Lady Ìllea(s)

Chapter Two

Before asking Astrella...

"Esmeralda?" A pair of captivating green eyes appeared at my window.
"Wesley!" I threw my arms around him, "You came!"
His floppy black hair was pushed away by a slight breeze from my window. His eyes were staring at me.
I blushed, "Don't stare at me like that." I stared back at him with my gray eyes.
He chuckled darkly, and lowered his head to my lips. His kiss was gentle, but passionate. His wanting, his love, all embedded into the kiss. I kissed back, my pale hand grabbing tightly on his plain white shirt. His blistered hand snaked around my tiny waist, holding me closer.
"I love you," he whispered as he pulled back for breath.
"I love you more," I laughed softly.
"Your voice is like music to me, I don't know what I'll do without you."
I blushed, hoping he wouldn't see me from the moonlight dimly lighting my room.
He ran his hand through his messy black hair. "I don't know what I'll do without you." he caressed my cheek gently, but his expression was troubled.
I placed a hand on his chest, "You won't" I whispered, hugging him.
"Miss Esmeralda? Mistress wanted me to check on you. Mistress would like to speak with you." It was Yasmin, one of our maids.
I straightened my dress and breathed deeply, "I'm fine, please tell mother that I'll will be down soon."
Some shuffling, and silence.
"I... I have to go," I said, smiling sadly.
"I understand," his tone matched the disappointment in mine.
I turned around and started for the doorknob. I faced him again, "Goodbye, Wesley."
He nodded, "Tomorrow?" He almost pleaded.
I almost nodded, almost. I shook my head slightly. "It would be too much of a risk." I could see his eyes' light burn away, replaced by a dull pair. He slipped into the night.

Being in secretly in love with a five wasn't easy. Since the castes came back about 50 years ago, things had changed back to what it was like before King Maxon and Queen America ruled Ìllea.

"Mother," I fanned out my maroon colored dress gracefully in the chair as she turned her attention to me.
"Esmeralda!" She smiled, "I have some exciting news for you." Her hands were clutching a pearly white envelope, sealed with a royal stamp.
I tilted my head slightly and stared at her hand, "The envelope, Mother?"
"Prince Adrian is hosting a Selection!"
I stared at her, my first unladylike gesture since I was five.
"Esmeralda?" Mother's eyes narrowed, "Stop staring." She paused, unsatisfied, "What have I taught you all these past years?"
I snapped back and looked down at my lap in shame. "Sorry, Mother." I apologized.
"So," mother continued, "I'm signing you up."
"What?" Another unladylike action. "No!"
Mom looks at me, surprised, "Esmeralda?"
"Sorry," I shook my head, "I was just... Surprised." I ended lamely.
Mother shook her head and sighed, "Anyway," she looked at me, "Fill it in."
"Mother, I-"
"Esmeralda."
"I-"
"ESMERALDA."
I picked up the pen reluctantly. My thoughts wandered off to the secret moments with Wesley at night. My pen stood hovering over the envelope.
"Esmeralda, open the envelope."
I blinked back tears. It's not like I'm going to get in anyway... Right?
Since the return of the castes- since the return of King Reynolds, the selection took place for each PRINCE and Each province presented two girls to enter the competition.
I ran my hand over the paper. I picked off the stamp delicately, barely leaving marks on the paper. I reached in and took a a folded piece of paper.
"Fill it in, my young lady." Mom smiled.
I closed my eyes for a long time. I picked up the pen again and wrote:

Full Name: Esmeralda Frances Picacentino
Age: 17
Caste: Two
Province: Calgary
Height: 5'5
Weight: 45 kg
Eye Colour: Gray
Hair Colour: Blonde
Skills: Writing, drawing, piano, painting, ballet, singing, writing music, flute, and violin.
Languages: English, Mandarin, Finnish, and French.
Education: Finished High School
Grade: 4.6
Interests: Singing, ballet, dancing, and playing the flute.

I barely finished the last word as mother whisked the paper away, seeming satisfied. "Both my girls will be wonderful!" Mother exclaimed.
"Astrella's signing up?"
"Of course! That raises our chance to be a One." Mother nods, oblivious to my emotions.
Feeling deceived, I curtsied and left, wondering what would happen.