Summary: A mother and her young daughter flee from a castle at war, leaving behind their whole life. Thirteen years later, they built their new life in Illéa. Katy is 21 and works as a teacher of language and history of Hestéi. When the heir of Illéa, Prince Henry (23), unexpectedly announced he would have a Selection, Katy thought this decision would not affect her life... until her name is called at the lucky draw! It's a whole new beginning for her, but most importantly, she has a secret that must be kept at any cost.

Previously: Nothing, because today is the first day of Prince Henry's Selection!

If you know how to put little *** or other thingies to signify a lapse of time, let me know, please! When I put some it always disappears :'(

I woke up in a jolt.

The thunder was rumbling. A storm was coming. After the past hot weeks, a bit of rain would be very welcome.

What time is it?

The alarm-clock showed 6:02 am.

I listened carefully. No rain yet. And I still had one hour before Maggie had to wake me. I had enough time for my morning walk though.

I got up and put the clothes I brought on. I took my cloak and opened the window. The air was still warm but wet. Barefoot on the stoned floor, I put my cloak on and looked around.

Once I was sure no one could see me... I jumped over the balcony.

I came back right on time to see Maggie come into my room. She saw the bed undone and walked to the bathroom.

"Lady Katy?" she called.

When she opened the bathroom door after a knock, I sneaked inside and walked as fast as I could to the closet, thrown my cloak in and called her back: "Maggie?"

She came back from the bathroom and let out a sigh.

"I woke up early and couldn't fell back asleep, so I went to explore the closet and its wonders," I lied while closing the door.

Well... it's half a lie, right?

"You scared me, for a minute I thought you already asked to go home..." she said relieved.

"You'd rather work here than at your other job, don't you?" I asked.

"How do you know?" she answered, surprised by my good guess.

"I grew up here, in the Palace. When I got older, I helped around, so I know how it works when the royal family hosts a lot of people."

"That was not mentioned at all in your form."

"That's another story," I chuckled.

"Alright. Now, go to the shower, Lady Katy. You have to be ready at 8. Mrs. Michelle has to talk to you before breakfast at 8:30."

When I got out of the bathroom, Maggie had done my bed, arranged the make-up on the dressing table, and was cleaning dust she only could see. She had hung my outfit in the bathroom while I was showering, and thank god it fully covered my back and shoulders.

"Maggie, I don't know if it's possible, but... can you ask the tailors for outfits that cover my back and shoulders, please? I have some birthmarks I'd like to hide."

Half a lie again, I am gonna lie all the time? I don't like that. But, on the other hand, I do have "birthmarks" that I must hide...

She didn't ask anything and I thanked her for that. She just nodded and took me to the dressing table.

While she was doing my hairs, I asked her plenty of questions. She was 20, always lived in Angeles, and she indeed worked as a maid in a rich family of the city. She had a boyfriend and they were madly in love. Her dream was to travel the world with him. Who's not wishing for that?

She had made me a braid and fixed it in a sophisticated chignon. She did my make-up, brought me a full box of jewels and my shoes. I picked up a not-too-daring necklace that fitted with my pastel pink summer pantsuit and my watch (I was never going without my watch). Maggie looked at her work and approved it. I was finally ready.

She opened the door and I joined the girls already waiting for this day to begin.

Mrs. Michelle arrived at 8 sharp.

"Good morning, Ladies. Is everyone here? I do not like to repeat myself and neither do I like latecomers. Before taking you to the Dinning room I will give you your schedule and the basic rules of the Selection.

"Today is a bit peculiar as Prince Henry wants to meet each of you in private. I will call your names and you will form two groups. Step on this side when you are called," she said, showing one side of the corridor.

"The Ladies I called will meet the Prince this morning, the other group in the afternoon. You will wait for your turn in the Women's Room. A maid will pick you up and lead you to the Prince's office. The other group will have its first class with me in the Great Room. Both the meeting and the class start at the same time: 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Lunch will be at 12:30. Any question?"

So I'll meet with the Prince this afternoon. Good. It gives me some time to review my 'let me go home' speech.

As no one asked questions, Mrs. Michelle continued:

"First rule: You are not allowed to use your cell phones, and are required to let it in your room. From now on, you will only be allowed to use it on your free time. Moreover, you are not allowed to post anything on any kind of social media, except if you are invited to do so. Consider yourself as a member of the royal family. You every move, your every word, will be closely watched."

This announcement created dissatisfaction among the Selected, and many girls -including me- quickly went back to their room.

"Your chambermaids have the duty to report all issues. From your health to your behavior, which leads to the second rule: if you try to hurt morally or physically another contestant, your chambermaid, or anyone else in this castle, the Prince and I will know and will act accordingly.

"Third rule: the third floor is strictly forbidden. You may go if you are invited to only.

"Fourth rule: you are not allowed to go in the gardens alone. A guard must escort anytime.

"Fifth rule: you are not allowed to walk around the castle or the gardens at night.

"Sixth rule: if you break the laws of Illéa, you will face the consequences of your deeds. One of you will be the future Queen of our country but no one, not even the King and the Queen, are above the law.

"If you break one of these rules, you will immediately be expelled."

A heavy silence fell on our little group. We looked at each other, stunned by her indifference as if she did not measure the weight of her words.

"Now, Ladies, do not forget to curtsy when you enter the Dinning room."