Prince John's biggest fear? Becoming King, and everything to do with it, from the sheltered life, to someday having to get married. Celia, a lady knight, minus the 'Lady' if she can help it, is not looking forward to coming of age and attending the High Ball which she thinks is nothing more than a market for single girls. The two have hated each other since childhood, but when the stress gets to John and he does something drastic, Celia's the only one who can help.

I froze; the guard yelled, telling me to get a move on. The unearthly screeching sent all of us into shock, soon turning into fear. Some cried the moment they reached the door. I didn't know what was coming, but it'd be painful. “Next!” I was two kids away from the cold metal plated door. I closed my eyes, hearing a scream from behind the door. The girl in front of me started to cry. “Shut up!” A guard yelled, slapping her cheek. My eyes widened and I forced myself to swallow tears that threatened to fall. “Next!” My sore bare feet scraped across the dark tiled floor as I made my way forward while the next child went in. I wouldn't survive a slap to the cheek, no matter how strong I looked. “Next!” The girl in front of me quivered and shook, her fear obvious. I cringed away from the door as a laugh echoed in the next room. “Stand up straight!” The guard yelled at me. I didn't dare look him in the eyes, knowing I'd be hit like the last child that stared at him. “Next!” My skin crawled as the door opened...