Arabella's P.O.V

The sound of someone walking around my room with heavy footsteps, brought me out of my deep sleep. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, clearing my vision, to see Flo placing a tray down on my desk, before yanking the blinds open. The harsh light beams through and immediately hits my eyes, causing me to squint.

"Uppity up. You're gonna end up being late again. Come on, it's orientation." I groaned as she grabbed both of my arms and dragged me up into a seated position. I can't even fathom how she's already dressed, energised and ready to go. Especially since she was up later than me last night.

Uh last night. A night filled with complete and total embarrassment and humiliation. After that handsome stranger left me stranded in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by tons of people staring and pointing at me, I froze. I guess freezing up during embarrassing moments is just in my nature.

Thankfully, at least one good thing came out of last night. I made a friend, not someone I can trust quite yet, but still a friend nevertheless. Rory gently pulled me away from the dance, snapping me out of my daze, and sat me down at our table. She gave me a glass of water, which seemed to bring me back to my senses, and sat next to me to keep me company.

The party continued to go on for hours, and it baffled me at how much royals could drink and how long they could party without rest. The dance floor was packed until around two in the morning at which the King finally bid us all goodnight with two young girls at his side, giggling along at all the lame ass jokes he made.

Flicker finally announced that the party was over and we could all retire back to our room, which I exactly what I did. I'm so glad I had Rory, since our rooms were on the same floors so even if I did end up getting lost, I wouldn't be alone. I didn't see any of the other girls, not even Freya after her shocking and interesting statement.

Flo was already waiting for me when I got back and she had a set of satin blue pyjamas in her hand for me. She started to badger me about the ball and I felt bad for saying nothing happened but I didn't want to cause her any worry or make myself look like anymore of a fool than I already was.

She drew me a bath and after a long soak I finally went to bed, whilst Flo continued to clean and prep the room for tomorrow. I told her to leave and rest but she declined saying that if Xander were to come he would have her head for not tidying up the room properly.

I feel bad for her. It must be hard living a life where you're constantly striving to impress other people.

She rearranged my wardrobe three times until she was satisfied and even then she carried on cleaning. It must have been around four in the morning, before she left and I finally fell asleep.

"Is this okay for today? It's only an orientation so you don't need to wear anything too fancy like last night." I nodded as I stretched my arms, hardly caring about fashion right now.

"What's going to happen in this orientation?" I ask, as I grab a piece of toast off the tray she brought in.

"Well, I believe that you will be told about the competition, informed of all the rules, and meet the other girls. You must promise to tell me everything about them when you come back." Her eyes lit up with joy when I nodded and it was sad that her only form of pleasure derived from this sick competition like many others.

That's the main reason this competition is broadcasted, to boost up the morale of all the citizens.

I finished up my breakfast and then brushed my teeth and washed my face, before returning back to my room. The bathroom matched the bedroom with its vast shades of blue everywhere and I was surprised to find not even one speck of dust. There was a large claw foot bath, a shower opposite, a few cabinets and then a toilet and a sink.

Flo took my pyjamas and hung them on a peg on the wardrobe. I put on the bra which was composed entirely out of black lace, and then slipped on the black v-neck top which clung to my skin and the pair of white skinny jeans. Not my idea of casual, but it's better than some fancy dress.

Someone knocked on the door, causing Flo to rush over and answer it. Xander gave me a look other, before nodding in satisfaction. "Come on, we haven't got all day." I rolled my eyes at his rudeness and gave Flo a small hug.

"Good luck, and I pray that the other girls are nice." Me and you both. I pulled away with a fake smile on my face, before leaving with Xander.

"So, how was last night?" He asked with genuine interest. I bit my lip for a moment, trying to figure out the best words to say.

"It was interesting." He raised an eyebrow at my answer and gestured for me to elaborate.

"Well it was interesting in the sense that I've never been to a ball, or seen how the people in the Kingdom behave. Plus, I met two of the girls and they were pleasant." He gave a look of disbelief and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. I'll find out on Saturday anyway, during the dates. They're going to broadcast footage from the ball for everyone to see." Crap! My dance with that mysterious stranger definitely gained some attention. I don't want to relive that embarrassing moment or have it projected for the rest of the sectors to see.

My worry morphed into nervousness as we stood outside a door that led to the conference room. Instead of knocking, Xander simply opened the door and walked him, me trailing right behind him.

