I am slow to wake this morning, my body feels well rested which is strange in itself, and my bed feels soft and warm, not the usual scratchy sheets and lumpy mattress I'm used to. I open my eyes suddenly trying to bring back my last memory. Fae. They had come for the offering, they had chosen me, they had taken me.

I sit up quickly, looking around the large room blinking repeatedly as the bright light strains my eyes. The light seems to sparkle and shimmer like stars in the night sky. I squint and try to focus. I'm not in my home, my sisters aren't sleeping in their beds in the room they shared with me. I scramble out of bed looking around the strange room, colours of glimmering gold and shining ivory surrounding me, everything so beautiful and lavish and dream like. My head spins and I struggle to stand upright.

I shake off the feeling and rush to the door gripping the handle, locked from the outside.

I turn around, eyeing the fireplace, the chaise and chairs, another door, I rush to it and find a bathing room, everything is so shiny. I move back to the room finding a large window, I push back the curtains and shield my eyes with my hand as the sunlight streams through. God's why is everything so bright? I find the latch and open the window. I am met with the view of a lush garden, it is a startling bright green and is more spacious then even the entire village I grew up in. I look down at the ground and see the drop, I am too high up to try and jump.

I can't remember the journey here.

I think I remember being on a horse, then they tied my hands and someone touched me, and then...nothing. Fae magic, they used magic on me, whoever touched me had sent me to sleep. And now I am locked inside this room where everything hurts to look at.

There is a quick knock on my door and then it opens and I tense as two young women enter, wearing matching grey dresses with white aprons.

"Good morning Miss, we are here to help you get ready." One of them says with a small curtsy.

"Ready for what?" I ask, wary as I take in the way they wear their hair in matching braid crowns. I watch as they walk into the room and stand side by side waiting.

"Ready for the day, you're still in your old clothes Miss, and you haven't bathed. We need to be quick Miss and make sure you are ready for the Advisor." She answers, moving further into the room.

"I'll draw the bath." The other servant says, moving into the bathing room.

I stare at the closed door, wondering if I would make it out before they stopped me.

"I wouldn't if I were you Miss," The servant girl says watching me closely.

I turn to her, her voice lowered. "There's guards Miss, you have two outside your doors, and more cover the entire wing for the chosen. You wouldn't make it far at all."

I look back at the door, the chosen, is that what they called us.

"It will be much easier if you just go along with it Miss, you will be treated very well in the palace, you are very important to the Kingdom and very valuable to the King." She says softly.

I nod and follow her.

Valuable, important, they were the words she used and it made me feel like an object, a great treasure, not a person.

I am scrubbed everywhere, rinsed and washed until my skin is raw and I smell like a garden in spring time.

I am dressed in a light blue gown that is made of a type of fabric I have never seen before, it is soft to the touch and the nicest thing I have ever worn. Then I am sat at a table with a mirror in an ornate golden frame while the one of girls brushes and braids my hair back and I do my best to remain calm while internally I feel like I am about to self-combust at any moment. Or perhaps this is all just a wild dream and I will wake up back in my house, lying in my lumpy bed with my scratchy sheets and everything will go back to normal.

"There, you are all ready Miss. You are quite the beauty without all that mud and dirt." The servant smiles. I look at my reflection, my cheeks still flushed from all the scrubbing, my eyes bright and fearful. I didn't look like me at all, it was like looking at someone else, someone with my eyes and my face, but it couldn't have been me staring back in that mirror.

"Come, we need to be down for breakfast with the other chosen before you are to be presented to the Advisor." She says pulling me up.

I turn away from the mirror, not wanting to look at the imposter any longer.

The guards nod at us as we leave and follow us down the hall. The ceiling is so high you could fit my home in it twice over and still not touch the top. And the floor is so smooth and shiny that I can hear the boots of the soldiers that follow us clipping. I can't help but stare at the pointed ears as I see each new fae. I still can't believe I am here, that I had been chosen and taken from my home. My mother had told me it was the best future. Why would she think that? Was she just saying the words, trying to calm me down? I am barely thinking straight as I follow the two servants. Everything around me screams wealth and power. It was so utterly otherworldly.

