9

I smile at Ariane before entering the reception room, drawing all eyes to me. I'm much later than I imagined since the nineteen others selected are already seated around the huge table enthroned in the middle of the room.

I sit next to Solenn before she reproaches me:

- You are late !

- And so ?

She looks up before turning to the girl sitting next to her. I capture the evil look of some selected and refrain from hissing in their face. For simple answer, I give them a grimace.

"Solenn?"

- What now ?

Witch.

"Are they coming soon?"

"What do I know about it?"

I stare at her. Her lips are pursed and she has that scowl on her face. She's not the same as she was just two hours ago. I ask her a simple question and she gets angry for nothing.

- I have done something wrong ? I suddenly ask him.

"But can't you see I'm talking to Calista?" Go back and play somewhere else and leave me alone.

I remain speechless. I no longer recognize her. She's not my sister... Suddenly, all the girls stop talking and abruptly stand up. I am the only one to remain seated, observing the others. I am well settled and I have no intention of moving.

The seat cushions must be made of a very special material so that my posterior does not have the strength to straighten up...

"Ladies, rise and salute the royal family of Aragona!"

“Sarah, get up! my sister intimates to me, furious.

She grabs my arm to force me to get up. No, but I'm dreaming! Who does she think she is? I push her away with one hand and glare at her. She doesn't have to tell me what to do as far as I know.

I look away from her to look at a tall woman whose beauty hardly equals that of my sister. Her blonde hair has been loosened to form a cascade of blonde curls. His blue eyes wander over each of the selected ones to stop on me.

She seems to slip a few words to her husband, the king. Words that I don't understand from where I stand. I stare at the couple a little too long but my eyes end up resting on the prince. I frown. He is...

Beautiful.

Haughty.

Liar.

Very haughty, even.

He is big, even very big. Her brown hair tending towards blond is combed back and her blue eyes also scrutinize the selected ones. The expression on his face puzzles me. He has such soft yet strong features, and seems to possess a worse "I don't care" attitude than mine. I might like it... But no.

Too haughty.

"Why isn't she wearing a dress like the others selected?"

I have the strange impression that people are talking about me, well. Oh yes ! Certainly.

I look up at a man in a royal uniform approaching us. The queen's question is put on hold as he states:

"Line up, ladies. You will introduce yourself to the Royal Family when asked.

As luck would have it, I'm at the end of the line. Thus, I vaguely hear the girls introduce themselves one by one. Solenn stands right next to me and makes his usual presentation. I can already see her flutter her eyes in front of the prince and take on a honeyed voice.

When the queen arrives in front of me, my heart stops beating. Although I don't care about this selection, the royal family still represents something deep down. A symbol for the country, a dynasty that rises from year to year.

- You are called... ?

“Sarah Crawford, Your Majesty.

She is very intimidating. I know she doesn't want to be, but I'm embarrassed in front of her.

"Miss Crawford, why aren't you wearing a dress?"

- I did not have the time.

God damn it, what a lie! Where did the real Sarah go?

"You didn't have time?"

'I don't like dresses, to be honest. It scratches my back, and you know, I haven't seen any back scratchers here so...

She raises her eyebrows mockingly then turns away from me before replying coldly:

“As long as you are here, you will wear the robes that your servant will prepare for you. At home, I don't care at all, but here, I want to see you in proper attire from tomorrow.

She returns to her king smugly and I long to stick my tongue out at her. Fortunately, the prince has completely forgotten about me and is already starting the discussion with the famous Calista. I am saved.

Shortly after this stormy meeting, we sit down to eat. The prince doesn't seem to have noticed me, which I particularly appreciate. As for the king and queen, they left ten minutes before the end of the meal without any reason. So while everyone seems comfortable here, I sort on my plate the half potatoes that appear as a meal.

Then I decide to look up at His Royal Highness. His smile is charming, his teeth sparkling white and I might lose myself in the beauty of his face if he interested me. One thing is certain, it is beautiful, it is undeniable.