“Vera! Vera Mae Estienne !!! ”

     “I'm coming, Mother!” I politely shouted - if that was even a thing.

     “VERA!”

     “Yes, Mother?” I asked, panting from her voice thundering in my chest.

   My mother - Rose Amelie Estienne - stood there, hands on her hips. Her expression was stern and suspicious. Her posture was straighter than ever and her hands were clenching the wooden spoon.

     A bead of sweat trickled down the side of my face as I clasped my hands and watched the ground, waiting for her words.

      “What. Is. This? ”

    I looked up at her face to see her smiling at the piece of paper in her hand. “Mother? What is it? ”

      “Have you got no ears ?! The Crown Prince's Choosing is starting! ”

       I shook my head, “I don't understand.”

      “Come here and have a look before all of my raising and teaching you, will be shamed.” She started to laugh.

     Mother, you have never changed. I smiled inwardly at the way my mother expresses her love. I appreciate it, to be honest. Because I see it as a way of her preparing me for the real world, which is way worse.

         I did as she told and took the piece of paper.

                             Attention To All The Beautiful Girls Who Exist

         I scoffed. What a scam.

         As many of you know, today is the official day the Choosing starts.

       The Choosing is an event where all the girls - that are within the kingdom - shall come forth before the Crown Prince himself to see if they are fit to be his Queen.

    But, of course, this event will not be forced upon anyone. But who can participate, shall meet at the castle gates with your name and age on a piece of parchment paper the day after tomorrow - February 18th. The gates will close at 12 in the afternoon.

        We all appreciate anyone whose willing.

       And don't forget, appropriate attire is a must.

                                                                                                                      Thank you,

                                                                                                                  The royal court

      My heart fluttered at the chance of seeing the Prince. Who am I kidding? I don't have the “appropriate attire".

    “I wish the Prince good luck,” I said and placed the paper on the table and grabbed an empty basket, “I'm going to head out to pick some fresh berries.”

      My mother did not argue but stood there rather speechless at her own daughter.

     I am not a girl who swoons over a simple prince, Mother. There are better men out there who are much more compassionate to ordinary commoners and their states of home, food, and money. I'm sorry.

    I headed out the door and onto the bustling streets. My ears started to whip around with the news of the Choosing.

    “Argh,” I pulled my hood down lower and escaped the taunting words and gossips of the people.

     Soon after I extracted myself from the sticky crowd, I felt the season's cold. February in this kingdom was rather cold, unlike the other kingdoms. The trees were robbed of their precious colorful leaves; the forest floor was caked in mud and broken, lost leaves; the birds did not sing.

        I sighed and kept walking, eager to place as much distance between me and the people.

      I walked and walked until I came to an opening of the forest. I stopped for a moment to just listen and cherish the peace and quiet the woods offered. I tilted my head up towards the looming, barren trees, closing my eyes.

        Leaves crunched, “Who are you?”