The Excerpt

Chapter 2 : Slicing the fear

People lingered much later than I thought was appropriate. That was another sacrifice that came with the privilege, I guess no one wanted a palace party slash announcement to end. Not even when the palace wanted it to. Well... not that it was that late. It's actually very early but I JUST REALLY WANT IT TO END.

Dad came and shook his head. "Get it together. You look like hell." He smiled playfully.

"How did you do this?" I begged.

" I didn't but if I were you I will face it with confidence because I am the princess. Need I remind you that you're the prize?"

His face looked tired again, like I ought to have already grasped this.

"They're competing for you, not the other way around. Your life isn't changing at all, except you'll have to deal with a couple of overly flirtatious men for a few weeks."

"What if I don't like any of them?"

"Then pick the one you hate the least. Preferably one that's helpful. Don't worry on that count, though; I'll help."

If he intended that to be a calming thought, he failed.

"Ten seconds," someone called, and my dad came to his seat, giving me a comforting wink.

"Remember to smile." Mom prompted, and turned to face the cameras confidently.

Suddenly the anthem was playing and people were speaking. I realized I ought to be paying attention, but all of my focus was driven toward keeping a calm and happy expression on my face.

"Your Majesty," Gavril said, moving to my father.

"Any advice for the Selected?"

I watched him.

How long did it take for him to become so , so flawless? Or was he always that way? A bashful tilt of his head and even Gavril melted and to tell you something Gavril's a straight man.

"Enjoy your last night as an average man. Tomorrow, no matter what, your life will be different forever." Yes, ladies, yours and mine both. "And it's old advice, but it's good: be yourself."

"Wise words, my king, wise words."

Finally the time of the drawing of the candidates came. We we're using a tech-advanced device that just requires you the press a button while the machine automatically stops and picks the selected name and then it flashes the picture. In other words, it's like a slot machine without actually pairing the men together.

As Gavril motioned me to start. I carefully press the button. This is it. One wrong press and I'm going to end up seeing short and bald men for the rest of my own selection.

I eye the names that particularly sound nice.

...

I want to thank delectables for the cover :)