All the candidates for this year's selection had gathered in the courtyard. Lillian arrived on time and saw the ladies waiting to be addressed. The butler who had led them stood beside a woman on the first step of the stairs in the courtyard. She looked matronly, with a sharp nose and a piercing glare that seemed to see right through you.
The divide between commoners and those of imperial lineage was clear in the court. The ladies formed small groups. Some looked scared, while others appeared disheveled.
Meanwhile, Lillian stood by a corner, trying not to draw attention to herself as she surveyed the area and wondered whom to make an ally.
Her system wasn't at full potential yet, but unknown to her, the matron had noticed her arrival and was watching her.
The girls continued to murmur among themselves as the matron scanned the courtyard and the girls again. She looked at the butler and said, "They're all here, ma'am." The butler nodded and left since he was no longer needed.
The matron cleared her throat and called out, "Ladies," her voice crisp and clear, drawing the attention of the women in the courtyard. "I am Matron Helen Miles, and I'll be addressed as Matron Helen." She paused, looking at the women before her and taking note of their appearance and state.
"I don't tolerate tardiness, and neither do the royals," she continued.
"It will be punished." The women began to murmur at the mention of punishment, wondering how harsh the royal family was.
The women of higher society smiled smugly, thinking they had an advantage over the commoners since they were of imperial lineage.
"Maids will be provided for those without one," Matron Helen announced.
"You'll all wake up at 5 a.m. for the beauty cleanse ritual, classes, and other events that will be announced during your stay." She seemed to be reading from a list.
"And one more thing," she added, a slight smile on her face.
"Rooms are already assigned. To foster a better relationship between the commoners and those of high society, we've paired them together." The murmurs rose among the women, who were unhappy with this arrangement.
One of the girls stepped forward, opening her fan and fluttering it in front of her face. "Excuse me, Matron Helen, but we of royal lineage can't mingle with commoners. I'll report this to my father." Her eyes flared at the thought of being near a commoner.
Matron Helen smiled, expecting this reaction. "Then take your complaint to the king, because your father voted for this change too. It's to foster unity and peace in the kingdom for the upcoming Moon Astra Festival. If you still don't agree, you're free to return home." The girl glared at Matron Helen, her ears turning red.
Matron Helen clapped her hands together. "Now that's settled, your maids will show you to your rooms." Lillian observed the scene, making mental notes on whom to partner with and whom to avoid. Her maid, Jayna, approached her. "This way, Lady Lillian," she said.
Lillian was expecting Mira to assist her, but Lord Harold had assigned Jayna to her instead. Lillian's smile faltered. "Where's Mira?" she asked.
Jayna bowed. "She's been sent to the kitchen to help with your meals, while I oversee your daily well-being." Lillian knew this was Lord Harold's way of keeping an eye on her and enforcing his rules.
Jayna showed Lillian to her room, which was already open. Another girl sat quietly inside, looking a bit tense, with her bed by the wall and no window, leaving the more extravagant side of the room for Lillian.
"Hi, I'm Piper Hicks," she said as she stood mechanically.
Jayna's eyes landed on Piper, making her shrink back in fear. Lillian noticed and told Jayna, "You may leave now. I don't need your help at the moment." Jayna bowed and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Lillian let out a deep sigh and faced Piper. "Sorry about that. I'm Lillian, Lillian Nirvana." Piper's eyes widened in realization.
"I'm so sorry, my lady," she said.
Lillian waved her hand. "It's all right, I'm not one for formalities. Between us, can you call me Lillian without the 'lady'?" Piper's eyes sparkled, and she relaxed.
"Yes, my lady... sorry, I mean, yes, Lillian."
Piper sat on the edge of her bed. "It's nice to have a friend here, despite my background. Few of us commoners want to be here, but here we are."
Lillian's ears pricked up. "I thought this was a consensual arrangement?"
Piper looked up, her eyes beginning to water. "That's what the royals say, but it's not entirely true. Some of us had lives, fiancées, and families, while others had nothing to lose, so they signed up of their own free will. The rest of us... our parents sold us for money."
Lillian sat down beside Piper, holding her hands. "What about you?" she asked gently.
Piper's voice cracked as she began to speak. "I was meant to marry the love of my life, David, but my father got into gambling debt. The gamblers came looking for him, and if we didn't pay up, my sister and I would be sold to the highest bidder." Piper's chest heaved, and her eyes turned red.
Lillian rubbed her back in slow circular motions. "And David... he's just a baker who doesn't have much. We meant to get married this week, but my mother didn't have a choice. She agreed with my father to sign me up for the money to pay off his debt and avoid losing our home."
Lillian's eyes narrowed, darkening. This wasn't what she had initially written in the book. Things were taking a turn, and this was one of the first scenes being changed. She knew she couldn't say much, but at least she could sympathize with Piper.
"There's not much to say, except that you're now property of the royals. Just pray you get a good partner, because I've heard whispers of how other royals and officials come to this event looking for a wife," Lillian consoled, trying to cheer Piper up.
Piper nodded, using the hem of her gown to wipe her tears. Lillian patted her back and went to her own corner of the room, not one for much interaction since she had always been left alone for most of her childhood.