The Selection: Third Generation

Ch.1: The Report

Arabella's POV:

"It's time for The Report!!" My little sister, Scottlyn, says over-excitedly as she runs into the living room.

"We know, Sissy." I say, laughing lightly as she skips over to me and sits on my lap. I turn the TV on as the rest of my family piles in. It's just me, Mom, Dad, Scottlyn, and Byron, my big brother.
Gavril Fadaye II walks onto the stage to start The Report.

 
"Good evening, Illeà! Now, I know you are all excited about Prince Carlisle's very own Selection, but we have a few announcements from King Ethan first." He announces, turning the show over to the very own king, himself.

I zone out during the political announcements, as always. Soon, though, Scottlyn starts getting excited, bouncing in my lap.x

"We are gonna see Sissy on TV!!"

"We don't know that honey." Mom insists, trying not to let Scottlyn get her hopes up too much.

Two weeks ago, I submitted an application for The Selection, Illea's tradition of choosing a common girl for the prince to marry. One girl from each province is chosen to compete for his heart! I have been dreaming of being chosen since I was old enough to understand what a princess was. So, I obviously had sent in my application immediately.

"Okay, it's that time! I will ask his Highness to come to sit with me please?" Gavril says. The eldest child walks over and sits next to him with a nervous smile on his face. His blue eyes are bright, and he radiates his excited-nervousness.

"Your Highness," Gavril greets him. "How are you feeling today?"
The prince looks back towards his family for support and his dad nods, smiling.

"Honestly, kind of nervous. Though, I do feel very loved and supported by my family, and from the country." He answers with a collected voice. His fingers tremble slightly in his lap, betraying the image he is trying to put off.

"I'm sure there's no reason to be nervous, Prince. The girls will love you! Speaking of the girls, I think it's time you reveal who they are." Gavril says, smiling brightly into the camera. The prince grabs an envelope from the basket in front of him and opens it. It is a thick, white envelope with Illea's emblem on it.

"Lady Anabelle Lynn Marks of Minnesota." The prince continues and I start talking with my brother, too nervous to listen for my name.

"What are you ever going to do while I'm gone?" I ask Byron jokingly.

"Oh, I don't know... Celebrate!" He jokes back.

"Sure, you say that now, but-"

"Lady Arabella Joanne Williamson of Louisiana." I stop when the prince announces my name. I turn to the screen, and just as my picture disappears, Mom screams, "I can't believe it! Arabella's been selected!" I think my heart might explode, and I can't move. My eyes are wide as I stare at the screen in front of us.

I am soon attacked in hugs from all of my family, each of them repeating phrases like, "oh gosh!" "You got selected!" and "I can't believe it!" 

They release me, and I focus back on the television.

"The last girl is... Amie Michelle Carr of Arkansas." The prince says, placing the last folder on the stage.

"Thank you, Prince," Gavril says, dismissing the prince back to his seat.

"Okay, girls. Palace workers and physicians will be sent to your houses tomorrow to get more information and to help you pack and to transition you better into the palace! That's all for tonight's...The Report." Dad turns the TV off, and everyone looks at me, smiles covering their faces.