Author's Note: I thought soccer camp wouldn't interfere with my writing, but I was wrong. Sorry it has taken me so long to update! This is a very short chapter, but it'll pick back up soon. Next week I have band camp, but it is much less intense, so I really think I can get back on track. As always, thanks for reading and enjoy!

"So, who are you going to eliminate?"

"I really don't know. It just seems so unfair. This is the chance of a lifetime for them. How do I tell someone that they can't have everything they want simply because they aren't right for me?"

The Selected are amazing people. Quite literally the best of the best in this country. They all deserve to be king, not castoffs.

"Everleigh," Guin regards me seriously. "For the first, and probably only, time of your life, this is all about you."

I raise one eyebrow at her. "What are you talking about?"

"I know what you are thinking. People have surrounded you for your entire life. You have had servants and soldiers at your beck and call, but nothing has ever been about you. They assisted you with your every action because they had to ensure a future for themselves. They wanted to be in your good graces and they wanted to help you make the best decision for Illea. This Selection, finally, is about you and the one that you will love. Let yourself have this."

I squeeze her shoulder and smile. She always knows what to say.

With that, we begin compiling a list of Selected to keep and Selected to let go. It is probably the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. And it has only just begun.

Bailey discards a six of diamonds. I pick it up. Playing cards is a common activity between the two of us. We have discussed many things over a game. Today, of course, we are talking about the Selected.

"I take it the beach day went well?"

"Too well," I groan into my hand. "They were all great!"

"Okay," she says slowly. "Let's start simple. Tell me the first person that comes to mind when I say each word."

I nod and she begins.

"Date."

"Sebastian."

"Boring."

"Ugh, Zaccheus."

She smiles a little. "I thought he was a little plain, too. Alright, how about 'fun'?"

"Derek." My voice has a high, happy inflection that surprises me.

"Funny?"

"Declan."

"Ugly."

"Bailey!"

"Fine, don't answer that one. Can I see the list that you and Guin made?"

I offer her the sheet of paper and she examines it closely.

"Your sending Mattias home?" Bailey sounds strangely disappointed.

"I am afraid he could crush me."

"Oh, Ever, he is such a sweetheart."

I feel skeptical. When would she have met Mattias?

Bailey sees right through me.

"Ever, I probably see more of your suitors that you do. I see everything that happens when you aren't around. All the interviews, all the conversations. He is such a softie."

"Really?"

Bailey nods.

I relent. "Okay."

I check my watch.

"I suppose it's time," I say.

The boys file into the large hall. Some look excited, some nervous, but all know what is going to happen. Some look excited, some nervous, but all know that this is their first elimination. I meet all their eyes, put on my best smile, and try to assuage their fears.

"It was a pleasure seeing all of you again," I begin. "I had fun at the beach, and my siblings made tons of new friends. Unfortunately, this is the first elimination. Down the hall, in the Men's Parlor, are envelopes with each of your names on them. Contained inside is my decision. For those of you leaving, your maids are already in your rooms, ready to help you in any way possible. If anyone would like to talk to me about my decision, feel free to ask. I wish you the best of luck."

With a wave of my arm, they walk quickly to the door, sprinting when they think I can't see them anymore.

Five boys are gone. This is going to be a long Selection.