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The Choosing Game

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Blurb

The royal decree states that 'on every prince's 25th birthday the choosing ceremony must be held in his honor. Nine girls from the must eligible and noble families will be selected to participate in hopes of becoming his bride and the next queen of Arindele.

Prince Alexeviar of Arindele is faced with a choice of having to pick one out of nine beautiful girls. But how does one do that? And what if the one that intrigues him the most doesn't want to be there?

Lady Lillianna used to be a carefree girl. Until the incident that built up walls around her heart. She doesn't believe in love and certainly doesn't believe in the choosing.

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The interview
Alex's pov: I wiped my sweaty palms on my khakis, i have never felt so nervous about anything in my life before, to commit my life to my duty i knew i had to, but in my past years of being with every girl i ever wanted he forgot that settling down was a part of his duty. What was i even afraid of? I asked myself. Any girl would be lucky to even be in my presence yet I still felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Maybe i am afraid of messing up, messing the choosing up or even messing up at being king when the time comes. I walked forward and pushed the door opened to reveal my mother Queen Claire, my father King Edward, my sister Princess Annabelle, my brother Prince Lucas and the two royal advisors May and Christoph. "Ah look you decided to grace us with his presence. It's his royal highness, price Casanova " my brother Luke taunted. Lucas is the type of person that plays through every situation, no matter how serious. "We missed you at breakfast this morning" mother said with a soft smile. She knew how nervous i was and promised to be there for him through each step of the way, the whole family did. Even though i begged them to just cancel the whole ritual and let me choose on my own terms. I remember father saying "son hundreds of years of tradition will not be broken just because you are afraid you might fall in love" that wasn't the case. I was afraid of falling for the wrong person or the right person and letting her down. I scanned the meeting room looking at every one present and finally said "good morning everyone. Shall we begin?." And took a seat next to Anna who gave me a peck. "Let's begin" she chimes while Father gives a curt nod towards May. "So we have narrowed down 28 most eligible and respected families in Arindele with daughters of age and standards of the choosing" May said standing by the projector, she started showing the profile of each girl. "Each girl is has a degree and is of royal title, each of these girls have their own strengths and talents, so now we can narrow down to 15 girls that will make it to the video interview and from then, the lucky nine," said Christoph looking directly at me like i had two heads. "Nobles all around the kingdom with eligible daughters are at the edge of their seats waiting, hoping and praying their daughters make it to the interviews," My mother remarked. "Prior screening was carried out before the girls were selected to avoid any incidences. None of these twenty eight young ladies have any damaging pasts we cannot attach the crown's good name to," father spoke in a kingly manner. "Dear lord! Look at all these babes! Why wasn't i born first?" Luke wondered out loud earning a disdaining look from his parents. "Stop objectifying these girls Luke! It's disrespectful," Anna scolded. After what seemed like forever, fifteen out of twenty eight girls were picked and would go through the video process the next day. My mother and May left immediately to informed the families of the girls chosen, the king and Christopher left to go handle state business. "Common bro! You have to be excited about this. But instead you look scared, common! I mean there are like a thousand girls that would literally kill to be in this competition and you look scared" Luke knew i loved the ladies attention but he was confused as to why his brother seems to be off it. "Alex it's really nothing to stress over" Anna said patting my back "you are going to find the love of your life in the choosing, i know it. It may be hard to decide but we are here for you. we love you and we will love our sister in-law and queen no matter who you choose," she said. "But please and please don't fall in love with a self absorbed barbie like human. I would like my sister in-law to have some warmth to her." She added. I looked up to her and then to Luke "thank you guys" i simply said with a smile not knowing what to say. "no! Thank you bro! Because every girl that doesn't make it will be looking for a shoulder to cry on and i have two" Luke said with a cocky smile and a wink causing Anna to smack the back of his head and say "jerk" causing us both to laugh. They all sometimes acted like kids though Anna is the more matured one even though she is just nineteen, Luke being twenty two. Luke is my best friend despite our differences and Anna was my confidant i love her and protect her like I would my own daughter. After our little banter i left the meeting room feeling a lot lighter 'maybe it won't be that bad' I thought. Lillianna pov: The alarm goes off for the ten thousandth time "arggh" i groaned into the pillow. 