Chapter 4

• Slowly waking from the rays of the sun coming through the window, Simone rubbed a hand over her face. Snuggling closer to the silk sheet, Simone hesitantly opened her eyes and frowned. The sight of old Victorian red and gold wallpaper greeted her, and that was when realization hit her.
• It wasn't a dream after all.
• She closed her eyes and shook her head. This can't be happening. There was a soft knock at the door, but Simone didn't make a move to get up. Athena suddenly came rushing in, taking in the view of Simone still laying in bed.
• “Lady Simone, will you please wake up? You have only thirty minutes until you must meet with the princes.”
• “Do I have to go?” Simone asked in a groggy voice.
• “Yes, my lady. Today is your first challenge. You are to wear your uniforms.”
• Simone quickly shot up from underneath the covers. “Uniforms?”
• “Yes, they are in your wardrobe; along with other items of clothing, from jeans, sweats, shirts, dresses, to just about everything.”
• “Perfect,” she mumbled, getting out of bed. “how thoughtful of them.”
• Her first mission was to hit up the posh table in the middle of the room that was decked out with glorious food. Simone decided to grab a bagel and headed for the closet, searching for this uniform that Athena spoke of.
• She spotted a duffle bag that had the first challenge written on it and pulled out a really short pair of shorts and a tight black tank top. Wow, she thought, yeah, they would choose an outfit like this. She refused to wear the booty shorts and pulled out a casual pair of brown Capri that fit her perfectly, but not as well as the tank top. It formed to her body so tightly that it was almost uncomfortable and far too revealing.
• After freshening up, Athena came back into the room, ushering Simone and Lacey through the mansion. They finally made it to the back doors leading to the gardens. The sky was cloudy. It looked like it was going to rain any minute.
• In fact, it was already drizzling.
• Athena stopped at the door and pointed out into the yard to a large looking gazebo.
• “The princes are waiting for you ladies there. Good luck.” With that, she disappeared back into the castle.
• “Really,” Lacey complained.
• They were the last to arrive. It felt as if they were all waiting on Simone and Lacey, not that Simone cared if they were.
• Simone spotted Leah standing towards the back wearing the skank shorts. Her naturally olive complexion plus her muscular legs could make any guy's mouth water. Simone felt a hint of jealously at how her friend could pull off just about any outfit. Leah always carried a certain confidence with every look she wore.
• Simone walked up behind her and said, “Very nice,” in a really thick British accent. Leah turned around and Simone grazed her eyes up and down her body, “How much?”
• Leah and Simone laughed at the stupid joke.
• “For you, baby,” Leah scanned Simone’s form in approval, “it's on the house.”
• “Can I join?” they heard a deep, husky voice say.
• Damien was undoubtedly a ladies' man. He was naturally flirting with his blue Eyes, with absolutely no effort at all.
• “I'm sorry, love,” she said, using his nickname he gave her, “but it's a private party.”
• Simone could hear the low chuckles of the other princes. Damien only grinned and continued to admire her appearance. “You're not wearing the uniform, love.”
• She shook her head, looking at the other princes as well, who were also staring at her. “Don't you boys think you have enough views of the girls' ass… ets as it is? I really don't think my body parts are any different from theirs.”
• Damien leaned close to her ear, “Yes, but now I can't admire your ass… ets the way I planned on.”
• “I think you'll live, you perv.”
• Damien chuckled, as did his brothers.
• Darius began instructions. “Ladies, today is the first of your challenges. The reason we are out here today is that you will be playing a game of tackle football.”
• Some girls' faces began to fall in disappointment.
• “This challenge will show us your strengths and agility. It will be about team work as well as enjoying each other's company. You are all strangers to one another, so this game will force you to depend on others even when you don't know them.”
• “What do the winners get?” A small, timid voice asked.
• Lucien walked over to the tall model-like blonde who had spoken and caressed her cheek. She practically went limp at his touch, obviously affected by his sex appeal.
• “The ladies we see as winners will be rewarded with a date, dear Tina.”
