Read Online One Choice by Ginger Solomon - Free Book Online Page A

she walked that intrigued him. More of a glide than anything else, whereas some of the others stomped wherever they went.
    She didn't wear the outfits provided for her, but instead chose to wear her own clothes. All black today. A frown creased his eyebrows, replacing the smile. Rebelling against authority or showing independence?
    One other, a young woman, caught his eye. She didn't speak often, but when she did whomever she spoke to walked away with a smile. He knew nothing about her, not even her name, but he thought he might like to get to know her as well.
    ****
    Monday, Cahri, again, chose not to wear the clothes laid out for her — a black set with silver embroidery — but put on a pair of blue jeans and red shirt. Today would begin what Anaya called preparation classes.
    Anaya had spoken to her throughout the weekend, but never in such a way as to require more than a nod or shake of Cahri's head. The servant seemed to understand Cahri needed to deal with the situation in her own way.
    Ashura, the steward, entered a few minutes after breakfast had been cleared. “Ladies, please be quiet and be seated.”
    The others quieted and found a seat.
    â€œYou all know why you’re here. Many years have passed since the last Bridal March, so I know many of you are curious about what will be happening in the next few months.”
    Murmurings filled the room as the others agreed amongst themselves.
    â€œThe majority of your classes and all of your meals will be held in this room. Your free time will also be spent here, in the garden through those doors…” He pointed to the doors Cahri had tried to exit Saturday, “or in your rooms. In a moment I will take you on a tour of the palace and explain to you the areas which will be off-limits.”
    â€œOff-limits?”
    â€œWhat do you mean off-limits?”
    â€œAre we prisoners?”
    Several voices spoke at once.
    â€œNo, not prisoners, guests. But the royal family is still the royal family, and this is their home. The limits allow them privacy. It’s also for their protection, and yours.”
    â€œThis is absurd. We are candidates to be the prince’s wife. We should have full access,” the rude lady whined.
    Ashura stiffened but kept his voice even. “Absurd or not, it is the way it is. You will be dismissed if found in an unauthorized area. One of you will become wife to the prince, so all of you do not need access to the entire palace.”
    He stepped to the door. “Come. We will tour a small portion of the palace and then come back for our first class session.”
    Cahri found the gallery of portraits interesting. Ashura mentioned a few notable pieces of art — pottery depicting warriors, and statues of half-naked men and women — as they walked the halls. She preferred the more personal element of the family portraits in the gallery.
    Despite the steward’s assurance to the contrary, this home was their prison, albeit an opulent one.
    The tour and class lasted until lunch, and in the afternoon the ladies were given spa treatments. Cahri declined to participate with the others. Ashura regarded her with dismay, but when Anaya spoke to him, he nodded his ascent and moved on. Cahri started to go to her room, when Anaya motioned for her to follow. Cahri trailed after her when the woman didn't wait for her to say yes or no, but walked off, expecting Cahri to follow.
    Who was the servant here? She chuckled to herself. Her silence allowed Anaya to get her way, not that Cahri cared one way or the other. She’d never had a servant, nor did she want one now.
    Cahri followed Anaya until she came to a forbidden section of the palace. She slowed, but Matthias touched her back and said, “Go.”
    It was the first word he had ever directed toward her, so she obeyed, although with a great deal of trepidation. Excitement and fear warred with each other. She anticipated seeing a different section of the