so depressing about this" I let out a relieved sigh.
"That's better! I'm glad you'll be coming along".
"I'm not".
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"So it seems I might be unsure of my opening date for a while longer…" I could feel the build of sweat on my neck as I glanced at Connor, who looked understandably displeased.
"How strange of him to come in person" he commented.
"Right?" I replied eagerly, "I was very sure I had been disqualified" I frowned, "but I'm sure I'll fail very soon if I keep trying to" I added as encouragement.
"You sure are determined to fail" he smiled with a flash of his teeth.
"Of course! You know I have no plans on being queen".
"I understand, but it's still a strange thing to hear. Then again, I'm sure there are men who have no interest in money and power." He let out a sound that may have been a laugh or sigh, maybe both.
"Precisely" I nodded, glad he was still on board with the plans, "if I do continue to pass then I may proceed with the opening plans without being directly involved…" I wanted to avoid that.
"There's no need to plan for the worse. It still hasn't come to that" he looked rather flustered and he almost stood up to console me, "if you are forced to do that then please let me help".
"You would do that?" I asked in astonishment.
"Of course. I'm relying on your business succeeding for my business to succeed" he gave me a smile meant to reassure.
His business? Did he mean as a property owner?
"Ah… speaking off, did Anastasia get through?"
I hadn't even finished the question before his face turned ashen. Somehow I could see how he must have had to listen to her complain and laughed.
"Never- Never mind I got my answer!" I choked on my laughter as I noticed how he looked much more tired.
"I'm glad your enjoying yourself, Madeline. I wish I could say the same" he sighed. I chuckled at his words, unable to feel a bit surprised at him calling me by my first name.
Maybe he's the type to act overly friendly even with business partners?