We walk over to the village square to see a man and two women standing in front of the fountain. I recognize one of the women as the lady I ran into earlier. The tall, stern woman who yelled at the little boy. The other woman is tall, taller than the other one. She has white hair that is put into a ponytail, yet she looks to be around my age. The man is wearing a fancy suit with a scroll opened up in his hands as he is clearing his throat.

"The king has an announcement to make!" The man starts. Rosalinde and Antionette look at each other with curious looks. They then look at me and I shrug.

"From now on, all eligible Women that live in the village can participate in becoming the next Queen in the elections," he continues with a disgusted look. Gasps ring throughout the square, and everyone looks shocked.

"Did I hear that right? WE can participate? Like become a candidate?" I question the twins.

"Yeah, you heard right," Antionette said.

"Quiet!" The stern woman shouts. The villagers quiet down and the man starts speaking again.

"Now, we will take a few volunteers for the election from this village," he states. I immediately raised my hand.

"Me! I volunteer," I yell loudly. The stern woman looks at me with fire in her eyes as if she wants me dead. 

"Very well then... Miss?" she started before inquiring me to tell her my name.

"Adelina Belrose, ma'am," I say politely.

"Where is your brother?" she asks.

"H-he isn't my brother ma'am, I-I lied," I stutter out.

She scoffed before saying, "Well then, we can't have a dirty liar as Queen! Find someone else," she instructs the man.

"Ms. Auguste, we cannot replace her. The rules state as soon as you volunteer you cannot back out," he explains. The stern woman now known as Ms. Auguste scoffs and rolls her eyes. I smile in delight knowing the universe is on my side. I finally have the change I need. Well, not all the change I need. However, I'm on the right track.

"Now we need another volunteer," the man says.

"Me!" Rosalinde practically screams her lungs out. She's louder than I was. "As long as my sister can come with me!" she adds.

"Rosalinde-" Antionette starts, but her sister rambles on.

"Antio, please, we have never been separated from each other, our lives would change if we do this, we could leave this place. We wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore," Rosalinde pleads.

"F-fine, but I'm doing this for you!" Antionette confirms. Rosalinde smiles before giving her sister a big bear hug.

"Now girls, please come over here and say your names and ages," Ms. Auguste says.

We all look at each other and make our way over to the fountain.

The man motions for us to stand next to him. He then bows and moves backward so we're the center of attention. I clear my throat before speaking.

"My name is Adelina Belrose, as I said earlier, and I am 18." I end my little speech before looking over at Antoinette, signaling it's her turn.

"I am Antionette Labelle and I am 18," she says and steps aside for her sister.

"I am Rosalinde Labelle and I am 18 as well," she beams.

"That is all then, you are dismissed. Candidates stay here please." The man says. All of the villagers disperse and start going back to their daily activities.

"I am Romain, the Royal Advisor," the man finally introduces himself.

Romain turns to the sour old lady and the foxy guard. "This is your instructor, Ms. Emiri Auguste, and the head of guards, Ms. Sphene Bennett."

"Pleasure to meet the possible Queens of Aresixis." Sphene bows down, and smiles with a smirk. I look over at the twins, and Antionette's face is ablaze with red.

All 3 of us stand in a group ready for our next instruction.

"Yes, yes. Now, you have only two hours to get ready to leave. Please meet back here after the time is out. Understood?" Ms. Auguste says with a harsh undertone.