But a Mermaid Has No Tears and Therefore She Suffers So Much More.

Project Runway, Cycle One.
Theme, Disney Princesses [Cinderella].
Model, Martha Petranova.
 
Coming soon
#damnyou50itemlimit

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Monday, May 13: Today you will team up in groups of three to plan a party for the Royal court. The team with the best preparation (invitations, floral arrangements, decoration and theme) will win.
 
~♕~
 
PART TWO
 
Zooey came up with the idea of getting the Queen to open the ceremony but she's been locked in her room since this morning writing and re-writing the invitations. Our party was coming up soon and she pleaded that I approach the Queen. "Didn't she say really good things about you to the Prince?" she said. Psh, yeah right. I don't even know how Queen Amberly felt about me after our first encounter and as I approached the West Tower, the Queen's living space, I was dreading the meeting more and more.
 
"Lady Astrid for Her Royal Highness" I bowed to the two front guards leading to her living room. The whole West Tower had a certain air or magic, knowing that someone as graceful as the Queen stayed here. I wouldn't even be allowed in these quarters under normal circumstance but the Queen insisted we met here. I knocked lightly on the door, and saw Violet, the Queen's leading Ladies maid open the door. Queen Amberly awaited behind her, a sickly sweet smile on her face. I felt uncomfortable.
 
"Hello, Astrid my dear." She cooed, beckoning me over to the lush sofas ahead of me. I sat awkwardly on the edge of my seat, not knowing what to do with my hands and fiddling with them nervously. Violet poured us tea and the Queen took an elegant sip. Her silence was deafening.
 
"Um, Your Highness? Ladies Zooey, Linnea and I were wondering if we could ask you a favour regarding our Floral Festival happening in the next two days." I started, her eyes fluttered with amusement. Wasn't I not supposed to talk out of line? Wanda would have decapitated me if she were here. I continued on, "The girls and I were wondering if it would be at all possible for you to cut the ribbon at our opening ceremony? I know it would attract a lot more of the commoners and—"
 
"Commoners?" Queen Amberly interrupted. I gulped. "Yes...Your Majesty" I responded, "we were planning on making this an old fashioned festival. All welcome." Silence. I wanted to leave.
 
"Interesting" she said blankly. I didn't know if she implied if it was a good idea or not, "Very interesting. I would be happy to do it."
 
"You would?" I said a little too loudly. The Queen hated me. I could only assume she wasn't prepared to do me any favours. She nodded, taking another sip of tea. "I'm impressed with you, Astrid" she said simply, "I admire your wanting to include the people of Angeles. I believe they will respect you much more for it". Another sip. I didn't dare move. "He may have been wrong about you" she got up and walked out of the room and before I knew it, I was being escorted away.
 
•••
 
The day of the Festival arrived and we'd be sharing our experience with not only the television crew but also 1250 other guests here to celebrate. Even with all of this commotion, I still had the Queen's words echoing in my mind, "He may have been wrong about you". Who was he? I could only assume it had been Maxon. Did he get a bad impression of me? It dulled me week. Linnea trotted up to me, wicker basket in hand and handed me the itineraries I had drawn up a few days prior. "Don't forget to hand these out when everyone arrives!" she places them in my hands. "Oh, and nice floral accents!"
 
It was my idea to have all of the ladies of the Selection wearing floral headbands and I even convinced Sybil to put up a booth to do them for little girls. I tried my hardest to make this as fun as possible for the children, I wanted them to have an amazing childhood—one I never had but that was a different story.
 
Zooey was in a state of panic, flitting around each and every booth to make sure everything was picture perfect and really? It was. The purple and pink striped tents that dotted the courtyard held mini commoner-owned shops and businesses while we had some of the Palace staff lead some of the games.
 
"It's starting! It's starting!" Zooey cried, making her way over to the large purple ribbon. As if on queue, Queen Amberly stood at the ready, a comically large pair of scissors in hand and a syrupy smile on her face. The commoners drank in her whole act. She was so transparent. After a mile long speech, the festival started with "Let the festivities begin!"
 
Local musicians played light and airy music as caterers circled the guests with trays of Linnea's hors d'oeuvres. Children got their face painted with different flowers, spouses danced the waltz in the left square and some young and attractive young men were playing tug-o-war.
 