'Just five more minutes' I told myself and snoozed it . I had nothing better to do, i haven't had much responsibilities since i graduated school and medical school doesn't start until fall. I had a few things i did here and there for my mother but not today. Just i was about to drift off to the lalaland of my dreams, i hear the sound of my name being called, i was sure it was my mother. I simply ignored her and pulled the cover over my head. I hear her screaming my name "Lillianna Marie Jackson" Mom screeched like a banshee 'lord take my soul' I thought as pretended to still be asleep. "Wake up and get down here or else i swear i will come up there and pour a bucket of ice on you" she said. Knowing how serious she is, I got up instantly and shouted "gee mother i'm coming". I couldn't wait for the night to roll in so i can go back to sleep already. I am in a committed relationship with my bed and my mother didn't seem to approve of our love. "Don't miss me my love, i will be back soon" i said dramatically to my bed. I went straight to the washroom thinking 'what could be so important?' But knowing Mom has zero patience I hurriedly washed my face, brushed my teeth and looked in the mirror, my blonde hair all messed up. I quickly ran my fingers through it and turned it into a bun and strolled lazily downstairs. I went straight to the dining hall were Mom and Dad were already eating "morning daddy.." I kissed his left cheek and moved to mom to place a kiss on her forehead "morning mom" they both responded to my greetings. "How did you sleep honey?" Mom asked nicely. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes "good i think, you woke me up before i could be sure" i said with a sweet smile, yeah that's my thing, i'm sassy. She chortled at my remark as she took a sip of her tea, she seemed extra happy as i was about to ask why when my brother Nathan burst in saying hi to everyone and stopped by me and said " morning sis. So.., congrats i heard you made it to the top 15 most beautiful in the country " he beamed cheerfully. What was he talking about? I looked and mom and i saw her looking at dad within a hidden message in her eyes. She looks at me and smiles " honey just hear me out" she says. "oopss i thought she knew" Nate murmurs and mum glares at him. "Honey we love you and only want what is best for you.. And you know as a dukes daughter you have high expectations and certain responsibilities" She blabbers, she only does that when she does something horrible. "Mom what did you do?!please get to the point "i said loosing my patience. " ok here goes"..."honey you have been selected to go further for the interview of the choosing," she says as if i knew what she was talking about. I squinted my eyes at her, scrunching my nose up in the process "what is 'the choosing'?" The weird term sounded familiar but i couldn't remember where i heard it from. "Keep up lils! It's like the royal bachelorette, it is all the tabloids are talking about right now" Nate said in a duh tone earning another glare from mom. "Bachelorette?! As in the misogynistic show that degrades women and everything i stand for? That bachelorette?" I asked pushing my chair backward, feeling suffocated. "Honey you are not entering the bachelorette. The choosing is a beautiful tradition that dates decades back, it is nothing like that frivolous show" the tone mom was talking to me in was her 'don't panic tone' and it makes me panic each and ever time she uses it. I opened my mouth then clamped it shut, like a fish in a barrel. I looked around and they were all waiting for me to say something, and I decided not to. I got up and bolted out of there I could hear everyone calling out to me, but i kept going till i reached the creek at the far end of the mansion, the only place i feel serenity. My tranquility was short-lived as my best friend Sofia came barging into my hiding place. She sat beside me and Said nothing. I took a long deep breath and waited for it. "Lils it has been three years. You have to let go please don't let this opportunity pass you by" "the opportunity of falling in love again" she added. "I don't want to fall in love again Sofy.. i still haven't fell out of it" i muttered bitterly. "This is seriously unhealthy Lilly," she sighed then continued "can't you see how much you are hurting everybody else?" I kept looking at the beautiful water in front of me and said nothing. She