Once Upon a Selection

Chapter One~The Announcement

I wake up to the sound of my maids bustling about. "Miss! Your parents and your brothers have an announcement for the country to hear. We have to get you ready!" My head maid, Poppy, says when she's sees my open eyes. Louise, another maid, is frantically getting my dress out. "I'm coming Poppy. Which one am I wearing today?" I ask, groggily getting out of my bed. "The new one, miss. The dark red one." She nods to Louise. "Annie!" Louise calls to the bathroom. "She's up!" And so, the morning process has began.

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In thirty minutes, I'm ready. "Oh, miss! You look wonderful!" Annie squeals with excitement, finishing up the final touches on my curled hair. "Of course I do! You three always do an amazing job." I smile. "Now, Officer Rye will be here soon to escort you." Louise nods. "I heard the announcement is absolutely marvelous!" Poppy says in a sing-song voice. I hear a knock on the door. "Oh that must be him!" Louise says and rushes to the door. "Princess Edaline!" She says and I walk towards the door. "Are you ready, Your Majesty?" The officer asks and I nod politely. As soon as we can't hear my maids giggling anymore, I look at him excitedly. "What's the announcement?"

"It's a surprise, my lady, but I'm allowed to tell you we're going to have a special Report for the occasion." He nods. "Sounds fun." I smile. We arrive to the main room, and my excitement builds up. "Edaline, you're here!" My two brothers, Michael and Andrew say at the same time. It takes all if my willpower to not laugh at Andrew. He makes a blowfish type face when he's excited, and well, you can guess what he looks like. "Boys! Calm down now. No silliness on national television." My mother, Queen America, says. My siblings and I take our places as the camera starts rolling. Gavril Fadaye starts with his usual opening. Then we get to the announcement. "Which one if our Princes would like to say the announcement. "I will, Gavril." Michael laughs. "Andrew and I have said we will do the Selection. Starting in two days, all of Illea's ladies may sign up!" My jaw drops on national television. 35 girls. At the palace. 33 temporary sisters. 2 permanent. This is a lot to take in at once. My mother looks at me and nods for confirmation. I close my mouth and Gavril laughs. "Princess Edaline, what do you think on this?" He asks. I put on a bright smile and say, "This is great news. I can't wait to meet my new sisters!" I say and the rest flies by. Then it's over. "Wow." I say. "Didn't see that coming." I walk back to my room alone and sit on my bed. Part of me says "This'll be a fun and terrible time." In beginning to believe that part of me. Guess I'll just have to see.