I am led into a large banquet room with a long dining table at its centre, there are already other human girls there sitting and looking around anxiously. My servants only gesture for me to enter before nodding their goodbyes and leaving me.

The human girls look up at me, they were all about my age, young innocent women, taken from their homes and bought to the fae kingdom as an offering.

I walk in slowly, choosing an empty seat.

Even the cutlery is beautiful, silver carved pieces, engraved with swirls and flowers. The plates are gold rimmed and so fine and elegant I am afraid I will break it just by touching it.

More girls enter, one after the other, filling the table slowly as my eyes try and take in everything around me, staring at the colours and textures in the room.

By the time an older fae woman walks in there is twelve of us altogether. She stands at the head of the table with a smile and hands held in front of her.

"Welcome Chosen, you have all been given to us by your people as an offering as is custom with the treaty made by our great King." She begins, looking at each of us. "I am Agaile but you will call me Mistress. I am in charge of your instruction and well-being for the duration of your stay here in the palace." Another pause as she takes each of us in. "I am sure each of you is aware of the treaty made between the human lands and our great kingdom of Wyndelle. The Offering is a sacred tradition that we value here in Wyndelle, it is a day in which human women are offered to our Kingdom in order to secure our race and in return provide your human villages with more land."

I sit deathly still as I remind myself to breathe. All of her words are making this feel more and more real, like it isn't a dream at all, I won't just blink and everything will go back to normal.

"Now that The Offering has taken place you have now become the chosen, human women chosen to fulfil the treaty and be bought to live in our Kingdom. You will remain here in the palace for your training and introduction. Your first introduction will take place this evening where you will be presented to the court and the royal family. The point of your being here is not only to receive training from our highly regarded tutors, but also to acclimate to this new way of life and be introduced to our fae society prior to the selection." She continues, leaving no room for questions only I have so many questions rushing through my mind that it's hard to pull one from the other.

"And what is The Selection you may be asking yourselves, well, The Selection is an event in which the High Lords of Wyndelle will choose one of you each to be their wife."

There is a soft gasp from several of the girls and a nervous energy fills the rooms. The only feeling I get is an angry pulsing that curls in the pit of my stomach. She had said the words so simply, just a few words that determined our entire lives and left us with no choice at all.

"It may seem somewhat daunting to you, but you have nothing to fear. You will all receive lessons and training in etiquette and refinement, as well as a brief history of the fae kingdom and its people. It is my responsibility to make sure each of you is ready for when the selection begins. There are a few ground rules that I will tell you now and are to be followed absolutely." She says with a firm nod and I don't want to think about what kind of lessons we will be instructed in. "One, you are to meet here for each meal unless you are told otherwise by a servant or myself. Two, you are to remain here at the palace until you have been selected, this is your home now. Three, you will attend all of your lessons daily without question. Four, you will speak when spoken to and always answer respectfully."

I look at each of the other girls, some sit perfectly still, others look with wide excited expressions. The Mistress smiles down at us, it is meant to appear as a kind smile, something that will make us trust her, a smile that says she is here to look after us and guide us but to me it only does the opposite. I don't trust her, I don't want to trust her, she is here to make sure we are all up to standard and know how to curtsy and smile and behave like good little offerings. That isn't me.

"Now, You will refer to me as Mistress. Let's begin breakfast and your first lesson will begin directly after." With a clap of her hands servants begin carrying in trays of food and setting them on the table.

I stare in disbelief as the food is set on the table. I have never seen so much food in my life, freshly baked bread roles, scrambled eggs, fried bacon, tarts and pastries, pots of steaming tea. My eyes are ravenous and my stomach grumbles. All of the girls begins reaching out, serving themselves from different dishes, I do the same, scooping eggs and bacon onto my plate while grabbing a fresh roll as I tear into it and take a bite.

There is a sharp flick on my shoulder and a clicking of someone's tongue.

"We are not animals, we are ladies and we must eat as such, small delicate bites, chewing with our mouths closed." The Mistress says at my shoulder looking down at me before continuing to walk around the table. She taps others on the shoulder with her stick, instructing them, critiquing them.

