Mrs. Raven, or Mrs. Talor, the name she goes by at work and in magazines, took forever. Since she's a designer, which I never knew about, she went all out. She also brought two of her work colleagues to help her. They went from my hair all the to clothes. When it came to make-up, that's when I put my foot down. Make-up doesn't define beauty. I've always liked the way I looked, and I don't want make-up to turn me into the person I'm not. Thankfully, they put away the utensils, and brushes. Through all that, that's how I ended up sitting in the waiting room. Light purple dress, and my blonde hair gently resting on my shoulders.

"Liliana Marie Meadows." The lady said. Looking around the waiting room, till her eyes landed on me. "Come dear." She looked really annoyed. She probably is, since there we're hundred of girls before me.

"Good luck!" Max told me, who volunteered to wait with me, and thanks to him, he'll keep this little secret from mom and dad until after I was picked to be their temporary 'princess' till coronation. I sighed, and stood up. I ordered myself to smile once I get into the room. I looked over at Max without a word. He winked. The lady guided me inside the room.

"Good luck!" She whispered, smiling, "The secret is to relax." The room was pretty big. Looked more like a meeting room, with a long table in the middle of the room. Three people stood at the end of the table. Two women, and one man. All wearing black. Seriously? Did I miss something? There was a glass 'window' looking thing, in the back. If I was certain, I would have thought it was a one-way window. Man, I need to brush up on my reading.

"Good Evening Miss. Meadows. The women, on the far right said.

"Good evening Ma'me." I tried to use as much of courtesy as possible.

The smiled, "All you have to do today is answer a few questions, then Mr. Jeff will take on from there. Right sir?" She looked at the man on the far left, who I assumed was Mr. Jeff. He nodded.

"That's right."

"Now, Miss. Meadows, why did you decide to enter the contest?"

I was unprepared for that question, but honesty always wins, right? Maybe I can stretch it a little? Leave out the unimportant information?

"Well, I saw a flyer hanging on the stores window where I work. Even before, my brother asked me if I would be interested in joining."

The lady nodded, "So, you said you work in a store? Mind if I ask the name of it, and your job?"

"Certainly, it's The Pet Patch, on SunCreek Rd. My job is to care for the animals, and make sure they go to the right homes. Even if it's a pet store, we still end up rescuing animals on the streets."

"I see." She said plainly. She probably wasn't interested in anything I had just said. "If you were to become princess, what would you want to see in the kingdom?"

Like I'll ever become princess. I thought. "I would like to see people people to stop abusing animals, the pet store and the shelter are already packed with animals. There are less and less adoptions everyday." I said sadly.

"Is that all?" The lady asked, raising an eyebrow.

I thought for a minute, "The orphans also need funds and support." I remembered how mom and I used to visit the orphanage when I was a little girl. We would organize games and small picnic's for them.

"I understand. Well," she concluded, closing her notebook, "I've heard enough, Suze? Would you like to add anything?"

Suze cleared her throat, "I don't believe you have written down your interests on your application, what do you like to do?" Her voice sounded a lot nicer than the one before her.

Man, this requires a lot of thinking in the spot! I don't even think that much in school! "I love going for walks and um..." I was thinking about saying draw, but that's only on occation.

"And...?" Suze said, trying to hurry me up.

"And dance...?" I blurted.

"Darling, is that a question, or a fact?"

"Fact, ma'me."

"Mm-hm." She scratched her arm, "Ballet, tap, tango? Be specific please."

Geez, these people act as if someone stole their lollypop.

"It just depends. I don't have a specific dance." She nodded, then smiled.

"Well Jeff, she's all yours." She also closed her notebook. Maybe I should get a notebook too? That way when I'm done talking I can close it dramatically.

"Alright Mrs. Please step this way." I walked towards him, my legs felt step from standing in one place. Especially since Sam's mom ordered me to wear heels. "This will only take 5 minutes. All I want you to do is walk to that wall and come back. Try keeping back straight." I did as he told me. It wasn't that hard, since Mrs. Talor made me walk like that for an hour in heels. I made it back to him with ease. My feel already killing me, but I held it in.

Jeff smiled, "Thank you Miss. Meadows, you may go. The scoring should be out by tonight."

I smiled back and left the room. I winced at the pain in my ankle, yep, definitely having blisters.

The same lady who led me into that room, greeted me with a smile.

"Well done, thank you for your time."

"Your...welcome?" I nodded my head, and headed to Max, who was standing beside the door. A security guard is always on the job.

He grinned at me, "How'd you do?"

"I'll find out soon." I grumbled, talking off my heels, and slipping on my flats that I brought with me.

"You'll find out on the news tonight."

I stopped. "What?! The news? They we're recording?!"

Max laughed, "Relax, you've always been photogenic, they only show the recording if you got into the finals."

That didn't make thing any better. I hate it when I'm being video-taped without knowing.

"Hey, Lil'." Art walked towards our direction. Like he seriously comes out of no where. "You we're great in there!" I stared at him.

"You saw everything...?" I speechless.

"Not everything. Just the parts when you started explaining about the shelter."

I was still furious.

