ROYAL CONTEST

4| CHAPTER FOUR

ALYSSA'S POV

I was right when I said these people are different from me. We were instructed to wear our usual clothes for our first meeting with the prince. I had simply followed the directive, slipping into my favorite pair of tights and a tank top, my typical attire.

It was only when I arrived and saw the other girls dressed in elaborate gowns that I realized how out of place I was. They looked as though they were ready for a grand ball, while I looked like I had just finished a workout session. I braced myself for the inevitable judgment from the royal family, certain that they would question my choice of clothing.

But to my surprise, no one said a word. Not a single raised eyebrow or disapproving glance came my way. When the prince approached me earlier, my heart pounded in my chest, anticipating a reprimand. Instead, he merely asked for my name and then complimented it with such genuine warmth that I was left speechless.

Surprised was an understatement—I was utterly taken aback. I had expected aloofness or even disdain, not kindness. The prince’s easy disregard for his brother's or cousin's whispered comments filled me with a sudden, irrational urge to hug him for his unexpected benevolence.

“Some people are audacious. Where do you find the nerve to greet the Crown Prince of this land in shorts?” The cutting remark sliced through the air, dripping with disdain. I had sensed this girl's animosity from the moment we met the day before. Her constant attempts to provoke me had grown tiresome, yet I had neither the time nor the patience to engage with her petty comments about me.

"The royal family said nothing about it, so I don’t see why you should be worried about what she wears. They said we must wear our regular clothes, and if these are her usual clothes, I don't see why she shouldn't greet His Highness wearing them." The voice that came to my defense was unexpected and filled with a quiet authority that silenced the room. I turned, ready to express my gratitude, but the arrival of the prince and Princess Clara stilled my words. It was obvious they had overheard everything.

When the other girls rose from their seats in a flurry of skirts to greet him, the prince raised his hand to dismiss their efforts. "At ease. You don't need to do that." His smile was warm and disarming, transforming his regal features into something almost approachable. I couldn't help but smile back, despite myself. It was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen, and I found myself wishing he would smile more often.

I felt a sudden surge of self-consciousness as I realized everyone was staring at me. What had I done to warrant their attention? Panic gripped me as I frantically replayed the last few moments in my mind, praying I hadn't laughed out loud or done something equally embarrassing. The intensity of their gazes made my cheeks flush with heat. I wanted to melt into the floor and disappear.

"Anything to share with us, Lady Alyssa?" Lily's voice was saccharine sweet, but her eyes gleamed with malice. This girl was testing me, pushing every button with a precision that suggested long practice.

"I was just thinking how beautiful our prince's smile is. Anything wrong with that?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, and the room seemed to freeze for a second. I hadn’t noticed the prince was in the middle of taking a sip of his drink until he choked and sprayed it all over Princess Clara.

Kill me now! Why did I even say that?

"Owen, what the f**k?!" Clara's shriek shattered the silence, her face a mask of horror as she stared down at her now-ruined dress.

"Language, Clara!" The empress's stern rebuke cut through the room like a knife. The look she gave Clara was one I couldn't even begin to describe—sharp and authoritative, yet tinged with a hint of exasperation.

"Sorry, Your Majesty, but look at what he did to my dress! I spent three hours getting ready and he just ruined everything for me!" Clara's voice wavered between outrage and despair as she gestured to the wet stains spreading across the delicate fabric.

"I'm sorry, my dear. You can go and change," the empress said, her tone softening as she turned to her son. "Care to explain how you did that?"

"It's okay, it's not his fault. I will go and change," Clara muttered, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

The prince's face was a picture of contrition. "I didn't mean that, and I'm sorry," he said earnestly. I couldn’t help but think that life in this palace was anything but boring. Too bad we wouldn't be having dinner with the royal family every day—this kind of drama was something I could get used to missing out on.

"You will never stop, will you?" The empress's gaze remained fixed on her son, a blend of amusement and admonishment in her eyes.

"It was a mistake, Mother. I didn't even realize I had ruined her dress. I know it’s hard to believe, but it is the truth." He flashed that disarming smile again, the one that had started this entire mess.

Speaking of that smile, I almost forgot that it was my comment about his smile that had caused all this chaos. I shouldn't have said anything. It would have been better to just ignore Lily and pretend I hadn’t heard her snide remark.

As I stood there, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze upon me, I replayed the moment in my head. If only I had kept my mouth shut. Now, instead of fading into the background, I had become the center of attention—exactly what I had hoped to avoid. The prince, however, seemed to take it all in stride, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he glanced my way. There was something about his unflappable demeanor that both infuriated and intrigued me.

"We have guests; stop arguing in front of them." The emperor's voice, cut through the lingering tension like a knife. His presence immediately commanded respect, and we all rose from our seats as soon as he entered the dining hall, a silent acknowledgment of his status. Both mother and son fell silent, their disagreement forgotten in the face of his arrival.