I had never given much thought to how I eat, or what I look like when I eat. Was this to be my life now? Forever being judged on every little thing I do? I quickly shovel eggs into my mouth while the Mistress isn't looking, the girl opposite me stares with wide horrified eyes. I only shrug and continue eating.

I want to go for seconds but the Mistress stops us, announcing our first lesson of the day is going to begin and we have eaten enough. My stomach disagrees but I stand and follow her with the others.

I can't help but notice every guard we pass as we walk the halls to our first class, their filled uniforms and sharp expressions. I wondered how fast they are, surely faster than I could ever be.

We are led to a large sun filled decorated room that is set with cushioned chairs in an arc facing the opposite wall and I squint as my eyes settle against the brightness. Large framed paintings hang on the walls, tables with vases full of fresh flowers, it just all seems so unreal, and I really hope I am dreaming. Everything is the complete opposite to my real everyday life and I'm struggling to cope with this new reality.

"Ladies, please find a seat." The Mistress instructs walking to the front of the room.

The other girls all find seats, dressed in varying shades of pink and green and blue. I find an empty seat and try to reign in the need to look around at everything.

"Your attention ladies, The Advisor to the King will be speaking to you about your place here in the palace so I would like each of you to give him your attention." She orders with a nod as the doors open and a tall man with long straight brown hair tied back walks into the room. I recognize him immediately, he was the one who had ordered me to be tied to the horse.

"Welcome chosen," He begins, taking the Mistress' place. The girls all follow him with round eager expressions. "We are so honoured to have you here in the palace with us and hope that you will enjoy your time here. The King himself is eager to meet all of you at tonight's presentation and I'm sure each of you is excited as well."

I can't help but grip my hands together, there is a flickering of anger in my chest that is threatening to grow larger, only the fear of my current situation and the fact that I am in a completely foreign place with magical fae surrounding me is keeping it at bay for the moment.

"Now, it is my honour to be here with you this morning to explain the process and obligations of being one of the chosen. Firstly, you are permitted anywhere within this wing of the palace, there are many parlours and sunrooms, music rooms and the like to keep you entertained during your time here. The guards stationed around are for your protection, though the palace is the safest place in our kingdom we treat your safety and well-being with the greatest importance. You have each been assigned two servants who will attend to you in your rooms and are there to help you with any need you may have. Your lessons will be given by some of our best scholars and tutors and it is important to us that you attend each one. Now there is one slight difference to this offering. In years before, the chosen are presented to the High Lords of the court and each is selected and are sent to become wives and mothers, this year however, you will also be presented to our Princes. The King has decided it is time for them to take a wife and so you will each be introduced and may be chosen to become the next Princess of our Kingdom."

There is an audible gasp around the room as fear wraps around me.

"You will learn more about the Princes in your lessons and will be taught all the appropriate etiquette for when you are introduced. There is nothing to fear about the upcoming presentation or any of the events you will attend, you are all now personal guests of the King and will be treated as such."

I grip my fingers tightly, my knuckles whitening. Princes, how many are there? Why would they want a human wife? What if I had to talk to one? Are they going to punish me if I say the wrong thing or don't curtsy low enough?

I can't focus on the Mistress as she starts explaining our first lesson. Words stumble into my head, something about the correct greetings to use.

I try to pay attention as the lesson goes on, the other girls speak up, practicing the terms and answering questions. Some of them even look excited at the prospect of using them.

When it is time for a break we are led to yet another room that is full of light, wide windows stretch along one wall and the room almost glows.

Tea is served in small delicate cups with sugar cubes and tiny cakes and tarts. The girls begin to speak to each other, excited voices with quiet words.

I hold my cup of tea, looking around the room as a girl sits on the sofa beside me.

"Hi," She smiles at me hesitantly, I try my best smile back. "I'm Roux."

"Daella" I nod, sipping my tea just for something to do.

"You seemed a little more normal about this whole situation, not as excited as the others, or shell shocked." She says looking at the frightened girls, one girl looked the youngest, with honey coloured skin and silky blonde hair, she reminds me of a mouse.

