"for diamonds do appear to be,

just like broken glass to me."

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The year was 2172. Two hundred years before the Kingdom of Illéa was separated by castes, twelve regions split the country. Each region - or what were sometimes referred to as districts - was represented by a jewel, one that most captured the qualities of their district. In the centre of the kingdom stood the Diamond District, home to King Matthew II and Queen Helena of Illéa.

Six years earlier, King Matthew Beaumont II and Miss Helena Lennon of the Emerald District (who is now classified as Queen Helena Beaumont of Illéa) were set to be married, after Helena won the very first selection held in Illéa. They were happily wed for several years, and raised three beautiful children. The kingdom was radiant with joy and happiness for the new couple. Parties were thrown in each dynasty and parades ran uncontrolled through the streets.

Suddenly, King Matthew fell ill due to unknown causes, and passed away. The queen was devastated. The kingdom of Illéa fell into mourning for months.

Helena was so heartbroken that she hid away from the world, and shut off all connection from the palace to the outside world. No contact was made from the Diamond District to the other regions. There were no more festivals, no more celebrations. Nothing more was seen of Helena or her three children. The kingdom became bleak and gloomy. 

Now, over a decade later, letters have been sent out with no explanation and no warning to all girls in all dynasties over the age of 16 to come to the palace and fight for the heart of the prince of Illéa, the heir to the throne, Prince Jayden Beaumont. With only twelve spots available, and only one girl from each district, who will leave their region to represent their district and meet the royals? Who will win the heart of the prince in the second ever selection held in the country? And who will be crowned the new Queen of Illéa?

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