Chapter 33: Soleada

“W-What? The King?”

“Hmm…” She nodded with her crossed arms.

I looked at the invitation, then back at her. My lips trembled, hesitating to ask her. The Headmistress was looking at me, waiting for my unsaid words.

“May… May I turn down the invitation?”

“You know, dear. It’s rude to reject the King’s invitation.” She said.

“His Majesty only arranged the list of maidens, and his son will be the one who will decide.” The Headmistress took her pen beside her papers and played it. “Prince Cadmus will choose three maidens on the list that his father prepared.”

Three maidens?

She clapped her hands and laughed softly. “And you are one of them, Jasmine!”

I breathe heavily. And... I’m one of them? What?

The Headmistress let me go after that because she has so many works to finish. She said Cadmus will date each maiden in each month, and that includes me. I sigh and closed my eyes. I shook my head repeatedly. This cannot be happening.