There was a small stage with podium, right at the back of the room and then six chairs in front of it. We were late, again, as all were filled expect two. I'm guessing I was to sit on the blue chair, and I happily did so as it right next to Rory's.

The only remaining empty chair was green so I guess Freya was running late, just like me. Xander stood right behind me, both his hands placed on the back of my chair, just like the other advisors did to their choice. I counted three male advisors and two female advisors, which shocked me considering the world we live in. I also took note of how Flicker, a woman, was in charge of hosting the competition.

Perhaps the main kingdom thought differently. Maybe women were considered more here than what they are in the sectors, but then again I've never seen any other women apart from the girls at the schools and the Matrons.

The girls living in the schools are all bred in the labs and for one direct purpose but I can't forget those who are born outside of the labs. I can't believe I never even thought about  how those girls are treated, maybe they are treated normally.

Maybe they are given the chance to marry purely based on love, marry they are allowed to have a normal life, maybe it's just us poor unlucky girls born in labs that are considered scum and worthless.

Before I could even get a chance to look at the other girls, Flicker walked onto the stage, her pink hair flying everywhere in its natural curls, and directed all attention to be on her.

"Welcome girls and congratulations for being chosen as competitors in the coming of age competition. This is a very prestige opportunity and one that you will have to work hard for. As you know, the competition has changed this year. The King has decided to add more features, in order to make the competition more exciting and competitive. Firstly, are the additions of different types of competitions. There are three different types: intellectual, sexual and physical. We want to make sure that the Prince chooses a girl who works best in all three of these categories. A queen is meant to have many skills and be able to deal with almost any situation given to her which is why we will test you in every way. The second addition, is a points system. For each competition the winner will score six points, then the runner up 5 and so on. The scores will be broadcasted to the viewers and help them decide which girl they are rooting for. The viewers will also get to vote on which girl is their favourite and you will get chances to address them to try and boost your votes. Of course, none of this matters in the sense that the Prince will have the final choice, so please don't be disheartened if you're last. This is purely just to help show who the best candidate and if the Prince wishes to use them to help in his decision he may." The fact that people will be voting makes me worried.

I let things get to me and I know that I won't be able to hold my tongue at times which will cost me votes. Even though it doesn't matter, I doubt the Prince will care enough to form his own opinion about us. He will most likely just choose which ever girl is ranked highest.

"The competition will last for five months, until the there are two girls left in which the prince will make his decision and choose his queen. Now the competition is structured as follows. The Prince will choose a girl to accompany him on a date of his choice the first and last Saturday of every month, so he will choose one this week. Then, on every Sunday either a competition will take place or an event. Week one there will be a intellectual competition, testing your intelligence and mental capabilities, week two there will be a sexual competition. I know many of you may fear this but just be aware that all you girls will be in the same boat. There is no shame in performing what is told of you, and some of the more intimate ones will not be broadcasted. It's also a chance to have some one and one time with the Prince, so take advantage of it. Week three, a physical competition testing your strength and agility. Finally week four, an event, much like the one last night but the difference is that a girl will be eliminated at the end of the night. If you are eliminated then you will be auctioned. You will most likely be sold at a higher price as you are one of the candidates to be queen." Shit, shit shit. This whole thing was worse than I thought.

"Unfortunately due to a certain incident yesterday, one of the girls was forced to return back to the auctions." My thoughts immediately go back to Freya and her plan. They wouldn't, would they?

I noticed how sweat started to form on Flicker's forehead as she told us that Zamia was now disqualified from sectors, but yet she refused to tell us what happened exactly. Something tells me that Freya didn't return to the auction houses.

Me and Rory shared a look and whilst mine held suspicion, hers held grief. Despite only knowing this girl for a short period of time, it still hurt. This just confirms my suspicions about this place and the competitions, it's dangerous. The unexpected to occur at anytime, meaning I have to be prepared for whatever they decide to throw at me.

"So, we brought a new girl in. She's from Alyssum, since the King decided that it doesn't matter if there are two girls from the same sector competing this year. So, onto introductions. Please enter." A door from behind Flicker opened and a tall man walked out. He held a clipboard in one hand and files in the other. His large statue was blocking whoever was behind and it wasn't until he moved that my entire world came crashing down.

Brown eyes, dirty blonde curls that fell to her waist, her famous evil smirk. It couldn't be, but it was. I had to pinch myself just to make sure but she was still there. The girl I despise most in the world. Ivy.