"There's no need for all the formalities. Sorry to keep you waiting." His smile was a mirror image of his son's, carrying the same warmth and charm. Good genes, I guess. It's not fair! I thought with a twinge of envy. How could one family possess so much grace and allure?

"I wanted to meet you ladies last night to ask how you're doing. I hope you're enjoying your stay here in the palace." The empress's voice was kind, though it carried the unmistakable undertone of formality. Dinner had been a grand affair, with every dish meticulously prepared and every detail perfect, but now that it was over, the empress seemed eager to transition to more personal matters.

"Everything is perfect, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking." Of course, it was Lily who responded, her voice dripping with sweetness. Who does this girl think she is? Always the first to speak, always eager to ingratiate herself with the royals. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of irritation.

"You were the first to arrive, Lily. Are you adapting well?" The empress's smile was bright, and Lily positively glowed under her attention.

"It is not too different from what I'm used to. It still feels like I'm back home," Lily replied, her voice soft and humble. What the heck?! She is comparing her home with this palace? The sheer audacity of her statement left me momentarily speechless. How could she equate her presumably ordinary upbringing with the grandeur of the Harrington Empire's palace?

"Your father called yesterday," the emperor interjected, turning his attention to Lily.

"He did?" Lily's surprise seemed genuine, her eyes widening slightly. Are their families close or what?

"He was asking about you. I assured him that you're being taken care of." The emperor's tone was warm, almost paternal. How close are they? I wondered, trying to piece together the dynamics at play. This level of familiarity with the royal family explained a lot about Lily's confidence and sense of belonging. No wonder she acts like she owns the place.

She must be thinking that the prince is already hers. Good for her, at least I know I don't have to put in much effort for something I already know I'm not going to win. The confidence radiating from Lily was almost tangible, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and resignation. It freed me from the pressure of competing, allowing me to stay true to myself.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us." The empress's words were directed at Lily, but then she turned to me, her eyes softening with a warmth that caught me off guard. "Alyssa, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied, my voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in my chest.

"I had no idea that Clarissa has such a beautiful daughter. Did your father ever tell you that you have your mother's eyes?" The empress's gaze was tender, and the mention of my mother sent a jolt of emotion through me.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I've lost count of how many times he's told me that." She smiled at me, a smile that was both knowing and kind, and I found myself smiling back, the connection between us suddenly feeling very real and personal.

"And her smile as well," the emperor added, his voice rich with nostalgia. I almost choked on my own saliva at his unexpected comment. My dad always told me that she was close to the empress, but I didn't know that she was even close to the emperor.

"Yes. Your mom had a beautiful smile. Her smile could brighten everyone's day. She was the sweetest person I've ever met in my entire life, and she made the journey for me in this palace so much easier." The empress's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her voice wavered slightly, betraying the depth of her emotion.

"When I learned that she died while giving birth to you and your brother, I was heartbroken and I somehow wished that I had been there for her. I have no doubt that she would have been a wonderful mother to you both." Her words were a gentle balm to the old wound of my mother’s absence, and the small, assuring smile she gave me was enough to make my throat tighten with suppressed emotion. I had to blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay, overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness and the poignant reminder of my mother's legacy.

The dining hall, filled with the quiet clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation, seemed to fade into the background as I absorbed the empress's words. My mother’s memory was not just alive in my family but cherished within these palace walls too. This revelation added a new layer to my understanding of this place, and of myself. I felt a connection to my mother in a way I hadn't before, as if her spirit was guiding me through this strange, grand life.

The empress continued to speak, her voice weaving stories of my mother’s time in the palace, anecdotes that painted her as a beacon of warmth and light. Each story was a thread that bound me closer to this new world, making it feel less alien and more like a place where I could belong. The emperor occasionally added his own memories, his deep voice filled with respect and fondness for the woman who had clearly left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Amidst all of that, I didn't miss the looks the other girls gave me. The worst of them all was from Lily. Her glare was icy, filled with a bitterness I couldn't understand. What had I done to make her despise me so much? It seemed as though every word I spoke, every breath I took, was an affront to her very existence and her animosity a tangible presence that made my skin prickle.

The empress, ever gracious, turned her attention to the other girls, engaging them with questions about their lives before moving to the palace. Her interest seemed genuine, though I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at how easily they responded, each word dripping with practiced poise.

"I was part of this modeling agency in the city," one of the girls began, her voice lilting with a hint of pride. "It was going pretty well. I had to leave, though, because I had to come here. The manager said I could come back anytime, and I'll do exactly that."

"You're not confident that you will win the contest?" The crown prince, who had been uncharacteristically silent, finally spoke up. His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of curiosity that made everyone sit up a little straighter.

