JUNE
"THE FIRST ROUND OF THR SELECTION IS WHEN INTRODUCTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE," The Council chairman announced. "That will give all of you a chance to meet the Lycan King and make an impression."
A scoff reached my ears, I turned to see Mariel, Anna and Adeline gathered together. They looked stunning in their dresses. I smiled at them, waving shyly. Alpha Roger always said it was better to know your enemies than underestimate them.
Not that they were my enemies now. But I was not too naïve to think we were anything but.
"The Lycan King will be here soon," Mariel lifted her chin. "I hope he's as handsome as I think he is. But that does not matter. He's the most powerful man in existence. Being by his side alone will mean a lot."
"Don't go whoring yourself to him," Adeline hissed under her breath. "It is unbefitting of a noble."
"I think your father is wrong to think that having an intimate relationship with the Lycan King will not alter the result of the Selection," Mariel said. "After all, the Lycan King is the most powerful man and if he announces any girl here as his Luna, the Council court will have to go along with it."
I picked a focal point across the room to keep myself from staring at the three girls.
Adeline might win this thing. She was probably the most beautiful girl here and her father was the Council chairman for goddess's sake but seeing as he barely looked her way since he came in here, I guess he did not give her any special favors.
It was too early to conclude. But she had the beauty, intelligence and the right connections.
If we were really competing, I'd be fucking pissed right now.
"Don't be stupid," Adeline chided. "If the Lycan King could just point to any girl and make her his Luna then the Council court won't be going through the stress of organizing The Selection. This is important. The only woman the Lycan King can be with other than the woman the Council picks for him is his mate and finding that one is like… well, almost impossible."
Mariel's expression tightened. "And what if they do find her? What happens to the rest of us?"
Adeline rolled her eyes. "Don't stress over nothing. Finding her is not something that will happen in this life time."
"You sound so sure." Anna finally spoke. "What do you know?"
Adeline looked at the girl like she was accusing her of murder. "Don't be daft, Anna. Think about it, when was the last time our Lycan King had a mate?"
Anna's lips quivered, then her eyes opened wide. "Thirty-three generations ago."
Adeline nodded like a teacher proud of her student. "Good. This one will be no different."
I narrowed my eyes at them but before they could continue talking, the Council chairman ordered everyone to form a line in front of a lady who just entered. She looked kind of important. Perhaps, the mother of the Lycan King?
"That's the Balance."
I turned to find Lily standing beside me. I smiled at her. "The Balance?"
"Yes. A person that scales how much power you have. She will tell the Council how strong our wolves are."
I returned my attention back to the lady. The Council chairman was beginning to read out names from a piece of paper in his hands.
He called the first name and a dark-haired female climbed the steps of the stage, fisting her skirt in her hands. She executed a courtesy with ease and kept her head bowed until the Council chairman said something.
The idea of waiting for his permission to rise made my stomach clench uneasily.
She rose slowly, then walked up to the lady who took her hand and closed her eyes for a minute before opening them again.
The Balance leaned into the Council chairman and whispered something to him and he nodded. The girl stepped aside and another girl took her place.
I watched the first couple of proceedings to get a feel of what was happening and what to expect. So far, everything was swift and I found nothing except that sometimes she shook her head and other times, she gave a curt nod and the Councilman was looking at her for some kind of sign.
For some reason, I was thankful I was not competing and whatever expectations they had of these girls, I hoped they will not find it in me.
Much faster than I thought, I made it to the front of the line. All the other girls that had gone before me hung around the room, discussing amongst themselves having lost interest in whatever was going on here. I was ready to join them or maybe be sent away.
So far, no girl had been asked to leave. What a shame.
This stuff was boring.
Trying not to blush now that I was so close to the flashy guy, I pulled the card out of my purse and handed it to the Council chairman. "Miss June Fallows." He called, motioning me forward I took a fortifying breath and approached the stairs, slowly.
Three set of eyes watched me.
The Council Chairman frowned, the Balance eyes narrowed and Colt's expression was blank although his brow drew together in a frown. I smiled at all of them then curtsied as I'd seen the other girls before me do. It wasn't not too bad for my first practice and I tried not to fall on my heels.
That will be too entertaining for all of them.
"Nice dress." The councilman said. I couldn't tell if he was mocking or complimenting me so I dipped my head in a nod.
"Thank you." I managed.
Through the side of my eyes, I stole a glance at Colt who still had that frown on his face. The frown had deepened. I shook my head. Why was I so interested in him?
"Please, give her your hand."
I turned to the lady. My hand shook when I raised it, but I quelled the tremors before she took my hand. Her fingers enveloped mine, the warmth from her skin sleeping into mine. It was like I placed my hand in scorching fire I tried to yank my hand away but she tightened her grip on me.
A jolt run through my wrist, embedding itself in my heart.
This time, I managed to yank my hand away and stumble backwards. By some miracle, I did not end up falling flat on the ground. I curtsied again then moved away from stage back to my position on the wall.
My heart hammered in my chest. I was sure that something had happened there and whatever it was, it would determine whether I remained here or was sent home. Now, I had no idea which was better.
But I suddenly wanted to go home as soon as possible.
"Thank you all for your patience," the Council chairman said. "This concludes the first phase of the Selection. The dance will feature the conclusion of round one. So, all of you ladies, move to the ballroom where men of the seven courts will join you."
When I looked up, I noticed Colt's eyes on me.