ROYAL CONTEST

2| CHAPTER TWO

ALYSSA'S POV

Throughout my life, I've never had the opportunity to travel beyond the borders of my homeland. My mother, originally from the United States, moved to South Africa after falling deeply in love with my father. Though I never had the chance to meet her, my father always speaks of her as the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

As a proud coloured girl, I embrace my identity wholeheartedly. Yet, my chocolate-toned skin often leads people to overlook my heritage, as I seem to have inherited most of my features from my father rather than my mother.

Living here in South Africa has always brought me immense joy. It's a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging. The thought of leaving behind my father and twin brother to move to a foreign land fills me with sorrow. Since my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to us, our family unit has always been just the three of us. The bond we share is unbreakable, and the idea of separation is almost unbearable.

I know that relocating to a new country will bring about many changes, and the worst part is that these changes will be beyond my control. Despite my apprehensions, I must honor my mother's wishes and strive to make her proud. My father constantly reassures me that moving to the Harrington Empire will open up new opportunities and improve my life. However, I fear it may bring chaos and disruption that I'm not prepared to face.

One of the most perplexing aspects of this move is my mother's promise to the queen. She pledged that I would participate in the royal contest when it was time for the prince to choose a wife. That kingdom, renowned for its beauty and wealth, is home to countless stunning women. I can't fathom why my mother felt compelled to make such a promise, especially considering that I've never met the prince and have no desire to compete for his hand in marriage. This life, dictated by expectations and competition, is not what I envision for myself.

I understand that I need to experience life beyond the confines of my home and learn to be independent, but this isn’t how I envisioned it. My dreams of independence never included being thrust into a royal competition in a foreign land, far from everything I know and love.

The prospect of having to act like a princess when I get there fills me with dread. If it’s anything like the portrayals in movies, with all the pretenses and pressures, I want no part of it. My life here has always been rather straightforward and uncomplicated. Relocating to a new country is daunting enough, but moving into a royal fortress with nineteen girls I’ve never met seems like an insurmountable challenge.

I have no idea what these girls will be like or how they will treat me. Although I understand that this is a competition, I can’t help but hope for some camaraderie. Even though I don’t want to be there, the idea of being lonely in such an unfamiliar place is equally unappealing. I wish I could find at least one friend among the other contestants.

My father told me I must depart this weekend to arrive on Sunday. The other girls have already begun to arrive, but my father, always looking out for me, arranged for me to be the last one to get there. I appreciate this gesture more than words can express. It gives me a little more time to savor the comforts of home and the company of my family before stepping into the unknown.

His support and thoughtfulness are constants in my life. Despite the void left by my mother’s absence, my father has always been my rock. He ensures I have everything I need and provides a love and stability I wish every child could experience. Often, I wonder how different life would have been if my mother had lived, but I know I am blessed to have my father. He is the kind of father every child deserves, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I remember there was a time when I questioned my mother's love for me and my brother. I couldn’t comprehend why she would leave us, choosing death over her presence in our lives. But with time, I came to understand the depth of her love.

My father, in one of our heart-to-heart conversations when I turned sixteen, shared insights into my mother’s unconditional love for her family. He told me that if she had the chance, she would choose us over and over again. Despite knowing the risks her pregnancy posed, she made a conscious decision to embrace motherhood, even at the cost of her own life.

My father told me that initially he grappled with feelings of hurt and abandonment. He couldn’t understand why she would leave him to bear the weight of parenthood alone. However, in time, he found solace in her immense trust and love for him. She wanted nothing more than to bring joy into his life, to fulfill their dreams of building a family together.

Her decision to entrust him with the responsibility of raising two young children spoke volumes about the strength of their bond. And true to her faith in him, my father rose to the occasion, surpassing all expectations. He not only provided for us but also showered us with love, filling the void left by her absence.

As my brother barged into my room, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"I was hoping you'd finished packing by now. You've already spent four hours in this room. I guess it's true what they say about girls: you do take your time while doing things," he remarked, his grin widening as he watched my exasperated reaction.