"Your Highness, I know my limits," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "I'm not going to lie and say that I came here to win this competition because I don't. I only wanted to honor my father. I asked him to speak to the emperor about replacing me with someone else, but he was adamant that he wanted me to be part of this. I love modeling, and I don't think being a princess is for me. Besides, with all these beautiful ladies, I'm not a fool to think that I stand a chance."

Who doesn't want to be a princess? I thought, incredulous. The way they all looked at me when the prince asked my name and when the empress spoke to me—those glances were filled with unspoken questions and, perhaps, a bit of envy. Does she think we're fools?

"That's alright; no one is going to force you into anything. I would've granted you your wish, but you're already part of this contest and will have to stay with us until the end or when the prince doesn't choose you for the second round."

"Second round?" I covered my mouth as soon as I said that. I thought I was just asking myself, but somehow I said it out loud.

The empress smiled indulgently, perhaps finding my naivety amusing rather than annoying. "We have six rounds. This is the first one, which consists of all of you girls. My son will pick 15 of you for the next round, which means the remaining five will be going home. He will do the same thing until only five of you are left. Then he will pick three for the next round and then two for the final round."

I've just embarrassed myself. My dad told me to check the email sent by the royal secretary to know all the rules, but I didn't think it was necessary. Now, my ignorance was on full display, and I felt the heat of embarrassment rise in my cheeks.

"You don't need to worry, though; this is going to be a fair competition," the empress continued, her tone reassuring. "I have made all the arrangements, and the organizers have prepared everything. You're going to be tested fairly, and we are not going to allow any excuses. I know you girls are different from each other, but that is a good thing for every one of us."

Her words were meant to be comforting, but the more she spoke, the more I felt the weight of what lay ahead.

"I know if you're not good at cooking, that doesn't mean you're not good at anything. I assure you that there is at least one thing that each and every one of you is good at," the empress continued, her voice firm. "We made our own research the moment you girls were notified that you would be coming to live with us. Even though we don't know everything about you, we know what we need to know and used that to create every single challenge that you will take."

Her words made me wonder who among the other girls might share my passion for cooking. When I went to culinary school, my dad had been worried that I wouldn't be able to fit in, considering I didn't even know how to boil an egg. But it was easy to adjust once I got the hang of things. Cooking became a solace for me, a way to feel connected to my mother and create something beautiful from simple ingredients.

I wanted to open my own restaurant, but my coming here to the palace ruined my plans. One of my dad's hotels doesn't have a built-in restaurant, and he agreed to let me open my own restaurant there. I knew it was going to be wonderful, a dream come true. The vision I had for it was clear: a cozy yet elegant place where the food would not just nourish but also tell a story, a piece of my heart on every plate. But now, that dream seemed so far away, overshadowed by the grandeur and unpredictability of palace life.

My twin brother, Matt, is a fourth-year medical student. People often find it hard to believe that we share the same DNA. While he’s destined to save lives, I chose a path that seems frivolous in comparison—a chef. To be honest, it doesn't really make sense. It would be easy to understand if I also went into the health industry. Maybe not medicine, but something somewhat similar like nursing or pharmacy. But I hate hospitals. The sterile smell, the constant rush, the beeping machines—they all make my skin crawl. I knew I wasn't going to fit in there, which is why I did something that first came to mind, something spontaneous.

Funny thing is, I took that decision overnight. One night, I was just lying on my bed, thinking about my future, when the idea of becoming a chef popped into my head. It was so clear, so perfect. I could almost smell the dishes I would create, feel the heat of the kitchen, and hear the sizzle of ingredients in a pan. When I woke up, I told my dad that I was going to apply for culinary school. His surprise quickly turned into support, and before I knew it, I was on my way to a new life.

"I'm so sorry, ladies, but it is time to retire to my chambers. I hope to see you some more tomorrow. You also need some rest before the challenges begin." The empress smiled at us briefly before she left with her husband. Her departure signaled the end of the evening, and there was a collective sigh of relief and anticipation among the girls.

"I will have to leave too. I wish you all a good night. I will see you tomorrow." The crown prince also smiled at us before leaving. It seemed this family liked smiling, a habit that was both disarming and comforting.

I am very grateful that they are friendly people; otherwise, my life here would have been miserable. Their warmth made the palace feel a little less intimidating, a little more like a place where I could find my footing. I have to call my dad and Matt to tell them to stop worrying because I'm fine. They must be anxious, imagining all sorts of hardships and rivalries, but tonight proved that I could handle it.

As I walked back to my room, my thoughts drifted to my mother. I wonder if she is proud of me wherever she is. This was her wish, for me to embrace life fully, to take chances and make the most of every opportunity. The palace was her dream for me, a place where I could grow and shine. I will try my best to honor her wish, to make her proud by being true to myself.