If there was one thing my maids learned about me yesterday, it was the fact I don't like to dress up, so when I awake to the girls giggling in the bathroom over a dress, I have to frown. But I suppose if I want to stay in this competition, I have to play my part.

The dress suprisingly makes me look beautiful. I actually kind of like it and I realize for the first time that I was never given the chance, or the opportunity, to dress up.

I finally realized the weight and responsibility this competition has when I hear the birds chirping outside my bedroom window and the clinging sounds of the pins and jewelry my maids were adding and taking away, depending on how it looked. When it came down to it they left my black hair fall naturally, and added no jewelry. They stand back and tell me to twirl for them. They laugh and whisper together as I grab the book Evan gave me. It was his favorite, a classic from the Old World. Only us five knew it existed. The cover, faded and yellow from time is unrecognizable, but the first lines hits me with emotion and inspiration: In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. It reminds me of home, of my beloved father and that I must stay true to my heritage and my beliefs, because without them, I'm nothing.

The walk to the Women's Room was long and perplexing. My home had five rooms the size of my bedroom here.

The halls were a maze that I felt myself getting lost in. Surely someone would find me wondering around. But, before my hopes were gone, I had found my way to the chattering girls of the selection.

I entered the room to many eyes, some warning me, some welcoming me and some looking down on me. I was a seven and I knew that but I thought the girls here would look beside that, but I guess I was wrong.

My name is called shortly after arriving. Some of the girls look at me with disgust. I look down, I must be the first one. Two guards escort me to the garden. The garden was just as breath taking as the Palace, except it's so hot out here I think I'm going to pass out. I silently wish for my freezing home than this heated castle. It takes only a few minutes to reach him.

I was confused when I rose my head and saw Prince Mason for the very first time in my life. He was not the guy I had pictured. His light brown hair and light blue eyes are ordinary traits in Waverly. I've seen a version of Prince Mason every day of my life, not realising how common the Prince could actually look. But his smile was genuine and he stood when I approached. I smiled back and gave a small wave. I hide my book behind me when he took my hand and kissed it as he bowed. "Avalon," he says and I curtsy. "Mason," Wait, was I suppose to call him Mason or Prince Mason or something else? I tap my hands slowly against the side of my leg as I sit down.

The heat is still suffocating me when Mason asks, "How are you today Ava?" I stay silent maybe a beat too long because he shifts in his seat awkwardly, unsure what to do with a silent girl.

"I'm very nervous," I pause, "and frightened, but exhilarated for the adventure that awaits. I'm not even sure what to expect." Mason looks at me like I'm a real person and not just a seven. "How are you today, Mason?"

"To be honest I'm very nervous, but I'm also very excited. But I already know everthing about me, tell me what's it like in Waverly, or what's it like having brothers."

"Well, the village I grew up in is by the ocean. My home is very small, but welcoming with my father and brothers. There's mostly just sevens there, so I've never met so many people from different castes," I pause, "brothers are just a crazy adventure. They're always there for you and will protect you no matter what, but when it comes to sibling strife they will side with each other before me. What's it like living in the castle and a sister?"

"I would be very lonely if I didn't have my sister, Audrey. We hardly ever have company and she's a ray of sunshine in a thuderstorm. There are times, like this, when it seems to be bursting with people, but that doesn't happen all the time, so enjoy the company if you do advance forward. What is your family like?"

"They're hardworking, loving, supportive people. We stand to our values and beliefs and together we can do anything and be anyone."

"And are they the people you miss most from Waverly?" I take a second to reply,

"Yes, I love them very much."

"What are your passions?"

"My passion is to help people, even just one person, because to that one person, that help has made a world of difference. I also like to draw and write poetry, but those are very private to me and I love to read. What are your passions?"

"Well, I love animals. I think if I was born into a normal life, and my caste allowed it, I would be a veterinarian. Did you help people before coming here? Wait, let me refrase that. What was your job before coming for the Selection?"

"Well, my father has worked very hard and has been able to scrape enough money for all of us to go to school, until the law makes us work when we turn eighteen. So, I suppose I was a student before coming here."

"Is education important to you?"

"Very. Being in caste seven has very many downsides to it, and most people are not educated. They can't afford to spend money or time when everyone in the family is working to help support each other. Education is a precious gift that not many has the luxury to have in caste seven."

"What can I do to make your stay here as comfortably as possible? Would you like to do any special activities or eat any special food?"

"Well, I would love to see the Ocean on this side of Illèa and perhaps spend a day there exploring." he smiles, I guess I just told him what I would like to do for a date.

"Do you like kids, Avalon?"

"Sure, I've spent most of my youth playing and taking care of my younger brother, Ronan."

"And would you like to have any?"

"I'm not sure, if I become Queen I would have to, but I don't know for sure. I still have my life to live before thinking about having kids."

"Avalon, if you were to become Queen, what would you do for Illèa and how would you handle the stress of being Queen?"

"Well, I would try to help everyone and make education free for everyone because I know first hand how hard it truly is on the other side of the scale. If I became Queen, I would unite the low caste with the high caste and unify Illèa." I take a deep breath, I think the Sun is getting to me, and continue, "I never thought I would be Selected, and I never thought I would have the chance to be Queen. The responsibilities and role I would have would be my second concern when it would come to you. But stress was never a problem for me, I've been through so much and have so much to look towards that I can't let stress get in my way and cloud my vision.

How do I know that you're the right guy for me? And of you were to pick me, how would you embrace my heritage?"

"I will not hide my true colors. If you don't want me, then I will not make you. Stay true to yourself and with time you'll know if I'm what you're looking for. And as heritage goes, we would celebrate all the respectful holidays and teach our own children the culture; but, not just where I came from, but where you came from, too." I smile. This hasn't been so bad after all. "Avalon, it was very nice meeting you today."

"Likewise, Prince Mason." he stands and helps me to my feet. The guards escort me back to the Women's Room where the other girls glance at my smile. I see some of their hateful glares but I don't care, because in the end, I don't need them to win.

It's done!! I hope you guys like it and make sure to check out the other entries in this contest!!