"Fantastic job you're doing here, Astrid" I turned around to see Sebastian, a sly grin on his face. "I even won...this...flower...!" he held up a pink carnation by the tip of it's stem as if it was some lethal weapon. I laughed, taking it from him. "That's a carnation, Sebastian. They're very rare in Illéa. It took me almost two weeks to get them through the borders. I'd take good care of that if I were you". He looked at it again. "What use do I have with a flower? It's not like I have the space for it anyway..." By the way he was speaking, I knew it wasn't a joke. I stayed silent. "Why don't you take it off my hands. It matches your dress anyway. Consider it my congratulatory gift to you," he bowed down, raising it high. I laughed.
 
"Thanks."
"No problem. Listen, I have to go try one of those lavender lemonades so I'll see you later."
"Those are for the kids, Sebastian!" I yelled over the tunes of the violin but he was already out of sight.
 
•••
 
I couldn't have been more happy with the way the festival turned out. One of the Palace's prized gardeners won the Best Bloom ribbon and dozens of kids went home with little trinkets. I came back into my room with a sigh. Happy I was done with planning but also missing the hum of a busy area. I've felt isolated and alone ever since I got here.
 
But still, I couldn't help but sing a little tune as I drifted into a soft slumber.
 
[kso I had no idea how to end this so yeah. Judge lest ye be judged or something]

~♕~

Monday, May 13: Today you will team up in groups of three to plan a party for the Royal court. The team with the best preparation (invitations, floral arrangements, decoration and theme) will win.

~♕~
 
"So I here you are to be throwing a soirée this week?" Anastasia said breezily, using a horse hair brush to move my blonde locks into an over dramatic up do. She wove a string of pale blue silk through my hair. "Blue really is your colour" she murmured to herself. I winced, not only because she was sorting out my knots, but also because she said "soirée". Fives don't throw parties. They meet up in the woods, light a fire and drink until morning. Those are the parties /I've/ been to at least.
 
"I couldn't be less interested in this challenge if we're being honest here" I swivelled around on my cushioned stool, facing An. I wasn't ready to wear Illéa's finest clothes and entertain Illéa's finest people and eat Illéa's finest foods. I had another mission to do here. I wasn't here to organize petty parties.
 
"The guards are here to escort you to the courtyard, Lady Astrid" Paulina bowed into a deep curtsy before sashaying off into the maids quarters. I had been seeing less and less of her lately but I didn't want to invade her privacy by barging into her life. I wore a simple, understated blue cotton dress that made me feel most like home. I was forced to wear heels, however so I opted for the one with the least height. The same guard waited outside my room, bowing curtly before breaking into a brisk walk. I had to jog to keep up with him. "Where did the second guard go?" I asked as we trotted down the stairs. "He was decommissioned, Lady Astrid." I stopped.
 
"Decommissioned? Why?"
"I'm afraid it isn't my place to say my lady." He pushed the door open, Lady Zooey and Lady Linnea were huddled over a table, papers and colour swatches spewed everywhere. Linnea's ladies maids were all clutching different floral arrangements. Zooey looked up, a large grin on her face. "Astrid!" she waved me over.
 
"We were just going over which theme to pick." Linnea said matter of factly, "We wanted to use the season to our advantage"
 
"Yeah, like florals or something!" Zooey bubbled, Linnea nodded in agreement. I was taken aback. When did the plan all of this? Where was I?
 
"Why don't we do a flower...festival?" I asked. I didn't want to throw a party. Parties were not my thing. Linnea stared at me, confused and Zooey furrowed her eyebrows, "Are we allowed to do that?"
 
"Yeah, and what do you mean by festival?"
 
"Erm, well...like we could have booths and stuff. And games. Haven't you guys been to a festival before?" I asked. The two of them slowly shook their heads. Right, festivals weren't really a thing for higher castes. Linnea and Zooey were twos and threes before The Selection happened. Festivals were the only fun excursions I've ever been on, where as both of them have probably travelled the world.
 
"I love it. Zooey?" Linnea asked.
"I think it'll be perfect."
"And then we could add the floral theme! A flower festival! This is marvellous! Can I do the food, or the flowers? Or both?" Zooey and I both nodded. It was nice to see people so enthusiastic over my ideas. It was a nice change.
 
"I could draw up the itinerary. I'm good at those kinds of things" I said simply. "Could you do the invitations, Zooey?"
 