sighs and keeps going "just do the interview please. Maybe you won't get picked but at least you tried. Please try. Please." She pleaded with me. I looked at her and felt tears start to stream down my face. I looked away, knowing she will just continue and my heart could not take it. I let out a shaky breath and said "i'll do the interview". She squealed excitedly and embraced me in a bone crushing hug. The day went by quickly with me feeling a bit down thinking about 'him' 'God I miss him' I thought. Thinking about all the bitter sweet memories until I drifted into sleep. The next morning i was awoken by the voice of my mom telling me i had to get up before the interview crew came. I got up, took a scouring hot shower and got dressed in floral short pants and a plain white tank and tied my hair in a sloppy bun and went to meet mum down stairs. I saw mom in the drawing room with Carlos "oh no" i said aloud. "Oh yes"Carlos mum's stylists said with an evil grin on his face. Mum giggled "oh honey before you start complaining, Carlos is just here to give you a light touch up for the camera and help pick an outfit." Eying my clothes up and down as she speaks, causing me to unconsciously look at my outfit "what is wrong with what I'm wearing?" I squeaked "sweetie, everything! You are interviewing for the prince for Goodness sake!" Carlos piped in. "I agree with him you know" said sofia coming in. "Don't i feel loved" i smiled sarcastically. After long aggravating hours of 'Carlos' i was finally ready and the interview crew had arrived. I was wearing a sky blue babydoll dress "to complement your beautiful blue eyes" mom had said. "Hello i'm Linda conwell here for the interview" she was tall with flaming red hair wearing a tight black dress "hi i'm Ella and this my daughter lady Lilliana" i murmured a quick hi shaking her outstretched hand. "We have already set up. So just have a seat lets begin" i took a sit opposite linda. We were in mom's garden. "Lady Lilliana tell me about yourself" linda started "well, my name is Lilliana Marie jackson daughter of duke and duchess of Elm. I'm 20years old. I have one brother Nathan Oliver jackson. I have a bachelor degree Anatomy and about to start med school next fall at university of Arindele ." I said occasionally looking at the camera as mom said. "Alright. What are your hobbies, likes and dislikes?" She asked. " my hobbies involve reading, dancing and cooking. I enjoy being in nature and i love dogs i love the smell of rain and freshly baked pastries. I dislike dishonesty and disloyalty"i said nonchalantly. "You didn't talk about your charity work" she remarked. "Pardon?" I asked not understanding what that had to do with any of this. "Your application says you volunteer regularly at the local orphanages and at the center for cancer awareness, or is that not true?" She asked. I could feel my anger bubbling to the surface, the whole thing reeked of my mother, i pushed that back for a minute "there's an application for this thing?" I asked instead, i was most surprised at that part of the news. "Lady Lilliana, if we could please stick to the topic at hand that would be great" the interviewer said, clearly trying her best not to look annoyed. If you asked me, she wasn't trying hard enough. I turned slightly to catch a glimpse of my sneaky mother, she had a look on her face, i look that i know all too well, it says "i can explain." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her and at everything else. "My charity work is not a hobby, i do what i do because it is my duty to give back to the community." I stated simply getting back to the topic af hand, i hated talking about the charity work i do and my mother knew that. "Your duty you say, as the dukes daughter you mean?" She asked adjusting her sitting. "No. My duty as a human" i replied flatly. I was already bored of the interview, not that it excited me at any point. "Okay.. moving on," she paused "do you see yourself as more of a leader or a follower and why?" She finished. I was quiet for a while, i was careful not to oversell myself. "I think i am going to have to go with neither. I am definitely not a follower and i wouldn't exactly describe myself as a leader" "Why is that" she asked. "There are certain qualities that a leader should posses naturally and i just don't have those" She then asked "if you are not a leader, how do you plan on ruling the kingdom if you were to be chosen as queen of Arindele" I stayed quiet for a while and the said " i don't want to be queen of Arindele" She gasped as if i had just slapped the king"what do you mean?" I sighed "i never asked to be a part of this. I don't want to compete for the prince's heart" i didn't dare look at the camera or worst Mom. "Why not?" She pressed, moving to the edge of her seat. "i don't have anything to offer this kingdom" i said and forced a smile.

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