The Selection ~ Next Generation ~ Fanfiction

Un-regal Arrival

This couldn't be right. Before me was the castle, the place everyone wanted to go. I wasn't chosen in the selection so there is no other explanation for why I'm here. The Selection was broadcasted live last week and I didn't hear my name called. After watching the broadcast I thought that any chance of marriage was now to be put on hold. But maybe not.

Glancing around, I noticed that I was in a palace carriage. The thought of being in such a magical vehicle was amazing. Except, it didn't really seem so grand. The sides were rusty and decorated with old murals, and overall, it didn't seem regal. My thoughts swirled around in my head, How am I at the palace? The excitement was astonishing! Maybe one of the girls backed out and they drew me, to compete for the prince, instead. Is that even possible? It has to be! What else could get me in a carriage that belongs to the dynasty?

The Selection started about a century ago. The concept is that 35 girls are chosen when the prince of Illéa is ready to marry. Every single Selection has been successful, so there is no doubt that Prince Edmond won't find a wife, because he will.

A guard opened the door for me and escorted me inside. While I was walking between two guards, I noticed more guards running to open another vehicle. Maybe they are other girls! They could be competitors. The Selection was overwhelming. The process had been explained in school, day after day, until all the girls became eligible. Thinking of school reminds me of home.

It's hard to believe that the castes were removed almost entirely within 2 years. Two years! King Maxon must have had a ton of stress on him. Though King Maxon and Queen America are still alive, they retired years ago when Queen Eadlyn took the throne. I adore Queen Eadlyn dearly and often wish I could meet her. She is so strong and loves her people. But then, thinking of her mixes my thoughts again to the sad time four years ago.

King Eikko died a few years ago. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. It began as a normal day, no one had heard the news yet. Our teacher, Ms. Ember, was passing around our graded homework. When she had stopped at me, I remember feeling my stomach drop. What did I do? But then, there was a knock on our classroom door. Ms. Ember walked over and opened the door. Mr. Burnish, our Illéa history teacher wheeled in a television. Next, he switched it on and we watched the news. For the first time, I had felt real sorrow. I had always looked up to the king, and when the news finished . . . I paused, looking to see where I was now. One guard was in front of me and one was behind. They were marching, the one in front of me was slightly ahead, to a door. Another guard bowed and opened the door for us. I took a glance at his nametag and forced myself to remember. His name was Sir Ly. Bowing my head in respect, I realized that I should probably have curtsied. Oops! It was too late, I was already walking down the stairs to a deep dark room.