Chapter 40

The queens eyes seemed viper like as she stared me down. I had this notion that she didn't like me. And not just because of what I said earlier.

"I didn't realise that my business could be used to my advantage. Please forgive me for my negligence, your majesty" I replied, maintaining my fluid speech.

It was bullshit.

I knew that they would take all my profits. After all, being queen was just a figure head position. I had no need for other income.

She clicked her tongue and I caught the prince straightening up and turning towards her.

"Grandmother, you don't plan to bully this poor young lady, do you?" He stood up and made his way slowly down dais. Each foot step a loud echo in the deathly quiet room. They stopped when he stood directly before me, fingers grasping my chin and lifting my face.

"You highness" I greeted, swallowing down my curses and not daring to look at him as his thumb brushed my lower lip.

"Step away, child" came the dowagers voice.

I thought she meant me and tried to step away, but before I could the prince said.

"She meant me" laughter dancing him eyes as he stared at me, grip moving to my jaw which he proceeded to graze.

"My apologies" I replied between gritted teeth.

"This one is quite rebellious, grandmother. Do you think she would make a fine queen?" He finally let go and turned while I glared at his back.

"Every queen requires a character. But a commoner queen?"

I could hear the small snickers around me.

"It would be rather interesting to see someone with no title hold the highest title they could hope for" The prince's word made me clench my hands, gripping the fabric of my dress.

I hated how I could not even defend myself against them.

"To think a commoner can offer more to such a position than nobility - what a sight" The Dowagers words had me lifting my head in astonishment, eyes widening as I caught her smiling at me. Wait.. this whole time... was she simply teasing me?

"I am honoured to hear such words from you, your majesty" I quickly replied.

"Is that a dress a product of your store?"

"Yes".

"It is a rather lovely piece" her words sent a riveting shock of adrenaline through me.

The dowager....THE DOWAGER LIKES MY CLOTHES?!

"If it pleases you, your majesty, I shall set up a date at your nearest convenience with my most esteemed seamstress" I offered, shocking myself at how collected I held myself.

"I would appreciate that. I'll send over my butler to discuss the available times with you" With those words she moved on to the lady beside me while I straightened and i let out a breath of disbelief. I was so taken aback I had forgot Jules still stood before me until I caught him throwing a wink at me.

If I hadn't been caught by surprise I wouldn't have blushed, but alas I had. I was so ashamed by the fact I looked away, catching the sound of his breath hitching as I did. I was grateful he went back to his seat straight away.

When the Dowager had finished assessing everyone she called out ten names, among them mine, Crystals and Lady Willows were called.

"If I have not called your names then please leave immediately" the lack of remorse in her voice made me feel sorry for the girls who had been called out. They scurried out of the throne room with silent whimpers and rare breaths of relief.

Don't tell me I've pass-

"Congratulations to you who are still standing there, you have passed the preliminaries of the princess selection process" The old lady smiled down at us.

Somebody just shoot me dead already...