My hands are shaking as put a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I am walking next to my mother. She is wearing a black color evening gown and looking as gorgeous as a fairy ever can.
My brother and father are both wearing suits and are looking very handsome.
I look down at myself and can't help but admire the beautiful dress. I have my hair tied up in a classy bun, some blonde strands left loose.
I remember seeing myself in the mirror and felt happy at how the color of the dress was really bringing out the color in my eyes. I have never felt this pretty.
Soon enough I start feeling my own dull self again as we meet a couple of beautiful fairies on our way to the fairy land hall. I keep my eyes down and tell myself that not looking good is a good thing, as it will help me in my plan of not getting noticed.
We reach the hall where the ceremony is supposed to take place. It is looking beautiful with all the flowers. They have also put on some lightings which I think, they will turn on at night time.
We make our way through the super crowded place and find a decent place to stand.
After some time, some of the king's officials tell all the 16 year old girls to take their place on the stages. The fairy land government has all the basic information about the fairies in their records.
From what mom told me, I think the prince has already gone through all the information once, with our pictures in it.
I take my position on the stage and continue looking down. I wish I get sucked in by the clouds or fly away with the wind. But much to my disappoint I remain standing on the stage until I hear a someone's overly sweet voice "Good morning Ladies and gentlemen. Brace yourselves up because this is going to be a long, long day. Okay. So let me brief you about our schedule. First of all we would have the placement ceremony for everybody, because only one of the girls would be the lucky one. At night we would have the grand dance ceremony along with the grand dinner and at midnight we would be announcing the names of the 10 lucky girls who would contest for winning our Prince's heart. So girls, be at your best all day, because the judges are watching all of you."
As soon as she finishes, I feel a shiver run down my spine. Somebody watching me all day. They would definitely notice the amount of magic I use and would become suspicious.
For the first time after being on stage I glance around and catch my brother's eye. He gives me a reassuring nod and I immediately feel a bit relaxed.
"So girls would be so kind as to introduce yourselves?" I hear the sugary voice again. I look up to see a beautiful fairy wearing a pink gown with feathers all over it. It also has wings at the back making her look like the fairies which humans imagine us to be. She looks gorgeous. But who doesn't? Huh. Me.
All the girls start introducing themselves and I feel my hands shaking so much when the fairy standing next to me moves forward to introduce herself. I am next.
Calm down Cassy.
Fairies don't panic.
Exactly.
What if they see you panicking?
Shut up.
They won't.
My subconscious voices fight amongst themselves. Ugh.
"My name is Alison Johanson. I love gardening and cooking. " she says without hesitating and comes back to stand next to me.
I walk towards the centre of the stage, holding fists full of my dress at my sides.
"My.. My name is Cassandra Chase." Oh god Cassy. Fairies don't stammer. " I... I love playing.. Piano." I finally manage to say and almost run back to my position.
I feel all giddy from the panic I felt and I hardly hear the rest of the contestants introducing themselves.
The rest of the day passes by in a blur since the lack of magical powers does not pose an issue as the king's people warn all the girls not to use magic for the day, as they don't want the judges to get flattered by any of the special powers any of us have.
