Cycle: Land of the Dragon. Selection: Choice or Destiny. Book One

The envelope with the invitation arrived with an additional investment – a masterpiece man-made in the form of a drawing of the Dragon in a tuxedo, which in one hand held a cake and in the second bag with gold. At the bottom in block letters signed "on the dress and women's stuff." In the same envelope was a decent sum of Gold.

Before the feast of the abdomen remained three days, and for such a short time, it was necessary to have time to spend money. Shopping we went with Rosalind.

I did not want to buy something challenging, but very modest purchase can offend Ridon. Not only was the dress chosen not modest, but it was once again a violation of decency. The only relief was that the event was closed, which meant that not many people would see me in it. Having noticed it in the window of the shop, I could not try it on, but was circling in front of the mirror, understood – «that's it!!». Its silk fabrics color was bright pink, Dress with open shoulders attracted the attention, but it was the open belly that made it challenging (up of dress was cut off, as a result of me wore a wide embroidered skirt on the floor and the topic with V-neck.) . I wish I had some jewelry, and I thought long earrings would be appropriate.

Back at the castle after shopping, tired but happy, passed in response to the heir drawing Princess, who is holding the same bag, and in the upper corner of the cloud. In a cloud, the princess smacks a dragon on the cheek.

In the dining hall (which was used for tasting), I entered with the perfect posture and the only thought: «and did not overdo with the open body parts».

Ridon sat in the center, but from the wide side of the table. I was seated on my right hand by the prince. To my right, Darin. To the left of the heir Rozalind, then Emiron (he returned from the estate). On the table at that time was a roasted pig, a duck (, a rabbit in cream sauce, salads of various kinds. The table was crammed with food, the taste was superb.

The guests split into two conversation groups. Rosalind something lively debate with Emironom, her plate is almost filled. Her cheeks glowed rosy, eyes bright. The heir, quickly realizing that on the left he couldn’t get into a to the flow of endless speeches from his interlocutors, switched exclusively to me, putting all the new pieces of delicious dishes on my plate. At one point, I thought I was going to die of gluttony, which I told the heir. But he only reduced the supplements.

Darina ate silently, immersed in her thoughts, I don’t think she even felt the taste of the dishes. But to ask what happened in front of everyone was uncomfortable.

I enjoyed the heir’s attentions, the taste of the dishes, and I didn’t notice Zarina’s looks until dessert arrived. In fact, the variety of kinds of sweet was not less than previous dishes, but a piece of cake that rested briefly on a plate turned out to be paradise delight. Delicate cream, moderately sweet, mingled with the sour taste of grapes and chocolate cream . I even closed my eyes with pleasure. And when opened, then I stumbled upon look of Zarina full hateful.

Heir, not noticing anything, offered another piece. But I said, I'm afraid my stomach was not prepared for such an abundance of food and I urgently need to retire to his chambers. Heir upset and even offered to accompany me, but I reminded him that it is not very convenient and shamefully fled. Zarina’s eyes burned through my back, and for the first time, I realized I wasn’t on vacation. Here the girls are trying to build their own happiness, to attract attention, and here I come, devour the very cakes, doing nothing at all, and the whole evening Prince is my. How can she not hate a rival? Should stay away from the heir and his potential wives before the end of the selection, or I may not live to see the end of the selection.

Chapter 24

With Zarina we met only at the table, every time she burned me with her eyes, but then I didn’t go beyond the quiet hatred, so I got a little bit used to it and stopped paying attention. Reading the text I mastered in the past month, but the writing worse. I wrote exclusively on native. Nadine finished the play, next week to start rehearsals, I was given a piece, painted on roles. Travel itinerary more or less defined.

Weedon pleased that the invention he finished on time and was ready to present prototypes. And tonight, I’m expected by the Heir in his office, where the magician will first demonstrate the possibilities of invention, and after the demonstration, I stay to discuss a possible journey.