●5●

The next morning, I woke up very early. My mind had been racing all night, thinking of the possibility of falling for one of them. I sat with my sewing needle, attempting to stitch a hole in my old Teddy bear.

"What are you doing?" Karina broke the silence, she sat on the window sill. She wore a skirt which hit just before her ankle, a black jumper was tucked in neatly. She wore glossy leather boots, which matched the belt that peaked from under the jumper. Her hair was in a high ponytail, pin straight. She smiled, "I'm sorry I was abit quiet yesterday... it was all abit overwhelming"

"oh don't worry about it... what time is your activity today? its Ezra today right?" I asked, finishing stitching before tying off and cutting the thread.

"in 20 minutes. I'm abit nervous today too! Ezra is so handsome..." she cooed. She stood up, preening herself. "yours?"

"I think 2, but I'm not too sure. I was just going to hand out before getting ready soon... good luck Karina, I hope it goes well for you" I smiled before going to get some lunch.

The banquet Hall as set up like a canteen, large portions of food stood under heated lamps, tables sat around with girls sat eating from trays. I chose a portion of lasagne, with a fresh salad on the side. I sat at a small table by the window, watching as groups walked around the grounds. I could see Ezra and his current group from here. Karina sat nervously, fidling her fingers.

I quickly ate before going to collect my clothes for the next few weeks. The team of seamstresses who were experienced hands, they used to be me... promoted to the greatest honours of working in the castle. They chose a mixture of jewel toned gowns mixed with blush pinks and golds. Jen filled the clothing rail before following me to my room. She filled the closet on one of the sides, before filling out a board next to it.

"so this is everyday. Special occasion dresses such as ball gowns or specific date outfits will be brought in separately. I understand your meeting with Prince Ezra is soon"

I nodded.

Jen smiled "he is a lovely young man. Apparently he is holding afternoon tea...I'd suggest something like this" she said before pulling out a baby pink sun dress. It came just below the knee, simple shoe string traps were tied on the shoulder. The pattern was subtle floral. "this would look lovely in the sun"

I took the dress from her before changing in the bathroom. Jen clapped as I emerged. She selected a nuetral wedged heel and gold jewelry. I sat down at my vanity, beginning to apply makeup. Jen messed with my hair "your curls are so beautiful"

"they're natural" I laughed. "what do you suggest I do with my hair?"

Jen began pulling it up into a high ponytail, leaving a few strands around my face. She produced a pink ribbon, before tying it around the hair tye. "there" she laughed "I am so jealous..."

I looked at Jen, finally taking her in. She was petite, only about 5ft 3. "where are you from Jen?"

"my family is originally from Vietnam... but I was born here" she smiled. "I am proud of my heritage"

Her long silk black hair was braided intricately, before being held in a tight bun. Ribbons cascaded from the bun, tickling her neck. "you should be" I replied "and your hair is so glossy! mine becomes a frizzy mess if I don't do everything right... it's a whole 10 step routine"

"that's very kind of you Miss Amelia. I will leave you to finish getting ready. Meet me by the fountain soon and I will escort you to meet Ezra." she gleamed happily before leaving the room.

---

I met Jen 20 minutes later, I'd grabbed a light cardigan before pulling it around the revealing top.

Jen began walking, ushering me to come with her "so prince Ezra is 22, he did party for a while but he has turned a corner. He won't like it if your too formal with him, he likes a girl who doesn't take herself too seriously..."

we approached the gazebo, girls trickled in dressed impeccably. I sat in an empty seat, before eying the name card before me "Please fill this in. Ezra has to meet 50 ladies today, it'll make knowing your name easier."

I quickly wrote my name before watching as Jen left. The other 9 girls sat waiting.

Ezra appeared from behind a set of bushes, clearly having just been for a run. I hadn't run for a while... I missed the freedom... I'd go soon.

He wore a white shirt and smart trousers, he removed his aviator sunglasses as he stepped into the shade, before placing them onto the table. The table was a large round one, where we all sat next to one another.

"Good afternoon ladies" Ezra spoke. His voice was so soft, silky almost. "I'm so happy you could join me on this lovely afternoon. Let's enjoy some fantastic cakes and some tea and then we will have a chance to chat individually"

---

After eating the most delicious slice of chocolate cake, I waited for my turn. Ezra move his chair next to mine before smiling "Amelia" he beemed "how was the cake?" he chuckled. He raised his hand before carefully wiping the corner of my mouth. His finger was covered in chocolate frosting.

"omg I'm so sorry" I panicked, using the spoon to remove the rest.

He whiped his finger on the napkin before returning his attention to me "so Amelia... tell me about you... obviously you like chocolate cake..."

"well obviously I'm very ladylike.... but in all honesty, I'm just a seamstress. My family is my world, I don't do much else. Sewing is my passion, I'd love to have my own shop one day..."

He smiled as he watched me talk, his entire focus on me.

"I need someone to fix my clothes..." he chuckled "there always getting holes in them somewhere"

"you'll have to join the queue for my extremely busy shop" I laughed.

His eyes shone in the afternoon sun, his lips pouted perfectly as he showed his perfect teeth. He sat forward in his chair, his muscles pushing against the tight fabric.

I'd officially met 2 of the 3... and boy being around them would be hard.