Yet Another Test

We both entered the room. It seems as if we were the last people to be there. Looking around, I noticed that there were only two seats left, leaving me unfortunately next to the king. No one wanted to be close to the king in fear of getting themselve's killed. I sat down at the King's side, pushing my own fear to the back of my mind. As far as I've known, the king doesn't kill without a reason—however small that reason is— so if I sit there and don't say anything, I should be fine... Probably.

"How have you ladies been?" The king asked as he sat down. The room chorused with good responses.

"I'm surprised, this year's bunch are very loyal. There are still 75 candidates after the last test," He commented.

It seems they have all already had their test done.

"Yes, My King," They all said.

"You'll be happy to hear that we will be holding a ball after the next test," he started. The girl's expressions brightened at the idea of a ball. I kept my eyes on my hands, but listened curiously.

"It will be a break from executions, where unless someone were to commit treason, no one will be receiving black collars," he announces. Smiles broke through the expressions of the girls while I lifted my head, looking at the king in surprise.

He noticed my movement and met my gaze. I turned away not wanting to invoke him.

"Is there something wrong with having a ball, Eleana?" He questioned.

"No, Your Majesty. Hosting such a ball is very generous of you; I hope I have a chance to participate," I commented.

"I've noticed you studying on table manners with one of the other girls. Based on what I've seen, I expect to see you there," he stated.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, speechless, as I blushed slightly. To have the king who never praised anyone much compliment me like that made me happy.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will try my hardest to be there," I said smiling a little.

He stared at me face for a moment before looking back at the rest of the girls.

"I'll try my hardest as well," They echoed.

"Good to see your enthusiasm," he said.

After a few for light subjects passed by, the King dismissed us, leaving to do some work. I went back to my room and sat on the bed. Taking out my notes on mannerisms, I went over the proper way a table was supposed to be set up, along with what each utensil was used for. I heard a knock on the door interrupting my thoughts.

"Come in," I announced.

"I've brought your medicine," The maid said.

"Thank you," I said.

"I feel kinda rude for asking this late, but what's your name?" I asked.

"Annabell. You don't have to worry though, since there was no guarantee that we were going to see each other again. Plus, I'm just a maid," she said.

"I'm pretty sure if I get out of this alive, it'll be as a servant. It's nice to formally meet you, Annabell," I said.

"You've been in gold for a while now... Don't you think you have a good chance at becoming Queen?"

"...No, not really. In the end, the queen will probably be one of the nobles or girls of higher status. I'm only here since I couldn't pay the fee," I stated sheepishly.

"Well, you have just much grace and elegance as most of the girls I've seen here. I think you have a shot," She said, preparing the medicine.

"Thank you," I said, taking a sip.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to go start on the preparations for the ball," she said. I thanked her one last time before she left and finished the medicine.

I took out my book that I brought with me and looked at the picture of my dad.

Do you really think I can do this, Dad?

I quickly closed the book, not wanting to get too emotional, and looked at the politics book, that I had yet to finish. Wanting to at least finish one book from the library, I spent the rest of the after noon before dinner reading it. I was just finishing the last paragraph, when Annabell came in to escort me to the dinning hall. We finally met up with the rest of the groups during that time, and I waved at Sophia before I took my seat at the gold table. I went over to the far end of the table, hoping to practice my mannerisms during this mealtime without the king being able to observe me. I also planned to visit Sophia, so that I could get some last-minute cramming in. I gave the library some consideration, since they also might have some books on this topic.

"Welcome, Ladies," I heard the King announce.

"Before we start, I would like to inform you all about some details of the next test that will be happening directly after breakfast tomorrow. There will be approximately 5 different judges in separate rooms that will be administering your test. I am one of those judges. You will be tested on posture, table manners, dancing, walking, and conversation."

Oh no. We completely forgot about dancing. I'm gonna have to ask her to try to teach me that later.

"This test will also be different because it will be based on who's the best versus whether you can do it or not. Only the top 50 will be passed. 15 people will be executed no matter if they know the mannerisms. Only the best will survive."

I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But it looks like I won't meet your expectations...

I internally cried. There's no way that my manners were among the best. I had just learned them this week! If I wanted to make it to the top 50 than I was going to have to do some serious research tonight.

I wonder if the library has any books on mannerisms. I haven't heard anything about a curfew, so maybe I'll just stay in the library for as long as I can and study.

The king sat back down and the meal started, leaving me with my thoughts on manners. Although, I got easily distracted by how delicious the dinner was. It was a steak dinner with some vegetable dish on the side, but it was amazing, and only motivated me more to do better on the test so I could get another chance to eat castle cuisine. After I finished, the dishes were taken out and the king dismissed himself.

