The First Test

The golden morning light streamed through the arched windows of Averleigh Palace, casting shadows across the polished marble floors. The palace had been awake for hours, the hum of servants preparing for the day filling the corridors.

Evelyn Lancaster took her time dressing. The deep sapphire gown chosen for her was exquisite, the embroidery delicate, the fabric luxurious. But to her, it was just another layer of pretense. The illusion of a willing participant.

By the time she entered the grand dining hall, the long banquet table was already filled with contestants. Silver trays of fresh fruit, pastries, and steaming tea adorned the table, but the real feast was the gossip.

" Did you hear?" Lady Genevieve whispered to the girl beside her, barely able to contain her excitement. "The first test is today."

Lady Margaret, seated further down, scoffed. "Obviously. They have to start weeding people out somehow."

Evelyn silently reached for a cup of tea, unfazed by the nervous energy around her. The sooner this test happened, the sooner she could continue her strategy—doing just enough to remain, but never enough to stand out.

Before any more rumors could spread, Lady Beatrice entered the room, her presence enough to quiet the conversation.

"Ladies," she said, her voice commanding, "you will be escorted to the palace gardens shortly, where your first challenge awaits. A queen must be poised in every setting—whether among nobility or the common people."

She let the words settle before continuing, "Today, you will host a tea party for a group of esteemed guests. You will be responsible for ensuring their comfort, leading conversation, and displaying proper etiquette. Your performance will be noted."

A murmur spread across the room.

A tea party. It sounded harmless, but Evelyn knew better. Every movement, every word, would be under scrutiny.

"Make haste," Lady Beatrice instructed. "The guests are already waiting."

The palace gardens were breathtaking—manicured hedges shaped into elaborate patterns, vibrant flowers in full bloom, marble fountains glistening under the sun. In the center of it all, a long table had been arranged, adorned with delicate porcelain teacups, crystal plates, and an assortment of fine pastries.

The contestants took their places, standing behind designated seats. Across from them sat the "guests"—a carefully curated mix of duchesses, lords, and respected scholars from the kingdom.

As Evelyn surveyed the scene, she noted how the other contestants subtly adjusted their posture, smoothing their gowns, readying their most charming smiles. She remained still, hands folded before her, watching.

" Begin," Lady Beatrice announced.

The contestants moved at once—pouring tea, offering polite conversation, making every effort to impress.

Lady Genevieve was all warmth, engaging an older duchess with tales of her family's estate. Lady Margaret, ever confident, spoke of politics and trade as though she were already royalty.

Evelyn?

She simply did what was required—nothing more, nothing less. She poured the tea precisely as etiquette dictated, spoke when spoken to, and kept her expressions pleasant but distant.

She did not laugh too loudly.

She did not insert herself into conversations.

She did not try to win favor.

And yet—

"Lady Evelyn," one of the guests, an elderly countess, suddenly addressed her. "You are rather quiet. Tell me, what do you believe is the most important trait in a future queen?"

Several heads turned in her direction. Even Prince Alexander, who had been observing from a distance, seemed to take mild interest.

Evelyn met the countess's gaze evenly. She could have said something expected—grace, wisdom, diplomacy. But instead, she simply said, "Patience."

The countess raised a brow. "An interesting answer. And why is that?"

Evelyn allowed herself a small, knowing smile. "Because a queen must endure."

The countess seemed amused. "Endure what, my dear?"

Evelyn took a sip of tea before responding. "Everything."

A brief silence followed. Some of the other contestants exchanged glances.

Lady Margaret scoffed. "That's rather bleak, don't you think?"

Evelyn merely shrugged. "It's honest."

The countess chuckled. "You have a sharp mind, Lady Evelyn."

Evelyn simply inclined her head. If her answer had been meant to deter attention, it had failed. She hadn't wanted to stand out.

And yet, she could feel Prince Alexander's gaze lingering on her.

The test concluded with Lady Beatrice announcing that their performance would be reviewed. The contestants were dismissed, but just as Evelyn turned to leave, a steward approached her.

"Lady Evelyn," he said, "His Majesty requests your presence."

A ripple of shock passed through the group. Even Lady Beatrice's gaze flickered with something unreadable.

Evelyn masked her surprise. The king? Why?

The other contestants whispered as she followed the steward away from the gardens, toward the palace's private wing.

By the time they reached the doors of King Aldric's study, Evelyn had carefully composed herself.

The steward knocked once before opening the door. "Enter."

Evelyn stepped inside.

The room was grand, lined with bookshelves and filled with the scent of aged parchment and oak. King Aldric sat behind a heavy mahogany desk, studying her with the same piercing gaze he had given her the night before.

She curtsied. "Your Majesty."

He gestured for her to rise. "Lady Evelyn."

A beat of silence.

Then, he spoke. "Tell me—do you wish to be here?"

Evelyn hesitated. The question was unexpected. But lying to a king was not an option.

"No, Your Majesty."

His lips quirked, as if he had already known the answer. "And yet, you do not rebel. You do what is required."

"I was raised to honor duty," she replied evenly.

King Aldric leaned forward slightly. "Many girls here are desperate for my son's favor. You are not. That makes you an outlier."

She held his gaze but remained silent.

Then, he said something that made her blood run cold.

"Perhaps that is why I find you interesting."

Evelyn stiffened.

He studied her for a long moment before finally saying, "You may go."

She curtsied once more and left the room, her pulse pounding.

As she stepped into the corridor, Prince Alexander was waiting outside.

His blue eyes flickered with something unreadable as he regarded her. "My father summoned you." It wasn't a question.

She lifted her chin. "Apparently so."

A pause. Then, with the faintest trace of amusement, he murmured, "Interesting."

And then he walked away, leaving Evelyn standing in the empty hall.

She had not wanted to stand out.

But it seemed that, despite her best efforts, she had.