• Tina’s lips twisted into a smile, and her eyes turned to a competitive glare towards the other girls.
• “Now, you will be split into two groups, the white team and the black team, depending on your shirt. Now we understand that there will be a team of 5 and a team of 4, but we believe you capable ladies are up for the challenge.”
• Simone glanced around and realized both Lacey and Leah were on her team. This was going to be interesting.
• “But prince, it's raining. We'll get wet,” said a voice in a very irritating, nasally tone.
• The redheaded girl looked distraught and was pouting. The girl was decent looking, but all the makeup she was wearing was unnecessary and made her look like a clown, more than anything.
• “Afraid that your face will melt off, or is it fear of breaking a nail?”
• The girl turned and gave Simone a death stare. Simone dared the girl to make a move.
• “Was that supposed to be a joke?”
• Simone mentally rolled her eyes. “I don't know, box Red, you tell me because your face sure looks like a joke to me.”
• Red stomped her way over to Simone. Her red-orange hair was obviously dyed, judging by the brown roots coming in already.
• “I'll show you a joke.”
• Damien, amused by the entire conversation, took it upon himself to step in and block the girls from physical contact.
• “Ladies, that is quite enough. It is time to get wet and play the game.”
• “Aww, hear that box, Red? You're going to the rain. Quick, cover your face before it melts.” Simone had no real reason to pick on a girl she just met, but just her existence seemed to just irritate her.
• Bad enough, Simone was battling her own inner demons. She was mad and frustrated now that she was in a different environment, which seemed to make things that much worse for her. She would rather not be around vampires or potential queens. It’s not like she asked to be a part of this.
• Red tried to attempt shoving her, but Lucien held her back. He was whispering words in her ear and pulling her in the opposite direction. The other girls began to follow, walking toward the wet playing field.
• Simone felt a pair of strong arms snake around her waist and a warm breath caress her ear. “The point of the game is to make friends, sweetheart.” She heard his silk voice whisper, and she knew it was Damien.
• “This is a competition where 9 girls are fighting for the attention of 3 gorgeous vampires who also want to make one of them queen. I seriously doubt there is time to be nice and friendly.”
• He chuckled and slowly lifted her feet, towing her to the edge of the gazebo. “So you're actually trying to play this competition, then?”
• “Not in the slightest, there Casanova, but I might as well entertain myself while I'm here.” She responded.
• Damien slowly untangled himself from her.
• “Behave.”
• “Not likely, that unfortunately for you is just not in my vocabulary.” She then ran to where the black team was huddled.
• She stared at her teammates as they tried to come up with a game plan. Finally, after a little scheming, the girls pulled away. Lacey's eyes were fiercely drowning in determination.
• “Lacey,” Simone patted her back. “You really want to win that date.”
• Lacey nodded without hesitation. “I'll help you. Stay close, and I'll take on any girl who gets close.”
• “Thanks girl.”
• Simone smiled to herself. I am making friends; she thought back to what Damien said. The game was slowly getting into swing. The girls were slipping and sliding all over the field, tackling and throwing as much as they could. The teams were at a tie. Some girls were getting exhausted from all the extra effort. The rain had picked up. All the girls were covered in mud, and now Simone understands why the princes chose today and why they chose the skimpy outfits.
• She focused her attention on the brothers who were staying dry in the gazebo. Their identical faces conveyed pleasure at the mere sight of half-naked, dirty girls.
• “Enjoying the view, princes?”
• They immediately glanced at her, and all three of them flashed the same smile of devilish proportion. She shook her head, laughing at the uncanny reaction.
• There were only two more goals to get. Lacey made a run for it, and Simone followed, pinpointing a brunette making her way to them. Simone leaned forward and tackled the girl head on. The girl fell back, and they both toppled to the ground.
• The tall brunette cussing at Simone, “What the hell?”
• “It's all part of the game.” Simone said, getting up and seeing Lacey snag the ball, scoring the team another point. Simone did a victory dance, throwing her hands in the air and swaying her hips.
