Being Selected

Chapter 4

When I woke up that morning with the sounds of the maids bustling around my room. Aunt Camilla was busy in the closet, so one of my other maids, Alexa, helped me out of bed.

"Good morning Miss Harding. I hope you slept well last night," Alexa said, sitting me down to brush my hair. During the night, it had managed to turn into a bird's nest, but Alexa maneuvered through it with skill. Soon she had my ashy brown hair looking silky again.

"I think a subtle dress is in order for breakfast. You don't want to appear too flashy, because it's clear you have already caught the prince's attention," Aunt Camilla teased.

"I highly doubt that. I'm sure every girl fell asleep last night with thoughts of feeling special, and this impression of grandeur will be cut off as soon as he eliminates someone," I answered with a matter of fact tone.

"If you say so milady, but I do think a subtle dress is the right choice for breakfast," Alexa acknowledged. Aunt Camilla nodded, holding up a stylish gray dress with black lace covering the top. A fabric bow was wrapped where the lace met the skirt.

"Oh Miss, you would look lovely in that," Alexa admitted.

"I think that will do wonderfully," I agreed. Both Camilla and Alexa helped me into it. The dress fit snuggly at the top, but flared around the waist and stopping just above my knee. We decided to pair it with a flattering pair of sandals that made my legs look long. I left my hair down, so it could frame my face, helping to bring out my eyes. When we finished, I couldn't help doing a twirl.

"I think I'm ready," I announced. A knock sounded at the door, letting me know, the Selected would be going down to breakfast. I left my room, leaving thanks with my maids. Soon I was with the rest of the girls and we headed to breakfast. As we walked, I couldn't help but admire the castle. Everything was decorated simply, but that didn't make it any less regal. There were accents of gold and silver that made everything look elegant. When we passed a window, I took in the view. The sun had already risen, but the sight was still breath taking. I ran my hands over the velvet curtains, the soft fabric gliding under my touch.

While I was taking in my surroundings, most of the other girls were busy talking. Many of them were talking about how they deeply connected with the prince, and how they were sure he felt a connection. I was able to see Marigold's fiery red hair and I noticed she was talking with Asya and two other girls I hadn't met. Deciding it wouldn't hurt to hear how everyone else's experience last night had been, I made my way over to the group. Asya was busy talking to one girl with strawberry blonde hair that was stylishly pinned atop her head, and warm milk chocolate eyes that intently listened to every word Asya was saying. She only broke her gaze when she noticed me walking towards them.

"I was just telling Kindle that Weston gripped my hands when we spoke and his attention never derailed from me," Asya swooned. I internally rolled my eyes.

"What was your time with the prince like?" Kindle asked. Her eyes looked at me with curiosity, that made me want to smile even though the experience was awkward.

"He was very charming and we had a lovely conversation before we were cut off," I said, biting the inside of my cheek. It wasn't a total lie, but it wasn't the entire truth either. Asya bore her brown eyes into as if they had the power to extract the truth.

"What did you talk about? I found it difficult to come up with conversation that both a prince and I could enjoy," Kindle explained. Before I could answer, we had made it to the dining room. As we made our way inside, Kindle gave me a look saying clearly that we would finish the conversation later. I quickly sat down next to Marigold, hoping to escape Kindle's question.