The Night of Names

Nova smoothed her simple blue dress and stared at her reflection. Tonight, every girl in Camelot would gather at the castle courtyard for the grand announcement. Prince Liam needed a wife, and the Queen would reveal which maidens earned a chance.

"Stop fidgeting," her older sister Elena commanded, adjusting her own golden gown. "Father says his position guarantees nothing."

Nova's stomach twisted. She didn't want to marry anyone, especially not a prince she'd never met. The castle bells rang across the stone city, calling families to gather.

In the torchlit courtyard, hundreds of girls stood with their parents. Queen Isabella stepped onto the marble balcony above, her silver crown catching moonlight. She held a scroll with elegant handwriting.

"The chosen maidens are..." The Queen's voice carried across the silent crowd.

Nova barely listened until she heard her own name called. Gasps echoed around her. Elena's mouth dropped open.

"Impossible," someone whispered behind them.

The Queen's Gaze

Nova's father grabbed her arm as the crowd buzzed around them. "This is impossible," he whispered. "I never spoke to anyone about you."

Elena stared at her sister with wide eyes. "Father, what's happening?"

Before anyone could answer, a royal guard approached their family. His polished armor reflected the torchlight. "Nova of House Meridian, you must report to the castle at dawn for the first trial."

Nova's stomach dropped. She watched other chosen girls celebrating with their families. Some looked confident, others nervous. A girl with short black hair near the fountain was already discussing strategy with her mother.

"I don't want this," Nova said quietly.

Her father's face hardened. "This is the Queen's will. Our family's honor depends on your participation."

The guard handed Nova a small scroll. "The first trial tests wisdom and character. Bring only yourself."

As families began leaving the courtyard, Nova noticed Queen Isabella still standing on the balcony. The Queen's dark eyes seemed focused directly on her, not the other chosen girls.

Why would the Queen pick her? Nova had done nothing special, nothing remarkable. She was just Nova.