Kaden's Selection

F I V E ~ Kaden

Mom and Dad called for a family meeting that afternoon. Osten and I walked to the main living room we mostly spend time in.

I was so excited, thinking that I'd see Ahren sitting there with us as a whole family—but he wasn't there.

"Where's Ahren?" I asked, sounding disappointed. I thought this was supposed to be a family meeting.

Eadlyn looked away and scowled down at the ground.

Dad spoke up, "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to make it."

"Caught up with his little wife over there," muttered Eadlyn, Erik comforting her.

"Eadlyn!" Mom exclaimed.

This really doesn't seem like much of a family meeting to me.

When we finally settled down a bit, Mom started speaking, "So, we're here because Eadlyn has something to say, as some of us haven't heard about it yet."

We turned to Eadlyn who's red puffy eyes were evidence that she'd been crying, "Um, Kaden and Osten, you haven't heard of this yet, but I was told that I can't produce an heir."

We were shocked and our heads filled with a million questions.

"What's going to happen then?" asked Osten.

"That's what we're here to discuss," Dad said, sounding really serious.

"Do I have to give up the crown?" Eadlyn blurted out.

There was a moment of silence before Mom spoke in a hushed voice, "If there's no other solution, then yes."

We couldn't think of anything else.

"Then Kaden must become king when he becomes of age," Dad said.

"But I'm only 14!" I countered. "I only have four years. Eady was trained her whole life!"

"I know it's sudden," Mom started, "I'm sorry, but there's not much else to do whether you like it or not."

Before Osten asked what about him, Dad interjected, "It would take eight years if Osten would become King, everyone would be wondering about Eady and Erik if they're going to produce an heir soon and they will get confused about everything. Our best choice is having Kaden become King."

"Your training starts tomorrow."

And I guess that is how I became King Kaden Schreave of Illéa.