Selection : Jason and Amelia

A Culinary Celebration for the Queen

As the sun rose over the Kingdom of Illea, anticipation hung in the air like the morning mist. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the contestants prepared for their next challenge: organizing a grand birthday party for the queen. It was a significant occasion, one that required both elegance and creativity.

Amelia awoke with a sense of purpose, her heart racing at the thought of showcasing her cooking skills. Cooking had always been a passion of hers, a way to express her love for her family and her culture. Today, she hoped to honor the queen through her culinary creations.

After a quick breakfast with the other contestants, Lady Elara gathered everyone in the courtyard to reveal the details of the task. "Today, you'll be preparing dishes for the queen's birthday celebration," she announced, her voice ringing with enthusiasm. "Each of you will have the opportunity to showcase your cooking skills, so make sure to put your heart into every dish!"

As excitement buzzed through the group, Amelia felt a rush of determination. She had always believed that food could bring people together, and this event was her chance to create something truly special.

"We'll be divided into three teams again," Elara continued. "Each team will prepare a three-course meal—an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. The queen will be the judge of your culinary masterpieces, so be sure to impress her with your skills and creativity!"

The contestants quickly formed teams, and Amelia found herself paired with four other ladies who shared her enthusiasm for cooking. They gathered around a table laden with ingredients, brainstorming ideas for their menu.

"What about a dish that represents the flavors of Illea?" Amelia suggested, her eyes lighting up. "We could use local produce to create something truly special for the queen."

"I love that idea!" one of her teammates exclaimed. "We could make a fresh garden salad as an appetizer, using seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette."

"And for the main course, how about a herb-roasted chicken with a side of honey-glazed carrots?" another lady chimed in, her excitement contagious. "We can add a sprinkle of our kingdom's signature spices to elevate the flavors."

"And for dessert, we should definitely go for something rich and indulgent," Amelia added, thinking aloud. "How about a dark chocolate tart with fresh berries? It'll be both elegant and delicious."

With their menu decided, the group quickly divided up tasks. Amelia felt a surge of confidence as she took charge of the dessert, excited to showcase her baking skills. As they made their way to the palace kitchen, the aroma of fresh ingredients filled the air, invigorating their spirits.

Amelia had always loved cooking alongside her mother, learning traditional recipes that had been passed down through generations. She felt a deep connection to her heritage as she measured flour, melted chocolate, and whisked eggs with precision.

As she worked on the tart, she shared stories with her teammates, creating a bond that transcended the competition. They laughed, exchanged tips, and encouraged one another, all while focusing on the task at hand.

While the tart baked in the oven, Amelia shifted her attention to preparing the salad. She sliced vibrant vegetables, arranging them artfully in a large bowl. She felt a sense of joy in the simple act of preparing food, her heart swelling with pride at the thought of the queen enjoying their creations.

As the clock ticked down, the kitchen filled with the scents of roasted chicken, sweet carrots, and decadent chocolate. Each team was in a frenzy, the energy palpable as they prepared their dishes for the queen's arrival.

Finally, with mere minutes to spare, Amelia pulled the chocolate tart from the oven, its rich aroma enveloping the kitchen. She allowed it to cool before carefully plating it with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. ( PS : amelias dress on top )

As they set the table for the queen's birthday party, Amelia felt a wave of anticipation wash over her. She glanced at her teammates, each one beaming with pride over their contributions. The courtyard was transformed into a festive space adorned with flowers, banners, and shimmering decorations.

When the moment arrived for the queen to enter, the contestants lined up, their hearts racing in unison. Lady Elara introduced them, and the queen stepped into the courtyard, her regal presence commanding attention.

"Happy birthday, Your Majesty!" the contestants chorused, their voices filled with joy. The queen smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with appreciation for the effort put forth by each of the young women.

As they presented the dishes, Amelia felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. When it was finally time to showcase their appetizer, she stepped forward with her team, presenting the fresh garden salad with a flourish.

"Your Majesty," she began, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach, "we've prepared a garden salad using the freshest seasonal vegetables from our kingdom. We hope it brings a taste of Illea to your special day."

The queen sampled the dish, savoring the flavors. "Delicious!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "You've captured the essence of our beautiful land."

With the appetizer successfully presented, the team moved on to the main course. The aroma of the herb-roasted chicken filled the air as they served it alongside the honey-glazed carrots, each plate a masterpiece in its own right.

"Your Majesty, for the main course, we have prepared herb-roasted chicken with honey-glazed carrots, celebrating the bounty of Illea," Amelia announced, pride swelling in her chest.

Once again, the queen took a bite, her expression transforming into one of delight. "Exquisite! The flavors blend beautifully. You have a true talent for cooking."

Finally, it was time for dessert. Amelia's heart raced as she presented the dark chocolate tart, adorned with fresh berries and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. "For dessert, Your Majesty, we present a rich dark chocolate tart with fresh berries, a sweet ending to your birthday celebration."

As the queen tasted the tart, a look of pure joy spread across her face. "Heavenly! You've created a delightful dish that embodies the spirit of our kingdom," she said, her praise ringing in Amelia's ears like music.

With each compliment, Amelia felt a surge of confidence. The queen's approval meant the world to her, a validation of her passion and skills. As the party continued, laughter and joy filled the courtyard, each contestant beaming with pride over their contributions.

At the end of the celebration, the queen expressed her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you, ladies, for making this birthday truly special. Your talents and creativity shine bright, and I am proud to have you represent our kingdom."

As the event drew to a close, Amelia felt a sense of fulfillment. She had not only showcased her cooking skills but had also built connections with her fellow contestants and earned the queen's praise. The experience had deepened her love for cooking and reinforced her belief that food could forge bonds between people.

That night, as she lay in bed, Amelia reflected on the day's events. She felt grateful for the opportunity to express herself through her passion, and she looked forward to what challenges lay ahead in the Selection. Little did she know that the journey would continue to test her strength, creativity, and heart in ways she had yet to discover.