The Crowns Choice

❦ Chapter Five: Charlotte ❦

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the council chamber, casting a warm glow over the polished wood of the long table where I sat with my parents and a handful of advisors. The room was filled with the murmur of voices discussing The Crowns Choice, each word punctuated by the scratching of pens on paper. The air was heavy with the scent of fresh parchment and the tang of ink—an odd contrast to the weight of what we were planning.

King Rhys, my father, sat at the head of the table, his stern expression and commanding presence a stark reminder of the authority he wielded. To his right, my mother, Queen Zoe, was the picture of elegance and poise, her sharp eyes missing nothing as she listened to the advisors. I was across from them, flanked by Kaius, who was doing his best to look interested despite the boredom written all over his face. The advisors droned on about logistics, media coverage, and managing public expectations, their voices blending into a monotonous hum.

I knew I should be paying attention, but it was hard to focus when all I could think about was the pressure of The Crowns Choice. Every detail would be scrutinised by the people of Illéa, and as the first female heir to the throne, the expectations placed on me were higher than ever. The public was curious and excited, sure, but there was also a doubt simmering beneath the surface. Could a woman lead the country alone? Did I have what it took?

I tried not to let those doubts get to me, but they gnawed at the edges of my thoughts, no matter how much I pushed them away. I was determined to prove myself capable, but I also resented the fact that my worth was being questioned in the first place. If I were Kaius, no one would be doubting my ability to lead.

My father's voice cut through my thoughts, dragging me back to the present. "Charlotte, are you listening?"

I blinked, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "Yes, Father. I'm listening."

"Good," he said, his tone firm. "Because this Selection is not just about finding a husband. It's about securing the future of our kingdom. The people need to see you as a leader, someone who can carry on the legacy of our family."

I nodded, my stomach twisting into knots. He made it sound so simple, like all I had to do was smile and wave, and the people would fall in line. But I knew better. I knew that every move I made would be dissected, every word I said analysed. The public would be watching my every step, waiting for me to stumble.

"We've selected thirty-five candidates for you to choose from," one of the advisors said, sliding a folder across the table toward me. "Each one has been vetted and approved by the council."

I stared at the folder, the thick stack of papers inside a tangible reminder of the task ahead. "Thirty-five?"

"Yes," my mother said, her voice calm and measured. "These are the names you'll be drawing tonight."

I looked at her, confusion knotting my brow. "But I thought the names were supposed to be drawn at random. Why are they already picked out for me?"

Her expression softened slightly, though her eyes remained sharp. "Charlotte, this is not a game. These men have been chosen because they meet certain criteria. We need to ensure that the candidates are suitable."

"Suitable?" I echoed, my voice tinged with disbelief. "So, it's all just for show?"

"In a way, yes," she admitted, her tone patient but firm. "The Crowns Choice is about more than just finding a partner. It's about demonstrating stability and unity to the people. We can't afford to leave it up to chance."

I wanted to argue, to push back against the idea that my future was being decided by a list of names and a stack of applications. But I knew it wouldn't change anything. This was how things were done—how they'd always been done. My mother placed a hand on the folder, her fingers brushing mine. "Look over their applications and memorise their names, Charlotte. You need to be prepared."