The Selection

Chapter two

Two weeks have past since we submitted the papers, work has been excellent. Everyone has been convinced their daughter will win the Selection so I have been creating family portraits and most specifically portraits of their daughters, this is mostly for the threes and twos, the models and actresses who think they will win because of status, and the threes who think they will win because of their smarts. "Florence! It's time for the Report!" My mother calls. As we sit down at the sofa, we settle into the report with our popcorn at the ready to see who's been selected. The king appeared and gave a brief update on the war. The other announcements were also short. It seemed like everyone there was in a good mood. I guessed this must be exciting for them, too.

Finally the Master of Events came up and introduced Gavril, who walked straight over to the royal family. "Good evening, Your Majesty," he said to the king. "Gavril, always good to see you." The king was borderline giddy. "Looking forward to the announcement?" "Ah, yes. I was in the room yesterday as a few were drawn; all very lovely girls." "So you know who they are already?" Gavril exclaimed. "Just a few, just a few." "Did he happen to share any of this information with you, sir?" Gavril turned to Maxon. "Not at all. I'll see them when everyone else does," Maxon replied. You could see he was trying to hide his nerves, but so was I."Your Majesty," Gavril went over to the queen. "Any advice for the Selected?" She smiled her serene smile. I didn't know what the other women looked like when she went through the Selection, but I couldn't imagine anyone being as graceful and lovely as her. "Enjoy your last night as an average girl. Tomorrow, no matter what, your life will be different forever. And it's old advice, but it's good: Be yourself." Queen Amberley is the best queen, nobody could ever hate her."Wise words, my queen, wise words. And with that, let us reveal the thirty-five young ladies chosen for the Selection. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the following Daughters of Illea!"

The screen changed to the national emblem. In the upper right-hand corner, there was a small box with Maxon's face, to see his reactions as the pictures went across the monitor. He would already be making decisions about them, the way we all would. Gavril had a set of cards in his hands, ready to read out the names of the girls whose worlds, according to the queen, were about to change forever. "Miss Elayna Stoles of Hansport, Three." A photo of a tiny girl with porcelain skin popped up. She looked like a lady. Maxon beamed. "Miss Tuesday Keeper of Waverly, Four." A girl with freckles appeared. She looked older, more mature. Maxon whispered something to the king. "Miss Fiona Castley of Paloma, Three." A brunette with smoldering eyes this time. Maybe my age, but she seemed more ... experienced. "Miss America Singer of Carolina, five." A ginger who looked like the happiest girl on earth showed up, she looked like a future queen. "Miss Florence Lannister of Whites, Five." Gavril announces and my heart stops.

I couldn't move, I was frozen in place. This had to be a dream, my mother was jumping up and down, my sister was hugging me, my brothers were laughing, my father was patting me on the back, I couldn't focus on anything but the screen, I was chosen for THE selection? Me of all people? "Oh my god!" I yell finally coming to my senses. The front door burst open and Hermione ran in. "YOU GOT IN THE SELECTION!" She says running to hug me. "I KNOW!" I say hugging her back. "Congrats." Renley says unenthusiastically, he clearly was holding out hope again.