Princess Ursula woke to the blinding light of the sun as her maid opened the blinds to her windows. Ursula sighs as she sits up in bed with a yawn.
"Good morning, your highness." The maid greets with a curtsy.
"Thank you, Gwyn, but unfortunately it won't be a good morning for me." Ursula says as she climbs out of her bed. "My father wants to see me first thing, which can only mean one thing, he has big news for me. The only thing I can think he would want to tell me is that they're planning my Selection."
"But isn't that what every girl dreams of? Being able to choose anyone they want out of thirty-five attractive men." Gwyn says.
Ursula sighs, "Thirty-five men chosen by my father. I highly doubt it's all that random." She says as she walks towards her closet in search of something to wear.
"You really think your father will read through thousands of applications?" Gwyn asks.
"No," Ursula says, as she pulls several articles of clothing out of her closet. "But I know he'll want final say on the contestants." She adds as she puts on a white shirt with red flowers on it. On top of it she wears a navy cardigan paired with skinny jeans and green kitten heels.
"Are you sure that's not too modern to wear?" Gwyn asks. "Don't get me wrong it's adorable, but is your highness sure your father would approve?"
Ursula sighs, "I doubt he would but I have no social obligations today so he should tolerate it."
Ever since the rule of Ursula's great grandfather, King Hadrien, the monarchy had been returned to its true power and the role of prime minister as well as parliament had been dismantled. The traditions of the former monarchy had been reinstated and more strictly enforced. Social graces and societal expectations of castes became more stringent, and the common folk lost most of their basic freedoms. Strict gender roles were put into place which disadvantaged many women. It was expected that men provided for their families, which rarely happened among the lower castes where women were forced to work in order to make ends meet. Arranged marriages among the lords and ladies of the upper castes were now common place, and women were being seen as the property of men whose role was to raise a family and tend to their houses.
Those who clung to the resurrection of the old ways were called traditionalists, those who fought against it were called modernists and Ursula was unsure of where she stood. But she had little choice in the matter, publicly she must present herself as a traditionalist. She is the Princess Heir, after all. Her selection will determine the future King of Illéa, who she will serve faithfully as his Queen.
"Of course, I apologize if I overstepped my role, your highness." Gwyn says bowing her head.
"No, Gwyn you've done nothing wrong. You know I consider you more of a friend than my maid." Ursula says, taking the red head's hands in her's. "When the time comes I'll ensure you have the most advantageous marriage, I'll make sure you raise a caste or two, you've more than earned it."
"Thank you, your highness. But I think I would rather marry for love." Gywn says, blushing slightly.
"Something tells me you already have someone in mind," Ursula says with a grin. "Who is he? Would I know him?"
Gwyn nods, "Thomas, the chauffeur."
"He is cute, but don't you want to advance in rank? I mean no offense but are you really happy being a servant?" Ursula asks, oblivious to the rudeness of her question.
"I'm more than happy with my current position, your highness," Gwyn says. "How would you like your hair done today?"
"Well if you say so, and I want my hair straight and down." Ursula says as she walks towards her vanity desk.
Through the mirror she watches as Gwyn straightens her light brown hair that reached just below her shoulder blades. She does her own makeup, carefully completing a natural look and finishes her look with a red headband.
"Well, how do I look?" Ursula asks as she stands and turns to face Gwyn.
"You look perfect, as always." Gwyn says.
"I know," Ursula says with a grin, then exits her room, leaving Gwyn to tidy up.
When Ursula enters the drawing room she sees her father sitting on a couch reading the newspaper. Her father, King Edwin, was an average looking man. He had the same light brown hair as his daughter, though his was balding. His build was average with the little muscle that he had. He was nothing special to look at, but a very powerful man none the less. During his reign so far he made many reformations and changes, which mainly benefited the upper class and disadvantaged the lower classes. Edwin looks up when he hears the clicking of high heels entering the room. He frowns at his daughter, not quite approving of her outfit.
"What is it, daddy?" Ursula asks innocently.
"Your outfit..don't you think that's a little too modern?" Edwin says.
Ursula shakes her head, "I'm not showing anything I shouldn't. Please let me wear it? I really like it, and these types of clothes are in style now."
"I suppose you can, just don't get in the habit of wearing those outfits all the time." Edwin concedes with a sigh. "But I didn't call you down here to inspect your clothing choice. Have a seat."
Ursula sits on the sofa across from her father, her brown eyes focused on him, ready for whatever task he has for her.
"You have recently turned sixteen, which makes me believed that you're ready to engage in one of Illéa's oldest traditions." Edwin says.
"You mean a Selection?" Ursula asks.
Edwin nods, "Do you feel ready?"
"I think I'm ready, well as ready as one can be to date thirty-five men at once." Ursula answers.
"Not to worry, your stepmother and I will guide you through the process. I expect that you will heed to my advice." Edwin says, giving his daughter a warning look. Which she knew meant that his advice was to be followed no matter what.
Ursula nods, "Of course I will. But I still get final say, right?"
"Yes, the choice will ultimately be your's, you will be responsible for choosing Illéa's future ruler, so choose wisely."
"I'll do my best." Ursula promises.
"I know you will, my dear. Now, let's go have breakfast. We'll announce your Selection during the report."
Hello everyone and welcome to my SYOC! I hope you liked the first chapter. Leave me a review so I know what you think.
In addition to male contestants I will need some royal family members, they are:
The Queen (Ursula's stepmother)
The Duke (Ursula's stepbrother, it's an honorary title)
Ursula's younger sister.
There is a different form for these characters, so please ask me if you're interested. If not the form is on my profile. If you have any questions please PM me, and please send all characters through PM.
Thanks! ^_^
~CW