"I think I'm just better at hiding it." I say, forcing a half smile.

She smiles back at me, holding her cup and saucer in her hands. She has warm russet coloured skin and her dark curly hair is pulled back away from her heart shaped face. Warm brown eyes study me.

"I'm still trying to figure out if this is all real or not, I've never imagined anything like this in all my life." She whispers, looking around the room.

"I don't think any human could." I say softly, eyes drawn to the gold framed paintings.

"Can you believe what the Advisor said about the Princes looking for wives as well?" She asks, sipping at her tea.

"I'm trying not to think about it." I reply honestly, I don't think I could have this conversation if I let myself think about it.

"I'm just still in shock the King would let his sons choose a wife from among us, it just seems so strange to think we would be princesses and our children would be heirs to the kingdom." Her eyes are wide and lips parted.

"Do you know anything about the Princes?" I ask.

She shakes her head. "Only that there are three of them."

Three? Three Princes who want to choose a human wife. What are the chances I could hide away during these events we are meant to attend and just be invisible to all those around me?

"Alright ladies, back to your lessons!" The Mistress announces.

We are led through the day and just as I had suspected we are taught how to curtsy, how to stand, how to sit, how to smile, how to dance, this is one I struggle with the most. We had dances in our village, when we would celebrate the harvest or the new moon, we would gather at the village square around the fire pit and dance and talk and laugh.

These dances were nothing like those.

Those dances were full of spirit and emotion and you moved in beat with the music, these fae dances are stiff and formal and the male always leads while the female follows.

By the end of it I am barely containing my anger and exhaustion but I know the day isn't over, no, all of it has been in preparation for tonight.

My assigned servants wait for me in my assigned rooms with smiles on their faces.

"Good evening Miss, we have everything ready and not much time."

After I am squeezed into a corset and more undergarments I can count I step into a deep emerald velvet gown with cap sleeves and a tight fitting bodice.

The skirt falls around my matching shoes and at last they stand back and smile.

"Everything is done, you look beautiful Miss." One says happily.

They had pulled back the front of my hair, keeping it in place with golden leaf shaped pins and letting the rest fall down my back in thick curls. Then they applied different powders to my cheeks and eyelids and something to my lips. I stare at my reflection not recognizing myself. Maybe that was for the best, I could just be someone else, pretend to be this version, this well-mannered human offering.

I'm sure it would be better than being myself.

There is a soft knock at the door making me start. I turn as one of the servants goes to open it and an older fae male in dark blue robes walks in with a smile on his lips.

"Hello, I am Quirin, second healer to the King. You were unconscious when you were bought in yesterday and so I have come to check up on you." He says walking into the room.

I stand stuck still and not sure what to do. What did he mean check up on me?

"Don't look so scared my dear. Have a seat and I will be quick, I know you have an important event to attend." He says gesturing to the end of my bed.

I quickly sit, watching him warily as he steps up to me and holds his hand out towards my face and closes his eyes.

I sit and wait as his hand hovers over me face and down to my chest. After a few moments he opens his eyes and smiles.

"Very good, everything is as it should be." He says looking pleased. "How do you feel?"

I don't know how to answer? Did he want the truth? Was he speaking emotionally or physically?

"How are you adjusting to the magic?" He asks patiently.

"Magic?"

"Yes, you have come from the human lands, a place with no magic. Wyndelle is a land with magic in everything. You were sleeping when you crossed the borders from your land into ours and did not have the appropriate time to adjust to magic like the other chosen. Have you noticed anything since waking? A sensitivity to light? A sensitive touch? Perhaps feeling uncertain or unsteady?" He explains and I nod slowly.

He only smiles and I don't know why but I want to believe him, I want to trust his kind eyes and comforting smile.

"Those are all perfectly normal and will fade quickly. Your body will adjust to living in a land with magic and it will become second nature to you."

"Excuse me Quirin, but she really needs to go or she will be late." One of the servants says stepping forward.

"Of course." Quirin smiles and nods. "Please call of me if you need anything." He says before heading to the door and letting himself out.

The two servants smile down at me with excitement on their faces and all I feel is fear.