City Center, The Read Online Free Page A

the new Royal Court next week.”
    The crowd applauded, giving a standing ovation.
    “Enjoy this evening’s events.” He clicked off the hologram and went to his private room.
    Morray pressed his index finger and thumb, activating his microchip. “Dickson.”
    Planner Dickson’s hologram appeared. “Sir?”
    “I noticed one of the female Successor Candidates seemed a bit apathetic during my announcements. Auburn hair. Light green eyes. Simple black dress.”
    “Ava Rhodes, sir.”
    “Oh, yes. Miss Rhodes. The current favorite for Queen.”
    “She is leading all categories, sir. The residents love her.”
    “Keep an eye on her.”

The Outsider
    The sleep pod chimed, alerting Ava that morning had arrived, which meant another grueling day of rehearsals and training sessions with James and Helena. She almost wanted Graduation Day to hurry up and arrive so she could put an end to the vicious training cycle, but she knew after graduation her life would be even busier. Serving Royal Court meant more engagements and appearances. She dreamed of escaping and running off with Delilah for a day or two on some wild adventure. But where would they go? Find a way to cut through the armored walls and head toward the ocean? They’d never survive on the Outside.
    “Good morning, Miss Rhodes. Now downloading this morning’s reports.”
    The wall in the main room came to life with multiple streaming reports. Since she had no option but to select one, she chose the female Info-tainer with the sapphire eyes. Annoying, but less depressing.
    “Last night’s big event proved to be most excellent. The final performance of the current Royal Court doing a Viennese Waltz was simply fantacular !”
    A hologram of the performance filled the main room. Ava went to the kitchenette. She didn’t care to witness the overindulgent performance a second time. The juicer prepared a protein shake that tasted like nothing. She dressed in her ballet attire and took the transporter to the Studio. She waited in the lobby with the other nine candidates and listened to the females gushing over Royal Court’s final performance.
    “The Queen’s gown was most exquisite,” Elizabeth said.
    “She looked so pure and white,” said Anne, another Successor Candidate. “I hope to be just like her one day! Imagine bestowing so much beauty.”
    “What did you think about it, Ava?” Elizabeth stretched along the bar.
    “It was, um, I guess it was nice.”
    “Nice?” Elizabeth looked confused.
    “It was a little over the top for me.”
    “Oh, ignore her. She’s worried she might actually succeed the throne and have to make an effort every now and then,” James laughed.
    “With you as my dance partner,” Ava said, faking a curtsy.
    After morning rehearsal and re-hydration, Helena gave the team a lunch break. Ava was relieved she wouldn’t have to fake an injury to meet up with Delilah. She jumped into the transporter to the South Sector—Delilah’s side of town.
    The café bustled with the laughter and chatter of the mid-ranking residents. Ava’s white tracksuit—worn only by the high-levels—stood out in the café. Many of the mid-levels looked up from their hearty lunches and waved; some requested an image capture of Ava. Down in the South Sector, Ava’s and Delilah’s unorthodox friendship wasn’t shunned, yet Delilah always picked a booth in the far back to avoid being gawked at the entire time. Ava walked over, grateful to spend time with her best friend. Something she never experienced on her side of town.
    “You’re free,” Delilah said.
    “Helena can be so kind and generous,” Ava said, smiling. She scooted into the booth and reached for Delilah’s hands and held them for a moment. She was the only semblance of authenticity Ava had ever known.
    “One hour’s better than nothing.”
    “Always so positive, dear Delilah. Is there hope for me, yet?”
    “It’s simple. Eat whatever you want. Watch whatever you want. And kiss