9

"Ladies and gentlemen," He began, "The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here. The result…" He waved the little paper for everyone to see. For a moment, I thought I saw him smile at me from where he stood, but then I realised he was smiling at his sister, who is sitting beside me. It was no doubt a smile of assurance as I saw the girl's lips almost reach her ears.

He began again, "So far, it has been a tough competition. Being the lover of art, I thought I had seen it all, but tonight, I have seen more than I have ever seen in my whole life, and that is all thanks to the princesses. Left for me, I would announce them all winners, but I am sure Prince Gerald wouldn't appreciate that…" The whole room erupted in laughter, except myself and the girl beside me, as all she did was smile, obviously couldn't wait any longer to be declared the winner. While me on the other hand, I didn't find anything funny right now. I wish I could walk up to him and snatch the paper from him and save myself the superfluous talks.

He began again, "To appreciate our princesses for their time and efforts, the king has prepared a special gift for them. As we all know, we only have one position. Therefore, we only need one winner tonight. Moving further, we have decided to recognise three princesses, or should I call them runner-ups? Who we believe their works to be outstanding..."

I couldn't help but sit upright in my chair. At least if I don't win the competition, a little recognition would be enough for me. It will only show that someone looked at my work.

I held my breath as he began again, "Before I continue, can all the contestants join me on the stage?"

Just announce the result! What is the point of dragging us to the stage?!

After throwing a good amount of cusses at the speaker, I followed the crowd of 14 Ladies to the stage, where we stood in line horizontally.

Mr speaker eyes the little crowd before letting out a dramatic whistle, "Wow, I think I am beginning to see why the prince is finding it hard to get a wife. I mean, if I am asked to pick one out of all, it might take over a year to decide which one." Once again, the crowd roared in laughter.

I never knew we came for a comedy show.

After the crowd came back to their senses, the speaker began from where he stopped, "Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, here with me on the stage, are our beautiful princesses who have taken their time to honour the invitation of the king, and for that, we say thank you. Without further ado, join me to welcome our third runner-up, Princess Helena from Avira Kingdom!"

The crowd cheered as a petite figure of a young girl walked towards the speaker on the stage. She smiled at the crowd and performed a gracious curtsy, "Princess Helena, On behalf of the King and Prince, we say thank you for participating in tonight's occasion, and thank you for sharing your wonderful painting with us."

Helena, as He called her, smiled at him, "The pleasure is mine."

I held my breath again and readied myself to walk forward if I am being called upon, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the second runner-up, Princess Phoebe!"

I watched the princess walk towards the speaker with a stubborn pout and a glare. This one was not hiding the fact that she didn't like her loss.

I paid no attention to the speaker's thank-you speech to Princess Phoebe as my heart kept hammering in my chest. One more runner-up and the already-known winner is announced. Is this what I get at the end?

Urgh! Why didn't I do a normal painting instead of showing the judges how messed up I am?

I will definitely become an object of ridicule to Uncle Zaius and his daughter, Fiona after this night.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the first runner-up of tonight's competition is non-other than Princess Stephanie!"

Have you ever felt your heart in your mouth? It tastes bitter. So bitter that you can't spit it out or swallow it back if you wanted to.

Gwen, what were you thinking?

Life doesn't turn out the way it does in your head where you pictured yourself winning the competition, marrying the prince, and finding the beast! Instead, life plays you to the point you begin to think you can have it all, and then the next minute, you find yourself losing it all, including the ones you once had. It flashes hope in your eyes only to take it back forcefully and kick your bottom back to reality where you have nothing.

I was brought back to my cruel reality when the speaker cleared his throat dramatically, "Now, the biggest announcement." The whole hall became so quiet, you could hear a pin drop as everyone paid attention to the speaker,

"As I said earlier, it is just one position and one winner. It is time to know the winner. Time to know the young lady who stole the heart of the judges. Time to know who among these fifteen ladies would be our future princess and Queen of Almor kingdom. Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, Elders, children, Animals, I present to you the chosen one…."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as the speaker paused for more dramatic effect.

Just go ahead and call your sister, I know already. You can't hide it forever.

"I present to you…." I couldn't help but notice how the girl I had been talking to earlier, the supposed winner, straightened her posture, ready to take her position beside her brother. "I present to you all the winner of tonight's contest, Princess Gwendolyn!!"

The girl immediately began walking towards her brother in fast steps. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the idea of sharing the same name with her. This night is really messed up, for me at least.

The supposed winner abruptly stopped midway as if realising something, and with stiff shoulders, she returned to the line with a look of shock and surprise. Did something happen that I am not aware of just now?

"Princess Gwendolyn, please, could you step forward." The speaker announced again, and that was when it hit me hard on the head.

Her name is not Gwendolyn.

After a few seconds of waiting for someone to step forward, which no one did, I felt my heartbeat accelerate in my chest as realisation hit me.

I am the one!

I am Gwendolyn!