2 Entering the Castle

It's past dusk by the time I get to the palace. I barely manage to keep my head up and my eyelids from closing. Drowsily I walk towards the gate like a zombie. I knock onto the big wooden gate to announce my arrival. Yawning I wait for the palace gates to open. Soon enough, the gates open steadily revealing the darkness in the castle. I stand up taller, not sleepy anymore. Chin up, I walk into the total darkness. After taking a few steps into the castle the gates close suddenly behind my back. Screaming I jumped around looking to see who closed the doors. Only the dim light of the torches could be seen in the courtyard. Breath...it's probably just the wind. Just finish your task and all of this will be over. I think rationally. Renewed with my purpose I took a few more steps to the front door of the creepy castle. Raising my hand up I knock on the tall doors. This time the doors were opened by the knights. "State your business." "I'm here for the selection." Twirling a piece of hair around my finger prettily. The guards then stepped out of the way. "Please continue. You will be given a guest suite by our head maid. Thank you." The guards said stiffly. 'Not even a 'what's you name' or 'where are you from?' This 12th prince must be desperate for a bride." I ponder. Well all it does is make my life easier. I think shrugging it off. Stepping into the empty halls I look around for any sign of the head maid. "Hello, thank you for coming to the Selection." A voice says behind me. Turning around I see a person dressed in dress with their head down. "Ah, it's my pleasure." I reply politely, not at all startled by their sudden appearance. "Please follow me." She says bowing her head deeper. Gracefully she walks up the golden-marble twisting staircase. Only now I saw the beautiful accents of gold running along the prim, white marble. With a pale pink fountain in the middle. "Are you coming?" The maid asks, interrupting my day-dreaming. Quickly I jerked my feet from the beautiful castle and followed her up the stairs. At the top there were many rooms each one a different color. I passed pink, blue, purple, green, orange and yellow rooms before she brought be to a bright, red room. Startled at it's bold red color I slightly recoil. "Please don't mind the color, I'm afraid we don't have another room avaliable." "What about that white room next to me?" I ask, pointing to the white marble door across from me. "Ahh, that's His Majesty's chamber. Which reminds me of one thing. His Majesty strictly told us that no one is allowed inside unless invited." "Ah, ok thanks!" I say waving her off. Quietly she left like shadow. Glancing one more time and the marble door I head into my room.