𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄. ── a selection fanfic

1. Hyvää syntymäpäivää!

"And why not?", I asked frustrated with my parent's decision about my selection

"It puts extra stress on you darling. We don't want you getting a selection unless certain circumstances force us to." Dad replied with a sorrow look for me. Mom didn't care for being sorrow though.

"When being the heir, your only focus should be on figuring out how to rule Illéa," Mom added. I could see she was getting tired from repeating this to me almost every day.

"But it's how you and dad met!" I whined.

"How we met doesn't concern you. You can always try dating the normal way." Mom finished and she exited the room with her head high. Dad gave me a pitiful look and followed.

Dating the normal way? I thought. I didn't want to think about the milk shooting out of my nose mishap with Oliver, or the disgusting vomit incident with Milo and the like. Maybe they had good intentions? Oliver might've been just a little too funny and Milo may have not warned us about his allergy to cilantro because he didn't want to refuse the food given but at least they were nice... I guess.

As I started to exit the room I ran into Kile and Alice Woodwork's son, Colt Woodwork, who was around my age but just a couple months older than me. He was one of two. Ivy Woodwork being his twin. Colt was carrying a cup of coffee, until now. "Now, look what you've done Tu!", his coffee cup had smashed the marble floor. His shoes were definitely going to be stained.

"Sorry!" I apologized. I really was sorry because those were the shoes I'd given him for his birthday. "I'm just stressed."

"Let me guess, selection again?" How did he know? Colt seemed to read the look on my face because he answered, "It's all you talk about these days. And let's not forget the countless times you also talk about putting me in the selection to Ivy." I blushed fiercely. I didn't know Ivy told him about things like that. I did want Colt in the selection but only as a friend to talk to. And mom said when she had Uncle Kile in her selection he was a great friend.

"Only as a friend!" I promised.

"I believe you. The only time Ivy tells the truth is when the truth sounds exciting." He laughed and I followed. I looked at my watch. Midnight!

"Oh my god, it's midnight!", I said worried mom would be mad at me for not getting to bed on time. Colt looked at his watch too and smiled. "What's so funny?" I asked, clearly confused.

"Oh, nothing," he replied. "It's just, today's your birthday."

My eyes widened. I completely forgot my own birthday. That never happened. "Happy birthday Kerttu." And with that, he left the room.

I headed upstairs. With tomorrow, well, today being my birthday I should get a lot of sleep. There would be a big celebration for my 18th birthday. Grandma is one of the best party planners, so mother organized her to plan it, though Grandma insists it was Queen Amberly, my great grandmother.

As I opened my bedroom door, I noticed Ivy coming down the hall to me. I hurriedly went through the door and shut it. But it did no good as Ivy reopened it. I sighed. "What do you want to hear now, Ivy. Other than me telling you I like your twin."

Ivy ignored my comment and tangled me in a long embrace. "Happy birthday Tu!" she exclaimed still holding on to me. I was so tired I was actually about to say Happy birthday back but caught myself.

"Thanks," I said sleepily.

"So what am I getting you this year?" Ivy asked mischievously.

"The best present would be sleep right now," I replied. I truly wasn't lying. I was sure I'd be getting circles under my eyes if I slept for even a minute less than what I did right now.