• They made it back into formation. It was the last goal, and they needed it to win. At this point, Simone wasn't concerned with the game. It was really starting to pour out, and she just wanted to go inside where it was warm, but knew that wouldn’t happen anytime soon.
• The girls on her team started to make a run for it. Simone had a thought pop into her head and then began charging towards Leah. She jumped onto her back, tackling her to the floor. Leah tried her best to push her off, but to no avail.
• “What are you doing, Sim? I'm on your side.”
• “I know.” Simone said, pushing Leah’s head into the muddy ground. Leah struggled, but the effort only tired her out more. “But I just thought of something. Remember when we went to David's party last week?”
• “YES!” Leah barely got out from all the shoving Simone was doing.
• “And how you let me walk around with a lollipop stuck to my butt?” She said in sarcastic revenge.
• Leah’s anger quickly left her as the memory came back to her. “Oh yeah, that was priceless.”
• “That, my little grape, was utter embarrassment, and you are so going to pay.”
• Leah laughed in spite as they both rolled in the mud, getting them even more dirty.
• “Ooh, I'm shaking with fear.”
• “You should be.” Simone said, scooping mud in her hands and rubbing it in Leah’s face.
• “You didn't just do that.”
• Leah attacked Simone next, pushing her to the cold ground, straddling her. Simone couldn't stop herself from laughing at Leah’s horror struck expression.
• But just as Leah was about to show Simone her wrath, she was quickly hoisted off her by two muscular arms.
• “Ladies,” Damien chimed. “The game is over.”
• Damien extended his hand to Simone. “This is how you make friends?” He lifted her up.
• “Mm hmm. Want to be best friends?”
• “You going to wrestle me in the mud, too?” Darius was hopeful, and she laughed it off.
• “So who won?”
• “The black team.”
• Simone beamed. Lacey was sure to get the date. Simone felt accomplished, finishing her good deed for her new friend.
• “After much thought, my brothers, and I have chosen the winners, not based on winning but by cooperation and determination.” Darius paused, probably for dramatic effect.
• Lucien announced the first winner. “I will be taking Diana out tonight because she showed great teamwork.”
• Diana had beautiful black, glowing skin which could still be admired despite the patches of mud covering her body. She was of medium height, athletic body, and big enticing amber eyes. Her gorgeousness intimidated Simone, who wasn't even trying to compete in the competition.
• Then Damien spoke up, “And I will be taking Leah out tonight for her show of strong will.”
• Simone had to clap for her friend because it was true. Every time Leah was knocked to the floor, she would pick herself right up and try even harder, and honestly, Simone admired her for that.
• “And lastly, I will be taking…" Darius dropped his gaze to Simone, amused to see her reaction. “Simone.”
• She looked as if she were hit with a bulldozer. “What?”
• “Did I stutter?”
• “No I can't go. I don't deserve to go. I wasn't even really playing.”
• Darius was fascinated by her refusal. He was beginning to realize she was going to be his most difficult challenge.
• “Sweet Simone, didn't show your modesty now. I saw you tackling girls like there was no tomorrow. You did your part and helped your team to victory.”
• “But…" She pouted. Darius held a finger up to her dirty lips.
• “There is no getting out of this, Simone. My word is final.”
• Simone crossed her arms angrily and mumbled, “Stupid arrogant son of-”
• Something Darius wouldn't have heard if it wasn't for his vampire hearing.
• “What was that, sweetheart?”
• Simone’s arms fell in defeat, and Darius smirked in victory.
• “I said beautiful, handsome son of a king. I would be so honored and beyond overjoyed to go out with you tonight.” Simone’s eyes glimmered with mischief as she brought her arms up to wrap around Darius' neck.
• He didn't pull back from her muddy embrace. He let her have her small triumph. She pulled him close, and to be honest, he was rather enjoying her show of affection. His shirt was coated in mud at her expense.
• “So so honored.” She whispered, pulling away and admiring his filthy v-neck shirt before walking off.
• “Be ready by seven.” He said to her retreating figure. “Perhaps a shower would do, and Simone wears something nice.”
• She threw her hand up. “Whatever princely poo.” Replying sarcastically.