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Maddie
As though witnessing Prince Swoon-A-Lot’s skill and sheer unbridled masculinity atop his horse wasn’t enough to fell us for a week, today is the beginning of The Games, the annual event that pitches the might of Ledonia against Malveaux in a smorgasbord of sports. It has to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, thanks not only to the excitement of the battle of strength in the tug of war, competition in precision and mastery of archery, and the sheer fun of cheese rolling, but because Prince Alexander himself competes. And my, does he compete—and look ruggedly handsome while he’s doing it.
I’m just going to take a moment to fan myself.
Go well and do your country proud, our most handsome monarch-in-training. We are with you, body, heart, and soul.
#WeAreTheChampions
#AlexanderForTheWin
Holding a very large fan, your royal correspondent,
Fabiana Fontaine xx
I cannot believe today has finally arrived. I’ve looked forward to this moment since the day I left Houston. Chloe is about to arrive, and I’m pacing my living room, knowing that she is in the car with Vlad right now, being driven through the streets of Tleurbonne.
I wasn't able to meet her at the airport. I had Princess training with Alice first thing this morning, followed by disgusting Malveauxian tea with Grandmama, at which she demonstrated the traditional tea ceremony that I plan never to use unless I somehow manage to replace that tea with coffee, before Gustav arrived to style me for The Games, which are due to start in less than an hour.
“Your friend should be here any minute, Maddie,” Alice says. “I've heard so much about her, I can't wait to meet her.”
“You too will be besties in three seconds flat. Chloe’s like that.”
I glance at my reflection in the mirror and see a poised, if excited, princess staring back. Long gone are the worn jeans and tennis shoes, makeup free face, and hair in a messy bun. “She is not going to recognize me.”
Since I'm officially representing Malveaux today—despite the fact my heart is with a certain member of the Ledonian team—I'm in a blue knee-length dress with cap sleeves and a white boat neck, with matching blue pumps. My hair is styled in a high ponytail, which is more fun to swing from side to side than I care to admit.
I’ll be changing for the cheese rolling event, but for now I’m looking regal and poised, ready for the inevitable photographers.
There's a knock at the door and Vladimir pushes it open. “Ms. Chloe Sharansky,” he announces and I race over to greet her.
“Chloe!” I drag her inside and crush her to me, hugging her for all I’m worth. “It is so good to see you. I can't believe you're here!”
Her hair is even brighter pink than when I last saw her, and she’s dressed head-to-toe in black.
“Well, I am, and you're kind of crushing my wind pipe,” she croaks and immediately, I let her go.
“Would you look at you!” she says as she scans me, and I do a twirl for her to take in the full effect of my princess transformation. “My friend Mads, a fully-fledged Princess.”
“Oh, Chlo, I have so much to catch you up on.”
“Me too. Denise continues to be a prize you-know-what, and there's a new girl in the office who is covering your job, although she's not half as fun as you, and, girl, I so miss you.” She pulls me in for another hug.
Vladimir clears his throat.
“What's up, Vlad?” I ask.
“You have only 30 minutes before you’re due at the royal box for the opening ceremony of The Games, ma’am.”
Chloe mouths the word “ma’am” at me, her eyes alight.
“Might I suggest Ms. Sharansky shower and change rather quickly?”
“You might suggest that, Vlad, and that would be one great suggestion,” I tell him, on a high from seeing the best friend I’ve missed so fiercely.
Sometime later, Chloe has showered and thrown on the white fluffy robe I gave her to wear.
“I cannot believe you live here. You. Live. Here,” she says as she looks around my rooms. “That was a double shower. You could have a party in that room.”