"Definitely. I got an A in calligraphy last year." She beamed with pride. I was actually getting excited. This was going to be a challenge but I knew it would pull through. "We need to make this challenge pop..." I said thinking aloud. Linnea and Zooey moved in, not wanting other groups to hear.
 
"I got it! Let's invite the commoners to come!" I said, brightly. A feeling of uncertainty washed over the other two, a squeak even escaping Zooey's mouth. "B-but..." she said, "Isn't this a royal affair? If the commoners come..."
 
"So what?" I protested, "Don't we want Angeles to have as good of a time as us? This could be fun! We could have flower contests, raffles, games...imagine how much fun the children will have"
 
"Astrid, you're such a Princess of the people" Linnea winked, "I think we could make this spectacular."
 
"Agreed. Meet here again tomorrow?" Zooey asked. We nodded and broke for lunch, my mind already stewing with ideas...

+Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
 
Project Runway, Cycle One.
Theme, I'm A-A Diva [Britney Spears]
Model, Emilie Pois.

☸

Introducing the limited edition Britney by Chaudry. This piece is a tribute to the ever wonderful Miss Britney Spears [specifically: the early years]. Young Britney was all about fun, flirty and bright and our goal was to best capture this in one of her most iconic stage costumes from the hit single "Hit Me Baby One More Time". This sexy schoolgirl outfit was modified to suit any young and regal teenager looking to capture the youthfulness of Britney and her spirited vibe. With the lace knotted collar shirt, the black spandex/cotton mini skirt and beautifully crafted cardigan, this outfit mimics that of the Britney ensemble while the handmade hair bows and belly button ring (courtesy of RiOT) add it's own Henna Chaudry spin. This outfit is perfect for any fun get together with friends. And really, isn't that what Britney Spears is all about?

☸

Britney Spears has always been a huge fashion icon of our generation which is why I thought she'd make a perfect Diva to mimic. Her style always pushed boundaries and helped girls express themselves through clothing. She was and continues to be an inspiration for girls everywhere.

☸

If this challenge wins first, my desired model is Elsa Moisdon

~♕~
 
Monday, May 6: For your second challenge, you will have to face archery lessons. The lady with the best aim (and clothes!) will get to win this week’s challenge.
 
~♕~
 

The ladies of the palace had the option to either eat their breakfast in the Women’s Room with the rest of us or to have our food delivered to our rooms. As much as I wanted to leave my claustrophobia behind and to explore the castle, I opted for the room service. I wasn’t ready (and didn’t want) to dish out all the details of my “date” to those drooling little dogs. I knew they would be all up in my face bearing questions and demanding answers. “You went outside? I bet it was cold.” “He must’ve given you his jacket. Did he?” I could see the questions now.
 
The morning lazily went by, being fitted for the day’s dresses, making small talk with the maids until finally my food arrived, signaling that I had maybe about an hour until I had to be social again. I sat alone at the small table my room held and let the maid settle a bronze tray in front of me. I stopped questioning what food item it was—I couldn’t pronounce it half the time anyway—and took my time enjoying the savory sweetness of my meal and bitterness of my orange drink. Sybil had set the windows open for me in the morning, as I had told her to do, and a beautiful breeze crept through the curtains and into my way. I was strongly considering winning this competition just for this feeling. This feeling right here. Relaxation.
 
But just as soon as it came, it was taken from me. From the hasty claws of Anastasia.
 
“Astrid, love. It’s time to come downstairs, the Ladies are getting ready for their lesson in the Women’s Room.” She shut the door quietly until her footsteps were near soundless down the hall. I had decided I liked Anastasia the most out of all my ladies maids. Although I believe she wasn’t supposed to talk how she did to me, I was a nice reminder that these girls’ only existence was to cater to my every command. A wave of guilt swept over me. What would happen to them if I got myself eliminated? Would Sybil work in the kitchens? Paulina in the stables? Didn’t she tell me she was afraid of animals? What about Anastasia? What would happen to her? I didn’t want to think the worst. These girls were so nice to me all the time. Even in my harshest of moods they were swiping the makeup from my eyes and blotting my tears with a silken handkerchief. I couldn’t let them down. I couldn’t.
 
Godammit, Oswin. Keep your eye on the prize.
 
