I sulk as I wait on my bedroom for Marlee and America.

"I wanted to embarrass her!" I complain to my dog, an ancient basset hound named Lola.

Lola flops on her side and yawns.

"You're supposed to tell me everything is going to be all right." I complain.

Lola offers a feeble bark.

"Ugh." A quick knock sounds on my door. "Come in!"

Marlee's face appears first and then America's. I grimace at the makeup covering Marlee's face. It's so obvious what I was trying to do, and I'm just hoping they decided it really was a misunderstanding. "Here, Marlee, let me fix your makeup. America, you look for a dress."

I know Marlee must be wary of me, but she still sits and lets me remove the eyeshadow and the lipstick. "I'm very sorry." I say, selecting an expensive pink for her eyes. "I'm not sure what happened."

"No problem." America says cheerfully from within the closet. I try not to grimace at her.

"Well, have you found a dress yet?" I ask her lightly.

She blushes. "Oh, no. I wasn't sure what you'd be okay with lending me."

"Here." Marlee says, standing up. "How about this one?" The one she's indicating is cream and long and it will look gorgeous on America. My mind tells me to say no. But my lips say yes.

"Great." Marlee looks at her eyes in the mirror. "Thanks, Kriss! I mean, Your Majesty."

"No problem." I say civilly, lips clenched. "I'm sure you'll both look wonderful."

They leave and I'm left alone with my bitter thoughts.

***

"See?" Marlee says, as we descend the stairs. "Just a misunderstanding."

I shrug. "Yeah, maybe."

We catch up to the other girls, who are huddled together in front of a set of double doors.

"Marlee, America!" Someone calls. "Where've you been?"

I finger the beading on my dress before calling back, "the Queen's room! There was a mix-up with my dress."

"Well hurry up!" With a shock, I realize the girl is Elise, with a dramatically different haircut. "We're about to go in, and the Elite are supposed to be announced first!"

Marlee and I hurry down the stairs, careful not to trip over our long skirts or our heels. Luckily, the memory of how to manage seems to be embedded in my brain, even after all these years.

I guess a Selection is something that you never let go.

I almost fall, though, when a pair of trumpets sound, announcing the arrival of the Elite.

I grab Marlee's wrist for support, and together we walk into the hall. Flickering candles decorate the wall, and a score of important people sit along a long table.

I keep my eyes focused on the candles until we turn around. And then, my eyes go directly to the King's mother, Duchess Amberley.

Don't look at him.

I stare straight ahead, even when he speaks.

"We are here to welcome the women who participated in the thirtieth selection five years ago." As he speaks, the other former-Selected file in behind us. "I hope you have all found success and prosperity."

I internally roll my eyes.

"Please, sit, and let the festivities begin!" Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kriss slip in, late. She sees me too, and makes her way over to us.

"Marlee, America! There you are! Won't you two sit next to me for the feast?"

"I-"

"We'd be glad to." Marlee interrupts, smiling.

"Good." Kriss smiles back. She leads us to the end of the table.

Where he is sitting.

He smiles at us as we sit down, but it feels forced. "Marlee! America. So good to see you both."

"The honor is all ours, your Majesty." Marlee says.

"How are you? Have you married, had children?"

Marlee grins, genuinely this time. "Carter and I have been married five years and we are hoping for our first child next year."

"That's wonderful!" Kriss says, also genuinely. "I hope your hands have recovered?"

"Yes, your Majesty." Marlee says politely. "I was given access to excellent doctors."

"And you, America?" Kriss turns to me. "Have you married?"

I shake my head. "No, I haven't."

"Engaged?" I shake my head. "Why not?"

"I didn't wish to marry." I say plainly. "There was no one whom I wanted to accept."

"Ah." The conversation turns awkward. "Well, I wish you best luck someday."

"Thank you." I play with my fork, avoiding Kriss's eyes.

She turns to Marlee. "I was thinking about having tea tomorrow morning and then going swimming."

"That sounds wonderful." Marlee says nicely.

"Good! I hoped to get your approval."

"What province are you currently living in?" Maxon—no, the King—asks her.

"We're in Sumner now. It's closer to Carter's parents."

"Are you still in Carolina?" Kriss asks me.

"Yes, I'm living there with my mother." I reply. "My younger brother just moved out to go to college."

"What's he studying?"

"Science." I smile. "Anyone can be anything now, right?"

***
A maid shows us to our rooms. We turn the corner, past an elaborate wooden chest, and I realize that I'm being led to my old room. She opens the door silently, and I'm struck by the familiar settings.

My heart aches, missing Lucy, Mary, and Anne, but I'm happy for them all the same. Lucy is married, Mary lives with her elderly grandmother, and Anne became a doctor.

Anyone can be anything now, and I'm really glad that Anne was accepted to medical school. If anyone deserves it, she does.

Idly, I tap my fingers on the doorframe. It's been almost a week since I left home and I miss my violin. As much as I love to play it, it's no longer my sole source of income. Without the class divide, there are less parties and less demand for musicians.

I work at a factory, overseeing women who sew shirts. It's not hard work and it pays decently. I should be grateful.

I wish I could be anything.