As early as 04:00 am, I was awake, my eyes wide open and my mind alert, ready to tackle the day ahead. This was what I was used to, this was how I was trained at the orphanage, where the days started early and the routine was strict. By 04:00 am, we would usually make our way to the chapel for our morning prayer, the silence of the early morning hour providing a peaceful backdrop for our devotions. The chapel was a place of solace, a place where we could connect with a higher power and seek guidance for the day ahead.
But I didn't think they had such a sacred place here, in this grand and imposing Mansion, where the air was thick with the scent of power and intrigue. So I simply knelt down by the side of my bed, my hands clasped together in prayer, and said my morning prayer, my voice barely above a whisper.
As I prayed, I couldn't help but think of the orphanage, of the familiar routine and the sense of community that came with it. I missed the warmth and camaraderie of the other orphans, the way we would come together to support and encourage each other. But I knew I was here now, in this strange and unfamiliar place, and I had to make the best of it.
By 05:00 am, I heard the wake-up bell ringing outside, its loud clang echoing through the corridors, a harsh and jarring sound that broke the silence of the early morning hour. Then followed a knock on my door, and I went to open it, expecting to see one of the servants or perhaps even the Boss himself, come to rouse me from my slumber.
But to my surprise, it was Brock standing before me, his usual stoic expression softened slightly by a hint of surprise. "You're already up," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my alert and awake demeanor. "Did you even sleep at all?"
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride at my ability to adapt, to thrive in this new and unfamiliar environment. "I woke up an hour ago," I replied, my voice confident and clear. "It's what I'm used to back at the orphanage."
Brock nodded, his expression unreadable, his eyes gleaming with a hint of approval. "I see," he said. "Well, in that case, let's get moving. We have a lot to do today."
I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation at what the day might bring. But I was ready, I told myself. I was ready for whatever lay ahead, ready to face whatever challenges came my way.
We all were gathered together in a grand, opulent room, the five of us standing awkwardly, each trying to avoid eye contact with the others. The room was filled with tension, thick with unspoken rivalry, as we all knew we were competing against each other for something, though none of us knew what. The air was heavy with anticipation, the silence between us palpable.
Brock had left after escorting me here, as had the other boys' guardians, leaving us to wait for the Boss to arrive. I couldn't help but notice the envious glances from the other boys, their eyes narrowing as they looked at me, no doubt remembering the way the princess had fancied me yesterday. I tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the door, waiting for the Boss to arrive.
Finally, the door swung open and the Boss walked in, his presence commanding attention. He was a tall, imposing figure, his eyes piercing and his jaw set in a firm line. We all bowed our heads in respect, murmuring our morning greetings.
"Good morning, boys," the Boss replied, his voice firm and authoritative. "I know you're all probably wondering what game or challenge you're competing in. Well, that's what I'm here to tell you."
He paused, surveying us with a keen eye, making sure we were all paying attention. His gaze lingered on each of us, as if sizing us up, before moving on to the next.
"As I informed you boys yesterday, this isn't a game, like we're recommending it as. This is reality. And only the strongest, smartest, and most bravest is needed."
He paused again, letting his words sink in. The room was silent, the only sound the soft rustling of clothes as we shifted uncomfortably.
"Yesterday, I decided never to share this information because we believe we still had to officially welcome you in with open arms, but now..... Now, it's business, it's a rivalry which you've no other option but to compete in."
"Liam, Michael, Myers, Phillips, and Gabriel, this is a battle of who's going to become royalty. Who's going to replace someone important that I'm not going to mention for now. You boys should be ready and brace up for the future."
The room fell silent, the weight of the Boss's words hanging in the air like a challenge. We all looked at each other, the rivalry between us now out in the open. I could see the determination in their eyes, the fire of competition burning bright.
"What do you mean, sir?" Liam asked, his voice hesitant. "What do you mean by 'replace someone important'?"
The Boss smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "You'll find out soon enough," he replied. "For now, let's just say that the stakes are high, and only one of you will emerge victorious."
I felt a surge of determination at his words. I was going to win this, no matter what it took. I was going to become royalty. I could feel the eyes of the other boys on me, their gazes burning with intensity. I knew I had to be careful, that I had to watch my back. But I was ready for this. I was ready to do whatever it took to win.
That's a promise I made to her highness, and I'm going to make sure that I keep to my words and never fail the princess's believe in me.