Another Selection

Chapter 7

My head was spinning as I placed myself back next to mom while dad sat beside me and handed me a bowl of popcorn. I sat there putting each sweet kernel in my mouth, one by one not even thinking abot the action, just staring into space.

"Deira, are you okay?"

"Hmm...what?" I said not even hearing who said it.

"Your father asked whether you were okay?" My mother replied.

"Oh...right, yeah. I'm okay." I said, clearly not.

I saw my parents exchange a series of worried looks but before one of then could say anything the T.V. gleamed to life, marking the start of the report. I was, you could say, saved by the bell.

"Good evening Illéa!" Gaston shouted from the screen. "As we all know the selection is officially starting tomorrow," As a chorus of cheers went up from the screen I was nervously tapping against my thigh.
"But before we get on to that, may I introduce our benevolent leader for the weekly announcements, his majesty King Dale!"
"Good evening everybody," The King said after the applause died down. "Here in the palace we have had an eventful week with the preparations for the selection and fortunately there have been no rebel attacks this week but there has been another kind of treason," There was an intake of breath from both us and everyone on screen who clearly knew nothing about what the King was going to reveal. "As you all know, in our law it states that all men and women must stay virtuous until marriage. This law is in place to protect both you and your children from shame and broken families however some feel that this law doesn't apply to them. One of the selected," Mackenzie's picture appeared on the screen and I gasped in horror as it dawned on me what the King was about to reveal. "has been found guilty of this crime. She in fact made her way into the selection by seducing an official vital in the application process. In confessing to this crime and therefore sparing the royal family of having a deceitful child welcomed into our home, this official has been pardoned and shall remain un-named however Miss Krir has been jailed for and is to await further punishment for her crime. As she lied her way into this competition we thought it was only right to compensate the ones she betrayed the most. So they might forgive her, the family that employed Miss Krir's, will have the opportunity to become Ones as it will be their daughter who replaces Miss Krir. I shall leave Gaston to conduct the rest of this report and I apologise for having to start with this troubling news,"

I suddenly realised why Louise had been so upset. I had been given so much while her daughter had been publicly shamed and stripped of everything. She would most likely be let out of jail in a few years but nobody decent would marry or employ her. She can make no life for herself.

"I'm sorry honey, I can't watch this anymore," Mom said standing up, "I have to lie down,"

"I'll come with you," Dad also stood, "Tell me everything later princess, okay?"

"Okay Daddy,"

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"This really is very sad news but his majesty has given me the honour of announcing the happy news of the lucky lady who will be taking Miss Krir's place in the selection. Please join me in congratulating Lady Deira Leone of Dakota, two." Applause broke out on the screen but I was too stunned to move. Everything I had ever wanted had just fallen into place but at what cost? My closest friend had been put in prison for trying to get a better life for herself. Even if you didn't win, your caste was elevated to a three and you are given fame and fortune.

"Prince Michael, how do you feel about the news of this betrayal?" Gaston had started on the interviews.

"Well Gaston, it's definately news to me, but I must say that I was shocked. I had no idea of the lengths that people will go to. I do, however, understand that Miss Krir and Lady Leone were quite close so it must be much harder for her and her family that any of us here," He spoke so well and despite what had happened minutes ago, I couldn't help but smile at Michael.

"Well said your highness. Princess Mikaela, how do you feel about the newest selection candidate,"

"I am very excited to meet all the selection candidates but I and especially keen to get to know Lady Leone," Her eyes glinted as she smiled at Gaston before looking towards her brother and then the camera.

"And I have also heard rumours that you have met Lady Leone before. What's the story there?" Gaston asks looking like he wanted to get some juicy gossip.

"Yes we have," Mikaela chuckles slightly. "Michael was going on an educational trip to France but as our father was making trade agreements with Italy, he couldn't go with Michael so he sent one of his most trusted advisors,"

"I do remember that trip but I must ask what relevance this has to Lady Leone?"

"Well, Gaston, the advisor my father sent was Daniel Leone. Lady Leone's father. As they were good friends, my parents invited Lady Leone and her mother to stay with us in the month that my brother and her father would be away. During that time we became great friends,"

"Well that is a lovely story but I hope that you won't show any favouritism," Gaston jokingly warns.

With an eye roll the Princess replies, "You know me Gaston. I can't help myself. If Michael doesn't make her an elite he will be living with a devious princess waiting for her revenge," She cackles evilly and rubs her hands together.

"Yes, I still haven't forgotten the shaving foam prank! That was my favourite suit!" Michael tries to look stern but the broad smile on his face shows that he doesn't mean it.

"Ooohhh, do tell!" All the royal family are smiling and I just wish I was there next to Michael.

Hi! How are you? It's been a while, sorry!

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