Cira, the second daughter of a merchant family, always tried to stay out of the way, not wanting to draw any attention to herself. Her only dream was to become a healer for their city. One day it all came crashing down on her when her sister Tarian informed the family she was pregnant, now unable to become a King's Candidate. The position was already paid for, so her power-driven mother's eyes immediately fell on her, and she was swooped up and thrust into an unwanted position that made her head spin. Sit straight, do not carry that too close to your body, don't serve on the left, hold your chin up, and don't forget to smile. All in preparation for the new King to select his new bride and Queen for his kingdom. No one knew all the different things she may have to do to beat out all the other Candidates that were going to be there as well. All they had to go on was the stories and rumors of past Selections. Two hundred young women would be poked, prodded, and pranced about this new mysterious hidden King for his Selection. Even if she was not picked, if she presented well, it was an opportunity for a Lord, or a Baron, to take her on and elevate her family's status and position within the court. It could open doors for her to become a healer, a priestess... the possibilities are countless. In contrast, one wrong move could humiliate her family and cause shame to be brought upon them all. No pressure...
4 parts