5

I felt sick to my stomach as Imogen and Lucy ushered me out of my room and onto the busy hallway, which was now occupied by girls who I assumed were the other Nobles' Daughters. They were all immaculately dressed in fabrics that looked imported from all around the globe. I suddenly felt very small and inferior compared to the others. 

The hallway buzzed with conversation as the girls got to know one another, as well as who their competition was. 

I looked around until my eyes connected with bright blue ones that sparkled with what I could only describe as mischief and pride. I was looking at one of the most beautiful girls I'd ever seen before. She had long blonde hair which settled on her shoulders, alluring cat-like blue eyes and perfectly shaped cupid's bow lips. She was dressed in a cream coloured dress that left nothing much to the imagination, but still managed to make her look regal. 

I was stunned into silence until I realized she was staring right at me. She gave me a once over, as if deciding I wasn't worth her time. She smirked smugly before turning away.

"That's Esme Addington. I think she's going to win," A voice startled me. 

I turned to see a relatively pretty girl with dark brown skin that resembled melted chocolate and hazel eyes paired with a curly mass of a lighter brown hair. Her eyes were warm and kind, eyes I hadn't seen in a long time. 

"Why?" I inquired. I obviously knew the answer, but I wanted to hear what this girl thought. 

"Well," She said, turning to where Esme laughed elegantly with some other girls. "She's easily the most beautiful Lady here- and she's extremely elegant. Plus, her father is a Marquess." 

"Maybe we'll just be surprised and Esme won't win after all," I shrugged. "I'm Madeline by the way." 

"Fiona. Fiona Kensley," She smiled, warmly. I decided I liked her. It was rare to find a Noble's daughter who wasn't obnoxious or painfully stupid. Fiona seemed like she was going to be a breath of fresh air compared to the girls we were surrounded by. 

We began to walk away from the hallway, towards what I guessed was the dining hall. 

"I've actually never seen the prince. They say he's the most handsome man ever," Fiona whispered, giggling. 

"I've seen him. And he's not all that," I lied. I knew the prince was an asshole but I couldn't deny the fact that he was awfully good-looking. 

"Seriously?" Fiona's face fell. 

"I mean I saw him almost 7 years ago. He could have changed since then," I quickly amended. 

"I'm so nervous," Fiona let out a shaky breath. 

Fiona was extremely refined and carried herself like a Princess. I didn't think walking down some stairs was going to be a problem for her. Me on the other hand... 

"I don't even want to be here," I sighed. 

Fiona's eyes widened and she stared at me like I'd said something taboo. "You don't...?" 

I shook my head. "I'm praying I get kicked out at The Cut." 

"I've never heard a girl say that before. But then you're not like the other girls, are you?" Fiona gave me a quizzical look. 

We had stopped at the top of grand spiraling stairs that led to what I presumed to be the dining hall. Soft music wafted from below and I couldn't help but hum along to the beat. 

"I'm so excited," I heard a girl whisper as we got in line, preparing to be announced. 

Fear threatened to consume me. I could barely walk down a straight line without falling flat on my face, talk less of down a spiraling staircase in front of the royal family. 

Soon, a blanket of excited silence covered the girls as the first person's name was announced. 

"Lady Esme Addington," The herald announced and I watched as Esme walked down the staircase, a confident smug smile on her face. She was the epitome of grace and I felt small just by watching her. 

As the waiting line shortened, the anxiety knot in my stomach grew and I wrung my wrists excitedly. It was almost Fiona's turn and by the way her breath quickened, I could tell she was almost as nervous as me. 

"You'll be fine," I whispered. 

Before Fiona could reply, the herald announced her name. 

"Lady Fiona Kensley." 

Fiona let out a small squeal before proceeding to walk down the stairs. I marveled at how poised she was, a placid smile gracing her pretty features. Her walk was perfect, like she'd rehearsed on those stairs all her life. Maybe Fiona didn't realize it, but she might have had a chance over Esme. 

"Lady Madeline Prowess," The herald's announcement shook me from my thoughts. 

I let out a quick shaky breath before walking down the stairs. I tried to focus on the large windows that reflected the glistening moonlight. I quickly remembered to smile and realized how stupid I must have looked. 

Managing to maintain my smile, I found my seat and let out a shaky breath as Fiona squeezed my hand. "You were good out there." 

I snorted, gaining me looks from the Ladies. "I'm sure I looked a hot mess." 

I looked around the table to where the royal family was seated, at the edge. King Albert II was a burly man with dark curly hair and old, wise eyes. Atop his mane sat his glistening golden crown and he watched the other Ladies walk in, an illegible expression gracing his features. 

Beside him was his wife, Queen Amelia. I remembered from my Aridian history lessons that Queen Amelia was actually the King's second wife. Before her, he was married to Queen Clemence, the mother of Prince Carlos who died of an unforeseen sickness. The Queen was shockingly beautiful. Shockingly beautiful in the sense that her beauty knocked the wind out of you. She had extremely long dark hair and piercing grey eyes paired with high cheekbones and perfectly set lips. Her face was completely expressionless, yet, the embodiment of poise. 

Seated beside the Queen was who I presumed to be the Princess Barbara, the daughter of King Albert and Queen Amelia. She looked just a few years younger than I was so I placed her age around 16. She was definitely her mother's daughter and her good looks practically blew me away. But, Princess Barbara looked awfully bored and rolled her eyes occasionally, focusing on the lace details on the tablecloth rather than the Ladies' entrance. 

I expected to see Prince Carlos but he wasn't there. The seat I assumed he would be sitting on was empty. Apparently, I wasn't the only one wondering where 'Prince Charming' was. 

"Where's Prince Carlos?" Fiona whispered. 

I shrugged. It all seemed extremely strange. 

The girls whispered to each other, looking confused. Before anyone could speak, King Albert stood up, commanding the attention of the table. 

"Good evening Ladies, and welcome to The Choice."