"Eleana!" I heard. I turned around to see Sophia.

"We completely forgot about dancing," I stated a little worried.

"Yeah, but don't worry. With your memory, you'll learn it easily," She said.

"I'm not really one for dancing, but I'll practice until I am," I said determined.

"It's good practice for me too. I remember all the moves, but I haven't actually danced for a while," she said.

We walked back to my room, since it's bigger, and spent the next three hours cramming dancing, practicing, and writing down routines. Eventually, we ran out of steam and Sophia called it a day and left. I decided to take a small break and visit the library like I had planned. I quietly navigated the halls, greeting the soldiers along the way, and entered the library. I looked around on the shelves until I finally came across a mannerisms book. Taking it out, I went to the middle table and looked through the table of contents, reading through any sections that didn't sound familiar, as well as taking notes on anything I thought was important enough to thoroughly memorize. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before my eyes wanted to shut and my body wanted sleep. Reading up on such a boring topic had it's toll, but noticing the lack of focus, I decided to try and rehearse the dance movements with the notes from earlier. I had to have the four basic dances down, but still needed to practice if I wanted to do well on the test. Not to mention, I would also have to review a bit in the morning if I wanted to ace it.

I started with a waltz, humming a beat while positioning my arms as if I had a partner, and worked on spins. I paused, looking at the notes I had. I went on to the next couple dances, messing up here and there, but practiced till I got it right. I was going through the 3rd dance, the one I had the hardest time remembering, when I heard the door creak open. I turned quickly, looking to the door.

"Don't you think it's a little late to be dancing?" The king commented.

I curtsied and cleared my throat, "I'm just... practicing, for um, tomorrow. I figure the library isn't the best place for it though."

I scolded myself internally, embarrassed that the king had seen me dancing by myself.

"I was just reading this book and was taking a break, but I should just bring it to my room," I said, gesturing to the book on the table.

"No need. I'm the one who interrupted you," The king said walking further into the room.

"I thought you were practicing with one of the girls; I'm surprised she isn't here helping you," he mentions.

"She was, but Sophia went to bed since she was tired from dancing. Plus, it was getting kinda late so..." I trailed off. The King was now standing in front of me.

"It is quite late. Aren't you tired?" The king asked, a smirk seemingly growing on his face watching me squirm, not able to meet his gaze.

"I was, but I thought that dancing would wake me up a bit so I could continue reading. What about you, Your Highness? What's keeping you up so late?" I asked trying to change the subject.

"Paperwork," he said simply.

"I see, so you were taking a break as well."

"You could say that..."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Regarding your dance earlier, you did the 3rd and 4th step wrong," he said.

"R-really?" I said, scolding myself for messing up in front of His Majesty. The King suddenly took my hand, placing my other on his shoulder before setting his on my waist. I blinked in surprise.

"You're supposed to turn towards your partner," he said guiding me with his hand and moving gracefully. I payed attention, moving along with him.

"Then go back," he said as I followed. My stomach clenched, awfully aware of his proximity, but continued doing as he instructed.

"Turn out," he said, letting me go to turn.

"Spin back in," he continued, pulling me in as I spun.

"-and dip," he said, holding me as I leaned back.

"Do you understand now?" he asked. I nodded, not being able to breathe.

He brought me back up. I took a deep breath once I was standing again. His arm was still on my waist and mine his shoulder while our other hands were holding each other just above my shoulder.

"Good. Show me from the beginning," He said. I looked up at him surprised.

"Unless you would prefer to be eliminated tomorrow," he teased. I shook my head, "No, no, Your majesty."

"Ok, then," he started leading me through the dance, instructing me along the way. I couldn't help but realize how much of a good dancer the king was. Not to mention he was great at guiding me through the dance moves. It got more and more fun to dance, since I could concentrate less on the moves after memorizing them. The third time, I finished without any mistakes or mishaps. I leaned back for the finish and looked at the king as I smiled happily.

"Your Majesty, I did it that time," I gushed, proud of my achievement.

"That you did," he chuckled lightly, letting me back up. I giggled a little, stepping away and curtsying once again.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for instructing me once again," I stated, before looking at him once more.

"You're welcome. It's about time for me to get back to completing my paper work, but maybe we'll have a chance to dance again at the ball," he said.

"I hope so. Have a good night, Your Majesty," I responded. I curtsied as he left, before going back to studying. I kept going for about another two hours before calling it good, wanting some rest before reviewing it in the morning.

So, mannerisms book in hand, I walked back to my room and went to bed.