One Choice Read Free

away.” Cahri shooed Stormy away from her melted dessert. She picked up the bowl, buying time to process what was happening. Forcing her mind to focus, she switched off the TV and walked to the kitchen to put the bowl in the sink.
    She'd heard rumors of the Bridal March at work, but there hadn't been one in, well, she didn't even know how long. The current king married before his twenty-fifth birthday. Her eyes opened wider and then closed in dread.
    â€œOh, no!” She plopped onto a kitchen chair. This was about getting the prince a wife. Inhale. Exhale. After regaining a semblance of control she returned to the living room.
    The lady still stood by the door. Compassion filled her eyes. “I'm here to help you.”
    â€œHelp me?”
    â€œYes.”
    Cahri walked to the sofa and slumped down into its comfort. She stared up at this olive-skinned beauty and doubted anyone could help her. “Why me?”
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œWhy was I chosen?”
    â€œDuring the past few weeks, the steward traveled to the cities and villages surrounding the palace to search for suitable candidates for the prince. Sometimes suggestions came from those to whom he spoke. If he liked what he heard about her, he wrote down her name without an introduction. I would imagine such is the case with you.” She dug in her bag for a file folder, which she opened and glanced through, brows furrowed. Even when frowning, the woman was beautiful.
    â€œAccording to your file, you work at the local mission church. Perhaps your pastor mentioned you. I know he meets with the pastor who leads the palace church.”
    â€œI don’t want to go. Do I have to?” Cahri wanted to find a way out of this hideous predicament others would consider a privilege — a chance to be the prince’s wife. It was common knowledge that the royal family had converted to Christianity many years ago, but she didn’t know if the prince was a believer.
    Anaya’s eyes widened at Cahri’s bold question. “You have been chosen. You must go. To reject the summons would be to refuse the prince, and is not advisable.” The tone of her voice convinced Cahri it wasn’t a viable option to refuse the prince. She trembled at the possible repercussions of such a refusal.
    Anaya glanced around the apartment.
    Cahri did as well. What a mess. A week's worth of newspapers lay scattered about. Dirty clothes were flung across a chair. Cat hair and dust covered almost every visible surface. Cahri shuddered at the sight. Her usual day to clean and do laundry was Saturday. Last week, however, she’d worked at the church bazaar all day, and there’d been no time. This week's hectic schedule had added more clutter to the mess.
    â€œWe'll clean tomorrow,” Anaya said. “Tonight I will sleep on your couch. Tomorrow supplies will be brought for the week, and you will begin preparations for your departure to the palace.”
    â€œPreparations for departure? To the palace? Why would I go to the palace? I want to stay here, in my home.” Cahri massaged her temples. As though sensing her distress, Stormy jumped in her lap.
    â€œI’m sorry, but you will not be allowed to stay here. There are many things to learn and tests to take. All of which will be done under the direction of the royal steward. You must pack your things, resign your employment, and move to the palace with the others.” As Anaya spoke, she walked around the room straightening papers and picking up clothes.
    â€œQuit my job and move?” Cahri’s heart skipped a beat. Could this get any worse?
    Silence, except for Stormy’s purrs.
    She clenched her teeth. “How many others are there?”
    Anaya stopped her straightening and faced Cahri. “There are fifty, including you.”
    â€œFifty?” Cahri swallowed. Worse than she could have imagined. Living with so many women would be a chore all by itself. And then to be