Part TWO of the finale is here! Gosh, I can’t believe the first book has ALREADY come to a close! It’s been a very fun ride. But just because this book ends doesn’t mean Mariah’s story is over! Book TWO is in the works, and will make it’s debut on Saturday, February 1st! (Now changed to February 10th, 2020!)

But to keep the Ready or Not fun continuing until then, i have decided to host a Ready or Not Art Contest! All you have to do is draw one of Mariah’s main outfits and submit it to myself either via email (cuteypie0518@gmail.com) or via Instagram. (@cuteypie0518_aj) If you’re using Instagram, be sure to either tag me in your post or privately DM your art to me.

The winner will receive a PINK LONG, and a shout out with your art on the first chapter of book 2! Two runner-ups will ALSO get a shout out with their art on the first chapter!

Now that the art con announcement is out of the way, let’s get RIGHT into part TWO of the Ready or Not book 1 FINALE!

Chapter Ten; Hey Look Ma, I Made It! 

The carriage pulled up to the front of the castle, revealing a very worried woman with two kids around my age. 

“Oh Xavier!” The woman cried, hugging the man as soon as he exited the carriage. I stayed inside. Jammers weren’t my go-to. I wasn’t a very social phantom-what phantom is, really? 

“Mariah? Can you please come out?” I heard my father call. What would I say? How would I act? I shoved those thoughts out of my head and peaked out the door. My dad was smiling, the woman was in shock, while the two kids were curious. 

“Lucy, kids, this is my daughter, Mariah.” Xavier announced. Lucy’s jaw dropped, the prince’s eyes widened, and that snobby princess dropped her fan. The princess started pointing at me vigorously and tried to attack me.

“Woah woah. I suppose you want me to fix that, don’t you?” I asked Xavier, a disgusted look on my face. He nodded, and I sighed. 

“You know, you are a lot better like this. But I guess I’ll do what I’m asked.” I flicked my wrist, and the princess began to rant. 

“You made me mute for so long! And my precious tiara!” She yelled, trying to throw a punch at me. I laughed and easily dodged the sloppy throw of fists. Xavier cleared his throat. 

“Alright. Lucy, I promise I’ll explain everything to you. I never knew she existed either.” Xavier calmed his wife. Wait. Would I have to call her mom? Are those snobby royals my siblings? Will I have to call this guy dad?!

“Mariah?” I heard Xavier’s voice call. I shook out of my thoughts. 

“Huh? Oh sorry.” I responded. 

“This is my wife, Lucy.” Xavier gave his wife a tight squeeze. 

“This is my daughter, Olivia. And that’s Liam, my son.” 

“Hi.” 

“You mean this thing is my sister? Half sister- I mean.” Olivia snapped, glaring at me. 

“Mariah is your sister, and you will respect her as such. She is no different from you-well- minus the powers thing.” Xavier said. 

“And being a phantom. They’re our sworn enemies!” Olivia cried. 

“She has a point, Xavier. We can’t go around telling people you just found out you have a daughter, who so happens to be a phantom.” Lucy spoke softly. 

“We’ll figure it all out, don’t worry. For now, Mariah, we have the servants turning one of the guest rooms into your bedroom. Olivia, Liam? Why don’t you two take her and help her settle in. Anything she needs, you two better be respectful. Don’t make me tell Mrs. Lemmure you were showing improper manners.” Xavier warned, taking his wife’s hand. They bowed their heads respectfully, before heading up the stairs. 

“Bedroom? Sir, that’s kind and all, but I don’t belong in your world. I’ll be ridiculed. I couldn’t do that to you and your family.” 

“But you are our family.” 

“No, I’m not. You just met me.” 

“Well our family isn’t complete without you.”

“I-” 

“Go see your bedroom. I had it designed purple. It seems to be your favorite color.” I looked up at the king- the guy who so happened to be my father- and teared up.

“Thank you.” I whispered, before giving him a hug. Xavier was a bit hesitant at first, but returned the hug. Lucy gave me a small one after. 

“Look, sweetie,” Lucy began, “I’m glad you’re here. I might not be your mother, but I’m hoping you can come to me if you have any trouble. I’m here for you, and I’m sure we can all get along as time comes.” I smiled. 

“Let’s go! I’m hungry!” Liam yelled, pulling the doors open. I laughed and rushed after them. 

“You think it’ll work out?” Lucy asked Xavier. 

“I think she’s going to do great things one day, Lucy. She is my daughter after all.” 

“Oh, you’re so full of yourself.” Lucy giggled. They held paws and walked into the castle.

***

I came into a room full of purple-literally. The bed, the walls, the furniture. It was huge. Almost the size of that shack I was using! My bed was probably three times the size of my bed at home, and there was a large walk-in closet I couldn’t even see all the way into. There was a purple and black work desk, and my room had a huge window and seat next to it. I couldn’t accept this. 

“Pretty nice, huh? I was going to wait until we met to talk about what other kinds of things you’d want. Like Liam has his own little personal training area, and Olivia has her dancing stuff.”

“This is-a lot.” I managed to say. 

“Well, take it as a welcome home gift.”

