The Omega Selection

First Decision and Reveal

Asher was left alone with Niles. He stood from the table and servants came in to clear them away. "I'll gladly be an ear for you, Your Highness," Niles said.

"I will too," boomed the voice of Antony.

Asher wasn't surprised. He and his father were close, so of course he'd be here to inquire about the ladies and Asher's thoughts. Antony came closer and sat at a table, inviting Asher to do the same. He looked toward the parlor door. "What do you think, my boy?"

Asher grinned back to his father, "There are six whose scents draw me in."

"Six? So many..." Antony said. "I'm sure you'll be able to narrow them down. Have you been able to pick some that you want to eliminate already?"

"Indeed," Asher said.

"Was it difficult?"

Asher shook his head, "It was as you said, their scents are very helpful for that."

Antony said, "Now, scent is one thing, but personality is another. Make sure that you will be able to stay with this woman for the rest of your life. This isn't a joke, Asher. Once you knot her... well your bond is formed and as I've told you that bond is unbreakable. Don't take this lightly."

Asher looked up at his father, "I won't father. I understand what you've said. I'll take my time, as much as I can to get to know these women and choose the correct one."

Antony smiled at Asher, patting his back, "That's my boy. Now go in there and make your first cut. Night falls soon. The ladies can get to bed after."

Antony got up and headed out. Asher got up and went into the parlor room. There had been soft muttering when he came in. He didn't let them know that he could hear what they were saying. All of them stopped talking when he came in with Niles. Twenty-five other servants came in shortly and stood around the room. "Thank you all for being so patient as we went through this first competition. As we continue they may be longer or shorter. I beg your understanding. I am looking for my mate. It was a pleasure to meet you all and I wish everyone well even if I don't pick you. Know that if you are not picked, it is more me than you. With that being said, before we retire for the evening, the first competition is over. I now must make my first cut. I will be calling five names. If I call your name, you must leave the palace immediately. Your belongings will be brought out to you. Are there any questions?"

Asher paused and looked at all the women. "My guards will be waiting if you refuse to leave, so please... ladies... save your propriety and just leave when your name is called."

With that Asher stood to his full height. He towered over all the women. He let out a deep breath and called out his five names, "Verity, Cordelia, Wilmaette, Amelie, and Cathleen."

One of the five of them screamed, but Asher couldn't tell which. Cordelia fisted her skirts in her hands and stomped from the room. "How dare you!" Verity said before she left.

Amelie left quietly. "Do you know who I am?" Cathleen yelled.

Asher just gave her a blank look until she turned on her heel and stalked off. Wilmaette burst into tears and ran from the room. Asher wanted to deflate, but he couldn't. He looked at the other ladies, "To the rest of you, you have made it through the first competition. Congratulations. I look forward to getting to know you more. For now, it's getting late. Your belongings have been taken to a suite on the second floor of the palace, which is set aside for visitors. Please don't go poking around. I don't wish for you to get hurt. You are guests, not my mate. I will not save you. There are guards that go about the castle, but try not to get yourself in trouble. I don't wish to have to add that to my mind as I wonder if you are meant to be my mate."

Asher hoped the threat was clear. He continued, "A servant has been brought to the room for each of you to take you to your suite. Please get plenty of rest. You don't know what may be ahead of you tomorrow."

The servants came to each of the women and began to lead them to their suites. Asher was soon left in the parlor room with Niles. He turned and headed up to his quarters, undoing his cravat. As Niles helped Asher undress and get into his nightclothes, Niles asked, "Have you given any thought to what the next competition will be?"

"A little, but I've not settled on it," Asher said.

"The first was a good one, Your Highness. Not one I would have thought of," Niles said. "You were able to get close to the candidates and speak to them in small groups."

"True," Asher said.

"Now that you know their scents, you just need to understand their personalities better," Niles said.

"You're exactly right, "Asher smiled. "You've given me the perfect idea!"

"I have?"

"Indeed. Everyone will have to be woken quite early."

"The ladies won't like that."

"I'm counting on it."