Swiping the corners of my mouth of excess crumbs, I made my way towards the door, two guards waiting on either side. They followed me, glued to both my shoulders as we descended the stairs. I felt sandwiched and weird and the silence was killing me. “Two guards today?” I asked, trying lightly at some conversation. The one to my right, my usual guard, nodded. “King’s orders, my Lady. He’s running a tight ship with you girls in the Palace.”
 
“Why, because of the rebels?” I questioned. The guard to my left coughed loudly. “We do not like to bring up that word unless completely necessary, my Lady” the guard to my right said.
“The Palace could get the wrong impression.’” the guard on the right added, rubbing at his 5 o’clock shadow.
“But it is because of the rebels…right?” my curiosity was growing. Was my brother planning an unexpected visit? Hope swelled inside me as the second guard gave a curt nod. “My lady” they both said in unison, swinging open the doors to the courtyard. “Thank you, gentlemen” I smiled back at them. Right before I turned away, the two guards were talking in hushed whispers. However, the 100 pounds of pure determination charging in my direction quickly averted my mind. Emma placed both hands on my shoulders, looking my straight in the eyes. “How was it? I could only imagine you had a dreadful time. I mean, it’s /you/” she nudged me playfully in the stomach as we walked further towards the new archers. Her gown swayed elegantly, catching the breeze beneath her and I was ultimately questioning my current ensemble. We soon got separated by our various person instructors but not before her mouthing a fierce “I want to know EVERYTHING later”. Amusment danced in her eyes. I was starting to think that my whole experience here was merely for that.
 
•••
 
“Try raising your back elbow more, Lady Astrid. And keep your bad eye closed.” The instructor patiently said, raking his fingers through his hair.
“Bad eye? Do I have a bad eye?”
 
“Well…it’s just the eye that’s not your good eye. Or something. I’m sorry Lady Astrid, I’m pretty new at this whole teaching thing,” he laughed awkwardly. He had a cute smile. “I’m sorry, what’s your name again?” I asked sheepishly. He jogged towards the target—I had yet to hit a single one—and stuck the newly retrieved arrows back into my leather quiver. “Sebastian, my Lady. Sebastian Flemmings. I’m usually a stable boy but Prince Maxon insisted I teach. I love archery.” He drew one of his own arrows out and tried aiming at the target. “Try moving drawing on the string when you feel most confident about the shot, Lady Astrid. Watch here.” Sebastian, in perfect stature, went through the motions of shooting properly and, sure, enough, landed just shy of the bulls eye. I sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I.”
 
“No, no!” He said, almost a little too aggressively, “I’ve seen much worse. Er, I mean, you’re not that bad, Lady Astrid you just—“
“You really don’t have to call me that.”
“Call you what, Lad—“
“That.” I interrupted, “Lady Astrid. It’s an elegant title and I feel as though I’m anything but right now. Astrid is fine.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Astrid, but I have too much respect towards the crown to not call you by your appropriate title.” He folded his arms. Sebastian had somewhat curly dirty blonde hair; a squared jaw line and his cheekbones were red with a fresh sunburn. He looked nice. Innocent.
“Please call me Astrid. Please.”
“Fine…Astrid. See here.” He mocked the proper aiming posture again and I tried my best to follow along, faltering with his extensive vocabulary on the subject of aim. My back arm was struggling with balance, quivering with the weight. Sebastian came up behind me and steadied me. Was he allowed to do this? Hands on help? I went along with it, assuming it was alright. It was really embarrassing having not hit a single target yet when the other girls had hit many and I was ashamed of myself. I was already loosing my circus skills (hell, maybe they’re already gone). Sebastian moved my arms until he felt they were in the right spot. “Now let go”. His voice was soothing, but I recoiled at his touch knowing where the consequences of flirting with anyone other than the prince would leave me. He backed away, aware of my actions. I let go and the arrow went whizzing again, flying surprisingly straight until…
 
“No way!” I grinned, looking at my handiwork. A nice sharpened arrow embedded in the crust of the target. I turned back to Sebastian who gave me sheepish thumbs up. I jumped up and down giddily, though no one else seemed to care. They’d already gotten 5 before I’d gotten 1.
 
•••
 
“It was a pleasure being your instructor, La…Astrid” Sebastian bowed and I looked away, down at the floor. “I hope to be seeing you again sometime. Perhaps if you Ladies ever go to the stables I could give you some /actual/ assistance.” He smiled before walking away with the rest of the instructors. And, much to my dismay, I found heat rising to my cheeks.
 
