●2●

The next morning we woke up very early. My mum came bursting into my room, her makeup box in her hand.

I'd already showered and had dried my hair. My mum zipped up my dress before handing me a pair of heeled nude shoes. She smiled from behind me as she played with my hair, before seperating it and braiding the top half. She places a small pin in my hair to hold the top half up before looking at me in the mirror. "your so beautiful Amee" she cooed.

"mum!" I whined jokingly

"I'm serious Amelia... they're going to choose you... one of those prince's will fall in love with you..." she spoke. I watched as she began applying makeup, my hooded green eyes were accentuated with smokey eye shadow and a blended out wing. She lightly contoured my face before handing me lip balm. I hated lipstick or gloss. "there..." she gleamed "your ready"

---

The castle was bustling. The ballroom had been turned into an auditorium, with a long queue well out past the gates was forming. I'd got here early, hoping to get this over with. The girls ahead of me were far superior, their beautiful bleached hair intricately formed into delicate buns, extravagant clips inserted in. They talked among themselves, they were scholars, girls who had degrees... philanthropists... the type of girls who had money but volunteered for the joy of it. I stood out like a sore thumb... My simple dress and hairstyle and normal job...

"Next!" a stern voice called the next 4 girls in, including me. "name please" the man spoke

"Amelia Thorne" I replied, handing him my filled out form. He read it quickly, before handing me a name tag.

"follow Jen here, she will prepare you and take you to the stage" he ushered me away to a small maid. Me and the other 4 girls sat as Jen read a long list of rules and guidance, especially on how to address the royal family.

I watched as the other girls graced the stage, their time short as they walked out. some were happy, some sad and some showed nothing at all.

"Amelia Thorne" Jen spoke, her eyes meeting mine "follow me Amelia"

I was brought to a stage which dominated the ballroom.

"Miss Amelia Thorne... 20 years old, a seamstress." Jen spoke before bowing and scurrying back to behind stage.

My eyes scanned the people, the king and Queen sat there, a bored look on their faces.

The Queen perked up, before standing and walking to the stage "Amelia... what a beautiful name"

"thank you your highness" I curtsied to her, as graceful as I could.

"a seamstress... a very worthy trade. is it your passion?" she asked.

"yes, I love it" I paused "your majesty"

"forget what Jen told you... you can speak to me like any other woman. I just want the best for my boys... I always wanted a daughter... so please... not the formalities." she said gracefully. The Queen was so pretty. Her blonde hair was beginning to grey at the roots, but it was held elegantly in a head dress, a satin dress hung to her petite body perfectly. "so why are you here? what is your hope?"

"if I'm being honest... my parents filled out the application for me... i never found my mate... but I want to... find my person I suppose"

She smiled before turning to her husband "okay, well thank you for your honesty Amelia. It was Thorne right?" she spoke, before walking back to her seat.

"yes, Amelia Thorne" I responded.

"Thank you for your time today Amelia, we will send you a letter if you have been invited to the contest..." the king spoke.

"thank you so much for your time your majesties..." I curtsied again before scurrying off the stage.

I made my way home, taking the scenic route. I picked up some bits for dinner tonight before buying a fresh set of flowers for the table.

When I got in I got questioned by my family, with Penny obsessed with the thought thay I was now a princess. Soon after dinner I went to bed, exhausted from the day.

---

It was days, and I'd heard nothing. I'd assumed I hadn't got in, but I'd actually enjoyed my day out with the king and Queen. So I went back to working, enjoying what I had expected my life to be.

When I got home a large envelope sat on the dining table, my name written on it in smart calligraphy.

omg.

I moved to the table, before opening the envelope.

'Dear Miss Amelia Thorne,

We are pleased to invite you to compete in the first Princess Games. The king and the Queen would like to thank you for participating in the audition process. A car will be around to pick you up Thursday at 9am sharp. Please only bring a small suitcase, a fresh wardrobe will be supplied for you so all of the girls are seen equal. We would like to wish you luck.

The royal Family'

---

I'd packed a small case, of mainly my kindle and hair products. Me and my parents sat on the veranda, as Penelope ran around with Emmett.

"I'm going to miss you Amee" my mum spoke, her hand softening my hair. "I love you so much darling"

"it won't be long and then I'll be back" I spoke, watching the driveway.

"well if you get chosen then you'll never come home... " my dad chuckled nervously.

"I will and if not you will come to me." I replied, just as a fancy car turned the corner into my street. "this is me..."

i stood, pulling them both into a hug, before kissing Penny and Emmett "be good for mummy and daddy...your in charge Emmett"

I got into the car before the it drove away, my family becoming smaller.