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chapter five, the list.
THE ROYAL FAMILY DIDN'T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT WHO THE LIST WOULD BE FOR LONG. It was almost immediately clear what the list was. So, the day after the girls debut the Royal family sent out the list.
Loring Heart ran through the house with the letter in her hand, yelling for Francesca to come downstairs. The whole family collected themselves in the drawling room. Loring was beaming, absolutely certain that Francesca would be on the list. Francesca came down last, not really excited to see the rejection she was sure to face.
"Open the letter sweetie," Loring said, shoving the envelope into Francesca's hands. She opened the letter, pulling out a piece of paper that had beautifully written cursive on it:
Good evening, ladies and their guardians. After long conversation, my parents and I have decided on the ten girls who will be advancing forward into my search for a wife and Queen. Here is the list:
1. Madilyn Smith 2. Rebecca Alberthy 3. Elizabeth Taylor 3. Alice DuPont 4. Marie Valentine 5. Linette Sparks 6. Kate Crawford 7. Anna Barks 8. Chloé Devling 9. Clara Reneè 10. Francesca Heart
If your name was not on that list, thank you for presenting yourself and we wish you luck on your journey to find a husband. If your name was on that list, you have a week to back before you are moved into the castle. Your parents cannot come with you, you will be under the care of the castle staff and the royal family. You will stay until you have been eliminated or until the search is over. You are, of course, allowed to go see your family and friends outside of the castle as long as you are escorted. Thank you, we look forward to seeing you at the palace.
Signed, Prince Aaron Tveit of France.
"Well? What does it say, Fran?" Sorietta asked, causing Francesca to look up from to note and to her family. Her family looked as if they were on the edge of their seats, nervous looks on their faces.
"I made it to the last ten." Francesca said quietly, her mind running a million miles per second. Her family around her cheered for her, congratulating and beginning to plan everything they needed to. Amouri and Maxwell noticed the far away look on their sisters face, walking over to her and leading her out of the room.
"Are you okay?" Amouri asked, brushing the hair that fell on Francesca's forehead away. Francesca looked to her siblings, trying to hide the fear on her face.
"Francesca? What's wrong?" Maxwell asked, grabbing into her arm to bring her back to reality. Francesca felt tears well in her eyes, what was she going to do now?
"I don't want this. What if I fail? Mamma will throw me on the streets. But what if I succeed? Will I be forced into a loveless, cold marriage? I can't do this." Francesca ranted, pulling away from her siblings to pace around the room.
"Mother wouldn't do that, Francesca." Maxwell tried to reassure.
"Yes, she will! She told me herself, Maxwell!" Francesca confirmed, her eyes widening as tears threatened to fall. She was spiraling and nothing could bring her out of it. It was too late, she couldn't leave now. Her plan had gone down ashes, her plan to seek a new life would be no more. Not unless she were to still fail, but then she would have to alter her plan. This was all just way too much.
"We won't let her do this to you, sister." Amouri said, stepping closer to her sister. After a few more minutes of comforting, Amouri and Maxwell left Francesca alone for her thoughts.
Why did the royal family choose her? She was sure that her speaking out of turn, her feminist views and the fact she didn't want to constantly kiss their ass made her unwanted. She was wrong.
In fact, Francesca was the first name and the only name that Aaron had requested. It was decided two minutes into the conversation that Francesca Heart would be one of the ten girls. Which was odd, since Aaron showed no interest in a woman until now.
DELLA SPEAKS ! sorry this is so short but hopefully it will lengthen soon!!
