This chapter has not yet been edited nor finalized.

The first day had gone with unnatural speed. Sora had known in the back of her mind that the royal family lived extravagantly, but not like this, every day. It was insane. The Cyning family wealth was boundless.

They were at dinner now, and Sora was seated next to Emmalee Jasper, who was busy cutting her steak into bite-sized pieces. Sora took an experimental taste of rosemary-roasted potatoes and melted. Potatoes weren't her favorite, but this was phenomenal. She resisted the urge to shove it into her mouth; instead she took small, measured tidbits, one at a time, enjoying the warmth emanating from her belly.

"So, Pandora," Sora said idly, poking her fork into her potato, "What's it like in Kolme? Isn't that the southernmost district?"

Pandora glanced up, startled, then narrowed her eyes. "Yes," she growled with a hard edge to her voice. It was obvious the effort she was making to not lose her temper. "It's sunnier."

"I've heard," Sora replied, repressing a grin. "Is it warmer, then? Because the cold breeze wouldn't be flowing down off of the mountains."

Pandora only nodded, then returned to her food. Sora caught a glimpse of Queen Regina smiling at her before turning back to her own potato. She thinks I was being friendly. I just wanted for Pandora to be uncomfortable.

And from the look on Pandora's face, it had worked.

Emmalee nudged her. "That was hilarious."

"She deserved it," Sora whispered back, then laughed. She had something that the other girls didn't, and it was liberating. If they lost, the other girls would feel like the sky was caving in and the mountains were splitting open. For Sora, it was different. It wasn't as big of a deal. If she won, she'd be queen, and that would be pretty amazing. But she didn't have a problem with being tossed out of the competition. She'd be engaged to a rich scholar or astronomer quicker than blinking.

What about Khani? her mind asked.

Sora shoved the thought away. It was the best thing to do.

"Lamia," began Emmalee, "Where in Arehlia is Ekaï?"

Lamia pursed her lips. "Ekaï is on the outskirts of our kingdom," she told Emmalee in cold, clipped words. She had an exotic accent, not unlike what had been described to her as "easternmost". "We are the nearest to our neighbor Corian, which is dangerous for all the peasants there." Lamia flashed a quick look at Sora, which angered her. I'm no peasant! "Our location was next to diamond mines, at the first slopes of the Haukana Range. Corian was constantly trying to take our land, but we thank the palace for sending troops to protect us." She smirked. "Obviously a peasant died every few days, but it was a price we were glad to pay for our spot."

"Oh," Emmalee said, frowning. Her iridescent lavender evening gown shimmered softly in the dim light, and her dark hair was piled in curls upon her head. Her hand found Sora's knee and she squeezed, sending her a sympathetic glance. Sorry, she mouthed.

It's okay, Sora mouthed back. She balled her fist under the table, so hard she'd leave little crescent-shaped cuts in the palm of her hand from where her nails dug into the skin. She wanted Lamia gone as fast as possible.

I couldn't control my parents' decision! I couldn't stop them from dying out on the Sea Sapphire! Why can't they just understand that sometimes things happen and a person's too young or too old or unprepared to deal with it? It's like nothing's ever gone wrong in their safe, sheltered little lives!

The conversation lulled into silence and Sora was able to truly take in the splendor of the dining hall. The walls were painted the color of gleaming ivory-pearl, and artful designs were interwoven in gold leaf. Mahogany tables were topped with empty marble vases every few yards along the floor. With a slight shock, she noticed the massive gold chandelier, which was lit with real fire and cast enchanting flickering shadows on that below.

King Ryan stood with Queen Regina and his son, and the attention of the competitors snapped to them. The clinking of forks and knives died off as he opened his arms grandly. "Welcome to the Royal Palace of Cyning of Laihara, Arehlia," he rumbled. His cheeks glowed a hot red. Perhaps he shouldn't have had wine tonight. "Seven of you will be sleeping here tonight. One of you will be going home."

"After the tea, our officials and advisors held a meeting with your king and I, and we have decided on the lady that will return to her district," the queen continued for him. Henri looked tense, incredibly so. His eyes were focused between Sora and Pandora. Sora squinted at him. What was he thinking? Why was he so rigid, when he hadn't yet had time to really know anyone, and when the decision didn't fall onto him? "Tonight's elimination will be Lady Amina Nix of Dyaké."

A wail erupted from a tall blonde two chairs down from Sora. Amina ran from her place beside the table and exited the room, hand over her mouth, bent over sobbing. King Ryan cocked his eyebrow, disgusted. "We hope that the other eliminations will be more dignified than that," he told them. Sora gaped. Perhaps his disdain was simply the bottle of wine talking. He wasn't thinking straight; he couldn't have been. "As always, the cameras are rolling live to broadcast your progress to the kingdom. Arehlia is watching. We expect all of you to be on your best behavior."

That was king of long-winded. But what did Amina do? Sora wondered, but she could only remember the flashing lights and Pandora's malicious jibes. Why wasn't it Pandora?

Prince Henri seemed to have deflated. He isn't supposed to have any hand in the five first eliminations, is he?

He couldn't have chosen to send Amina home in order to spare Pandora.

So why does he look so...

An idea was unfolding in Sora's mind, and she didn't like it one bit. Whatever flaws the royal family might have had, she knew Henri wouldn't cheat. He was a fair prince. He couldn't have played a part in Amina's elimination.

So why does he look so guilty?

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Okay guys. Do you think Sora's being too nice to the prince? I mean, I know she promised that she'd at least try, but I wanted to characterize her more as fiery and fierce instead of BAM! Perfect. So. Thoughts?

We made it to #357 in Adventure!! I can't believe it!! Thank you all for reading. It means a lot to me.

It's Snowfall, and peace out.