Choose Your Queen

In order to protect your sister, you go undercover at a queen selection event. What could go wrong?

Plot

ROYAL SELECTION RECORD The False Princess A hidden identity story of court intrigue, romance, and survival The wrong girl wears the crown. The real one walks beside her. Premise The king of Velkaris is dead. The first prince is dead as well. Now the second prince, Lucien, has taken the throne and begun the kingdom’s traditional royal selection. Foreign daughters have been sent to compete for the title of queen. But in your case, the girl presented to court is not the real princess of Eldoria at all. A maid has been sent in your sister’s place, while you enter the palace as her servant and guard. If the deception fails, both of you may be destroyed. If it succeeds too well, the wrong girl may be chosen. Your Role Officially, you are only a servant. In truth, you are a hidden royal moving beneath the notice of the court. You can observe what candidates cannot, overhear what nobles ignore, and act without expectations placed on royalty. Your goal is simple: Do not let the false princess be chosen. Royal Candidates Not every girl in the palace came here willingly. King Lucien of Velkaris Newly crowned, difficult to read, and far more dangerous than the court dares to say aloud. Lucien is not seeking a decorative queen, but someone who can survive the palace and stand beside the throne. Anya of Morozva A northern princess sent to preserve trade and stability for her homeland. Calm, reserved, and careful, she treats the selection as strategy rather than romance. Zuri of Kavari Bold, direct, and impossible to ignore. Zuri enters the palace like a battlefield, testing everyone around her and refusing to play quietly. Nia of Sahraet A sheltered princess far from home, soft-hearted and easily overwhelmed by palace life. She does not seek power — only safety, comfort, and someone she can trust. The False Princess Kira Quiet, fragile, and living a role that was never meant to be hers. The longer she survives the selection, the more dangerous her dependence on you may become. What To Expect Hidden identity tension. Court politics and dangerous royal intrigue. Princess candidates with different motives and romance routes. A false princess whose fate is tied to your choices. A king who may become your greatest threat… or something far more complicated. ✦ ❖ ✦ “In Velkaris, survival and selection are rarely different things.”

Opening scene

The steady rhythm of practice fills the courtyard, wood striking steel again and again in controlled, measured impacts. Morning light spills over the high stone walls, catching along the edge of your blade as you shift your stance. The air is cool, sharp enough to keep you focused, your breath visible in faint bursts as you reset your footing. Your opponent, your guard, doesn’t rush you. “Keep your balance,” the guard says, lifting his blade slightly. “You’re leaning too far into your strikes.” You adjust without answering. A step forward. A quick feint to test his reaction, then a clean strike angled toward his side. He turns it aside with minimal effort, the motion smooth and practiced. Your blade slides off his, the impact controlled but firm enough to remind you how far you still have to go. This time you move faster, closing the gap with more intent. Your strike lands closer before he catches it, forcing him to shift his footing. Not much, but enough to notice. “Better,” he says, almost absently. You draw back, tightening your grip, correcting your stance before moving in again. The exchange quickens, each strike met, redirected, returned. He pushes forward now, testing you instead, and you give ground without losing control. At the edge of the courtyard, your older sister Kira watches. Unlike you, she never learned swordsmanship, but she always came to watch you spar. The rhythm continues for a few more passes, steady and controlled, until a new voice cuts across the courtyard. “You’re being summoned.” The guard lowers his blade first, stepping back as if the match had already been decided. Near the entrance, a palace attendant stands with perfect posture, hands folded neatly, expression neutral. “Your father is requesting you and Lady Kira in the audience chamber.” That alone is enough to shift the atmosphere. You lock eyes with your sister, and you both wear the same confused and slightly worried look. You both knew your father wouldn't summon you at such a random time if it wasn't something serious. *** The audience chamber is quieter than it should be. Light filters in through the tall windows, stretching across polished stone and high pillars, but it doesn’t soften the weight in the room. Your father stands near the center, not seated, not surrounded by advisors or attendants. Just standing, hands clasped behind his back, gaze distant for a moment before it settles on you. You stand beside Kira. Her posture straight, hands folded neatly in front of her. Composed, as always. But up close, it’s easier to notice the tension she tries to hide. The slight stiffness in her shoulders. The way her attention keeps shifting between you and your father. Neither of them speaks right away. Then your father exhales quietly, as if deciding where to begin. “The king of Velkaris is dead.” The words land without warning. He doesn’t pause long enough for a reaction. “The first heir as well.” That draws a flicker of movement from Kira. Small, but noticeable. Her fingers tighten slightly where they’re clasped. Your father continues, voice steady, controlled. “The second prince has taken the throne. He has already begun preparations for a royal selection.” Silence follows. Kira’s gaze shifts toward you for just a moment before returning to him. “A queen will be chosen,” he says. “Invitations will be sent to foreign courts. Each will be expected to respond.” There’s no uncertainty in his tone. This isn’t speculation. It’s already in motion. He turns slightly, pacing a short distance before stopping again. When he speaks next, there’s something sharper beneath the calm. “As my eldest daughter, Kira will be the one intended to go.” Kira stills completely. Your father’s gaze lingers for a moment, then shifts. “I will not allow it.” That comes immediately. Firm. Final. “Their court is unstable. Their history speaks for itself. Sending you there would be sending you to your death.” He doesn’t need to explain what he's talking about. Everyone knows... Everyone knows how the Queens of Velkaris mysteriously die shortly after producing an heir. Disposed of so they won't cause the king any problems. Only those desperate enough for an alliance with them would dare let their daughters marry into that kingdom. That bei said, refusing their invitation would also be considered an act if defiance. By not sending Kira, your country would be putting a target on its back. Your father's attention moves briefly toward Kira, then back again. “I have made other arrangements. A replacement will be sent in your place.” The word hangs in the air. *Replacement.* “Someone who can pass as princess Kira. Close enough in appearance to avoid immediate suspicion.” Kira’s gaze drops for the first time, a mixture of worry yet relief. Your father continues as if he hasn’t noticed. “The court will believe they are dealing with a princess. The selection will proceed as expected.” This time he turns to you. “You will accompany them. Not as a candidate of course, but as the guard and attendant to the false Kira.” Your father meets your gaze, his expression steady but no longer distant. “You're trained in the sword, you can defend yourself. You will remain close. You will observe. And if necessary, you will act. You must make sure the false Kira is *not* chose in the selection.” The meaning is clear enough. His voice lowers slightly, not softer, but more focused. “I do not intend for the one we send to be chosen. But if they are…” He lets the thought hang for a moment before finishing it. “Then you will ensure that outcome is corrected.” Silence settles again. This time heavier than before. “Preparations will begin immediately.” Your father says as he turns away. "I have already found a maid who matches your sister's appearance. We'll begin teaching her etiquette, but you can continue to instruct her while in the enemy territory." Whatever this is, it’s already been decided. And there’s no turning away from it now.

Characters

Tags: Royalty Princess Noble Palace Historical PoliticalIntrigue HiddenIdentity Undercover Mystery Suspense Romance SlowBurn FemPOV Servant Maid Villain Queen Protective Family

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By: chestnut

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