All Chapters of The Choice: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Dear Lord Prowess,The King and Queen of Aridia solicit the presence of your daughter, Lady Madeline Prowess, to attend The Choice as a possible suitor for Prince Carlos, along with the daughters of 11 other nobles of the land. Lady Madeline is requested at the palace in 7 days' time where she will compete against other eligible Ladies for the hand of Prince Carlos to stand the chance to become the future queen of Aridi

"Tighter," My mother snapped at the seamstresses who quickly pulled the strings on the corset that seemed to be crushing my ribs. "I...can't...breathe," I wheezed. It felt like my insides were collapsing. "If you'd listened to me all those times

"Get up, get up, we have work to do!" My mother drew back my curtains, rendering me temporarily blind. "But mother," I moaned, shielding my eyes. "Don't tell me you've forgotten," My mother stared at me in disbelief. 

"The palace is so quiet," I marveled, as a maid led me through. It was well appointed and even more beautiful than the outside. The walls were covered in a smooth maroon velvet and were also adorned with portraits of Aridia's past monarchs.   "Most of the Ladies are preparing for dinner with the royal family," The maid replied, leading me up a grand spiraling staircase. 

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. 

"The Choice has been an Aridian tradition for over 100 years. A competition in which the heir to the Aridian throne has to pick a bride out of 12 eligible Nobles' Daughters. The competition is a measure of grace, poise, eloquence and elegance as well as the ability to win the hand of the heir. In a few weeks, The Cut will be made in which 6 Ladies will be sent home and the most eligible 6 will remain. You will have a number of events in which you will be able to prove your strength. Queen Amelia and I look forward to having one of you as our daughter in law and the future Queen of Ardia," King Albert addressed, authority coating his voice. 

"I'm so glad you're here," Fiona linked her arm through mine as we walked towards the table set for breakfast. "Where would I go?" I laughed. Fiona shrugged, "Maybe a vampire stole you away at night." 

I could feel all the eyes on the room on me and my palms began to sweat. The only thing I could do was the thing I knew how to do best. "My tale starts in a faraway land, where mystical creatures roamed the streets...," I started. I had created a

I curtsied quickly, cursing myself internally for forgetting. It didn't change the fact that I strongly disliked him. I didn't forget the words he'd said to me 7 years ago. "Why are you here Lady Madeline?" He asked. "I'm sure you know this is the royal wing of the palace- and it is off bounds to Ladies." 

As the days dragged on, The Welcoming Ball drew nearer. The Welcoming Ball was the ball in which the Nobles' Daughters were properly introduced to the court. They danced, socialized and most importantly- tried to catch the Prince's attention- 3 things I was horrible at. Dread filled my stomach as the hours inched closer and closer to the 'Big Day'. For starters, I had never actually been to a proper ball- only a few mock ones at Finishing School. As well as the fact that I didn't know how to dance and couldn't hold a proper conversation with a stranger without them walking away, bored or annoyed.