I walked for hours, jogging, and walking continuously until the fresh smell of baked goods greeted me as I neared the kingdom's gates. It took three days. I stopped for about two breaks per day, sometimes drinking water as I walked as well.

The guards asked me why I was here and I responded that I request a meeting with the royal family from Taryn Lafar.

His eye's widened as wide as saucers and he quickly ushered me in.

I greeted some acquaintances, smiling softly at a small group of children as they ran past. Many stands lined the road from the left and the right. Each kingdom was responsible for its own source. In this kingdom, it was food. For Alynthia, it was weapons and their army. For Kaldovia, it was their iron and gold. For Zairn, it was their water and transportation like boats and exquisite carriages.

As I entered the gleaming palace that shimmered in the sun, a sense of familiarity hit me with a warm feeling. The throne room looked exactly as I remembered. Large double doors with bright green vines hanging down from above. 

"Your Majesty, Lady Lafar has arrived," the butler announced as soon as we stepped inside the throne room. Gasps and stares erupted from around the room. The servants looked curious yet in awe. The guards looked weary. I can't say that I blame them.

I curtsied as low as I could. "Your Majesties," I greeted softly, tilting my head upwards to plaster a smile on my face. The Crown-Princess Wilhelmina gave me a grin. The brown-haired boy beside her looked at me with curiosity. He couldn't be that much older than me.

The queen gave me a sad smile. "How are you holding up, my dear?"

I flinched. My second most hated phrase: "How are you holding up."

I fake smiled. "I'm doing alright, Queen Amber," I replied politely.

Awkward silence filled the air. "Oh, where are my manners," said the queen, looking quite flustered.

"This is Prince Dalton Whitethorn. He is my second-born and second in line for the thrown," She paused, smirking. "This will remain until my daughter marries and produces an heir."

"Mother," cried Wilhelmina, embarrassed.

The prince gave me a cocky smirk before walking down the few steps that led to the throne where his parents sat and brought my hands to his lips.

"It's an honor to meet you, Ms. Lafar," He said, giving me a charming smile.

The king, sitting on his throne, crossed his arms, looking impatient.

"Forgive me, King Robert, I came here to merely ask if I could have your permission to cross your lands," I bowed my head in respect.

I added. "Seeing as you seem to be in a bit of a hurry?"

The king shook his head. "I have important matters to tend to but I will always make time for one of Shira's pupils," He ended with a grin.

"I guess that it has something to do with the coming war does it not?" I asked. It was only a guess but deep down I knew it was true. There was something about the sound of this "war" that made me feel cautious. There was more to this then meets the eye.

Everyone, excluding me, exchanged glances.

"We believe you should return to Kaldovia to discuss it with the royal family there," the king finally said. You have to go back there, was what his eyes really said.

I nodded, rising on both of my feet.

"I shall escort you there," Dalton exclaimed from beside me. I turned to look at him.

I snorted. "I am perfectly capable of traveling there on my own, your highness."

The prince replied with a smirk. "If you think I'm gonna let a woman travel alone, especially under these circumstances, then you are undoubtedly mistaken."

"It's a brilliant idea," Wilhelmina said with a twinkle in her eye. I rolled my eyes.

Just as I was about to leave, Wilhelmina dashed towards me, engulfing me in her arms.

"Don't die," was all she said before releasing me.

"I won't," I assured my friend before leaving the throne room, with a prince hot on my heels.

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The butler gave me a hand to lift me onto the carriage. I thanked him, sitting at the far right side. Instead of sitting oppositely of me, the cocky prince sat right beside me.

"Anyone would be an idiot to not know the Lafars," He began. I ignored him and focused on the beautiful landscape that laid upon me.

It seemed as though he gave up to talk to me, but I responded a long while later.

"There are some people who don't even know what I look like," I said quietly.

Dalton's POV

Her eyes suddenly glazed over, as if she was calling back a memory. My curious mind tingled. Who? It's not as if her face wasn't in the magazine. Well maybe it was but it was half-covered by the blue hood she likes to wear. Who could have possibly not known who she was? That's just plain stupid in my opinion.

I took a moment to study her. Around 5 '7' feet tall, strong body... I looked up to meet her eyes. She raised an eyebrow, indicating that she saw my stare. I cleared my throat, "Well, we're almost there."

"Yes," she said in a monotonous tone. "We are."

I looked out the carriage window to see that we finally crossed the tiny stream of water that acted as a borderline between my kingdom and Kaldovia. I felt a grin appear on my face. It's been a long time since I last saw Nathaniel. The last I've heard from him was when he wrote a letter, filling me in on the girls in his "Selection."

Taryn's POV

I stared at the place that held so many memories. The place I'd never forget, even if I tried. As I stepped out of the carriage, a hand reached out and grasped my elbow. I turn around to meet Dalton's blue eyes.

"If you ever need anything, anything as all, don't hesitate to call us," He said before releasing my elbow. I nodded and thanked him with a small smile before turning to peer at the castle in front of me. I took a deep breath and took a step forward.

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A/N = The "Selection" idea was inspired by the book series by Kiera Cass. I will be writing a fanfiction of sorts about it :)

Feel free to comment and a vote won't be so bad ;) I just want to say a huge thank you to my readers, supporters, and my voters as well. If you know any good Fantasy romance books, or any good books in general, comment right here ---