His Choice (The Selection)

Chapter Four

I plop down on one of the couches in our living room. It isn't very often that I sit in here. Normally I am in my room watching television or talking on the phone or working on homework. I will occasionally sit in here if it is a holiday or if I am home alone and want to leave my room. My family never uses it. My parents are the only one who is ever in here regularly and that it to watch the report. My brothers and I normally watch the report in our rooms where we won't get fussed at for not paying attention.

Tonight is different, though. Since I am so lucky to have put my name in a drawing to fight for a stupid prince I am being forced to sit here and look excited. I was close to pretending to be sick so that I could stay alone in my room.

Actually, I did try it. In the middle of dinner, I asked if I could go to the restroom because my stomach started hurting. Karigan raised her eyebrows as I walked past her. I walked down the hall to the bathroom and sat there for a couple minutes trying to force myself to pee. When I came out, Karigan was standing there waiting for me.

She said that she thought it was strange that I just so happened to feel sick on a night I never wanted to happen. I told her that it was I was just so excited to see if I got picked. She knew that was a lie, though, and said that I better go back feeling well or she will tell my mother what is going on. So, I agreed and here I am about to suffer this terrible television program for the next hour.

Something hits the back of my head and grabs my attention. I look behind me to see a piece of popcorn on the newly polished wooden floor. I reach down over the side of the couch, pick it up, and pop in my mouth. Anson laughs. "I licked that," he says. I roll my eyes and turn around.

"You're so immature," I tell him. I hear him and Kingsley laughing. I shake my head and stare at the ceiling. My mother walks by and shakes her head at me.

"Ember, that is not a very lady like position," she says. I sigh and sit up. She smiles and nods her head. "Better," she says. We sit there for a few more minutes, my father telling us a story that he told us earlier at dinner about something that happened at work.

When the music for the report plays, I almost breath a sigh of relief.Once the music goes away, the royals are on the stage. Queen Celia and King Flynn sit on the right. Princess Ash, who normally isn't on the report, sits on her mother's lap. Next to them is the old King and Queen, Maxon and America. Then, closest to the middle sits Prince Charles who is next to King Flynn.

"Hello, Illea. Tonight is a very special evening, especially for Prince Charles and 35 lucky ladies," the announcer, Miller Gabriels, says. He gives the camera a bright smile before continuing. "Tonight, we will be announcing the names of the selected, but first, let's get some insight from the royal family," he says. He walks up to the royal family and smiles at Prince Charles. The Prince chuckles.

"Hello, Miller," he says. Miller laughs.

"I'm glad you got the hint, your majesty. So," Miller says. Prince Charles chuckles again.

"Where would you like for me to start?" he asks. He gives Miller a big, white smile. I guess the prince could be considered good looking to some, if not to all. I will admit that he is handsome. While when he was younger, he looked a little like his father, now they look almost identical. He has the same honey-blonde hair and brown eyes.

"Anywhere is good with me, but let's start with how your father and sister have helped you prepare," he says. He looks over at them and smiles.

"Well, they have both been a big help. My sister only knew a few days before the forms were sent out, but my father has been on board all along. They have both given me lots of advice that I hope will help me," he says. Miller nods and moves on to King Flynn.

"King Flynn, any advice for the selected?" he asks. King Flynn smiles.

"The roles the selection will be switched for, well, obvious reasons, but either way, be yourself. I will warn you that keeping secrets from one another or lying about who you are is a bad idea. It can cause big problems," he says. I have to keep myself from laughing. As if he and the perfect Queen would ever have problems.

"America?" Miller asks. She smiles.

"I think King Flynn summed up what being part of the selection pretty well. I can't think of anything else to add," she says. Miller smiles and looks at the family.

"Thank you, America. Do any members of the royal family have anything to add?" he asks. They all shakes their head. Miller smiles and moves over to a bowl set up in the middle of the room. "Well on that note, I believe it is time to meet our lucky ladies," he says. He picks up a silver envelope and opens it.

"From Allens, we have Carmen Berry," she says. A picture of a girl with blonde hair and green eyes pops up on the screen. The prince smiles.

"Next is Lana Summers from Angeles," he says. A picture of a brunette pops up on the screen. The prince leans over and listens to King Flynn say something. He smiles and nods.

"Our lady from Atlin is Savannah Styles," Miller announces. A pretty brunette pops up on the television screen. The prince's smile seems to grow even more.

A few seconds later, a familiar picture shows up. Though it is there no longer than thirty seconds, it seems to take an eternity for it to pass. She has long, black hair and green eyes. I suck in a deep breath and don't release.

"From Baffin we have Ember Shields."

Okay, in case you were wondering why there are 35 girls and not 25 like in Celia's selection it is because I did not want to go along with that. I never should have cut it down to 25 provinces. So, just imagine that they decided to go back to their original provinces or something.

Yeah, so, I think it should be getting a little more exciting from here on out... Or at least I hope it does. :) Comment and vote please!

Disclaimer: The Selection belongs to Kiera Cass. It is not the property of me.