Paraden: Chosen

Chapter 2

Everyone rises from their seats as the gate to the Inner Paraden begins to open. The iron gateway stands about forty feet tall and thirty feet wide taking up a prodigious amount of space in the main square.

This morning, the sun's rays catch the golden metal on the monolithic doors making it shimmer. The meticulously drawn insignias that are etched into the door seeming to pop out against the gold background. Each gold insignia depicts one of the seven council families' crests going in a circle. In the middle, the kingdom of Paraden's symbol is proudly on display.

The gate begins to open slowly as if giving everyone standing in its shadow a moment to acknowledge how old and powerful it is. They are silent, unexpected from something so large, and the crowd seems to mimic their noise level. The doors, now proudly ajar, stop and the cars beginning to drive through.

Seven limos, each holding members of the seven council families, only distinguishable by the different crested flags flying on each side of the hood. The slate color vehicles round around the square at a steady pace pulling, one at a time, up to the platform's stairs and releasing its inhabitants.

Each family parades themselves onto the stage filling in the sections from the outside in. Every member stands tall, their clothes regal and spotless fitting their bodies to the tee. Faces forward with no emotions, they seem to silently scream their importance one we are eager to respect.

The last car reaches the stairs and Queen Isla is assisted out. Her raven hair braided intricately, nestles a crown on top of her head. Her gown is a vivid emerald jewel tone that causes her green eyes to shine. She looks radiant, powerful, strong; a true queen.

Looking at the queen I missed the entrance of the prince. Prince Lionel looks dashing in a black suit with a tie matching the color of his mother's gown. He towers over those he walks past at a 6'2'' frame. His hair is a dark caramel color, a little lighter than his father's, but his eyes are the same enticing shade of hazel. He takes his place standing to the right of the podium and his mother to the left.

"Doesn't the prince look dashing," Belle leans in to whisper, "I can not believe anyone doubts he is legitimate."

The rebels, also known as the Lanterns, are citizens who believe the Sigmund family's successor, Prince Lionel, is illegitimate. Their cause is becoming a common debate within the whole kingdom due to their constant encouragement. They rally for the Olen family's heir to inherit the throne, them being second in line.

Though the Olen family has kept quiet about their opinion on the suspected illegitimacy, the rebels still pursue the matter by organizing little rallies here or there, they say they want to illuminate the issues of the Council.

The demonstrations usually consist of a few pamphlets and shouted warnings that the prince's succession will be Paraden's downfall, nothing to be too worried about though since its just peaceful protests.

Then the king steps out. He looks almost identical to his son; black suit with an emerald tie, tall frame, and an air of intelligence; he, however, has blue eyes and darker brown hair flecked with gray.

He walks across the stage vividly displaying the strength he is known for. He stands between his wife and son taking a moment to look at the crowd present beneath him. He takes a breath and begins to speak.

"My fellow Paridians, standing in front of you today I am filled with immense joy."

"Today, a day where we celebrate the many wonderful people Paraden holds within her walls."

He smiles, "For a hundred times now the Council has chosen seven individuals to become your Chosen and this year is no different."

"The Chosen will be welcomed into the palace and, with guidance, begin to pursue the path of the Elite."

"As is tradition one of the selected seven will be chosen to become an Elite one year from today and they will be allowed to work with the council."

"If you are a Selected a bag will be awaiting you at home with further instructions so please finish the Ceremony and return to your home as swiftly as possible," I wonder what's in the bag.

"Now I give my official blessing for the centennial Choosing Day Ceremony to begin."

Cheers erupted as the King and his family takes their seat, once all three are seated everyone else did as well. One man from the Luce family makes his way to the podium and begins to announce their Chosen.

"I Pierce, am the elected representative for the Luce family. As is tradition, the family has selected one citizen, aged 18 to 20, to move into the city and work under our guidance." He removes an envelope from his pocket and opens it with inhuman ease, mine always seem to tear into a million pieces.

"Karinya Vicario, female, 20 years of age, East." A cheer was heard from somewhere in the adult section, probably her parents. The announcer turns from the podium and the next begins to walk up.

A few more names are called; Lucas Emerson, East, for the Boman family, Mallory Kore, North, for the Gregory family, Persephone Till, North, for the Dolat family, and Ezrah Stilman, North, for the Walter family.

Next steps up Percival Olen, the heir for the Olen family. Chants of "The rightful heir" or "Long live the Olens" shatter the peace and togetherness the crowd was feeling. This continued as he stands at the podium for a few moments seeming to take in the cries for him and his leadership. He raises his hand and silence issues almost immediately.

"I Percival Olen was chosen as the Olen family's announcer," more cheers, "my family put a lot of care into our Chosen and we believe they will be a valuable addition to Inner Paraden." He removes his envelope and opens it, "Ophelia Brantley, female, 18 years of age, North". A girl a couple rows in front of us lets out a gasp and receives a few happy pats from those around her.

She has blond hair fishtailed down her back. Her dress is quite revealing compared to those most of us wear to the Ceremony but it fits her curves perfectly. I can not see her face but I bet it is just as flawless as the rest of her.

Percival sits and Crowned Prince Lionel begins to stand to a ruckus of praise and jeers. He remains calm and walks his way to the podium no opinion of the noise visible on his face.

"I Crowned Prince Lionel Sigmund am the announcer for the Crown family Sigmund. My family has chosen someone we believe holds passion and promise, important qualities for a Chosen to have to succeed in the Inner Paraden as well as stand a chance to be chosen as the Elite." He removes the envelope from his blazer pocket, it is sealed with the Sigmund family seal."Claramond Barsotti, female, 18 years old, West."

I freeze and turned to Belle, "Wait, what did he just say?".

"Clara," she grabs my shoulder and shakes me, " you're a Chosen".

I stare at Belle and Chase and process their excited faces. I look to my parents staring at me with shocked grins and thumbs up. Only when I see my little sitter Cosette jumping around talking adamantly to her friends did I realize what is going on.

Claramond Barsotti is me, and I am a Chosen.