It was dark and everything was hazy. I was standing in a large room with metal walls and red, detailed carpets covering the floor. Big, clean windows with large, rich curtains.
There was someone with me but I couldn't tell who. All I know was that this person was powerful. This person had this powerful, masculine, radiating energy that you couldn't deny. I felt him.
But then, screaming filled the rooms as there was another person. This person looks weak, tired, and bruised. I immediately recognized who this person was. Me. I was seeing myself?
I wake up. I gasp for air and I look around me. Everything was normal. There was nothing fancy, nothing big. My room, which is small and only has one window, was normal. I didn't know what that dream was but I didn't want to go back there.
All my life, I've seen my parents struggle with money. My father overworked himself to the point where his body just rejected him..and he died. For years after that, my mom and I have struggled with money.
I don't know how we've managed but I still survived. Living in poverty was a whole new experience and a different type of life. We were treated horribly.
Over the years, my mom saved up money to be able to send an application to the kingdom. Today, I'm supposed to get the results back to see if I passed the application process.
"Y/n!! the King's men delivered the application results. Come, come!" my mom yelled.
I leave my bed, change into some clothes, and left my room.
Recently, I sent out an application to the Kingdom's headquarters to participate in the test. This test looks at our capabilities. If we win, we would get a shit ton of money...and we become Queen.
The King wants to do a competition in which the girls who pass the application process to become Queen take a huge test. Whoever successfully executes the test will become queen.
I walk outside, to see one of the King's men, on his horse, going to the houses of each applicant. He finally stops at mine and hands me my letter. I take the letter and run back inside towards the kitchen. I sit down at the table and open up the letter starts by saying,
" Dear Y/n,
"Thank you for applying for the Kingdom Test. We hereby announce that we will be holding out the test at the palace in Paris. Please come to the palace by tomorrow to begin the test. Once you come into the palace, we'll give you your rooms and clothes. Don't be late or else you'll be disqualified from the test and won't be allowed to enter."
Holy shit. I got in. Is this fake?
"I got in mom!" I said.
I better start packing now then.
My mom came up to me. She was happily crying. I know how much she struggled to get me here.
"You'll do well, darling" My mom quietly said. "I know you will," she said while I hugged her.
I grabbed my bag and started packing all my clothes. I didn't have much. I couldn't afford anything.
After packing my clothes and everything, I head out the door. I gave my mom one last look before I went into the carriage. My mom came up to me and handed me this necklace.
"Y/n, this was a necklace that your father gave me when you were born. I never wore it because I wanted to give you it one day. I think today is that day. If you ever feel like you're at your lowest point, just think of me and dad." my mom said.
I couldn't help but cry a bit. I hugged her one last time before I left in the carriage. The guards suggested that I rest because it would take a few hours. So, I did just that.
-A Couple Hours Later-
The rider taps my shoulder, waking me up. I slowly open my eyes as he starts speaking,
"We arrived at the palace, ma'am."
Instantly, I get up, grab my bag, and get off. I look around. These huge, metal gates, with guards all, lined up against it, wearing dark uniforms. One of the guards makes some arm motion and the gates start to open. He motions for me to go in.
I walk inside, walking through a huge garden and then entering the castle. I enter this one room with 2 other girls in the room.
Dam. There are only 3 of us?
As I came in, all eyes were on me. They turn their attention back to the King who was sitting on his throne in front of them.
I walk forward to where the other girls are and wait for King Alexander to start speaking.
"Y/n. Welcome," he says, smiling. He takes a good look at me, observing every aspect of my body. He looks and down and grins. I felt like slapping him. Who was HE looking at?
This is what I knew about the King: He was ruthless. Growing up, I've heard many stories about people dying if they did one wrong thing. If he didn't like something, he would kill them.
"Tomorrow, I'll tell you guys what the test will be. So for now, get some rest and I wish you all luck. However, if you fail, you're sent home...dead." he explained.
My heart stopped for a minute. What did I get myself into?
The guards directed us to our rooms.
We all looked at each other, with worried looks on our faces. I was shocked. What did I get myself into?
"Alright. Everyone, go to your rooms and be ready for tomorrow. My servants will come to your room to give you dinner."
We were all directed to our rooms by one of the servants. One girl with a uniform and her hair in braids came up to me and started directing me to my room. She started saying, "I think King Alexander likes you. "
I didn't know what to say. "Really? Was that why he was looking at me like that?" I said, lowering my voice.
"Probably. I'm Fiona. What's yours?" she asked me. "Y/n," I replied.
"I heard that you guys have to fight each other in some way...I think you guys have to...
"Have to do what?" I said. she looked nervous and scared.
" I can't say it. It's too horrifying. But you need to be careful and don't trust anyone," she whispered.
"This is your room. Good luck," she said, walking away.
The test isn't regular? What does that supposed to mean? I kept rethinking that moment. Maybe I'm just overreacting. How can these tests not be regular?
I entered my room and I was in awe. This room was at least 5 times bigger than my actual room back home. The bed was huge and filled with a lot of pillows. There was a huge, wooden wardrobe with multiple dresses in it. The lamps on the bed tables were beautifully decorated. The bathroom was huge and clean and the windows showed such a beautiful view.
I opened these big gold doors and stepped out onto the balcony. The floor was made of marble. On the balcony, there were these lovely tables and comfortable chairs. I sat down and looked at the garden. The breeze was calm and refreshing.
This place is insanely beautiful.
I started thinking. This is for my mom. I have to succeed for her. I want her to have a good life. I don't want her to suffer anymore. I look down at my neck, where the necklace is. I already miss her.
Fiona came into the room to give me some clothes and food.
"Hey Fiona, come out to the balcony with me," I offered. I wanted to get information out of her.
"Is there something you need?" she said.
"I'm just nervous about what's going to happen. I mean, I don't know what we're going to do."
She looked uncomfortable. She knew something.
"Do you have any clue on what's going to happen?" I say.
She kept quiet, not making eye contact. Ok, now she knew something.
"I can't tell you anything. All I'll say is that you're going to have to...eliminate...something."
After that, she left, leaving me in more confusion. Do I need to get rid of something?
I eventually finished the food Fiona brought for me.
I need to be prepared for tomorrow. I went back inside to my room and got ready to sleep.
It's either kill or be killed.
.
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Credits:
all the pics are from Pinterest.