Selected: Part 3 - Love and Lace

1. THE PICTURE

ETHAN'S SOFT HAND GENTLY PLACED itself on my waist, I could feel my face grow warm. How unfortunate that I would have a red face in my first picture with Prince Ethan. "Good, now give me a smile, please!" The photographer called out. I, along with the few other girls who had been whispering about him, couldn't help but notice how handsome he was, almost as much as Ethan, though he had blond curls and deep brown eyes. The palace had gotten the most reputable young photographer in the country for the occasion. "Sir Maxon, would you mind taking a few shots of Lady Luna and I against the other backdrop?" Ethan inquired, as he guided me a few steps to the left.

Being so close to him made me feel jittery as usual, but I relaxed some after a few clicks of the camera. Each of the ladies of the Elite would have their picture taken with the prince today. These pictures would then be posted and ranked by Illéa's top magazines, from how good a match each of us seemed for Ethan. This was all a bit superficial, yet one of us would eventually be the face of the monarchy. As I gazed up at him, I wondered if we'd look as good together as I always thought. I straightened myself up as best I could, hoping not seem too short next to him.

After the photographer felt certain he'd gotten a good picture of us, I had to stand by with the other Selected as Gwen had her picture taken next. I couldn't deny how lovely she looked next to Ethan, just as Hazel had. The Elite were all so beautiful, but it was difficult to picture another at his side now that I was so certain I loved him. Despite knowing it was pointless to compare myself to the other girls, the Selection was becoming more and more difficult to handle; and yet, it all came down to who Ethan thought was best for him and his country.

The world had changed for the past hundreds of years. I was no expert in foreign politics, but I knew that countries had been torn apart and rebuilt, and while some had reverted to monarchies as well, others had been able to establish solid governments. I'd been trying my best to learn as much as I could about history and politics. As an Elite, it was my duty to do so, but more than that, being in this competition had opened my mind to problems I had never even thought about. I hadn't had much of an education like the other girls, but that was still no excuse.

I was a Six, one of the lowest castes, and all my life, I had nothing. Yet poverty seemed like so little an issue next to having no family to care for me; that was what I longed for, love and belonging. I had never thought my caste was something unfair; I had never reflected about how to came to be. This is how life was, and had always been, but being a Selected made me all too conscious of it. It wasn't all about my problems anymore. Most of all, I had to learn all I could about Illéa if I was ever to be a good partner for Ethan, and if I was ever to make a difference.

Next week, we'd be receiving guests from the French monarchy in the palace. With Miss Nicole, we'd been learning about Illéa's strongest allies: the Kingdom of Swendway, the Korean Union, and North African Empire, mostly. France was once a valuable ally, but tensions had built up the past few years to the point where the threat of war loomed over us. What with the war already going on with New Asia, we really couldn't afford another.

This reception we'd be hosting was critical in possibly mending these tensions, as their King and Queen were visiting to discuss and settle disagreements. And, as the Elite, we'd be helping arrange everything. "One of the Queen's many duties is to aid in organizing and hosting foreign parties." Miss Nicole explained. "You'll be divided into three teams, and each assigned one of three tasks: menu, décor, and wardrobe." I hoped I'd get wardrobe, my specialty. "Though these things may seem trivial, they will make all the difference in the success of the reception. Moreover, as you have only one week, other details and elements will be handled as usual. So please, focus on your assigned task."

To my dismay, I was not given the responsibility of wardrobe. Rather, along with Gwen, Agatha and Claire, I'd be working on the décor. At least, I'd be working with one of my best friends here, so I was excited to start. I caught up with Gwen after our lesson. "Would you like to head to my room and start pitching some ideas?" I offered. "It would be unfair to start without the others." She seemed tense. "Oh, then maybe we could hang out later." There was a pause, and Gwen seemed to be avoiding my eyes. "I'd rather not; I have a few things I need to take care of." And just like that, she left.

At first, I was worried for her, thinking something might be wrong. It wasn't my imagination, as the next day, we got out work done with our team, and she darted back to her room immediately after. It was like she was avoiding me, yet I couldn't think of what I had done to upset her. For now, I'd have to focus on the reception, which was coming so quickly. We had taken care of our color-scheme, curtains and tablecloths, as well as made sure to coordinate with the wardrobe team. What was left to do were flower arrangement and music, as it was part of the overall ambience. I had learned all about color symbolism, and how it varied from a culture to another. All this organizing was actually so enjoyable to me, and it gave me hope that maybe I could take on the responsibilities of a Queen.