“But I-” 

“No buts. Dinner will be ready in five minutes. We’ll discuss all of the arrangements, plans, and questions after.” Xavier told me. I nodded. I was starving! 

***

We reached the dining room, which I immediately gasped at. The table was long-very long. And was that gold china? 

“Welcome to the dining room, Mariah. The best room in the castle.” Liam laughed, sitting down at the table. Xavier and Lucy sat on one end, while Olivia and Liam sat on another. I joined, sitting by Liam. 

“Do you enjoy steak? Liam requested it. Again.” Xavier chuckled, watching as the servants carried in gold plates full of food. I watched as Liam immediately began to dig into his food, and Xavier stared at me. 

“Do you not like steak? I can have the servants make you something else. Elijah, come here please.” Xavier called for one of his servants. 

“No no it isn't.” 

“What’s the problem, your majesty?” The Stewart of the castle asked, bowing in respect. 

“Mariah here would like something else for dinner.”

“No!” I shouted. Everyone stared at me, causing me to sink into my seat. 

“It’s fine. Really. I’m just not really hungry right now,” I said slowly, “It really looks

delicious, but I’m just not hungry. Could I possibly have it later tonight?” I asked. 

“Of course, Princess.” The Stewart bowed and took my plate. I sighed and put my head down onto the table. I heard Olivia clear her throat. 

“That’s not very princess-like.” She muttered, twirling her pasta on her fork. Of course she had to have a special meal made. 

“Olivia Krasa!” Lucy scolded, setting her fork down. 

“Look, I’m just trying to help her learn manners.” Olivia defended, eating a grape from her plate. 

“Can I just go to my room?” I asked quietly. 

“Of course. Do you know where it is?” Xavier asked. 

“I’ll figure it out.” I replied, pushing my chair in and walking out of the dining room. I exhaled as the door shut. Was it going to be like this all the time? Proper, manners, awkward times? I began to wander the halls of the obnoxiously large castle, looking for my room. 

“Need some help, Princess?” I heard Elijah, the King’s Stewart, ask politely. 

“Mariah-and yes, I do.” I corrected him. I didn’t like the whole “Princess this” and “Princess that” thing. It wasn’t me. 

“Your room is right down the hall, two doors to the right.” The Stewart explained. I nodded, retaining half of the information he just blurted out. He smiled and rushed off to who knows where. I followed the hall, eventually finding the familiar purple room. Some servants were still in there, placing decorations and filling the closets. They bowed and left as soon as I walked in. 

“I swear if I walk into this closet to find a bunch of frilly, little gowns, I might just leave.” I said out loud. I walked in, finding hundreds of gowns. I groaned. 

“You like your room?” Xavier asked. I walked out of the closet to see him leaning on the doorway. 

“It’s nice.” I said quietly. 

“Is there something wrong? Because we can always fix it-” 

“There’s a lot of things wrong here, Xavier.” 

“Like what?” 

“I don’t belong here.” 

“What are you talking about?” 

“If you forgot, I’m a phantom. Not only that, but I’m the Destroyer.” 

“So what? You’re also a Jammer. A princess that’s going to be incredible at it.” 

“How do you know that?” 

“Because I’m trusting my gut.” 

“And why would you do that?”

“Because I got you.” 

“But-” 

“No buts. You belong here just as much as Liam or Olivia. You’ll fit in nicely here. I’m sure Magestia Prep will love to have you.” 

“What now?” 

“Your school.” 

“School? Like as in other children. Other royals. Other brats?” 

“I promise you it won’t be that bad.” 

“But what if it is?” 

“Then we’ll figure it out. There’s no problem that doesn’t have a solution. But of course you have a little bit until you attend MP. I’m not just going to throw you into a sea full of piranhas when you haven’t learned how to swim.” 

“Well that’s an accurate metaphor.” 

“How about you change into some comfy clothes. I’m sure you’ve got something that suits your style in there.” 

“Not really.” 

“Really?” 

“I’m not a dress person.” 

“But you’re wearing one now.” 

“Unwillingly.” 

“Well, we’ll figure it out. No problem we can’t fix, remember?” 

“Right. Could I have dinner now? I’m finally hungry.” 

“Of course. I’ll have Elijah bring it up to you. Everything’s going to work out. I promise.” 

“I hope so.” 

**

I scanned the racks of the closet to find a nightgown. It was silky lavender, and looked really pretty. I slipped it on, setting my old dress off to the side. I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door to reveal Elijah carrying my plate of food on a tray. 

“Here you are, Princess.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Of course.” He bowed, exiting the room. He shut the door behind him. I sighed, taking a bite of the steak. I touched the necklace with my mother’s spirit in it and smiled. 

“Hey look ma, I made it.” 

Being royal was not going to be a walk in the park. 

Well, I hit right on the dot with that statement.

Life as I knew is completely flipped upside down. 

I was a Princess to the land I swore I’d destroy. 

I had to forget all about the throne of the Phantoms that would one day belong to me. 

I had to forget my title of Destroyer. 

But we all know I wouldn’t. 

Ready or Not, I had to put on a crown and fake it til’ I made it.

Thank you all for making the first book of the Ready or Not series such a success! Your support and kind words make this all worth while! I hope you enter the art con, and Jam On!