I shot him a glare, my irritation evident. "Shut the hell up. Why do you have to burst into my room like that every time? What did dad say about knocking?" I retorted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Despite my annoyance, I couldn't help but acknowledge the undeniable truth: my twin brother had zero manners when it came to invading my privacy.

"Is it necessary for me to knock before entering your room? You're my younger sister. After all, I enjoy catching you off guard," he replied, his tone laced with mischief.

"I hate you, Matt," I muttered, though the affection underlying my words was unmistakable.

"You love me and you know that. On a serious note though, I'm gonna miss you," he admitted, a rare moment of vulnerability shining through his playful facade.

Though I wanted to maintain my facade of indifference, I couldn't deny the pang of sadness that gripped my heart at his words. I would miss him too, despite my efforts to downplay it.

"I'm not. At least I will catch a break," I quipped, mustering up a bright smile to mask my true feelings.

"You can deny it all you want, but you and I both know you'll never be able to live without me. You'll miss me, and when you do, you'll be back in a heartbeat," he teased, his confidence bordering on arrogance.

"Or I can just make it possible. You know me," he continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes that hinted at past antics.

"You're such a child. You know that, right?" I sighed, unable to suppress a fond smile despite my attempts to appear unaffected.

"You know there is no limit to what I can do," he boasted, his laughter filling the room as he reveled in his own audacity.

As much as his antics grated on my nerves, I couldn't imagine facing this new chapter of my life without him by my side. He was my constant, my confidant, and despite our differences, I knew that no matter where life took us, our bond would remain unbreakable.

Memories of our childhood flooded my mind as I listened to my brother's playful taunts. Despite our teasing and banter, there were moments from our past that I couldn't help but reflect on, moments that revealed the depth of our bond in ways both heartwarming and mischievous.

I remembered the days when I spent countless hours in the school library, immersing myself in books and knowledge while my father toiled away at work. With him preoccupied and me engrossed in my studies, Matthew found himself alone at home, seeking solace in the glow of the television screen.

It was during those times of solitude that Matthew devised his mischievous schemes. He noticed how I would often feel unwell whenever he fell ill, and he seized upon that realization with a cunning plan. He began feigning sickness, orchestrating elaborate ruses to convince me to return home and keep him company.

But when our father caught wind of Matthew's antics, his reaction was anything but amused. Furious at the manipulation and deceit, he admonished my brother, unable to comprehend the lengths to which he had gone to tourture his own twin sister.

From that day forward, Matthew abandoned his schemes, recognizing the error of his ways and the gravity of his actions. I never expected him to bring up those memories now, dredging up a past that we had both moved on from.

"I'm joking; you know I wouldn't do something like that to you. You're my only sister and I love you," he reassured me, his tone earnest. "I'm simply scared that I won't be able to be there for you in that place, and you know how much I despise being apart from you." His vulnerability touched me deeply.

"We've been together even before birth, and I don't think I'll be able to adapt to not seeing you every day," he continued, his voice tinged with sadness. "I know Dad said I'd be able to visit you whenever I want, but we're not sure if they'll actually allow it."

His concern mirrored my own, and I nodded in silent agreement. The prospect of being apart from him, even for a short while, seemed daunting. The thought of being separated from him felt like losing a part of myself.

"I'd like you to promise me that you'll look after yourself and that if you can't go on, you'll come back to us," he implored, his words carrying the weight of our shared history. "Even if it was our mother's wish, I know that our father will never let you suffer."

Knowing Matthew, I knew he meant every word he said. Despite his penchant for teasing and mischief, his loyalty to me was unwavering. He may relish in poking fun at me, but when it comes to protecting me, he could go to any length.

"You don't have to be bothered about me since you know I'm capable of looking after myself. I'm not going to let anyone mess with me, whether they're royalty or not," I insisted, offering him a small smile in an attempt to alleviate his worries. But his response was resolute.

"Stop putting on a brave face. You know I'm not going to stop until you promise so that I can sleep peacefully at night. You'll be thousands of miles from home, which isn't something to be taken lightly," he countered, his tone firm and unwavering.

I sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing with him when he was in this state. He cared deeply for me, perhaps too deeply at times, and his concern manifested itself in relentless persistence.

