Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
That asshole. I am kind and selfless. When do I think of me? Certainly not doing this job. I’m everyone’s assistant. I’m the one all people rely on.
It hits me hard that I don’t have anyone to rely on. Not in a soul-deep way. I have my friends, but they have lives. Have I ever had someone I shared every moment with?
I feel my singularness in this moment in a way that brings tears to my eyes again. I feel vulnerable and exposed, and it’s not fair. This is going to hurt more than I thought it would, and cameras will chronicle every moment of my pain.
“Anika, will you continue this journey with me?”
I smile and nod, brushing away those stupid tears. “I understand.”
Luca is holding out a daisy.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Janice proves she knows how to get the villain edit. There are a couple of shocked gasps from the crew, but they don’t stop taping. “Her? She’s pathetic.”
Wait. What had he said?
“And this attitude is why I couldn’t pick you,” Luca replies with a frown. “You were selfish tonight. All the women respected the needs of their fellow contestants. All except you. I’m sorry it can’t work. But I think Anika and I have an excellent connection.”
I feel my eyes go wide as Hannah unleashes a squeal of delight.
“We do?” I ask.
His eyes warm visibly as he looks my way. “We do.”
He holds a hand out and helps me down the steps. He didn’t do that with anyone else. I’m the only one who needs help. He presses the daisy in my hand and leans over to brush his lips against my cheek.
“If I have to stay, so do you,” he whispers. “Welcome to my hell, Persephone.”
It takes everything I have to smile and accept the flower. I manage to say something about trusting the journey. Then I join my fellow contestants.
They bring out the champagne and no one even thinks to order pizza.
Confessionals
Hannah
What a magical night. The king is amazing, and I love all these ladies. Anika was so nice to me, and I really like one of my roommates. Her name is Riley, and we clicked. I’m so excited to be here. So ready for this journey. I know it’s going to change my life.
Ashley W
I’m surprised at the amount of Ashleys here. I hope he cuts them. I want to be the only Ashley.
Tiara Kate
I know. It looks good on me. I brought one for every day I’m going to be here. My mom always told me to dress for the job I want and not the one I have. The king will see how good I look with a crown, and he won’t be able to resist.
Chloe
I can’t believe he cut me. We had such a great connection until that b**** Janice ruined it. If only I’d had another few minutes with him, I know he would have seen the real me. He’s made a huge mistake. I think he’s my soul mate.
Shelby
He’s shy. I like that. Or maybe he’s playing a little hard to get. I tried to kiss him but I think he’s afraid of our chemistry. He’s kept a couple of mousy women who absolutely don’t have any connection to him at all, so I know he’s trying to make this easy on himself. I expect I’ll get the first one-on-one date with him.
Janice
What a joke this is. I feel sorry for all those poor people in his country because they could have had a real queen. You know if he can’t handle an actual woman who knows what she wants, then I’ll leave him to the sheep.
Anika
Yeah, I was shocked. Uhm, do you know if there are any sandwiches? I looked in the fridge and it’s all vegetables. Uncooked vegetables.
His Majesty
I think she’s here. I’m excited to start this journey, and what an amazing group of women to be joining me. Who surprised me the most? Anika. I definitely didn’t expect I would meet someone like her. She’s intriguing. And I think she’s hungry. Someone should feed her. But then, I like a woman with a good appetite.
Chapter Nine
“Get some sleep, new girl. The dates start tomorrow. I don’t know if anyone gave you the schedule. Sierra must have packed hers up when she left and I didn’t see the producers talking to you, so I expect you have some questions.” Riley stands in the doorway dressed in silk pajamas that look every bit as stylish as her cocktail gown had. Riley is the woman who’d practically high-fived me for taking down Janice.
Who is gone. Everyone is relieved, but I’m confused.
I have so many questions. But I don’t think Riley is going to be the one to answer them. Nope. That will require one royal highness of a man. “A schedule would be great. I’ll ask the production assistants for one tomorrow. When is breakfast?”