Royal Chase

It was so quiet you could have heard a rat peeing on cotton. Then the energy in the room shifted after that moment of shock and awe. Each girl had to be considering what this meant for her. The game play had to change because the circumstances did. This was no longer just about getting a hot guy. This was about getting a hot, rich prince. What girl hadn’t dreamed of that at some point in her life?

Harris said, “I’ll leave you to think that over, and to enjoy the rest of your evening. Prince Dante will not be joining you tonight, but he will be choosing one of you in the morning to spend the entire day with tomorrow.”

As soon as Harris left the room, Michelle erupted into a never-ending round of squeals as she jumped up and down.

“I can’t believe he’s a prince!” Genesis said, and she sat down on the riser, putting her head between her knees. “It’s bad enough he looks like that, but he’s rich and royal too? I can’t even . . .”

I grabbed a pillow and tried to fan her off, moving the hair from the back of her neck to help.

“I’ve heard of Monterra,” Abigail said. “He’s a real prince. Not just someone with a title without a castle or money.” She tapped her fingernail against her lip. “I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you?”

Michelle hugged Abigail around the waist, and Abigail allowed it to happen for a whole three seconds before pushing Michelle off. “Everyone go upstairs, get changed into your pajamas, and we’ll have a sleepover downstairs. I’m making everyone milkshakes!”

“That’s suspiciously considerate of you,” I said. Hadn’t she called ice cream poison?

“Nonsense,” she replied. “I am a nice person. I can do nice things for other people.”

I should have known better.

We’d stayed up most of the night gossiping and giggling, and even Abigail had seemed halfway human. She kept making us chocolate milkshakes, and we drank them until we thought we’d bust.

Harris woke us up early the next morning. We’d been asleep for maybe an hour. Dante stood next to him, dressed for a day out, looking perfect. I, on the other hand, had chocolate shake stains, crazy hair, and bags under my eyes.

I was so glad America was getting to see me at my finest.

Somehow Abigail had a ton of makeup on and her perfect hair fell in soft curls down her back.

Harris asked us to all stand up, because Dante had made his choice for the woman he wanted to spend the day with. It would be the last opportunity to be alone with him before the home visits. He would have to send at least one of us away after he met our families.

We all stood, and I wrapped my blanket around me. I suddenly didn’t feel well. At first I thought it was because I was tired, but I felt sick to my stomach. It probably had something to do with the way Genesis was smiling at him. Being around him impaired my ability to make smart choices, and now it was literally affecting my health.

“These are never easy decisions,” he said, and the room started to spin. It was like I was drunk, but I hadn’t touched any alcohol in a long time. I was glistening heavily, like every single one of my pores had decided now would be a good time to give me a sweat bath.

“And it’s not easy, because I enjoy spending time with all of you, but the person I’ve chosen to spend the day with is . . .”

My stomach contracted violently and made a sound I didn’t know a stomach could make. He stopped for a second and looked at me, raising one eyebrow as if to ask if I was okay. I knew I was going to throw up. I ran for the kitchen sink, fearing I’d never make it to the bathroom, and I heard the other girls getting grossed out as my chocolate milkshakes raced out of my stomach.

Dante was behind me, and he said something, but I couldn’t focus on his voice. Cold chills enveloped me as I just heaved over and over again.

After I’d emptied out every shake, in addition to whatever else my stomach found to toss out, my legs gave way. Dante caught me before I hit the floor.

He picked me up in his arms, settling me against his chest. Everyone gathered around me, asking if I was all right. It made my head hurt.

“I’m taking her upstairs.”