So I was struck with a concept that has been used many times. Please review your thoughts on this.

Note: This is from my AU One-Shots but I decided to make it its own story.

Love ya!- AcademicGirl

The candidates for the Selection are revealed tonight. I am standing backstage with my foot tapping perpetually. It won't be so bad, they said. This is how you'll meet your future husband, they said. Words are only words. Only so many are said and meant. Too many are believed.

I wipe my palms on my dress and check the mirror for the hundredth time. The blue ruffles overlap each other and conceal my legs. My red hair stands out against the pale fabric.

"Honey, are you okay?" Mom says.

"Oh, yeah, definitely. I'm so absolutely ready to see the name of my future husband. Did I forget to mention? I don't know who it will be!" I nearly yell, forgetting that there are other people here. I get odd stares or concerned ones. No one likes a princess in distress.

Mom rolls her eyes. She knows I can get too dramatic sometimes. "Sweetie, relax. Your father was able to do it."

"Yeah, but he's Dad. Also the king of Illéa."

Mom puts a soft hand on my face. "And you are the princess of Illéa. You'll be spectacular."

I gulp and nod. Dad soon shows up, and he straightens his tie. "How do I look, dear?" he asks Mom.

She smiles kindly. "Handsome, as always."

Will I have a husband that compliments me?

"Kitten," Dad says, finally addressing me. "How are you doing?"

"Splendidly, Dad. Just dandy."

"Sarcasm does not fit a princess," Mom chastises. I swear, she is more uptight than Silvia.

"Ten seconds," someone calls. I nod and the three of us walk to our seats. My dad gives me a hug before sitting down.

"Just remember to smile," he says with a kind smile of his own. I do as he says.

The anthem plays. I always thought our anthem was beautiful and empowering. I wonder how the guys watching are at home. Are they as nervous as I? It seems ridiculous that they would be anxious. I'd expect them to be excited or ecstatic. Something to that effect. They're not the one that has to choose and eliminate. My decision affects the whole country, as well as myself.

The announcements become an onslaught of words that threaten to drown my mind. Am I actually trembling? I am so ready for this to be over.

Finally, the Master of Events comes up and introduces Gavril Fadaye. He walks straight to us.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," he says. I almost ignore the fact he is talking to Dad.

"Gavril, it's always a pleasure." Dad is filled to the brim with happiness and excitement.

"Looking forward to the announcement?"

"Oh, yes. I'm sure the men will be amazing."

"So you know who they are already?" Gavril exclaims.

"No, not yet at least. The advisers finished picking the lot of them last night by lottery." The Selection is a lottery. Picking the men by their applications is like cheating. I really want this to be a surprise, as much as I hate the part of not knowing.

"Ah well," Gavril continues with a smile. "I'm sure the princess would love at least one of them. Right, your highness?"

It takes me a while to gather a coherent thought. I smile. "Yes, Gavril. I'm confident in this process, seeing as how my father managed to find a beautiful woman." I smile to my mother, and she holds my hand.

"Yes, she truly is lovely," Gavril says, nodding. "Queen Magda, I know that the situations are reversed and that men are applying instead of women, but do you have any advice for them?"

Mom smiles at the camera. "Be yourself. Don't do anything that isn't you. And just have fun with this."

"Wise words, my queen, wise words. And with that, let us reveal the thirty-five young men chosen for the Selection. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating the following Gentlemen of Illéa!"

I look at the monitor with the pictures of the guys, and I realize I'm gripping the skirts of my dress like I'm trying to strangle it. I take a deep breath and Gavril finally starts.

"Sir Carter Woodwork of Hansport, Two." A picture of a bulky blond guy appears. He looks light-hearted and very happy. I realize then that the cameras are panned toward me for my reaction so I smile.

"Sir Aspen Leger of Carolina, Six." A skinny young man with black hair and green eyes strikes me. He certainly is handsome. Until the next three men are announced, I realize I raised my eyebrows when Aspen Leger appeared on the screen. Shoot. I didn't want to look like I already have favorites based on how they look.

"Sir Maxon Schreave of Angeles, Two." A man with honey blond hair and brown eyes makes me smile genuinely this time. He looks...nice.

"Sir Quintin Hadlow of Dakota, Four." He has blond hair as well, but fairer than Maxon's. And he has blue eyes, making him look a little Scandinavian.

Are there any ugly guys in this competition?

It's like my mental question is answered when a guy with zits all over his face appears. He kind of has crooked teeth and a big nose. I hate judging these men by appearance, but for now that's all I have.

I watch closely to the remaining men and memorize all of their names. As much as I hate to say it, these are my options. If I don't pick from them, I'll be left with a prince from who knows where. And I wouldn't be able to rule my own country.

They all look really kind, but I'm sure that's just the picture. Some look smug and pretentious and I know they're the ones who are here for the crown.

Now it's my job to discern which ones have the right motives.