The Competition

Preparation

Maids entered and exited my room, all rushing around to make sure I was absolutely perfect for tonight's choosing ceremony. I was one of the few lucky girls, as our family had wealth others did not. Wealth meant new dresses, tailored to fit me perfectly, more professional helpers to do my hair and make up and better tutors. The wealthy usually were the ones chosen, unless one of the common wealth girls had exceptionally beautiful features naturally. The princes take into account looks first, then intelligence. Intelligence was secondary because we were competing to be pets, not wives. The only reason intelligence was in the list was to ensure easy training.

Yes, we all knew what we were competing for. We've been taught since birth how to dress and act like the perfect pet.

Most of us wanted it. Winning the competition ensured a life of luxury and comfort. Never needing to fight for basic survival, never needing to fight for attention. It was perfection.

But some girls were stubborn. They hated the idea of being a pet.

I am not one of those girls. I am eager to compete for the Prince's affection, to earn a place next to him, to live a life full of luxury and comfort. We often see the other Princes, ones from past competitions, with their pets. The pets are seen in beautiful gowns and perfect make up, walking next to her owner with an air of grace. They are the source for a lot of envy among girls who have yet to compete, especially from myself.

"Karina, come over here so we can get you dressed." Alana, my favorite maid, says.

She is standing next to my large wardrobe, where all my options for my gown tonight hang. I smile and stand up, glancing at myself in the mirror of my vanity before walking over to the raised platform where i will stand for the next several hours.

"Which one do you want to try first?" Alana asks, opening the doors to my wardrobe.

My wardrobe is filled with gowns of many different colors. Emerald green, lilac, sapphire, ivory, pearl, and more.

"I'd like to see the green one, second on the left from the yellow." I reply as another maid steps up behind me.

"Good choice. It's a beautiful color." Alana says, pulling out the gown and admiring it.

I turn to face a body length mirror, watching as the maid behind me twists and tugs at my hair, contemplating the many styles it could accommodate.

My eyes roam over my lithe, athletic form in the mirror, taking in the curves that are accentuated by the white lace corset and panties. My skin is a soft porcelain color and my face, while naturally exquisite to many, holds many flaws in my own eyes.

Alana helps me into the first --of many-- gown, zipping it up in the back before moving away to judge how it looks.

"Green's a popular color this year." Nora, another of my maids, comments as soon as she sees which gown I've chosen.

"No good. I want to stand out." I say, satisfied when Alana quickly steps up to undo the dress and help me step out of it.

"Where do you get your information from?" Laughs Alana, glancing at Nora.

"I have a large family. They all talk about their clients and their clients' friends. I've heard many talking about the way 'green is this season's most sought after color'." Nora replied.

"Well then, Nora, which dress would you recommend? Also, Sara, try a braided crown type look for her hair. Half up, half down." Alana suggests.

Sara, the servant doing my hair gasps.

"That's brilliant!!" She squeals, quickly setting to work with bobby pins and hair spray as Nora walks over to my wardrobe.

Sara twists a thick strand of hair on each side of my face into a braid. She then moves to comb through the hair directly on top of my head. She teases this hair into the popular "bump" before placing bobby pins in it to hold it in place. Much of my hair has been left untouched. Sara pulls the braids back to line the bump before pinning them in place as well, leaving the rest of my hair to flow freely. (For reference, see picture at top-- style, not color)

Nora finally chooses a gown. The dress is lilac in color, with a corset bodice and full skirt. The top half is decorated in intricate beading. It's gorgeous and, from the looks of it, very  expensive.

The way the dress is made means it must be put on over the head, rather than feet first. Three maids move to help me into it, all making very sure my hair isn't messed up.

Once they are done, I look at myself in the mirror. I am surprisingly shocked by how beautiful the girl I am looking at is.

She has long raven black hair, piercing grey eyes, porcelain skin, and full petal pink lips. She is me but I don't recognize myself.

"Time for make up. Let's hurry so she's not late. We only have twenty five minutes left until the parade." Alana says, gently coaxing me back to my vanity while Nora moves to pick me out a pair of shoes. Sara begins applying make-up. It takes only a couple moments as all she applies is a clear, sparkly lip gloss, silver eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. As soon as my make up is finished, I stand and Nora puts my shoes on for me while Alana keeps me balanced.

The shoes are silver heels, plain by themselves yet perfect when added to my look.

"You. Look. Exquisite. There's no doubt you'll be chosen, Karina. I'm so proud of you!" Alana says, dabbing at her eyes with an old handkerchief.