I couldn't breathe. My fate was in the hands of the royal family. "Miss Melina Castaway of Hansport, Two." I jumped up and down, squealing as my curls brushed my cheeks. I was going to be in the selection. I was going to win the prince's heart. I smoothed my dress, grinning at the camera. The grin slid off my face when they began announcing my competition. These girls were trying to get in the way of true love, and I wouldn't allow it. A pale girl named Bhianca was announced on the screen. Her hair was almost as glossy as mine. Next a girl named Fhlora. Her pixie like form complimented her soft blond bob and wide rose bud lips. Anger pitted at my stomach as these girls smiled and laughed. It made me sick that they thought they had a chance. I knew what the future held for me and these thirty four girls were getting in the way. My first duty as queen would be to do something about the rotten pesks. 

As I watched I made mental notes in my head as to who was the biggest competition. Bhianca and Fhlora were pretty but nothing special. Adelaide was no competition whatsoever. Beryl, my friend had betrayed me. Beryl thought she could win the prince? My soulmate? Well she thought wrong. Daina was creepy. Yes she was powerful but that wouldn't win the prince's heart. Not like I would. Scarlett was determined. She gave an air about her as though she was already the queen. It bothered me. The prince would never go for a burly girl like Jaiden. And as for Everly and Sayra, they stood no chance. At that moment I knew that Scarlett was my biggest competition. And I knew I would keep her at bay and away from the prince. Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer. I was going to reel Scarlett in, become friends with her, then cast her away once I became queen. I would sabotage her behind the scenes. It wasn't evil of me! She was trying to stop what's right so I would simply set the prince on the correct path. The lottery girl was pretty enough. Though not nearly pretty enough to be competition. Her sister seemed to not like that she was here. Just a little push and they'll ruin their own chances. 

My mind tuned back to hear Mary Lucy's excited squeal. "Melina! You're in the selection!" "Of course." I responded, but I couldn't contain my excitement. I felt a girlish giggle escape my lips before I slapped my hand over my mouth. I pulled myself up to my full height and smiled politely. This was my chance. And I was going for the win. "Edward!" I screeched. Just as Edward arrived, Mary Lucy blushed. "Fetch Sicily and Derly." Edward nodded and walked off. Moments later Sicily and Derly arrived. "Go to Mrs. Welsh for a new corseted dress in the finest lavender silks. And a deep red evening gown." They nodded and scurried off. "Mary Lucy, please help around the house while I'm gone." I asked her. "Of course!" She said, "Oh you're too good of a friend!" I squealed, embracing her in a warm hug. Days later, officials swarmed the estate. "Mrs. Castaway, this might sound harsh, but as of the announcement, you are now considered property of Illéa." I nodded. "You must take care of your body-" "as I always do." I interrupted. 

The official sighed. "Yes, now, I have many forms for you to sign so we go through this information. Any failure to comply on your part will result in your immediate removal from the Selection. Do you understand?" I nodded, not worried by any words he was saying. "Good. Let's start with the easy stuff. These are vitamins. Since you are a Two, you may already have access to the necessary nutrients but just in case, please take one of these every day. You are on your own now but at the palace you will have someone to help you." He passed a bottle filled to the brim and a form I had to sign. "I have with me the physical from your doctor. Nothing to worry about, you have excellent health." I beamed. 

Of course I was in perfect health, I was a two after all. "Now, I know this is personal, but I've had to talk about this to every contestant, so please don't be shy. I need confirmation that you are in fact, not in a relationship." The official looked nervous. He must have gotten the wrong response from other contestants. "Of course." I replied, my voice smooth with domination. "Great. I just need you to sign this form to confirm your statement." I wrote my name in a royal cursive, spreading out each letter. "Now, to the rules. You cannot leave the palace of your own accord. You have to be dismissed by the prince himself. Even the king and queen cannot force you out. They can tell the prince they do not approve of you, but he makes every decision on who stays and leaves." The official said. I'm not worried, maybe my fellow competitors will want me out, but not the royal family. Especially the prince. 

"There is no set timeline for the Selection, It can be over a matter of days or stretch into years." "You do not arrange your times with the prince. He will find you for one-on-one company if he wishes. If you are in a larger social setting and he is present, that is different. But you do not go to him without invitation." I respond with a smile and a tilt of the head. "While no one expects you to get along with the other thirty-five girls," my fists clench at the mention of the other girls. "You are not to fight with them or sabotage them. 

If you are found laying hands on another contestant, causing her stress, stealing from her, or doing anything that might diminish her personal relationship with the prince, it is in his hands whether or not to dismiss you on the spot." I gulped quietly. I had planned on throwing Scarlett off the prince's eye line but I couldn't risk getting in trouble with the prince. I had to win. I just had to! "If you are found breaking any of Illéa's written laws, you will receive punishment tied to that offense. Your status as one of the selected does not put you above the law. You must not wear any clothes or eat any food that is not specifically provided for you by the palace." That was easy enough. "This is a security issue and will be strictly enforced. On Fridays you will be present for all Capital Report broadcasts. On occasion, but always with warning, there will be cameras or photographers in the palace, and you will be courteous and allow them to see your lifestyle with the prince." I pursed my lips, this was information I already had prepared for. Mostly. "For each week you stay at the palace, your family will be compensated. 

I will give you your first check before I leave. Also, should you not stay at the palace, an aide will help you adjust to your life after the Selection. Your aide will assist you with final preparations before you leave-" "Which I won't." I said, smiling determinedly. "Anyway, your aide will seek new housing and employment. Unless, as you are a two, You do not wish to. Should you make it to the top ten," I was growing tired of this, should you this should you that. It's simple. I'm going to win. 

"You will be considered an Elite. Once you reach that status, you will be required to learn about particular inner workings of the life and obligations you would have as a princess." Correction. You will have as a princess. "You are not permitted to seek out such details before that time. As you are a two, your status will not change and remain the same." "Now, if you could just sign this form saying you've heard all the official rules, and your parents sign this form saying that you received your check." I signed the first form and fetched Derly to send the second form to my parents. Everything I'd ever worked for, was clear in my head.