Another Heir (The Selection Fanfiction)

Chapter 1

No one ever asked me if I wanted to become the next king of Illea but by a mere 7 minutes I beat my sister, Eadlyn into the world and it was decided that I would be the heir to the throne. From that day forth, I trained day after day to become the ruler of Illea. Ruling a country was a big deal, you had to constantly make tough decisions and sacrifices in order to keep your people happy and though most children dream of living the life I live, I dream of the exact opposite. How amazing would it be to be free to do whatever you want? Instead, I am here in the palace being watched everyday with tons of work to do. I know I shouldn't be complaining and I am very lucky and fortunate for the life I have but whenever I see my brothers, Kaden and Osten running around the palace so carefree or Eadlyn off on her dates with Kile I just can't help but think about the life I would have had if I wasn't the heir.

I flipped through the channels on TV whilst getting ready for another day full of work and projects when I see a news report that catches my eye.

"Yet another riot regarding the 'demolished caste system' this time in Zuni. It has been 20 years since King Maxon first decreed that the caste system was no more, is it really gone or is the people of Illea continuing to live in the past?"

The news report then continued to show clips of the riot and a burned restaurant and I decided that was enough for me and clicked off the TV. When my father first demolished the caste system it took time but the people rejoiced and celebrated so why were people rioting? I thought it was crazy that people could live with such titles limiting their life I mean, mom was a five and dad was a one and look at them now! Why did that even matter? It's not like I could even tell if I was walking next to a 7 or a 4.

"What suit would you like to wear today, your highness?" Jacob said, rolling in a rack full of suits and ties.

Jacob was a new servant to the palace but in my opinion he's too good looking to be working as a servant. As that thought formed in my mind I regretted it immediately. I am the future King of Illea, I am meant to get married one day and continue a long line of future heirs but here I am thinking about how good looking a man was.

"Jacob I've told you a million times you can call me Ahren, all the other maids and servants call me Ahren."

"But your highness, friends call each other by their names and I'm just your serva-"

"Are you saying we're not friends?"

"No that's not what I meant", he said unsure.

"Well then I guess we have an agreement, we are friends and I would like to wear the blue suit with that brown tie thank you very much." I said as I walked into the bathroom.

He continued to stare at me with a look of surprise and adoration whilst he prepared my outfit and I was very pleased with myself. The maids and servants in our palace are constantly working to please us and it was only right to give them the appreciation they deserved.

I stared at myself in the mirror and talked to my own reflection.

"You are Ahren Schreave. You are the heir to the throne. It is your job to make please the people of Illea and you will do anything to keep them happy." I said with all the confidence I had in me but who was I kidding? I'm only 18 years old there's no way I am fit to run this country alone.

**************

I was on my way to breakfast when I was stopped by a servant.

"The king has requested to see you before breakfast your majesty." Said Giselle a servant who usually delivered messages to me which is how I remembered her name.

"Thank you Giselle."

I could tell she was startled that I remembered her name and as she walked away I could see her cheeks turn scarlet. It made me happy to know that the smallest things like knowing someone's name could mean so much to someone.

As I knocked firmly on the doors of my father's office previous lessons popped in my mind.

Knock with authority, Ahren.

Speak with more power passion, Ahren.

Stand tall with poise and confidence, Ahren.

These were all lessons taught by Cecily, our teacher. When I wasn't learning how to run a country I was usually learning how to be the perfect prince.

"Come in."

I entered his office and mother was there as well but the look on their faces told me they just finished discussing something very important; something that had to do with me.

"Good Morning Ahren." My father said without even looking up. The TV was on so he must have saw the news report and was not happy with it.

"Morning and hi mom!" I said and walked over to give her a hug.

I'm assuming you watched the news report this morning?"

"Yes I did and at least no one died this time but why are the people doing this? Why are they so angry? I thought they were happy the caste system was removed!"

"I thought so too son but I'm afraid things just aren't working out the way we thought it would but your mother and I were talking and you are the heir to the throne and having someone always by your side is a good thing. I can't even imagine being king without my queen." dad says as he winks at mom.

I make a face and narrow my eyes. "I have Eadlyn."

and that's when mom cuts in, "yes sweetie but Eady has Kile, she's not always gonna be around to help you."

"what are you trying to say?"

They both sighed but continued with whatever they were trying to tell me.
"We were wondering if you would like to hold your own selection. We think it would make the people very happy and distract them which will give us time to figure out how to solve caste issues and plus it will be very beneficial for you. As the future king you are obligated to continue the royal line."

Hold my own selection? Make the people happy? Continue the royal line? Of course I want to keep the people of Illea happy. Since the day I was born I was told that my biggest job was to ensure that the people of Illea were happy but having a selection? Everyone knew how my mother and father fell in love and whenever I see Eady and Kile together it makes me happy for her but how could I find someone to love like that when I was so different? How would my parents and the world feel if they knew I liked guys. Even Eadlyn was a bit surprised when I told her but she was the only person I told accepted it. How was I supposed to continue the royal line anyways? Adoption is an option but would everyone support that? No one understands how I feel, no one except Eadlyn. I had to talk to her, right now.

"So what do you think Ahren?" My father asked as I finally snapped back to reality.

"I need to think about this before I can give you an answer but I kind of have a headache so do you think I could take the morning off just today?"

"Very well, you may go"

I exhale not even realizing I was holding my breath the whole time and head straight to Eadlyn's room. Only Eadlyn would understand me. I needed her.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

hello friends this is the first chapter of my new fanfic ahh Sorry it's kind of boring and short but I promise you it will get a lot better once the story continues. How do you feel about Ahren being gay? And any of you KEADLYN shippers like I am?

-ashley