"I told you not to worry; I'm no longer a child, and you know I'm capable of looking after myself," I reiterated, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "I genuinely appreciate you watching out for me, but you should know that I don't like being treated like a child."

It wasn't that I didn't appreciate his concern; it was the suffocating feeling of being coddled that grated on my nerves. I needed space to breathe, to assert my independence, even in the face of uncertainty.

"I know that I'll be in a place where I know no one, but that won't bother me," I continued, my tone softening as I attempted to convey my gratitude for his care. "You care a great deal, which can be frustrating at times, especially when you overdo it."

"All I ask is that you promise me that you will be cautious and take care of yourself. Is it too much to ask for?" he implored, his voice soft but firm.

I felt a lump form in my throat as his words resonated within me. He was right; it wasn't too much to ask. And yet, my stubborn pride made it difficult to concede.

"I know you're no longer a baby, but you're my twin sister, the only sister I've ever had and will ever have," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "I understand you don't want to look weak, but until you give me your word, I won't be at peace."

Despite my protests, I couldn't deny the warmth that flooded my heart at the thought of his unwavering support. He may annoy me with his incessant worrying, but deep down, I knew it stemmed from a place of love and concern.

"You know that you are the family's pride and joy, right?" he affirmed, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "My father and I will be nothing without you. You are our pillar of strength, our source of joy, and you will always be so."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I listened to his words.

"I've seen how much our father misses our mother, but every time he looks at you, that need for her fades," my brother continued, his voice tinged with emotion. "And I know it's because he's grateful that she left him with a priceless gift in the form of you.

"I know he cherishes both of us, but you hold a particular place in his heart," he confessed, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "He has repeatedly complimented you that you have our mother's smile. That smile is one of the things that keeps him going, so I understand if I'm annoying at times, but you have to be careful, if only for his sake. Please, Bhele."

His use of our clan name, a term of endearment that resonated deep within me, left me feeling vulnerable and exposed. How could I refuse such a heartfelt plea, especially when it came from the one person who knew me best?

With a trembling voice, I finally relented. "I promise, Matt. I swear I'll be cautious where I'm going," I reassured him. "When they start treating me like trash, I'll take care of myself and remember that I have a family who loves me so much."

He smiled and helped me with packing. I won't be leaving today or tomorrow, but I want to make sure that everything is ready and that I'm not forgetting anything.

When Daddy finally came back, Matt and I were already done, and we also made dinner and ate together like we always do. The comforting routine of our family dinner felt more precious than ever, knowing it would soon be disrupted by my departure.

I'm going to miss them so much, I don't wanna lie, and I'm also wondering how it's gonna be like to be away from Matt because we've never been separated before. This is gonna be a long run and I don't think I'll ever be ready.

As we sat around the table, the atmosphere was a mix of laughter and unspoken sadness. Daddy kept the conversation light, sharing stories from his day at work, while Matt cracked his usual jokes. But beneath the surface, we all felt the weight of the impending separation.

Later that night, as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind raced with thoughts of the future. The palace, the contest, the new faces, and the unknown challenges ahead all swirled together in a blur of anxiety and anticipation. I wondered how I would fit into this new world, so different from the life I had always known.

The next morning, I woke early to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The familiar sight of my room, with its cozy clutter and personal touches, made me realize how much I would miss the comfort of home. I decided to spend the day with Matt, making the most of our remaining time together.

We wandered through our favorite spots in the neighborhood, reminiscing about our childhood adventures. The park where we used to play, the old treehouse we built together, and the corner store where we spent our allowance on candy—each place held a memory, a piece of our shared history.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves sitting on the hill overlooking our town, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange. It was our special place, where we often came to talk about our dreams and fears. Today, it felt like the perfect spot to face the reality of the coming days.

"Remember when we used to come here and talk about what we wanted to be when we grew up?" Matt said, breaking the silence. "You always wanted to travel the world and have grand adventures."

I nodded, a bittersweet smile on my lips. "Yeah, I did. I just never imagined it would start like this."

He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You'll do great, Alyssa. You've always been the brave one. Just remember, no matter what happens, you can always come back home. We'll always be here for you."

I smiled as I leaned into his shoulder. I will really miss our time together and I hope I can come back soon.