This can’t be happening.

When caught between making a normal-outfitted Oswin and an ironically-girly-outfitted Astrid, I tend to opt towards the ironically girly. Because they're more fun to create.
 
This will soon be the story of Astrid and Maxon's court (literally) appointed date.

+kay, so this outfit reminds me of @noceurs SO MUCH it's not even funny. Like she probably already made this outfit and I totally just stole it from her.
 
Project Runway, Cycle One.
Theme, Patterns [screenprint pattern]
Model, Henna Chaudry.
 
☸
 
Introducing Angelic by Chaudry : a minimalistic ensemble that is all the rage in New York. With an intricately cut, curve hugging top with our exclusive Angelic pattern skirt, this outfit is sure to be all the rage on your first day of school. The skirt consists of imported silks and nylons, ensuring your most comfortable fit and it's breathtaking nature shot on the skirt will be refreshing and new. Not to mention the white leather backpack, engraved in the signature Henna Chaudry emblem will show the world how fabulous your ensemble is.
 
The thing that makes Angelic by Chaudry so unique? The minimalism. This new fad is sweeping the nation, lead head on by Chaudry Designs. So, are you going to lead the fashion streak or not?
 
☸
 
I was all over this weeks challenge. It was amazing! I loved the concept of having everyone have a different time period—if definitely added in some major diversity. I found this time period especially easy to work with because the Chaudry line is all about bringing back the traditional look. Did I pull it off? Well, I guess we'll just have to see...
 
☸
 
If this challenge wins first, my desired models are (in order): Martha Petranova, Emilie Pois, Elsa Moisdon

Because Scar finds solace in old-school Brit whilst painting her toes or kabobbing a zombie with a javelin
 
@noceurs I'm sorry I was too excited my bad.

Original Audition: polyvore.com/woke_up_superstar_on_other/set?id=48917589&lid=1626191
 
+ name; Fallon Antoinette Von Tussle
+ nickname; Fal {She also goes by Fal-Pal but that nickname is exclusively for the use of Gossip Girl}
+ age; Eighteen

+ college; NYU
+ major; Investigative Journalism [specializing in the second Great War]

+ likes; please reference original audition
+ dislikes; please reference original audition

+ personality; Fallon is a very sharp minded girl with an even sharper tongue. Ever since her debacle with Victoria and Ivy, Fallon has grown to become more dark and secretive, closer than ever with a tight group of friends and her boyfriend. The best way to sum up Fallon's current personality? Mature. She's no longer that spoiled brat from senior year, that's for sure.
 
+ appearance; please reference original audition
 
+ style; Fallon's style has expanded itself beyond the ultimate plaid-n'-preppy and has moved onto the more fashionable side of life. She feels most comfortable in skirts and dresses and likes to pair leather and neutrals, a LOT. She's begun to hide herself under makeup more and more and, more than ever, she's become obsessed with accessories. Fallon's style is definitely more stand-offish than last year.

+ family; Please reference original audition
 
+ past/current relationships;
Beck Wright•Recently broken up after two years of dating. He got together with her nemesis Victoria and they're now dating (Josh Hutcherson)
Gavin Montgomery•Currently dating and are stronger than ever. He's her rock. (Penn Badgely)
 
+ bio; This past year has been a whirlwind for Fallon and between gaining friends, loosing friends, breaking up, going to jail and having it all documented on a public website, her life is in knots. She's currently under the unrelenting blackmail of her ex-best friend Victoria Reginald and is spending her days going through hell to amuse her. She's hoping that the end of highschool and her move to New York will help her sort out her issues but, as we all have heard time and time again, you can take the girl out of Coldgrove but you cannot take Coldgrove out of the girl.

+ dating status; Taken by Gavin Montgomery

+ model; Leighton Meester
+ taken by; @henna-enjoys-the-little-things

+I think this would be the product if @jolieenrose and @ingrid's layouts had a baby
+Including two people [first to comment and not including the wondertastical @jolieenrose ]
+Included: @jolieenrose, @larissa-xo, @sophieviollet
+Super long story. Feel free to not read it.
 
