Day of Reckoning (Part I)
"I'm scared I won't be chosen, Nana. I don't want to have to wait another year, and then another, until I am 20, and deemed unfit for marriage, like Jasmin." Cleo shuddered at the memory, causing her Nana to accidentally tug her hair with the brush. "I don't want to be taken away and killed. You can't let that happen, Nana-"
"Shhh, everything will be alright. You're a beautiful girl, I'm sure a man will choose you." Nana stood behind her chair, combing Cleo's thin locks thoughtfully, "We'll have to make you stand out if you want a good match."
Cleo nodded, and Nana put the brush away. "You ought to wear a red dress, red catches the eye."
"Every other girl will be wearing red, I'm certain."
"What of black?"
"No, I think white, like a wedding gown, would be best. If I act like I'm taking it for granted that I will be chosen, maybe someone will choose me."
"Perhaps." Nana sighed, "I heard there are only 10 Alphas in want of a bride, and over 60 Beta women this year."
"60?" Cleo's breath caught. "How can I compete against 60?"
"Be different. Instead of appealing to all 10 of the Alphas, find one. Focus all your attention on him, only him. Make him fall in love with you."
"Ha, easier said than done."
"Your white gown may also be a good idea."
"Well, yeah, I came up with it."
Her Nana gave her a strange look, and Cleo corrected herself. "Sorry, I meant thank you, Nana."
"As well you should. Now come, the ceremony begins in 3 hours, and you haven't even decided on a dress yet."
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