Free One Choice by Ginger Solomon

be good for my prince.”
    How could she be good for the prince?
    Anaya continued, “None of the others will know about tonight's test. They will just think it is an inspection to see if they are worthy to continue in the Bridal March.”
    Who would they think is inspecting them if not the prince?
    â€œThe prince has not been seen in public as himself for many years. He prefers his privacy. So none will know it is he, save you. Do not give the secret away. Now let's get started. You must look your best.”
    Good luck with that.
    â€œCome, take off your things,” Anaya said.
    Cahri walked to the bathroom. She hesitated by the white claw-footed tub. Heat infused her cheeks at the idea of undressing in front of someone else. Anaya left, and before she could return, Cahri stripped off her clothes and hid in the bubble-filled tub. Anaya handed Cahri a washcloth containing a quarter-sized squirt of gorgeous smelling pink bath gel. Cahri inhaled a hint of rose. She washed while Anaya readied the shampoo and conditioner. “I love the smell of this gel.”
    â€œIt is the prince's favorite.”
    â€œYou seem to know a lot about the prince.” Cahri hoped to squeeze information from Anaya with a few subtle comments. She wanted to know more about the man behind the Bridal March.
    â€œOf course I do. I have lived here all my life.” There had to be more to it than that. This woman knew too much, and this room was extravagant.
    A mistress, perhaps? Cahri didn’t question her further, sensing it would accomplish nothing.
    Anaya handed Cahri another washcloth with a gel which smelled like mint and resembled green toothpaste. “What is this?”
    â€œIt’s for your face. Scrub, but with gentle swirls. It will make your skin glow.”
    Cahri obeyed. Her face tingled.
    â€œWhose room is this?” After rinsing her face, she touched her cheek. Silky smooth.
    â€œMine.”
    Rich silks and brocades adorned the bathroom window and shower curtain. The counter and floors were white marble.
    â€œYours? Do all the servants have rooms like this?”
    â€œNo.”
    Cahri sighed to herself. It seemed Anaya would not answer her questions with more than one-word comments. Maybe later, after they'd been together longer — if she wasn’t eliminated tonight. She gulped at the thought.
    Anaya washed Cahri's hair, massaging her scalp in the process. Cahri had always loved it when her momma washed and brushed her hair. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of someone pampering her for a change. All too soon, Anaya commanded her to rinse. When Cahri came out of the water after rinsing the shampoo out of her hair, Anaya applied conditioner.
    â€œWhy are you showing me special attention? I noticed none of the other girls have a servant or bodyguards. Why me?”
    Anaya massaged in the conditioner. “I was given permission to pick one of the fifty to whom I would devote special attention for a short time. After investigating all the others, I chose you. I know my prince quite well, and I believe you will be good for him.”
    After Cahri's hair was rinsed, Anaya handed her a plush white towel. Cahri stood and wrapped it around herself and then took another one for her hair.
    Maybe she was his mistress .
    â€œDo you love him?” Cahri studied Anaya’s delicate features.
    â€œYes.” Anaya whirled away, and placed the shampoo and conditioner bottles under the counter.
    â€œWhy don't you marry him? You’re close to his age.” As soon as she'd spoken she wanted to draw back her words. Her curiosity was going to get her into trouble again. She dropped her gaze. “I'm sorry. It's not my business.”
    Anaya swiveled back around. Cahri glanced up in time to see her knowing grin. “It's okay. I can’t marry him because I am his sister.”
    â€œHis sister?” Cahri blinked. “You’re the princess?” Understanding