Chapter 3

My mother fastened the white daisy of Clermont in my dark hair while I stared in the mirror. My hands shook when I tried to do it myself, so she slapped them away and did it herself. My father came home the night before in a fit like I had never seen before. He picked up my mother like she weighed nothing and slammed her into the doorframe. I pushed Sophie out onto the street to hide, but chose to stay with my mother. I got too close to my father, so I received a slap across my face which still stings to the touch. He's out again, but the stench of alcohol is still in the air.

With some of the money we received from the Selection, my mother bought me black slacks, a white blouse, and black flats. Wearing such fine clothes made me feel royal already, even though I knew that this was everyday to most girls.

There was a small crowd gathered to see me off, although it was mostly Fives and down. No one of high caste was proud to have a Seven representing them, and I couldn't blame them. I was one step up from homeless and about a hundred steps down from princess material. They would rather stay home.

"Be good," I instructed Sophie, as if she wasn't perfect already. My mother just hugged me tight, whispering words of encouragement in my ear.

"Kahlen!" shouted a male voice. My stomach dropped to the asphalt. "Aren't you going to say goodbye to your dad?" He jogged up to us, all benign and fatherly.

Camera men swooped closer, and my sister froze next to me, stricken.

"Anthony, you've made it back safe," my mother said, gracefully taking his hand. She smiled up at him, and to anyone who didn't know them wouldn't see the strain in her eyes. My smart, smart mother knew that no one could see our family as problematic in any way. The royal family has no room for the broken.

"Of course I made it. I would never miss my girl's big day!" he smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He took my hands and leaned in to hug me. It took every ounce of my being not to shove him off me and scream something non regal.

I put on a faux smile and said, "Glad you could make it, Dad." He hugged me, his beard rubbing against my cheek which was still sore from his smack the night before. The sting of pain made me furious, and I whispered "bastard" so that only he could hear.

His green eyes were dark with rage when I pulled away, but his smile was stuck there like one of the porcelain dolls we could never afford. I took my mother and sisters hands one last time before accepting the waiting hand of the chauffeur and sliding into the car.

"We are now heading to the airport, Lady Kahlen," said the man kindly. Lady Kahlen. My new name was still unfamiliar.

"Thank you, sir."

This man was likely a Six, or maybe even a Five. His politeness was forced. I should be the one driving him around.

"You may wait here for the other three ladies who will be on the flight with you. If you need anything push that button and someone will come to assist you." My chauffeur left me, and I curled up on a plush couch in wait, my stomach knotted up with nerves.

In about five minutes, the door opened and a blond girl walked in. Her aid followed and gave the same speech, then left.

"Hi I'm Lily," she said politely.

"I'm Kahlen, nice to meet you."

"Kahlen. . ."

"Faye."

"Oh. The Seven."

"That's me." She wrinkled her nose and sat on the other side of the couch. "What are you?"

She didn't answer. I racked my brain trying to remember. I tried to memorize at least some of the girls' names. Two? I crossed my legs and looked the other way. How was I going to survive?

Less than a minute passed when the door opened again.

"Hi, Ataline Gardener. Four. Who are you?" trumpeted a girl, parading into the room like she was already walking down the royal aisle.

Lily jumped up with a sweet smile again and embraced her like an old friend. "I'm Lily, Two. Your hair is gorgeous!"

"Thanks! Caeli from Kent is coming in behind me. They were having a problem with her suitcase." Ataline and Lily plopped down on the couch together, all smiles and friendliness.

I stayed quiet, not sure what to do. Is is more strategic to become friends with these girls or keep to myself?

Caeli came in a minute later, lugging a massive trunk of clothes. "Hi," she says, handing it to a nearby aid. "I'm Caeli."

"Hi!" If Lily had energy before, it was nothing like now. She jumped up from the couch and wrapped her arms around the poor girl, who hugged her back dispassionately.

"Oh my god, you're the only other Two I've met so far!" she said, taking her hand. She smiled again at Ataline, but there was a coldness in her eyes. Oh, so this was her game. She was going to surround herself with girls from upper castes and keep all the other girls away. "Mama said to watch out for thieves. You never know where these girls game from!"

The comment was clearly directed at me, and I rolled my eyes. I turned to Ataline and announced, "My mama warned me that there would be some real bitches here. 'Better watch the company you keep', she said."

Caeli let out a laugh, and slid away from Lily. "Are you the Seven?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied, already feeling defensive.

"No worries, girl, I don't care what caste you were. You're a Three now." She patted me on the back, and Lily looked increasingly furious.

An attendant came around the corner just in time, before all hell broke loose. "Ladies, the plane is ready!" We gathered ourselves together and made our way to the flight that would take us to our new lives.

A/N Hey! Don't worry, I'm added a chapter right after this one because I'm excited to get them to the palace. I haven't written this in a while, but please review as always! I love to hear what you think. Also, as I said in the last note, feel free to create your own selected girl with this template::

Name:

Caste:

Hair color:

Eye color:

Height:

Other details:

Personality:

Thanks so much! See you soon :)