Selection : Jason and Amelia

First day in Palace

The day Amelia had been anxiously awaiting had finally arrived. The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over the Kingdom of Illea as she stood outside her cottage, clutching her small bag of belongings. Today, she would leave her familiar life behind and step into the grandeur of the royal palace.

As she made her way through the village, excitement buzzed in the air. Villagers gathered in small groups, whispering and sharing in the joy of the Selection. Amelia could feel their hopeful glances and warm smiles as they encouraged her on her journey. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach.

When she arrived at the designated meeting place, her heart raced. A carriage, adorned with the royal crest and beautifully decorated with flowers, awaited her and the other selected ladies. The elegant vehicle shimmered in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the simple life she had always known.

Amelia spotted the other contestants gathering around the carriage, each one dressed in splendid gowns that reflected their individual styles. Some wore pastel colors that flowed elegantly, while others sported vibrant, eye-catching designs. They all carried an air of confidence, which made her stomach churn with nerves.

As the carriage door swung open, a regal-looking attendant stepped out and called the names of the selected contestants one by one. The excitement in the air was palpable, and Amelia could hardly contain her own anticipation.

"Amelia!" the attendant finally called, and her heart skipped a beat.

With a determined stride, she stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. As she climbed into the carriage, she took a moment to look back at her village. She could see Oliver waving enthusiastically, his small frame filled with pride. She waved back, hoping to convey her determination to make them proud.

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and tension. The other ladies exchanged nervous glances, and a few whispered to one another. Amelia took a seat by the window, her heart racing as the carriage rolled forward, the familiar sights of her village slowly fading away.

As they approached the castle gates, the massive stone walls loomed before them, intricate designs carved into the ancient stone. Amelia's breath caught in her throat, and she felt a sense of awe wash over her. The palace was even more magnificent than she had imagined, with grand towers reaching toward the sky and vibrant gardens blooming in every direction.

When the carriage came to a stop, the ladies stepped out, each one eager to make their impression. Amelia felt a mix of nerves and excitement as she joined the group, the reality of the competition sinking in.

"Welcome to the Royal Palace!" a cheerful voice rang out. It was Lady Elara, the prince's younger sister, who stood at the entrance, her smile brightening the courtyard. "We are thrilled to have you all here!"

Amelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. Elara's warmth was infectious, and it helped to ease the tension among the contestants. "You will all have a chance to showcase your talents and personalities, and Prince Jason is looking forward to meeting each of you!"

As they entered the palace, Amelia was struck by the opulence surrounding her. Golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and every corridor was adorned with exquisite artwork and fine tapestries. It was a world unlike any she had ever known, and she felt both small and exhilarated.

The ladies were led to their shared chambers, where each would have a small space to call their own. The rooms were elegantly furnished, and the windows offered stunning views of the gardens below. Amelia felt a twinge of homesickness but pushed it aside, focusing on the opportunity that lay ahead.

After settling in, the ladies gathered in the grand hall for their first official meeting. A sense of camaraderie began to form among them as they exchanged stories about their homes, dreams, and hopes for the future. Amelia found herself drawn to a few of the women, who, despite their varying backgrounds, shared a genuine desire for connection.

"Are you nervous?" one of the contestants asked, her voice a blend of excitement and trepidation.

"A little," Amelia admitted with a smile. "But I think we all are. It's a big change."

As the evening wore on, the anticipation grew. They were told that the first event would be a grand banquet that evening, where they would have the chance to meet Prince Jason for the first time. The thought sent butterflies fluttering in Amelia's stomach. She hoped to make a memorable impression, not just as a competitor but as someone who could connect with him on a deeper level.

Later, as Amelia prepared for the banquet, she stood before the mirror, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. She brushed her hair and adjusted her gown, which was simple yet elegant—a soft green that complemented her hazel eyes. "Just be yourself," she whispered to her reflection. "You're here for a reason."  ( P.S. : Amelia gown attached ) 

As the time approached, the excitement became overwhelming. The ladies gathered in the grand hall, their gowns swishing elegantly as they chatted and laughed nervously. When the doors to the banquet hall opened, they stepped inside, and the grandeur of the space took their breath away.

Long tables were beautifully set with fine china and glimmering silverware, and soft music played in the background. At the far end of the hall stood Prince Jason, dressed in formal attire, looking every bit the regal figure they had all envisioned.

As their eyes met for the first time, Amelia felt a spark of recognition, as if they were meant to cross paths. The moment was electric, and her heart raced. She could sense his hesitation, a flicker of uncertainty behind his confident facade.

This was it—the beginning of a journey that would challenge them both, filled with laughter, trials, and the hope of discovering something real amidst the expectations of the Selection. Amelia took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, determined to shine not just for the prince but for herself. Little did she know, this night would set the stage for a connection that would change everything.