A/N: I'm so excited! Everyone seems to be almost as psyched as I am about this, so let the good times roll and allons-y!
I love you guys so much, and I can't wait to really get going with this!
-MaddieBee
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*One month later*

Grayton's palms were damp with perspiration from his nervousness. Tonight Kingston would tell all of Illéa about the Selection. Next week, the members of the Selected would be announced.

Grayton bit the inside of his cheek until the coppery taste of blood touched his tongue, making him cringe. King Romeus and Prince Alonzo were sitting on either side of Grayton, both seemed calm and composed. He sat up a bit straighter, and smiled nervously at the camera. Queen Kris and Princess Amberly sat on the other side of King Romeus. Tonight, it all would change. A crazy yet elementary series of thoughts floated through his mind.

Should I cancel the Selection? What if I'm not good enough for these girls? Isn't it rather soon to do this, especially after Reinette just got married? I'm not ready. The Selection is totally off.

He started to stand and tell Kingston the change of plans, but the cameras began to roll. Too late. The Selection was happening. Grayton sat back down, his cheeks flushed slightly at the thought of all of Illéa watching him, even though he had done this ever since he was practically a baby.

"Good evening, Illéa!" Kingston roared brightly as he bounded in front of the cameras. His bubbly personality was too perfect for this job. "So, we have a few updates on the war with New Asia, but a huge announcement from Prince Grayton at the end!" Kingston shot the cameras a daring and bold wink, as if to tease the audience.

After a long-winded stream of updates, opinions, and remarks from Kingston concerning relations between Illéa and New Asia, the Report began to draw to a close. Kingston looked at his watch and smiled.

"Alright, alright, Illéa! I see I can't tease you much longer! Prince Grayton, do you care to do the honors?" An expectant look transferred between show host and prince.

Grayton gulped and nodded nervously. "Yes, Kingston. Tonight, citizens of Illéa, I am proud to announce that I will be hosting a Selection for the women of Illéa." His cheeks went a magenta pink as he smiled nervously and attempted to regain his composure. On the outside, he appeared to be calm and just a bit nervous, but mentally, he was screaming and crying from how scared and terrified he felt in front of millions of pairs of eyeballs. Judging, observing, opinionated pairs of eyeballs.

Kingston beamed as he explained to the viewers the rules, requirements, and experiences involved with the Selection.

Grayton had one week.

One week before his future wife would come to the castle.

One week before it all changed.

One week.

* Time Skip *

Grayton shifted nervously in his seat. His one week was up. It was time.

Once more, Kingston tromped up in front of the audience, his grin was probably blinding a few viewers.

"Good evening, Illéa! As everyone is well aware, the members of the Selected will be revealed tonight! Let's get on with it, shall we, Prince Grayton?" Kingston wiggled his eyebrows and smiled ever so brightly.

Grayton nodded, still nervous.

"Alright then!" Kingston gestured to the camera as if he was presenting the first member.

"First, we have our Twos, Lady Jenna Park and Lady Grayvaline Jackson." Kingston shot Grayton a look, as if asking if these were potential princess/queen material. Grayton chose to ignore him and continued smiling.

"Next, we have our Threes, Lady Kya Grave, Lady Elle Teresse, Lady Estella Pinrose, and Lady Leah Fairfox."

Grayton's eyes widened at the sight of Lady Kya. She was beautiful. Too much for him.

"As for our Fours, we have Lady Ashley Bass and Lady Rose Taylor." Kingston nodded as the pictures were shown. "For our Fives, we have Lady Lailah Rain, Lady Fawn Astilllo, and Lady Beatrice Ross."

Grayton's eyes sparkled at the sight of Lady Beatrice. She was interesting, with her long rainbow pastel mane. Grayton noticed a bit of a tearstruck look in her brown eyes, though. He didn't catch the names of the others as Kingston went through them, though Lady Wendy Pound and Lady Stella Winters stuck out in his memory. His mind hung on the image of Lady Beatrice.

She was beautiful. Much more beautiful than Reinette.