Kerttu's Selection

Town Hall Meeting - Chapter 17

I had changed into my favorite black suit and they brought two limousines around to take us to the meeting, the boys in one and the family in the other.

"Where's Amberly?" Johan asked as Mom was trying to force Calix to sit down. Limousines got him excited.

"She's not feeling too well, buddy." I kissed his forehead, careful not to mess up his gelled hair. It was still weird to see my little brothers in suits and makeup.

We arrived to the hall, designed by Uncle Kile, and the meeting soon began, the hall buzzing with people. My mom took the stage.

"Hello, everyone, I am Queen Eadlyn, here with my husband, King Eikko, my children, and Princess Kerttu's Selection." The crowd clapped and we all waved when mentioned.

"Today, with our representatives, we will discuss ways to improve the District, how we can boost public morale, and the work on the railroad structures. At the end, we will take questions."

We moved through the main points smoothly. It was when we took questions that disaster struck.

One woman with dull red hair came up to the microphone. "I would like to address this question to Princess Kerttu."

I stood up to the podium and gestured that she could continue.

"A lot of people are questioning how seriously you are taking this Selection. Do you have a response to that?"

"In response, I would say of course I take this seriously. The second I turned nineteen I urged my mother to let me have a Selection." I hated how I had to talk all posh at meetings. "I am looking for a partner and someone who could help me lead Illea into yet another great generation."

"But," she argued. "It seems that none of your suitors have a voice with the public or any kind of political influence. And on your Report, you have a comedian and a quote on quote, bad boy. Do you really think they are fit to rule besides you?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Yes, I do. If there is anything we have learned from years of ruling, it is that the outside and the inside are not exact. Just because Sir Jakob is a comedian does not mean he is not smart and informed and the same for Sir Shaan. I have lived with these men for four weeks now and trust me, no one is better suited for this role than them."

I smiled at my Selected and felt my heart soar with pride. These men were changing me and I liked who I was becoming. A little more conscious, a bit more perspective. And this was only the beginning.

The red haired woman left the microphone and was succeeded by a stocky fellow. "How do you feel about the increased influence of Marid Illea after his resurface?"

Mom took this question with a sigh. "We are watching his position everyday, sir. Thank you for asking."

Marid had tried to rig my mother's Selection and take over the throne. He had came back a few years ago, building back his audience. Even with all of the caste initiatives and acts my mother has passed, they still wanted more. After hearing Tyrion's story, when I took the crown, I would want to build on my mother's platform even more.

Some people had some questions for the boys which they answered masterfully. The meeting finished but some people always stayed behind to talk and for more of the intermission food. Most of Johan and Calix's friends came from these meetings.

"So Berry, how's eighteen feel?" He was eating some crackers and grapes but stopped the second I came near him.

"Fine," he stated dryly. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but do you know where Amberly is?"

No. He was the one bothering Amberly. "Can I talk to you outside?"

"No, I, Princess," he complained as I practically dragged him outside.

"What did you do to Amberly?" I demanded as the permanently sunny Angeles environment surrounded us. His eyes skirted around. "I said what did you do to Amberly?"

"Nothing. Nothing," he defended deadpan.

"Then why did you ask for her? I'm not leaving without an answer."

"I think, no, I know," he said, now confidently. "I'm falling in love with her."

**The next chapter will be a mini-novella of how Berry fell in love with Amberly. Were you surpirsed? And how do you think Kerttu will react?**

**Thank you so much for reading!!**