Chapter 1

I knew what to expect when my parents called me down to their office, saying "We have to talk about something very important." My first thought was a Selection.

As I approached the large oak doors, two guards opened the doors for me, and I walked in.

Mother's office is large, with bookshelves lining the wall behind the desk. In the center of the room sat a big oak desk on a beautiful carpet from France. On the wall right of the desk, windows lined the wall giving a spectacular view of the gardens.

My Parents waited for me at the desk, smiling when my eyes met theirs. "Hello, Sapphire." Dad came and hugged me.

"Why did you call me down?" I ask even though I knew why I was there. "I was just about to go out and ride horses with Joshua and Lincoln."

Mother rolled her eyes. "How is it that I'm your mother but the complete opposite of you?"

"What do you mean?"

"When I was your age all I wanted to do was play piano or paint. Your father and I had our first date at a concert during our selection."

I pretended that this piqued my interest. "A proposition you say?"

With an anxious sigh, he stuttered, "Sapphire, you're turning eighteen, and I want to see you settled down and happy. Your mother and I think it is time for you to hold your own Selection."

"Okay, but why?" I asked with confusion in my eyes.

"Your father and I what you to have what we have. Just think about we won't make a official until Friday." my mom said.

"Okay I will."

I left the room, thinking. 'I love my parents. But am I really ready to give away my freedom, to some random person?'

I went to the stables to see my fifteen-year-old brother, Joshua, was already on his horse,Noir, and my seven-year-old brother ,Lincoln, trying to get on his horse,Spirit. The sight of those two immediately lifted my spirits.

"Sorry I'm late, mom and dad called me into their office." I said as I helped Lincoln on his horse and got on my horse Hazel.

"Why?" Joshua questioned as we rode.

"They want me to hold a Selection."

He laughed "I can't imagine you getting married. I thought you would be one of those people that rules alone."

"I always thought that too." I confessed.

"You know, you don't have to get married right away. you could wait a few years until you get married."

"I know, I want to find love, but I don't want it to be forced."

"If that's what you're worried about then stop worrying. If you don't find the right one you can send them all home and start over."

I laughed. " How embarrassing would that be?"

"For you or the Selected?"

"Both of us, should I do it?"

"It's going to be awesome having thirty-five more guys in the palace." He said racing ahead to catch up
with Lincoln.

I laughed. "I'll take that as a yes." well racing to catch up with them.