~♕~
 
Monday, April 29: Greetings to everyone and welcome to The Selection, where eleven ladies are competing for the Prince’s affections and the throne. Today, you will face your first challenge. You will have tea with the Queen at the Women’s Room, where you will receive a lesson in etiquette. Make sure to wear your best day dress, prepared by your maids.
 
~♕~
 
My head ladies maid Anastasia beckoned me over to the bedpost, her forehead dotted in anxious sweats. We were going to be late though I didn’t care all too much—I wasn’t about to sprint all over the place just to please the Royals. I followed her orders lazily, wearing only a flimsy little slip and surprisingly soft slippers. I wasn’t used to luxury and after my escape from the Ixian prison the opulence was overwhelming. Paulina sat at my vanity, mixing runny pink liquid in water and stirring it viciously. “Rouge”, Anastasia called it. It looked like blood.
 
I gripped the bedpost for dear life as Anastasia tugged and pulled at the strings of my corset and I was getting lightheaded from my lack of air. Sybil ran to my side, fanning me with a delicately crafted fan painted the same colour as my dress. “His Majesty will find you so incredibly beautiful” Anastasia breathed, spinning me around and, with Sybil’s help, began to pull my frock over my head. “It’s a very bold move to wear blue for first appearances. I hear it that most of the Ladies will be sporting pinks and peaches this afternoon. Very bold indeed.” She nodded reassuringly although I thought it was more for her than I. She knew I didn’t care. I just wanted to be done with this little charade so I could come back to my room and take a nap on that temptingly cozy bed.
 
Paulina laid out dozens upon dozens of different brushed I even knew existed. Back in my circus days, the only painting I ever did was with your average, horsetail brush. These came in different sizes, nimbleness and texture. I felt like a doll. After countless coats of viscous, gooey liquids poured onto my face, I was nearly pushed out of my room and into the arms of a guard. He escorted me to the Women’s Room without as much as a word.
 
~♕~
 
I didn’t bother introducing myself to anyone. They all looked like the same person. Tall, thin and with faces like porcelain dolls. Faces with kindness in their smiles but a hidden agenda in their eyes. I kept to myself, feeling out of sorts in my blue day dress. I could see the girls eyeing me in my blue ensemble. But blue made a statement.
 
And that’s exactly what I came here to do.
 
“No slurping” I could hear my aide, Wanda’s instructions ring through my head like a gunshot in a cave. “No slurping and always hold your saucer with your tea. And remember, the lifting of a pinky signifies elegance and poise.” She talked to me with the essence of a children’s teacher to a child. She read my report, I just knew it. She knew I haven’t been properly schooled so she assumed that there wasn’t a chance that I’d know how to behave. Or speak properly. Or do anything right.
 
Someone looped their arm through mine and twirled me around, a wave of nausea passing over me in my corset. How was one supposed to walk in these, let alone speak? Or /dance/? It was Emma, her hair sitting atop her head in an effortless chignon and a sparkly peach dress. “You’re tardy, Miss Astrid” she scolded, leading me to a roundabout sofa and sitting down, perched like a lady. “It was this stupid corset” I managed to croak. Lady Melwen who sat near to us gave me a look of pure shock. “Bite your tongue!” I heard her whisper all too loudly. I shrugged. My colourful language escalated in the cells. It was the only way to have my voice heard. “Pardon me” A syrupy sweet smile encroached itself on my face before I could do anything about it. Emma puffed her chest out.
 
“I’m sure Lady Astrid has the freedom to do or say anything that she feels acceptable, Lady Melwen” She jutted out her chin, fierceness emblazoned in her eyes.
 
“I’m just warning you for your own good” Melwen said, spinning back around and engaging in frilly conversation with the lady next to her. I heard bits and pieces about current songs and their favorite dresses of the afternoon. I heard my name in the mix and say that it came from the mouth of Lady Melody. She smiled at me. I reciprocated her actions.
 
Suddenly, blaring trumpets dug their way into my ears as they repeated an awful tune, the Queen stepping through her double door entrance with elegance and poise. She looked well for her age—any fat cat did in Angeles. And in all of Illéa, the Queen was the fattest of felines. She wore a pale green dress with a draping train and sleeves and I was almost positive she would trip. She didn’t. She made her rounds, circling the room and nodding curtly at the curtsying women at her feet. “Pitiful” Emma muttered, shaking her head. I turned to her, “What am I supposed to talk about with her? It’s not like we have a single thing in common. I’m a five. Five’s were built for the recreation of the Ones. I might as well be a little show dog.
 
