Betrayed in the Halls of Power

I entered the palace on the day of the selection, without a single person from my family to see me off.
Oh, right, I wasn't there for the King's selection of potential brides, but for the Office of Household Affairs selection.
It was specifically to choose handmaids to serve the nobles.
The sun was merciless that day, beating down so fiercely it made me dizzy. The distant golden glazed tiles shimmered, making my eyes ache.
When the House Matron from the Queen Mother's Estate came to pick candidates, those who had paid bribes to secure their positions all shrank back.
Only I, dazzled by the sun, stood there with a bewildered look on my face.
The matron gave a faint smile and pointed at me.
'This girl has proper features. She looks like one with good fortune.
'We'll take her.'