"Just don't explode here." Max warned me, looking at my face.

"You two lied to me?"

"Hey! We didn't lie." Art defended himself, putting his hands up in surrender.

"Arg. Max, let's just go home. I've got a party to get ready to." My day was not even half way done.

"Party?" He asked confused.

"Yea, the one tonight, remember? I think you're on duty?"

"Oh. Alright, let's go." He shook Arts hand, and followed me to his car.

♔♔♔

"For the evening, I think you should where this lovely emerald dress, it will bring out your eyes!" Mrs. Talor told me. I struggling to keep my eyes open.

"Uh-huh. That will be perfect." I said, not even paying attention.

"I can't believe you'll be dancing with Prince Artem." Sam said dreamly, until she had a sneezing fit.

"Yep, totally." I nodded my head slowly, and closed my eyes. I heard Mrs. Talor whisper to give me an hour to sleep. Soon after I fell asleep. Dreaming about the dance.

♔♔♔

"Lady Adrianna Alexandra McAldren, the dukes eldest daughter!" The announcers voice boomed throughout the entire hall. Geez, don't they ever get tired of their long names? I looked towards the grand stairs as a brown haired girl took small steps downward. She seemed to look down at all the younger girls who wore plain dresses, or who didn't fit in the 'princess' category. Hmf. Like she does.

The same secretary that I gave the application to, rushed me next in line. I groaned. I truly hate the attention. Plus, I don't understand why we have to do this, if it's not formal.

They put Max on duty tonight, so he's keeping one eye around the perimeter, and the other on me.

"You'll do great!" He whispered. I half smiled. "And," he added, "I think you're one of the most gorgeous girls here."

I gave a light-hearted laugh, "Thats cause you're my brother." He rolled his eyes, but stuck out his fist. I fist-bumped it, our kiddish thing we made up years ago.

The announcer cleared his throat to get our attention, and covered the end of the microphone, "Miss, are you ready?" I nodded, and took a deep breath, gathering my dress together. Even if the dress itself wasn't poofy, like the one Cinderella wears in the film, but I had to say, the dress was very beautiful. I was glad Mrs. Taylor is somewhat helping me.

I closed my eyes, and waited.

"Lady Liliana Marie Meadows, the smiths' eldest daughter!" Okay, that sounded lame. Left with nothing else to do, I stepped forward into the blinding lights. My eyes slowly adjusted, and I saw probably hundreds of girls talking and about 12 dozen looking up towards the stair case. The king and queen also looked this way. I slowly walked down. Hoping I won't trip over these heals. I remembered to smile. I saw the dukes daughter, who went before me, roll her eyes, as she talked to her, what I guess were her friends.

I finally reached the ground, and tried to make it to the egde of the room through the ocean of dresses. I didn't want the prince to see me. Even if he already knew I was going to be here.

A few girls snickered behind me, and I don't know what happened, but somehow I ended up on the floor. The surrounding girls laughed.

"Miss. Liliana, do you need assistance?" Just my luck.

I looked up, the princes bright green eyes looked down at me. He extended his hand. It would be rude if I didn't take it. So I held out my hand, and he brought me back up.

"Thank you, your Highness." I said, looking down the floor. I saw a few girls glaring at me.

"I must say, you look wonderful!" He smiled at me.

"Thank you again, your Highness." I replied. I tried to avoid any other conversation with him. There were other girls who we're dieing to talk to him anyway. Why not go to them?

"Your Highness!" We both turned around, and saw Lady Adrianna walking towards us, pushing two girls out of her way. "How sweet that I found you!"

"Ria!" Art smiled, but it seemed forced. He took her right hand and kissed it. "Its so nice to see you tonight."

Lady Adriana smirked, "It is, isn't it. Who is she?" She pointed at me. Art cleared his throat.

"Adriana, meet Lily, Lily, meet Adriana, Ria for short."

Adrianna looked at Art, "Please don't call me Ria in public, dear."

Already, I wanted to stomp on her gorgeous dress and stuff chocolate in her mouth. I mean, why not? I forced myself not to roll my eyes, and smile instead.

"Nice to meet you Lady Adrianna." I didn't know if I should bow or do that other stuff they do in TV. Adiannas face lit up.

"See! You're catching on!" Now shes acting as if she's talking to a dog. Except that dog is me. "Prince Artem, I wanted to discuss a few minor details, concerning our kingdom."

This girl has got to stop. I may have only gotten an hour of sleep, but I'm not crazy. Yet.

"The kingdom?" Art asked. "What about?"

"Well you see, there has been a lot of crimes around town, my father has gotten a few reports already."

Art thought for a second, "I'll talk to my father after the party." He smiled, "Try to enjoy yourself."

The whole time, I've just stood there, hearing their conversation. Art walked over to me. "Sorry about that."

"Thats alright." I replied. The musicians started playing a slow song. I dreaded what would come next.

He grinned, "May have this dance? Princess?"

"Only if you don't call me princess."

Art smirked, "Of course...princess."

He gently took my hand. Given with the knowledge from movies and films. I did what any other girl would have done. Placed my other hand on his shoulder, and he put his hand on my waist.

