The Excerpt

Chapter 6 : A Glimpse into a Six

Time Lapse: 7 days before the announcement of the selected

[Aspen]

WHEN WE GOT THE LETTER in the post, everyone was ecstatic. They had already decided that all our problems were solved, gone forever. The big hitch in their brilliant plan was me. I didn’t think I was a particularly disobedient son, but this was where I drew the line.

I didn’t want to be royalty. And I didn’t want to be a One. I didn’t even want to try.

I hid in my room, the only place to avoid the chattering of our full house, trying to come up with an argument that would sway everyone. So far, I had a solid collection of my honest opinions… I didn’t think there was a single one they would listen to.

I couldn’t avoid them much longer. It was approaching dinnertime, and as the oldest child in the house, more duties fell on me. I pulled myself out of bed and walked into the pit of Tartarus.

I got a soft look from Mom but no words. We did a silent dance through the kitchen and dining room as we prepared chicken, pasta, and apple slices, and set the table.

Today is special and is something worth of celebrating I forced myself to absorb.

Do it for everyone in the family I then reminded myself...

Since my father was gone all the responsibilities of being the main provider was shouldered by me so If this was a chance to earn more then gladly I would accept.

“Would it bother you to fill out the form?” she said with tired eyes.

“The Selection could be a wonderful opportunity for you, for all of us.” she then added...

"Mom, I would really like to but you see I can earn more out here compared to I'm in there just flirting with the princess and fighting off good-looking two's."

"It's always your choice hon but it won't cost you anything if you try."

Mom's tantalizing eyes sent signals to my conscience.

"I'll try mom, I promise."

I just like the shabby pair of jeans I wore almost every day and that didn't qualify to be Illéa’s prince.

To my family, It hurt me to be away from them and even see them starve or just miss a meal. Some days I went crazy wondering what should I do to earn more. And when I couldn’t handle it. I bury myself to work. And that was bad.

I was a Six. Sixes were servants and only a step up from Sevens in that they were better educated and trained for indoor work.

I was smarter than anyone in our town and is devastatingly handsome, but it was atypical for me to be a Prince.

I could apply to be a guard but well I..... I honestly don't know...

"We're here." the twins sang in unison.

They are sixteen and I as an older sibling wish to give them a much much better life rather than being a servant of two's or the other caste

"Good. Now wash your hands and let's eat. We're celebrating something today." I told them

They all gave me a questioning look...

"I'm filling out the form." I said shakily...

____________________

Today was the last day of filling out the form and I really scrubbed myself with soap and wore my most decent pair of slacks and a polo my late father owned. I didn't bother to brush my hair since I don't like to look prude. I walked up to the block of the capitol office and saw a massive line.

I guess some people were having doubts too huh...

The line moved quickly due to the four interview cubicles inside the capitol...

It was simple. You give the form, take a picture and you're done.

So then when it was finally my turn, I gave my smirk to the camera and viola I'm done.

As I went out of the capitol office the humid and hot Carolina air faced me as I head to my work running...

______________

When the Selected was finally announced and the announcer Gavril was saying goodbye. None of us moved or even made a sound.

The deafening silence entrapped us but I suddenly spoke.

"Aspen Ledger of Carolina. Six. Did I hear that right?!"

"Oh Aspen you surely did!!! Oh my oh my we're gonna be the royal in laws!!!"

One of the twins said while freaking out.

"Don't be so sure." I let out a chuckle...

Who knew? This was just luck for all I know... Just a beginner's luck...

____________

A day after the selected was announced we received a letter consisting the terms and conditions of entering the selection...

So there would be a subsidy for the families of everyone who joined...

Not bad. Not bad at all...

The initial subsidies we're more than enough to give us a meal 3 times daily and some new clothes...

So that answered my problem....

I agreed and signed everything

Then when the day passed I received the official approval and the white shirt, slacks and corsage I needed.

This was all to quick...

I changed into them and walked to whatever fate had for me...