Chapter One

I was sitting in her room. I was reading the new book I got from my neighbor. I looked up and my mother was standing in the doorway. She was holding a beautiful letter. I didn't know who it was from but she had a look on her face that made me curious. I shut my book and grabbed the letter.

Dear Trinity Evans,

The palace is pleased to announce you will be competing in this Selection. If you don't know from your status of being a six, you will be competing for Prince Braden Shreave III. You will arrive at the palace in three days. By the time you revive this letter you will have one day to pack and tomorrow your ride will come to pick you up. Please do not be late or cause trouble with the driver.

We hope to see you soon!

Illéa Royal Family

I was in shock. Me being a six meant I had a chance to help my family. We were a poor family who were made only to be sold to the royal family to become maids, cooks, guards, or stable workers. I knew I was entered but I don't have a chance to win. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it

"How am I going to even get ready for this?" I asked my mother panicking. She is always calming and quiet. After my father died serving as a guard we never really liked the royal family.

I waited outside my house. My sister did my hair while I waited outside. I saw the nice car pull around the corner of my street. I looked behind me knowing that this is the last time I see my mother and sister for many months, or maybe, forever. I got in the car and look back at my family. My sister was almost in tears but my mother just smiled and waved.

"If you look over on your right you can start to see your new home for the next few months." The driver said as he kept his eyes on the road.

"Thanks." I say then look out the window. When people say the palace was one of the most beautiful places you'll ever see if you ever get the chance, they weren't lying. It was a gorgeous palace. There were beautiful gardens surrounding the palace and I saw topastaries, windows, and balconys that were larger than I ever imagined.

I looked on the other side of the car I saw multiple cars that were identical to ours. There was a girl whose window was down. I rolled my window down so I could talk to her.

"Hey!" I yelled over to her.

"Hey! What's your name?" She said as she spun around to yell back. "I'm Elisa. I'm a three."

"My name is Trinity. I'm a six. I have a sister and live with just my mother. My father was a guard and was killed by some Northern Rebels." I said to Elisa. I didn't know I met one of my best friends.

"Cool. My brother works at a restaurant and my mother stays at home with my younger brother and my little sister. My dad left us for some slut." Elisa said a bit annoyed when she brought up her father. "Hey what to walk in together? I don't know anyone really and since we both are a bit alone, it might be for the best." She asked me.

"Of course. I need someone right about now." I said in a playful way. I looked strait forward. There we were. Seconds from the palace. How long were Elisa and I talking?

I stepped out of the car and looked around amazed. Elisa stepped out of the car and stood by me. A tall maid came running over to me and looked at my outfit. She kinda gave my a look like "What is this girl wearing?" and it kinda made me feel uncomfortable.

"Please come with me. Also your friend can't come with you sorry." She said to me. He look chandler within seconds. Impressive. I didn't say a thing but I followed her.