The Excerpt

Chapter 3 : Cooking up a storm

The cripling truth was about to swallow me whole.

“Mister Ferro Castley of Paloma, Three.”

I looked over to Mom. She smiled.

“What a hottie.”

She motioned her mouth.

Gosh I didn't know mom had that side within her

“Mister Aspen Ledger of Carolina, Six.”

I heard the word Six and realized that this thing was totally random.

And I had no choice what so ever.

And even fives, six' and sevens were bound to be chosen.

As I snapped out of that recollection.

I quickly glanced.

A six.

This is getting interesting.

I didn’t even catch the picture, as my new plan was to stare just above the monitors and smile.

“Mister Roca Blue of Ottaro, Three.”

This was too much to absorb. I’d learn their names and faces later, when the nation wasn’t watching.

“Mister Maxon Calix Screave of Clermont, Two.”

I raised my eyebrows, not that I even saw his face.

But the last name...

What was it again?

Schreave?

It seemed familiar

If he was a Two,

he must be an important one,

not that I had a bias

but I just think I’d better look impressed.

Because mom would want me to.

“Alexander Hawke of Belcourt, Two.”

As the list rolled on, I smiled to the point that my cheeks ached. All I could think of was how much this meant to me.

How a huge part of my life was falling into place right now and I couldn’t even rejoice in it.

If I’d picked the names myself out of a bowl in a private room, saw their faces on my own, before anyone else, how that would have changed everything in this moment.

These guys were mine, the only thing in the world that might ever truly feel that way.

And then they weren’t.

“And there you have it!” Gavril announced.

“Those are our dashing Selection candidates. Over the next week they will be prepared for their trip to the palace, and we will eagerly await their arrival. Tune in next Friday for a special edition of the Report devoted exclusively to getting to know these spectacular men."

"Princess America,” he said, turning my way, “I congratulate you, ma'am . Such a stunning group of young men.”

“I’m quite speechless,” I replied, not lying in the slightest.

“Don’t worry, Ma'am, I’m sure the men will do most of the talking once they arrive next Friday. And to you”

he spoke to the camera

"don’t forget to stay tuned for all the latest Selection updates right here on the Public Access Channel. Good night, Illéa!”

The anthem played, the lights went down, and I finally let my posture relax.

Mom stood and gave me a firm and startling pat on the back.

“Well done. That was a vast deal better than I thought you’d fare.”

“I have no clue what just happened.”

And I really didn't.

It's just too sudden really.

Just too sudden.

She laughed along with a handful of advisors who were lingering on set.

“America, you’re the prize. There’s no need to be stressed. Don’t you agree, Shalom?”

“I assure you, America, the men have much more to worry about than you do,”

she confirmed, rubbing my hand.

“Exactly,” Dad said.

“Now, I’m starving. Let’s enjoy our last few peaceful meals together.”

I stood, walking slowly, and Dad kept my pace.

“That was a blur,” I whispered.

“We’ll get the photos and applications to you so you can study them at your leisure. It’s just like getting to know anyone. Treat it like spending time with any of your other friends.”

“I don’t have very many friends,dad."

he gave me a knowing smile.

"Yes, it’s confining in here,” he agreed.

“Well, think about everyone working here like the guards.”

“What about them?” I asked, a bit.

Mom didn’t notice. “They're men. You have always been friendly with them. Pretend it’s just like that.”

I faced forward. Without realizing it, he soothed a huge fear in my heart while stoking another.