He swiftly guided my steps and the music played in the background. I forbid myself to fall in love with the moment.

"You look tense." Art spoke.

"I'm not tense." I said quickly.

The dance continued. Art looked into my eyes. His tall figure towering over me only my six inches. Any girl would have melted by now. But I wouldn't let that happen.

"Follow me." He whispered.

I imagined the scene where the prince led Cinderella outside. Can't they think of anything else? The outside is also where the incident happened about three years ago.

Art guided me through the door, and into the night. It was actually, a bit chilly. The vines climbed up the wall, and red roses grew along side the small river bed.

"I wouldn't lie that you look very beautiful tonight."

I shushed him. "Save the words till later."

"How late?" He grinned. I sighed.

"Art, you have plenty of other girls who love you. My thoughts haven't changed much since that night. Think about Adriana."

His face grew serious, as he lifted one eyebrow, "You really think I love her, don't you." I just stared at the nearest flower, and said nothing. He ran his hand through his hair. "She's beautiful, but I'm not into her. I'll just say that much. You're," he took my hand in his, I looked at him. "the one I have eyes for." Words. I still didn't believe them. He's been with a lot of girls in the past. This is just a tape that is running through his head. The same words he uses for everyone.

Why am I even running for this dumb princess title anyway? He's still that same smooth talker he was three years ago, at 15. 18 didn't change him much.

I took my hands out of his. "It's better if you stop."

"Stop what?" He asked, looking hurt. "How can I prove that I love you?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"Lil'...okay fine. We shall see what will happen during the princess contest."

"How do you know that I won't drop out of it?" I asked.

"I know." He smiled. I forced a smile. "Lets get back in there."

He took my hand once again, and we stepped back into the light filled room. Girls were dancing with the young noble men.

We danced again. Though I was still unsure what to expect. One voice in my head told me to follow my heart. But the heart is deceitful. As the Bible puts it, and the other voice in my head is telling me to keep everything hidden. Like what do I have to hide? I'm not in love with the prince as some girls think I am. I even told him how I feel about him. So he knows. That way, I won't be 'playing-with-his-feelings', and hurt both of us.

Once the song ended, I asked to be excused. He agreed, and let me go. I went out of the room, and went to the restroom. Its been a long night. I looked at the clock, hanging on the wall. 11:46. Its not even midnight yet. Mom must be worried. But Max took care of it. I hope. I walked into the bathroom, and closed the door. I stared at my self. My cheeks were slightly pink from dancing. My green dress looked almost as tired as I did. Thankfully I brought flats with me. I walked over to my bag, that I have set in here along with some other girls' purses, and slipped them on. I splashed water on my face. Times when I'm glad I don't wear make-up, and I was starting to get a headache. Drying my face. I left the restroom.

I walked down the quiet corridor, back to the ball room. Hopefully I didn't take too long.

I heard some whispering. So being blessed with curiosity, I followed it. Behind the next corner, I saw Adriana with another girl I didn't recognize, standing beside them was a bigger guy. He was in the same security uniform as Max had been.

"Kiaan, I need you to do me a favor." Adriana spoke.

"What is it miss?" The bigger guy said.

"I have a funny feeling about the girl who danced with Prince Artem. I think her name was Lily?"

"What about her, ma'me?"

"Don't you get it? She's running for princess. And I need you to do everything you can to stop her before coronation."

"How do you know she has been picked, if you don't mind me asking." Kiaan bowed his head.

Adriana rolled her eyes. "I'm close to the royal family, so I know. She's been the first picked on the list. So you know what you're supposed to do, right?"

Kiaan nodded. "This may cause for me to lose my job miss."

"Kiaan, my friend, leave that to me. You have forgotten that I'm the dukes daughter."

"Alright, miss."

Adianna turned back to the girl behind her, "And you, Sandra, you will help me in some other things around this pathetic castle."

I couldn't listen any longer. I turned and left back towards the ball room. The quietness soothed me. This night truly has been a long one. I felt tears in my eyes. Before I reached the ball room, from a distance, I saw Prince Art kissing another girls hand. Arg. I went back to the bathroom and grabbed my things. I headed to the direction of the exit. I told myself not to cry. I saw Max talking with another guy. When he saw me, he quickly walked over. His eyes searched mine.

"Is everything okay?"

"Lets just go." I mumbled.

Max looked over at the guy he was talking to a minute ago, and said, "Can you fill in for me?"

The guy chuckled, "No problem, except there nothing much left to do."

"Thanks, Al." Max took my small bag from my hand, and led me to his car. Once we were seated, we drove off. A few national TV and Fox news cars were parked outside the palace as well.

Max was quiet the whole time. And for that I was greatful. He didn't ask what happened, or why I was upset. He just kept driving.

The only thing he did say was, "You can stay at my place once this princess stuff is over."

I agreed, even if I didn't want anything to do with the palace. After we got to his place, I went to my 'room', without a "Hey Ashley." Who was sitting on the couch, cuddled around her laptop.

With three attempts taking the dress off, I finally got under the covers, and fell asleep. The warm and the softness greeted me like an old friend.