ROYAL SELECTION

Days later...

In various parts of the kingdom, excitement filled the air as each of the selected families started receiving letters from the palace.

Stella's face lit up with curiosity as she heard the ringing bell.

She rushed to the door, pulling it open to reveal a palace messenger.

The messenger's face was formal, his eyes straight ahead.

"Delivery from the palace," he announced, holding out a sealed letter.

Stella's eyes widened, her hands trembling slightly as she took the letter.

The messenger's expression remained neutral.

"Thank you," Stella said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The messenger nodded, turned, and walked away, accompanied by the rest of the guards.

Stella closed the door, her eyes fixed on the letter.

Her face reflected her excitement and trepidation.

She wandered what could be in the letter, her mind racing with possibilities.

Her mother, Amma, appeared beside her, concern etched on her face.

"What is it, Stella?" Amma asked.

Stella's hands hesitated, then broke the seal.

As she unfolded the letter, her eyes scanned the page.

Amma's eyes locked onto Stella's, anticipation building.

Stella's face transformed, a radiant smile spreading.

"Mom, it's from the palace," Stella exclaimed. "We've been selected... Our family has been chosen."

Amma's expression turned euphoric, tears welling up.

"Oh, Stella! This is incredible news!" Amma cried.

Stella's eyes sparkled, her face aglow.

"We have to tell everyone!" Stella squealed.

Some minutes later...

The room radiated joy, everyone smiling at the letter as Diana read it out for them once again.

Stella's eyes sparkled, her face aglow.

"This is the best news ever, I can't believe I will be chosen as the prince's wife," Stella exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

Diana's expression turned confident, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Don't get your hopes high, kid sis," Diana scoffed. "I am the oldest, and I will be chosen by him."

Tony's face appeared, his eyes teasing. "Why are you two contemplating on it when you don't know if you will be selected or not?" Tony asked, chuckling.

Diana's face fell, her eyes narrowing. "Don't be a joy killer, big bro," Diana said, pouting. "Don't you want us to be crowned queen of this kingdom?"

Tony's expression softened, his smile warm. "Of course, I am," Tony replied.

Mr. Noah's face beamed with pride. "I know one of you will definitely be picked as the prince's bride," Mr. Noah said.

Amma's eyes shone with encouragement. "Yeah, we believe in you three," Amma added.

The girls turned to Amma, surprise etched on their faces. "Are you talking about Katherine?" Stella asked, her brow furrowed.

Amma's expression remained serene. "Yes," Amma replied.

Diana's face twisted in disdain. "Hell no, Mother," Diana exclaimed. "Katherine will do worse there. You should know how clumsy she can be."

Stella nodded in agreement.

Tony's expression turned stern. "She is qualified as well," Tony said. "The letter says all the ladies are entitled to it... whether the family has five daughters, it doesn't matter."

The girls turned away, dismissing Tony's words.

Just then, Katherine walked in, her face a picture of dejection. Her eyes drooped, her shoulders slumped.

This was her third failed interview, and the disappointment was visible.

Her family exchanged knowing glances.

"Hey, sweetie," Amma said, concern etched on her face. "How was the interview?"

Katherine's lips curved into a weak smile. "It didn't go well," Katherine replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"That's because you always fail in everything," Stella mocked, her face twisted in scorn.

Amma's expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "Stella, stop that," Amma reprimanded.

Tony's face softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "Don't worry anymore, little sis," Tony said. "There's a reason why they kept rejecting you."

Katherine's eyes drooped, her face etched with sadness. "What reason could be worse than that?" Katherine asked, her voice laced with despair. "I have all the qualifications, and yet I wasn't picked."

Mr. Noah's face radiated calm, his voice soothing. "Don't get yourself worked up," Mr. Noah said.

Amma's expression turned gentle, her eyes warm. "Yes, sweetie," Amma said, moving to Katherine's side.

"We have something that will cheer you up," Amma announced.

Katherine's eyebrows rose, curiosity sparking. "What could that be?" Katherine asked.

Amma's smile broadened, her hands holding out the letter. "Here," Amma said.

Katherine took the letter, her eyes scanning the page. Her face remained expressionless. "So?" Katherine asked, her voice flat.

Amma's enthusiasm remained undeterred. "That is the surprise," Amma said.

Katherine handed the letter back to Amma, her face still impassive.

"Are you going?"She asked, her voice devoid of emotion.

Diana's eyes narrowed, her face twisted in annoyance.

"Of course, she's going," Diana said. "We all are."

Stella's expression mirrored Diana's.

Katherine's gaze drifted to her sisters, her eyes searching. "For what?" Katherine asked, her voice still laced with confusion.

Amma's smile faltered, her eyes locked onto Katherine's.

"Read the letter again, sweetie," Amma encouraged.

"So, you are going".

Katherine's eyes dropped to the letter, her face still unreadable.

"Hell no!" Katherine exclaimed, her face scrunched in distaste.

Diana's and Stella's faces lit up with excitement.

"Yes!" they chimed in unison, their eyes sparkling.

"Why not?" Tony asked, his brow furrowed. "You are qualified as well."

Katherine's expression turned resolute. "This is not my thing," Katherine said. "It didn't say it was compulsory for every lady to participate... There's no way I'm going. This is not my problem right now."

Mr. Noah's face turned stern.

"It's compulsory, child," Mr. Noah said. "It says every daughter of each house, and you and your sisters are the three daughters I have."

Diana's expression softened.

"We can't force her," Diana said.

Katherine's eyes flashed with determination.

"I'm serious, Dad," Katherine said. "I'm not going... My sisters can go. They are fully qualified, and they are older than me. They have my support."

Diana's face reflected surprise.

"Wow... for the first time in your life, this is the only thing you've said that makes sense," Diana said.

Stella nodded in agreement.

"Yeah... I wish you guys luck," Katherine said, yawning. She turned to leave, her shoulders slumped. "I'll be in my room. I'm very tired," Katherine announced.

The family stared after her as she climbed the stairs to her room.

Amma's expression turned concerned. "I'll bring your food to you," Amma said.

Katherine's voice drifted from upstairs. "Thank you, Mom," Katherine replied.

The room fell silent, the tension lingering.

Diana's eyes met Stella's, a shared understanding passing between them.

Tony's face reflected empathy.

Mr. Noah's expression remained resolute.

Amma's eyes lingered on the stairs, worry etched on her face.