The Selection

★─── ⋆⋅ ★CHAPTER-1★ ⋅⋆ ───★

Isabel's P.O.V.

"Breaking News! It has been confirmed that the King of the Astorian Kingdom has announced there will be a selection to choose who will marry his son, Prince Damin Asford, the future heir of the-" The news reporter's voice was abruptly cut off as I switched off the TV.

"Isa, why did you do that?" my mom asked from the kitchen, where she was busy making muffins for the bakery.

"It's annoying, Mom, how you follow this nonsense instead of watching actual news," I replied, rolling my eyes as I plopped onto the couch.

"But Isa, Prince Damin is getting married, and-" she started before I cut her off.

"Okay, Mom, I get it, that's big news, but not today. It's my first day at work!" I grabbed a muffin and took a big bite. The warm sweetness helped ease my nerves.

"Alright, sweetie," she said, smiling. "At least have some breakfast before you go."

I glanced at the clock and nearly choked on my muffin. "Oh no, I'm late! I have to go!" I scrambled to grab my bag, barely managing to say, "Bye, Mom!" before rushing out the door.

★─── ⋆⋅ ★.★ ⋅⋆ ───★

As I stepped out of the Uber, I stood frozen in awe. The castle in front of me was more magnificent than I had imagined. The stone walls seemed to touch the sky, with towering spires and intricate carvings that looked straight out of a fairy tale. It was almost too pretty, too perfect-something you'd see in a movie.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. *It's just a castle,* I reminded myself. *Focus on your job, Isabel.*

As I approached the entrance, a guard stepped in front of me. "Who are you? You don't look like one of the princesses arriving for the selection," he said, his brows furrowed.

I stammered slightly. "Oh, me? No, no. I'm the new head chef-Isabel Larose. It's my first day here, so I don't have my ID card yet."

He looked down at a list, flipping through the pages before stopping. "Isabel Larose... Yes, found you. You can enter from the back gate. The deputy chef, Melissa, is waiting for you there."

"Thank you!" I nodded politely and made my way to the back of the castle.When I arrived at the back gate, a young woman with platinum blonde hair and striking blue eyes stood waiting by the door. She noticed me and smiled warmly.

"Hi! Are you Melissa?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yes, I am! And you must be-"

"Isabel Larose," I finished for her, extending my hand.

"Isabel-what a beautiful name!" she said, shaking my hand with enthusiasm.

"Thank you," I smiled back, feeling a bit more relaxed.

Together, we walked down a set of stone stairs that led to the basement of the castle. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with gilded chandeliers and ornate tapestries hanging from the walls. I could hardly believe I was inside an actual royal castle.