“Oh poppycock. Relax, you've got this. Just 'dazzle her with you personality” She winked, nudging me. A bit my lip, edging my way towards her, as she was to me. Her teeth were straight. Her hair was sleek. She was the epitome of health. I almost spat at her feet before thinking about the repercussions. What scum. The Queen sits here acting all regal and beautiful while her country is starving, working themselves to the bone to keep their families alive. And here I am, wearing a dress more expensive than my old house and eating so many coconut melts that I feel sick. I’m no better than her right now. Just a fat cat, lounging lazily in the sun.
 
“Those are good, aren’t they” her voice said over my shoulder and I looked down, realizing I was holding a dainty piece of shortbread, sculpted into a bite-sized crown. I nodded, even though I had yet to take a bite. “Yes, they were my favourite when I was your age. It really is a shame that I cannot eat them now. I would just have to buy bigger dresses!” the Queen chuckled lightheartedly and I balled my fists so hard that the cookie crumbled in my hand and fell in a dusty pile on the floor. The Queen was watching her weight. The sentence repeated in my head for a while, pictures of my friends from the circus starving, convulsing, dying. I went against every fiber of my being to not slap her in the face. How DARE she. “Of course, even if I had never eaten a single one, there is no way I would be as beautiful as you Ladies are. I am most pleased with the girls this year. Beautiful. So beautiful!” she cried and the other Ladies in the room looked to her in adoration—save for Emma who sat in a huff, mimicking whom I assume would be her aide reciting the rules of etiquette. She giggled to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.
 
“I seem to be running my mouth here, on you Lady Astrid. Why don’t we talk about you? Your dress!” She leaned in close, “Anastasia is a god with a needle and thread. I knew this was one of her designs as soon as I saw you”
 
“Yes, she sure is something” I said. I didn’t have much to say to the Queen. I didn’t want to have to keep talking. But then roused a topic that sparked my attention like a lighter to a delicious cigar. A guard, suited in the formal day uniform of a white jacket and navy pants leapt into a brisk walk towards the Queen, mumbling hushed words of urgency. She didn’t take it seriously, waving her hand and rolling her eyes carelessly. “No no, Stevens. The rebels have never attacked us so frequently. Check again. Perhaps it was just a woodland animal.” The guard nodded curtly and stormed back out. She turned back to me again.
 
“I’m sorry about that, my dear. The palace guards have been told to keep an extra close eye now that the future Queen-to-be is here with us. I’m getting alerts like these on a regular basis. It can be frustrating but I like having any shenanigans right. Under. My. Nose.” She tapped her nose with each word. “Those dreadful rebels are walking into their own demise. I really hope they would stop. Illéa has seen enough bloodshed in its time.” I tried my hardest to fight back a bitter retort, choking it down and swallowing my pride.
 
Oh hell with it.
 
“I think they’re just fighting for their beliefs. I see nothing wrong with that.” Bam. Just like that the whole room hushed. The Queen took a step away from me, clearly taken aback and putting a hand over her heart. “Excuse me?” she breathed. I tried my best to back peddle. “I know what they’re doing is wrong, bloodshed is wrong. Violence is wrong. But things are much different beyond the walls of the castle, Your Majesty. Travesties occur on a daily basis and these ‘rebels’ feel like the Kingdom isn’t taking action. I feel like they may be demanding freedom. Equality. It’s just a pity that we can’t all sit and discuss these issues in a civil matter.” I started to lie, betraying my friends back home, “These rebels are being, pardon my language, rather dimwitted by charging at you. At us. Violence never is the answer.”
 
“Spoken like a true Lady” the Queen said, smiling. I detected a small but sour taste of disapproval in her voice. Did I push it? Did I ruin everything? I walked back to Emma, wanting nothing more than to head back up to my room. “Good for you, Astrid” she grabbed my by the shoulder and smiled warmly, making her way up to the Queen. I whispered good luck to her and she winked back at me.
Although it seemed to have backfired, after the Queen fizzled out and left the Women’s Room without even finishing her introductions. Perhaps she had a lot to think about. Maybe she was starting to see that these ‘Princesses’ weren’t as sugary sweet as herself.