"Good afternoon everyone, I'm sure that your trip here was long, so I'll keep this short. You will be assigned a room, you will have two hours from now to be ready for the ceremony. First before the choosing begins there will be a social event. For those of you who will not be chosen will be free to stay the night in their room before catching the bus in the morning, for those who become chosen your mate can decided whether you stay for the feast or leave." His gruff voice was loud as it echoed the room, I could feel his eyes as they travelled over each bowed head. "Thank you." And with that the sound of footsteps and a closing door followed, along with it the heavy feel of dominance left as well.

"Now when I call your name you will step forward and receive your room key." Elder Gracie spoke, and soon began calling names, everyone raised their head as they waited for their turn but my eyes stayed locked on the door to the far end of the room past the staircases.

"Ella Marie." The sound of my name brought me out of my stare, and my head swivelled back to the front of the group. Walking forward to the elder, he held a room key out to me. Not making eye contact I bow showing my respect for an elder before gently taking the key form his out stretched hand.

"Thank you elder." I curtsy as I turn back around and begin my decent to the back of the group where I can see the familiar face of Ara.

"Wow you were out of it huh?" She whispered to me, turning my head slightly to look at her I was met with a large smile.

"Excuse me?" I ask confused, I had no idea what she was talking about, pulling her lips together she gave me another tight lipped smile, and wiggled her eyebrows.

"He tends to have that effect on people," she giggled out, laughing at my confused expression. I tried to from words but she beat me to it, " the king is attractive looking, isn't he?" She spoke as she once again glanced away from me.

"I-I was just curious, that's all." I spoke curtly, turning my gaze to the marbled floor. I could never find a monster like him attractive. His views on women disgust me, the fact we have little to no respect because of him is unattractive to say the least, how I could I let my self become curious about such a barbarian.

"Mhm.. I'm sure," she smirked, eyeing me quietly from a side glance before turning her attention to elder Gracie.

"Ara-Ara Adonis.." The elders voice slightly shifted, causing my eyebrows to raise as I watched my newly acquired friend as she walked up to him and he eyed her with a slight look of familiarity. Maybe the two have met before, I watched as I could see him mumble something to her before she turned and walked back towards me. I stayed quiet, biting my tongue from asking personal questions that formed in my mind.

After another good hour we were dismissed to our rooms to begin getting ready, I didn't understand why but there laid out on the bed of my room was a dress. A sleek black dress, it was a little above the knees and very beautiful. But I could not wear it, I had to hide it and go down there with the dress pants and suit jacket I had packed, that was better for me.

Grabbing the fabric of the dress I picked it up and began to look around the room for a place to hide it, I couldn't wear this, I couldn't be noticed by a male. I could not risk being chosen.

Just as I was about to shove the dress under the bed my door opened and in walked none other than Ara.

"ohh I see you got your dress!" She laughs, she walked in with confidence showing off her dress she had on, a a royal blue dress, the same length as mine, but where as mine had a sheer second layer over it falling slightly lower, hers was all one length. She looked beautiful, her tanned skin making her glow, her hair was pulled to one side and it showed off her elegant neck. "They set out a dress for everyone, they want the guys to have a good look at what they can have." She laughed out, I could tell she despised the idea as much as I did.

" well put it on and we can head down," she shifted on her feet a bit as she looked me over, I could tell she wanted to say more but something was stopping her.

Changing quickly I put the beautiful dress on and let my hair fall loosely on my shoulders in its natural light curls. Looking into the mirror I dreaded going to the ball room. I didn't want any attention from any male, not even the king could get me to change my mind. Sighing I walked over to Ara as she opened the door and signalled me to walk out first.

"Do you think I'll be chosen.." I quietly ask as we walked down the long hall towards the stair casing. I looked over at her to see her biting her lip, her eyes soon turned to meet my own.