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

palace, but feared getting in trouble for being in an off-limits area. She caught up to Anaya just outside an exquisite set of carved doors. The flowers, maybe daisies or small sunflowers, followed a winding vine of leaves up and around the wood. Beautiful.
    Anaya entered, and Cahri moved to follow but paused to run her fingers over the carvings. Matthias closed the door when Cahri stepped past it. Anaya told her to sit on a toile-upholstered barstool situated in the middle of the bedroom before she disappeared through another door.
    Cahri sat. She couldn’t keep hiding behind her silence. Was this a good time to speak?
    She glanced at the huge room furnished with expensive linens and cherry Queen Anne furniture. A plush oriental rug covered a large portion of the floor.
    It didn't look like a servant's quarters.
    A king-sized bed stood front and center of one wall, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. Or were they doors? In front of one of the windows sat a small bistro-like table. A dresser and a desk graced another wall. The corner of the third and fourth walls held a seating area, including a red damask sofa and matching chair. Was that a real Tiffany lamp?
    She fiddled with the creases on her jeans. She stood and took a step toward the door, then returned to the stool, sat back down, and bounced her knee. She shouldn't be here. Questions flitted through her mind, and she decided to end her silence.
    â€œWhy am I here?” Cahri asked Anaya when the other woman returned to the room.
    â€œAh, you have deemed me worthy to speak to again, Chosen One. I am overcome with joy.”
    Cahri flinched at Anaya’s tone. “No need to get nasty. It wasn't personal. I've just been overwhelmed with the changes required of me.” She sighed. “Why am I here?”
    â€œBecause your hair is different from the others, I have decided to trim, wash, and condition it in private for your comfort. The others will have theirs done in their rooms.” Anaya removed Cahri’s hat and released her braid.
    â€œJust a moment, and the water will be ready for you to bathe, and then we will wash and condition your hair.
    â€œI have noticed you have decided not to wear the clothes provided for you, instead choosing your own.”
    Cahri raised her eyebrows and shrugged. “I figured I may as well accentuate my differences.”
    â€œThat's fine, but this evening you will wear what has been provided. The prince will inspect the chosen ones and eliminate any he finds lacking. Do not be among the first to go. The most desperate and lowest of nobles will pick from these, and their lives will not be easy.”
    Anaya’s words of warning sent a shiver of dread down Cahri’s spine. She expected to be one of the first to go. Not one man in Belikara thought her pale skin beautiful. A few had been desperate enough to be seen with her, but not more than two or three times. Others had been more interested, but they desired a more clandestine relationship. “I won’t be marrying a noble. I have made other plans should I be eliminated.”
    Anaya nodded. She moved around the room, grabbing brushes, hair bands, and various other styling equipment. “The prince longs for a wife who will help him and not harm him. He also seeks someone worthy to be queen when the time comes. You must know that he is discerning. He trusts God to guide him in his decisions, but he is a man and will also look on the more visible qualities of the women.”
    Worthy to be queen? She would never be worthy to be queen. Elimination was imminent.
    â€œThere are certain rules you must follow. Do not look at him before he requests it. He will think less of you, though he may not eliminate you altogether — that would displease the king.” After depositing her armful of products on a table, Anaya stood in front of Cahri and gazed into her eyes. “Tonight is a test. I have given you fair warning because I think you will