"Never care about what the world tells you, because they don't have the power or authority to change you"~ brmangundah

Later that night Dakota sat by her vanity and began to remove the braids from her hair when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," she said softly.

In came her mother, a graceful and wise woman with hazel eyes and black hair that complimented her dark skin.

"Let me help you with that," she said as she sat behind her daughter and began to remove her braids.

"So tell me Dakota, are you prepared to go to the capital?"

Dakota sighed. " I am. I am also prepared to come back."

Her mother's hands stilled for a moment before resuming their work.

"And why do you believe that?" She inquired gently.

"Mama, there a many girls who will be partaking in this royal selection. Some of higher noble birth, others of fairer beauty and intellect, I honestly don't stand a chance," she admitted.

Her mother met her daughter's eyes through the mirror. "Dakota do you honestly think that beauty and intellect is what makes a queen?"

"I believe so, I mean who would not want handsome children with bright intelligence to rule the kingdom," she said nonchalantly.

"Dakota if the prince truly believed that then he is a fool. What truly makes a queen is her heart not her brains or beauty," she lectured.

"Is that not what all men look for?" Dakota commented.

"No, it really differs from man to man. To me I believe brains and beauty are merely an added bonus. You may have the intellect to rule a kingdom but if you lack heart your humanity will fail you,"

"Then what does this have to do with me?" She turned to properly face her mother.

Her mother sighed. "Call it a mother's intuition, but I believe that you may be chosen."

"What?!" She exclaimed in surprise. "What makes you believe that?"

"Because Dakota, the most amazing part of you is how much you care for humanity. Rich or poor, strong or weak, good or bad, you care deeply for everyone and you would do anything to help them."

Her mother stared deeply into her child's eyes. "I know the council is not made of idiots and they would not allow a noble girl to be made queen only by beauty and intellect alone. What they want is someone who would put the wellbeing of the people before their own and would not demand to live in riches and luxury, those are qualities I see in you."

Dakota kept silent, trying to digest what she was hearing.

"I know it is not easy but we must face the facts. The future is not set in stone." Her mother wisely spoke.

"I do not want to go," she whispered.

"I know," a hand gently caressed her cheek." However you must, and if you are not chosen you will return home. Although, if you are, Dakota, do not forget who you are or where you came from. Those girls will do anything to change themselves in order to win favour over the prince. Do not lie, do not cheat, stay true to yourself and show integrity. You will be going to the capital and the capital is not the west. Their ways are not our ways and there will be to you many strange things. Remember your culture, remember your identity, remember who you are."

"I promise I will." She swore and took her wisdom to heart.

Her mother kissed her forehead." Take care my child, I wish you the best of luck."

That night as Dakota stared upon the stars she prayed for a guiding light into her future, unbeknownst that someone else far away was wishing it too.