The Excerpt

Chapter 1 : Prepairing the table

The Great Room buzzed with excitement. People told me that all of Illéa had been waiting for this moment: the excitement of the new prince, the thrill of me as a soon-to-be queen and of course I had my share - The brand new handsome faces I will swoon over. Nah... maybe not. I grin as I think about all the thoughtless thoughts in this head of mine

For the first time, I felt all of that energy and I worried it would crush me. I kissed cheeks of family, friends and my fair share of complete strangers. Finally dad crossed over the flood of people and approached me. "All men dream of being king," he whispered. "To wear a crown and have the prettiest girl in Illéa. . . "

His face grew a little sad but he quickly returned to that playful look. "I can't believe my little girl is gonna get engaged soon."

I slightly slapped his right arm of dad and said, "maybe not so soon dad and besides if it isn't for the pleasing of the public there wouldn't be any selection."

"Nonesense America. You should not talk like that especially out here," my mom who was secretly watching spat out.

"Magda, I do wish you'll be more considerate," my dad said while looking around to see if someone heard what my sometimes tackless mom said a while ago. "Well... I'll leave you two now. I have to greet the wives of the rulers in New Asia, and America dear, please be reminded of the raffle tommorow. Don't be late, it'll be televised."

After that dad commented on how my mom has changed after the title of 'Queen' was given to her. Maybe the five within her was rubbed off already

The night danced away like a wild fire. Questions were asked as usual but at this point there were questions that were clinically absturd like what type of guy would you like? Do you want to fall for aloofs or stupid ones?

Kind or Handsome?

Do want him to wear boxer briefs or triangular ones?

Uh... were those questions even allowed? and the fact is why would I choose a stupid king to rule the country?

I cleared my throat hoping to answer it right.

"As for that I would really like someone taller and sincere and for the underware question of course I would absoloutely want him in panties."

The reporters laughed. Good. I'm safe.

After the evening was over, I kissed everyone goodbye and headed for my quarters. God, if the questions are worse now then how much will it be tomorrow...

I woke up once Mary had knocked. She was with Lucy and Anne and they were carrying a ton of new dresses. They weren't like the usual ones I wear. They were for formal occasions. They braided my hair into curly knots but let some strands lose at the same time. I finally picked a peachy colored dress. It wasn't glamorous but it was elegant. Anne reached for something in my drawers. A few puffs of powder here and there and a hint of color in those kissers and  I'm finally ready. I really prefer light make up like this cause it doesn't seem to cover it for a goody good princess right?

As I felt the Angeles air I once again felt the anxiety of choosing the One.

Then a mountain of what ifs filled my mind...

The Great Room was once again filled with lights and cameras...

I'm glad dad was there. He embraced me tightly and then whispered, "America, this is my gift to you. I promise I will make every effort to see these guys through your eyes. Not the eyes of a king, or the eyes of your father, but yours. Even if the guy you choose is of a very low caste, even if others think he has no value, I will always listen to your reasons for wanting him. And I will do my best to support your choice. Every guy will come with pros and cons. Some people will choose to focus on the worst in some of your options and the best in others, and it will make no sense to you why they seem so narrow minded. But I'm here for you, whatever your choice."

"You always have been dad," I managed to smile.

"True," he said, taking my arm.

"And I know I'm about to play second fiddle to another man, as I should. But my love for you will never change, America."

"Same here dad. You'll always be in between forever and always."

After what dad said I felt my shoulders getting heavier and heavier. Pressure never felt this intense.