The Throne

The Palace

Streams of extended family members, people from the palace, and guards were in and out of the house in the week between the Report and my departure. From basic lessons in etiquette to a woman who made me prove everything on my form to getting measurements for my new wardrobe. The day before I left a tall woman came to go over some final rules with me. I led her into the kitchen where my sisters were waiting to see who the newest guest would be. They had particularly enjoyed the dressmaker, because she gave Mom some scraps of fabric, which Mom had sewn into dresses for them, and were by far the nicest things they owned.

"If you don't mind, I'd think it's better if we speak in private. Just you and your mother." She said.

"Okay." I was confused, but led the girls out. When we were in the hallway I whispered, "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything." The silently jumped up and down, and ran into the bedroom Lucy and I shared.

When I returned the woman got right to business. "This sounds a little harsh, but from now on you are considered property of Illea. You need to take care of yourself. Judging by your job and living conditions, I am assuming you may not take vitamins. Is this correct?" she asked.

"No, actually. I am a maid, so I do take them."

"Of course. I forgot that the maids were treated so well." she sounded as if this was unjust, that the servants should have access to the same nutrition that the royal family did.

"Anyway, you will continue taking those. Now for some rules. You are not above the law. Breaking a law will result in your immediate removal from the Selection. You will not seek out the Prince's attention, unless you are in a larger social setting such as a party. That is different. This is the final thing. Don't even consider lying. I need to confirm your virginity."

I had mostly been ignoring her, but at this I sat bolt upright. The silence in the room hung so heavy it was almost tactile.

"Of course, I know the law."

"Think carefully about this." she said this as if she could tell I was lying, which I wasn't.

"I swear."

That seemed to satisfy her. "Okay then. Will you show me out?"

I walked her to the door, even though it was visible from the battered kitchen table, where we sat. As she reached for the doorknob her eyes turned to me. I felt her green snake eyes piercing me. "Remember what I said about virginity?"

I nodded

"If the Prince wants something, kisses, dates, more than kisses. You give it to him. Understood?"

I nodded again, and she walked out. I was furious. She was such a hypocrite. I didn't think that Prince Erik, would do that, but still.

The night was a long one. I had trouble sleeping, and even though Sophie and Katie were supposed to share a room, they all slept in my room, Sophie with me, and Katie with Lucy.

The next morning I dressed in the black pants and white blouse that all the selected would wear. I put on a pair of gladiator sandals that my dad had made. He made shoes for a living, and these were imperfect because the leather was cracked in places, so I got to keep them. Behind my ear I tucked a perfect white rose.

"Winter! You look so pretty!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Thanks. I'll miss you guys so much."

I was the only one who didn't need to take a plane, and I wasn't going to make a speech because Angles had no mayor. I got into a shiny black limo, was driven to the palace, I noticed several signs with my name on it. I entered through the front doors, something I had never done before. I was led to the women's room for my makeover. I was supposed to be here to prep, but I guessed that would be Autumn's job now. I didn't know which of the Selected she would be a maid for, because we were going to get room assignments two days ago, and I was no longer on the palace staff.

Lady Jennifer, who was going to instruct us in etiquette showed me to station five. I was the first one there.

"Winter!" Someone shrieked in my ear. It was Autumn.

"Autumn! Are you doing my makeover?"

"Yeah! With Cameron and Rory." Rory and Cameron were two maids I was friends with, though they weren't my best friends.

"Hi guys!"

"Hi!" They sang back.

"So, Winter," Autumn said. "We need to have an image for you. I had an idea, but you may not like it. What if we dress you, well, like Winter. We'll just enhance your looks, and focus on a light color palette."

"I love it!" I squealed.

The brushed out my long hair, and braided it. The then wrapped it around my head like a crown. They painted my nails with a silver polish. They then put me in a white, lacey dress. It fell past my knees and had a white belt around my waist. It had a small v-neck, but I was still covered. I then put on a pair of white kitten heels. I looked in the mirror. I still looked like me, but I seemed like less of a maid, and more of a lady. By now the room was busy.