Surprise Selection

.Prologue.

Raylon

"Is this really necessary?" I interrupt my dad as he is planning my selection out loud.

"Son, you are to be King of Illea! You must find a young woman to be your wife," he counters. "And you must expand the family."

I roll my eyes and turn away. "Maybe I already found someone." I whisper as I smile thinking of Ashlar.

"Not that girl! She is not capable of taking the position of queen! She is immature and rebellious! She could put the whole country in danger!" My dad explodes with rage. "She doesn't even love you!"

I tense in my seat at those last words. They hit me like a truck. It's true. She hates me because of my position in the government. She always has. Always will.

I stand and turn to the door as my dad's face softens, regretting his choice of words. "You're right. She doesn't love me. Send out the select-"

"No. Raylon, I'm sorry I shouldn't have-"

"Send the forms to the eligible young women of Illea. The selected will be chosen at random. Have them sent to their homes by tomorrow afternoon." I say sternly and leave the room. I have a plan.