Hey there! I think this chapter was one of the hardest parts!

I really want to make you feel how much sexy/honest/impressive is the Prince in that scene and when I picture it in my head it's just...oh lala! (I'm going crazy, don't mind me)

Let me know if you can feel the luuuv and if I can improve the moment! Hope you like it :)

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: Mrs. Michelle has set the rules of Prince Henry' Selection. Today is the big day. We will meet the Prince for the first time.

A maid came to pick me up in the Women's room. Following her to the Prince's office, I wiped my hands on my pants. Even though Prince Henry promised during breakfast that he will not dismiss anyone today, I still had to convince him to let me go home.

Moreover, time flew so fast today!

Mrs. Michelle etiquette lesson was intensive. She listed a thousand rules and even had us practice curtsies and posture. The lunch was amazing. I learned that Sarah was a ballerina, and Tatiana was in nursing school. We kept talking the whole afternoon and also went to introduce ourselves to the other girls. We were all excited and chit-chatted about how nice was the Palace, the food, and the Prince of course.

As a result, I didn't rehearse my speech at all.

The maid knocked, introduced me as I curtsied just like we practiced. She left and the Prince politely greeted me.

"Welcome, Lady Catherine. Please, take a seat."

I sat on the sofa and he took the chair next to me.

"Can you introduce yourself, please?"

What? Is it a job interview or what?

"Well...hmm... I am 21. I am a teacher of the history and language of Hestéi. I live in Angeles, I love music, musicals, animals. I like having fun with my friends, just as much as enjoy a quiet room with a book or walks in the park," I thought for a minute and added. "I like food too. I think this sums it up."

"Young, teacher of Hestéi, and looking like a good person," he listed. "Are you, by any chance, my sister's 'Katy'?" he asked, suspicious.

"It's a very good guess, Your Highness. Please, call my Katy too."

"I am not good with nicknames, but I will try my best Lady Katy. I heard a lot of story about you, you know," he said, mischievous.

I blushed. He smiled and I saw that he was taking notes. I frowned, interested in what he could write.

"I'm sorry about that," he said. "You are 35 wonderful ladies and I want to make sure that I will take you on a date that fits your likings," he explained with a polite smile.

"About that, Your Highness... may I speak freely?"

"You may."

"I can ease that task for you. To be true, I did not apply, someone did it for me, and without me knowing. My life is very fine the way it is, I'm happy with what I already have and..."

Damn it! I forgot half of my speech...so much for being convincing!

I chose my words carefully: "I did not wish to be a part of the Selection. I think it will benefit both of us if I go home."

A long silence followed my clumsy speech.

I finally dared to look at him. He was not surprised or upset, he was thoughtful. After what seemed like forever, he asked:

"Do you think you can develop feelings for me?"

I wasn't expecting that. I did not think one second about... that possibility.

"I... I honestly don't know. You are a complete stranger to me, and so am I to you..."

"It is the case with all the Selected," he pointed out.

True... I admitted to myself.

"Only time can tell, You Highness," I finally decided to answer.

"You know, until recently, I never thought about getting married. The idea itself never crossed my mind."

"Why do you have a Selection if you don't want one then?"

He smiled and stood up. I copied him.

"If I understood it right, you did not fill in the application form yourself, did you?"

"No, you're right."

I was unsettled by his behavior, he had not given me an answer yet, and now he was asking that. What does he want?

He took a paper in a drawer of his desk and gave it to me. It was a blank Selection form. I looked down and bit my lips.

"We both did not wish for what is happening, but, somehow, we are here now," he said.

He looked in my eyes and asked softly:

"Will you give us a chance?"