Chapter 21

The atmosphere at dinner was bustling and even those who had failed the last task were advised to stay and eat before leaving. Many of them threw me stares full of anger and resentment.

I found myself unable to blame them.

After all, my painting was basically absolute crap.

"I would like to make a toast" Charlotte suddenly stood, wine glass sparkling as she rose it. Her painted nails carefully wrapped around it.

"Here we go…" Anastasia gave gruelling groan.

"Though we have and will spend time like this for a short while, I hope we all make the best of it. Failure is simply a rock on our paths to excellence of which we all shall walk. Let's not be discouraged by such a menial moment in life and continue to strive as Ladies of Grandor" her voice carried her words in a likeness with the warm breeze on a summer day. A short and cherished salvation for us all. A round of applause went round as everyone raised their glasses and I joined as I watched the beautiful girl who made the best option for queen.

She had put smiles in place of frowns.

"Truly a credit to nobility" I smiled.

"More like a self-righteous little know-it-all" Anastasia muttered.

I had found myself smiling that evening and truly happy as I devoured the feast before us. There wasn't a single dish that wasn't delicious. And the deserts were even better.

"I think I pushed my stomach passed it's limits" I groaned as I leaned back.

"You should have stopped eating the moment tea was served. It was disgraceful" Crystal scolded as she lifted her cup of chamomile she had been drinking for the last hour.

"I couldn't leave my food uneaten that would be an insult to the chef" I said indignantly as I called a server over, "tell the chef if he's ever out of work to come by the Colter residence. I'll pay thrice his current salary" I said in all seriousness.

"There she goes…" Crystal shook her head and Anastasia laughed.

"I'll be sure to pass on the message, Lady Colter" he bowed and left.

"I may debate becoming queen if its to eat such delicacies" I felt at bliss.

"I wonder why his majesty didn't join us?" Crystal said aloud, causing a few girls to freeze in fear for a moment.

I kind of wanted to snort. Knowing full well they assumed he feasted on a poor soul.

"He probably doesn't enjoy eating with a crowd" I replied, a bit too confidently I realised when I received a few glares.

I wanted to say I knew Jules, but I knew as much as they did. Though I was acquainted with his unsavoury personality.

"You and the prince seem close" Anastasia remarked.

I felt myself being stared down too ruthlessly and decided to lie my way out of this.

"He's actually a customer of my brother" I lied through my teeth, "so I've met him once before, business only of course".

Crystal shot me a look of concern, but just nodded as if understanding the situation enough to not speak.

"How surprising… but he treated you quite differently. Almost as if…." Anastasia paused to think, lips pursing. My heart beat sped up tremendously.

"Like a pet" Sarah's words had my head swivel towards her in shock.

"A-A pet?" I gawked.

"Oh! You're right! Like an lion and a deer" Anastasia's words had me further in confusion.

A deer? I was like a deer?

"Who-Whose the lion?" I asked just to make sure.

"The prince of course. You did begin to shake in his presence and he clearly enjoyed your reaction" Anastasia chuckled as if she recalled the funniest thing while my face flushed.

Of course I was shocked.

It was Jules!

"But that means Miss Colter has the upper hand since she's established a place in the princes mind" Lady Brown, a person who had been silent this entire time spoke.

"That is true!" Anastasia looked like she was having a field day, "you could end up queen!"

I could feel the threats in the eyes of the noble ladies as silence suddenly shrouded the room. Pin drop silence. All eyes our way.

"Well, it's only the beginning and I barely passed this round. I say it's just dumb luck" I felt the harsh judgment of those glaring eyes. Similar to the days when I was young and so naive of the ways of nobility.

The way they hid insults in compliments and watched as you stupidly received them. The way they laugh when you turn away. The way every word they speak could be a lie. A deception.

I hated being in it. I never plan on ever entering it.

"I would love a bit of that luck" one of the ladies muttered and the rest agreed with chuckles.

It was gone. They moved on.

After dinner I had decided to head straight for my room, unable to help the fall in my mood. I knew full well Jules- I mean the prince seems to enjoy having me around and I wasn't sure if my attempts at failing may be received with bias. This might mean actually trying and hoping someone else does better.

"This is ridiculous" I found myself scoffing as I held my head.

I entered the room and threw off my heels with a cry of relief. The soft bed encasing me in it's comforting hold as I fell on it.

"I want to go home already…"

Something caught my eye. An envelope. Not a royal one thankfully, but a normal brown one made of the typical recycled paper. I pulled it off the table and looked at the front where my name was written terribly.

I grabbed a letter opener I had left in a rather dangerous place and quickly ripped the envelope.

Reading it with utmost intensity.

Dear Miss Madeline Colter,

I write this letter as I have noticed you seem to be doing rather well at these tasks. My cousin has sent me letters of your misfortune. I imagine dealing with her is tiring itself and I send my sincerest sympathy. -

I laughed through tears of pain, but just as I did Crystal walked in tired. For some reason I found myself tucking the letter away. Hoping to read it without an audience.

She barely glanced at me as she called a maid to help her change and simply got into bed.

"Mads" she called tiredly as I had attempted to sleep, "you should change too".

I let out a snort.

"Alright whatever. Go to sleep". I smiled at her sleepy face.

Such a worry wart.