By the time we arrived to West Barron, we could barely make our way around town. Some singers lined the streets and rejoiced that we would soon have two new princesses and soon to be queens.
I couldn't believe my eyes. Robots dressed in all white stood behind concession stands while keeping their eyes on the street.
Everyone was either teenagers or children. No adults were anywhere; I assumed they were all either at home or quarantined in hospitals. "Oh!" I squealed. "We are here." Claire noticed.
A large stage was set up with three thrones in the middle. Off to the side was Prince David himself. He looked calm but his demeanor looked off.
Staring into space, Prince David's head was still held high. He looked like he had a big ego. I already disliked him.
What is it with men's egos?
Claire seemed to notice him too because we both looked at each other with knowing glances. "Hello, West Barron!" King James smiled out into the crowd of people.
In unison, girls cooed back and waved excitedly at Prince David who stayed off to the side of the stage to watch his father. "We would like to have your attention now!" King James called out. The crowd stopped talking immediately and stared determinedly at King James.
"First off, I'd like to present my son, Prince David, to the stage." He grinned and held hands with the beautiful Queen Patricia. Prince David walked up to the black stage with two officers standing a few feet behind him.
"Hello, West Barron. You all look stunning this morning. Before we start calling out names, I would like to go over some rules with you." He smiled out to the crowd, waving to a few girls. Looking in our direction, a squished Claire's hand with mine and smiled back at Prince David so I would blend in with the big mass of girls.
Seeking the crowd, I saw many fancy ladies. They all wore floor length gowns and white, satin gloves. I felt a twinge of jealousy but looked at my own outfit. I guess I looked decent. For sure not as beautiful as Claire.
She looked stunning with her long, blonde hair pulled up into a twist. Claire would be a perfect princess if she was picked. She was elegant and very poised. I was so proud to be her older sister.
While looking at her, I realized how much I missed and needed to be royalty again. It tugged at a sweet spot in my heart after noticing the fancy jewelry, expensive gowns, and the tall high heels I might never get to experience again.
Focus! My mind told me as I began to catch myself drifting away from the scene.
I turned my attention away from my peers and looked back over to the stage. "If you are chosen to be in The Picking, we will assign to you these chairs," He motioned to thirty chairs behind him. "Since this is going to be recorded in a few short minutes, all of your parents will be viewing. The hospitals have turned on their televisions and tablets to this station so no matter where your parents might be, we will make sure to let each and every one watch the journey of The Picked." He winked.
I heard hundreds of girls gush and anxiously twirl their hair in anticipation. "Okay, we are live in three, two, one." I heard a cameraman say. King James walked onto the stage and introduced himself once again but now, the cameras were on.
"I know you have all been waiting for this moment. So have I. So, without further ado, let's bring out the list!" He grinned and sat back down into his chair.
A fairly good sized scroll came out and an illuminated screen fell slowly from the curtains. I could feel Claire shivering and I heard her nervously clicking her tongue over and over. The king smiled into the camera with a smirk as he held the scroll for a full minute. All of the girls clutched one another's hands.
YOU ARE READING
The Picking
RomanceThe Virus has been wiping out the human population rapidly. Day by day, more elders die by the infection. Join Brittany and Claire as they embark on a journey that will forever change their lives. And will it be in a good way or will it all go wrong?