Author's Note: Hello, readers! I'm so sorry about the mediocre beginning chapter, but hopefully this is better.

I sat over my desk, pondering over the thick cream paper in front of me. I grabbed a pen, and started filling out the form.

Name: Romaine Reynolds

Province: Fennley

Age: 18

Occupation: None

Hobbies: Writing, Singing, Debating, Swimming, Reading

Height: 5 feet, 7 inches

Hair color: Dark brown

Eye color: brown

Skin color: Olive

After filling out the form, I picked it up and walked down the hall, to meet my mother.

"Hi, sweetie!"

"Hi, mom. I'm going to turn this in. Do I look okay for my picture?" My mom gazed over my outfit, hair, and very light makeup until nodding.

"It'll have to do."

"What do you mean? Mom, It's not like I want to spend hours perfecting my looks. I probably won't get selected, anyways!"

"Probably is a big word," she hummed, walking past me and into her room. I mentally rolled my eyes and proceeded down the stairs and out the door. The cool winter air blew against my face as I walked towards the picture and online entry station, and I sighed. Something told me that I might not get to feel that air much longer.

I cozied up on the couch with my mom as I got ready to watch the special edition of the Report. Without my journal, I had nothing to do but pretend to watch the television. There was no political news, just Gavril's voice droning on, and on, about what a great tradition the Selection was, how it had become a successful way for the princes to find the love of their life. After mentioning everything that he possibly could about tradition, and cracking a few jokes as well, Gavril moved on. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the Selection!"

Prince Charles walked up to a big see-through screen. He could see our names and pictures, we couldn't. He tapped the screen, and began to recite the names. Although we couldn't see it, I could tell that Prince Charles was carefully inspecting each picture. He kept a straight face for everyone, but you could see his eyes shine sometimes. I didn't listen to the girl's names. What was the use? Finally, Prince Charles got to Fennley. "And from Fennley, Romaine Reynolds!"

I didn't even have time to look at Charles' face, because of the state of shock that I was in. I was Selected. My mom screamed.

"Oh, Romaine! What opportunity!"

I simply stared at the television, not listening to the other names. I was Selected. I would travel to Angeles, and live a few months of luxury; then be sent home. Or, I would be selected. The thoughts created a maze of ripples in my mind, until a hand waved in front of my face. I looked towards my mom and found her in tears.

"Oh, honey. I'm so happy for you! I know that you might not want to be a part of the Selection, but always remember that I want the best for you. That Gracelyn would want the best for you! This is the opportunity of a lifetime! Make new friends, get to know royal life, possibly come out as a princess and future queen! And don't you try to hide your love of politics. You would make a great queen, I just know it."

"Mom! I-"

"Ah, ah! Romaine, I'll be proud of you, princess or not. Just...think of this as an adventure. Look, you're traveling to a new place, making new friends, having new experiences. Who knows? Love can come out of nowhere. You might not be interested now, but you could end up loving the prince. Whether you do or not, this will be good for you! And-wait! One of those girls might share your love of writing!"

"I never thought of it like that."

"Well, there are bound to be other girls who write. You might even pick up some advice. Take your journal, if it pleases you."

"I swear I never thought that I'd hear you say those words."

Ha, ha. Yes, you can take your journal. Maybe write a story about your adventures at the palace. Just, have fun, follow your heart, and be honest with yourself. If you do those three things, you'll be happy."

"Thanks, mom."

"Anytime. Okay, so we have a bit of planning to do. Tomorrow, people will come and start preparing you for the trip. They'll help you pack, and then you'll have your last night at the house. The next morning, you will leave for Angeles, by plane. Then-"

"By plane?! No, I can't!"

"Romaine, you have no reason to be afraid. This is not a military plane, just a luxury palace jet. There is no reason for anyone to-"

"Stop. Fine, I get that I'm not in the military; there would be no reason for my plane to be bombed and crash. Let's just stop talking. I should get some sleep."

"I understand. Honey, I miss your sister just as much as you do. She would want you to live life to the fullest, okay? Go get into your pj's, you do need the sleep."

"Yeah. Goodnight, mom. Love you!"

"I love you, too."

Mom kissed my forehead, and then I walked up the stairs and into my room. I took in the scent of the air freshener that smelled like a tropical breeze. It had always been my sister's favorite. I would miss it, along with everything from home. I looked across the room to my desk. I walked over, and picked up a picture of a girl. She had long, brown hair and brown eyes. I sighed, looking at her military jacket.

"Goodnight, Gracelyn. Love you forever."

I jumped at the sound of the alarm clock. Turning it off, I got out of bed. I wanted to press the snooze button so badly, but if I did I would never get out of bed. I slipped on my robe and made my way downstairs to my mom. Unfortunately, she was not the only person in the room. A lady with a tight royal blue skirt, white shirt, and a matching striped clipboard stood in the kitchen. My mom was the first to speak.

"Romaine, this is Jennifer. She's here to help you pack, and prepare for your trip."

I approached Jennifer nervously.

"Hi, as my mom said, I'm Romaine. Sorry about the causal robe, I wasn't expecting a guest this early." Of course, my mom was in her best dress. Great.

"Oh, no problem, dear. I'm here to help you pack for your trip to Angeles. All clothing and other essentials will be provided; just pack the things that are important to you. Also, I had to drop off your travel outfit. Like all of the other girls, you'll be wearing a black skirt and a white top. This year, we're doing something different that the flowers. You'll wear multi-colored headbands to show the provinces. Your's is emerald green, which, if I may add, will go remarkably well with your hair and skin."

"Thank you. I'll start packing right away."

"Here, I'll come help you," she insisted. Jennifer followed me up the stairs, and into my room. I grabbed my notebook, special pens, and then made my way over to my desk. As Jennifer paused to set up my outfit for the next day in my room, I stopped by a picture. It was the picture of Gracelyn on her first day in the Illéan army.

I heard a voice from behind me. "I didn't know that you were in the army, once." I hadn't noticed that Jennifer was looking at the picture over my shoulder.

"No, that isn't me."

"Who is it?"

"It's my sister."

"I didn't know that you had a sister. Where is she?"

"Dead."

Author's Note: Sorry about the dark and weird ending, it just felt right. Once agian, this is a short chapter. I prefer to do very short, but very frequent updates. Tell me if you prefer something else! Anyhow, you only have one week to give me your characters! I can fill it up with more fluff that day and the next, but after that, I'll need characters for the plane ride and the palace. Please submit!

Many Thanks,

Cbear

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