Everything around me is bright. Crowds cheer as I pass by my people. Many throw flowers and even more reach for me. I continue down a red carpet laid out solely for me. The smile on my face broadens endlessly as I approach the stage erected in front of Illéa's enormous royal palace. My home.

I delicately lift my dress off the ground to better find my footing on the stairs. All my siblings and friends look on, beaming. My mother is in the center of it all. She couldn't look more proud of me. Most excitingly, she is holding my crown.

Ceremoniously, she takes it from her own head and holds it reverently before her. As practiced, I kneel before her and slightly bow my head. Queen Athena raises the crown above her head and slowly lowers it down to my own, marking the end of her powerful reign.

I raise my head and slowly stand. Turning around, I face my people in a way I never have before; as their queen.

Shouts and cheers arise again. They adore me! My mother and father had been perfect rulers. They fed the hungry, made alliances, and appeased the business owners.

With this transfer of power comes their blessed transfer of affection. Soon, the yells become individual words, a veritable chorus of approval.

"Long live Queen Everleigh! Long live the queen!"

Just then, as I am about to take my throne for the first time, I am hit with something. It squishes and bursts against my ribcage, hopelessly staining my dress. Just and the tomato falls to the ground another one hits, followed by a barrage of all types of rotten things. Before I can protect myself another tomato attacks my face as the cheers turn to boos.

With a start, I awake to the feeling of my favorite pillow cushioning my face. Bailey, my maid, quickly crosses the room, spurred by my movement.

"Your Highness," she greets happily. Bailey is consistently cheerful; from the earliest mornings to the latest nights.

"Good morning, Bailey."

"So," Bailey pauses, seeming to consider her next words, "Are you excited? You know, about the boys?"

I adore Bailey. She is only a year older than me and we have been friends for years. She is always reserved and tries not to pry or overstep her bounds, but this is one thing she can't resist. The Selection was always like a dream to her. All the swoon and sparkle. She knows everything about every single one of them from the time Queen Avery was chosen, to Queen Amberly's coronation; all the way down the line to the first female selection when Queen Eadlyn chose her match.

Now, I suppose, she intends to know everything she can about my own. Luckily for her, she has a front row seat as not only my maid but my closest confidante.

I don't know quite how I felt about the Selection. It did seem glamorous and flattering, and I knew I want a husband and children of my own one day. The thing that has kept me awake at night was the idea that we might nove 35 of Illèa's most eligible bachelors into the palace, probably some of the best young men in the country, and I still might not find the one the one I am meant to love. Yes, I have the power to order a whole new round of men whenever I pleased, but the country would tire of the tryst and the servants would tire of the extra work.

And what if I fell in love with one, but he is no good for the country? Illèa would be in my hands one day and I wanted to do right by myself through marriage, but I needed to do right by my country first.

My father, when he was of age to marry, refused the Selection process. He met my mother when a diplomat came to the castle on important business and his daughter came with. The royal family kept finding reasons for him to remain at the palace long after his business had ended. Two years later, my parents were happily married.

When I turned 17 this year, my parents informed me that it was my time to start looking toward the country's future. Unfortunately, my country and my love life go hand in hand. Of course they let me decide how I would go about finding my country's king, but I've seen all the diplomats kids, and I know the Selection is my only chance. Besides, I could never pass up the opportunity to socialize.

Everyone set to work immediately. Rooms were prepared, notices were sent out and unthinkable amounts of food were ordered. The only left to do is announce the names. And today is the day.

"Your Highness…your highness? Princess Everleigh?"

My name snaps me back to attention. No one ever calls me my name directly to my face except my parents. And Bailey. Technically, that is a punishable act, but she is my friend, I feel like we should stand on common ground in at least one way.

I look at her for a moment. Curious as to why she broke my concentration. Usually she leaves me to my thoughts.

"Well?" She asks, almost impatient, "What do you think?"

Confusion drips into my voice, "About what?"

Bailey giggles a little at my expression and quickly covers her mouth.

"About the boys, your Highness."

Oh. Yes. She had asked me about that hadn't she?

"Well...to be honest I have no idea, Bailey."

I know she won't be satisfied with this meager answer. I roll out of bed and sit in front of my mirror.

"It all just seems like it will be a little overwhelming."

"Why do you think that?" Bailey asks, picking up my hair and beginning to brush it.

Before she can do more I take her hands and lead her around to sit on the bench beside me.

"35 of them and one of me. Can you even imagine? My only exposure to boys is my brother and my baby cousin."

"Yes, but always remember, my dear girl, you wield the power. No matter who you marry, you are the bloodline. None of those men can take that from you."

I squeeze her hands between mine. Bailey always has the best pep talks. She could be sweet without babying and that was the best part.

After a moment or two, she helps me into my dress for the day, a baby blue, shin-length number with capped sleeves and a fitted waist. This was by far one of my favorite day dresses. The blue brings out my eyes, and it was effortlessly gorgeous. Tonight, when we tape the Report, and throughout the rest of the Selection, I intend to wear more sophisticated ensembles, but for now I just want to revel in the familiarity of these last few normal days. After this, my life will never be the same.