Updates will not always be this quick, but I wanted to give you another look at the royal family and some background info to help you with making your girls. Intros for the girls will start next chapter and if you haven't submitted and would like to reserve a province, just let me know!

...

The night of Christopher's farewell party was kind of a blur for the prince. Normally he was good at knowing his limits, but he knew he had gone a bit too hard that night. He couldn't help it, it had been his last chance to be normal with his friends and he hadn't wanted it to end. He'd had an amazing time (though the next morning was bit rough) and then returned to the palace, picking up his prrincely duties without missing a beat. Chris was used to that. He was a great actor and knew when he could afford to slack off and when not to.

Things were all set for the Selection to begin. They were picking the girls tomorrow and would announce the names on the next Report. Chris was both excited and nervous, but tonight he didn't have to worry about that. Tonight, all eyes would be on his cousin as she turned 18.

Christopher stood in the ballroom, dressed impeccably in his suit. He grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing server and took a sip, knowing he had to be careful not to have too much tonight. Guests were still arriving at the party and he knew Camilla wouldn't be arriving for at least fifteen minutes. As the birthday girl, she had to make a grand entrance after everyone else had arrived.

While Chris waited, he glanced around the room, looking for familiar faces. He recognized most of the guests there. He spotted all of the advisors that made up the cabinet, looking like they were having a good time. All of his cousins were there, except for the ones who lived in Italy. His Aunt Brook had married the younger Italian prince and her family only came to Illéa a few times a year. His Uncle Brandon and Aunt Cosmina were already on the dance floor, holding each other close as the live band played a slow tune.

Chris continued to scan the room and his eyes landed on a camera crew. They were milling around the room taking footage that would be shown later. As soon as they spotted Christopher, they made a beeline toward him.

"Your highness," the reporter gave a short bow, "could we have a few minutes of your time?"

Christopher inclined his head, "Of course."

"We know that tonight is about Princess Camilla, but everyone around the nation is buzzing about your upcoming Selection. Can you give us any exclusive information?"

Chris chuckled a bit, "I'm not really the one who would have that. Lady Priya is the one you should be talking to. Or one of my aunts. All I know is that we have the rooms ready and we will be finishing up the preparations shortly before their arrival."

The reporter shot him a knowing look, "And do you happen to know anyone who will be arriving?"

"Actually, no one does. We'll start picking the ladies tomorrow, so there's still one more day to turn in forms before anything is decided."

This was not the answer she'd been looking for, "Can you tell us anything about the rumors that have been going around about your girlfriend? Will she be part of the Selection?"

Chris laughed out loud at that, "Rumors are exactly what they are. I can assure you, I do not have a girlfriend and am fully committed to my Selection."

Chris knew exactly what they were talking about. Ever since his first day at college, when he'd gone to the wrong class and Melody had helped him find his way, they'd been inseparable. Rumors about them had started immediately, and if Chris was honest, he wanted them to be true. He'd asked Mel out countless times but she was certain she wanted to remain just friends. That didn't stop Chris from hoping though. He'd asked her to enter the Selection and she adamantly refused.

"One last question, Your Highness."

Chris was pulled back to the present and nodded slowly.

"Do you really think holding a Selection right now is the best thing to do? How do you plan to keep the girls safe? Don't you think moving people from all around the country will contribute to another plague outbreak?"

Christopher felt as if he'd been slapped. It was the one question he hadn't been prepared for.

He wracked his mind, trying to come up with something that wouldn't make him seem ignorant and uncaring, "We haven't had a new outbreak in nearly a year, and those who were contaminated have been successfully quarantined. I fully believe we will be prepared to handle a Selection. And if there's another outbreak in Angeles, we will do our best to ensure the safety and health of everyone involved. Now, please excuse me."

Christopher quickly left the reporter, making his way to the other side of the room, desperate to put as much distance between the reporter and him as possible.

Starting about ten years ago, Illéa had suffered a terrible plague outbreak. No one knew what had caused it, all they knew was that once you contracted it, you would die. Despite ten years of research, they were unable to find a cure. It was also unlike any virus that had ever been seen. It was unpredictable and seemed to pop up in completely unrelated regions for no reason. It would last for months and then all of a sudden, flicker out of existence, only to pop up on the other side of the country. Sometimes they would go a year without any new cases and then suddenly an entire town would have to be quarantined. Quarantine was the only thing that seemed to work, and even then the virus still spread. Currently, they hadn't seen the virus in over eight months. But this plague was so terrifying because they didn't know when it would strike again, only that it would. Scientists all over the country were trying to find cures, but anytime someone got close, they contracted the disease as well. Honestly, the whole thing was a mess and the government had to step in multiple times to help bolster the economy. The plague was the biggest issue in Illéa, but until it struck again they had no way to fight it and were just trying get life back to normal.

Chris shook off thoughts of the plague. They were fine. Tonight would not cause another outbreak. His Selection would not put people in danger. He forced himself to be positive.

It wasn't hard to stay positive when he looked up and saw Melody enter the room. She was stunning in a simple red gown with her dark hair curled and falling down her back. Chris waved at her across the room, but she turned and began talking with Serena rather than seeking him out.

Chris turned and nearly ran into one of his mother's advisors.

"Advisor Williams," the prince greeted.

The older man gave a small bow, "Your Highness, it's nice to see you around the palace again. We've missed your input on things."

"Thank you. I look forward to working with you again, but if you'll excuse me." Chris made his way around the room, greeting more advisors and government officials along with high-caste citizens who had managed to get invited to the exclusive event.

Chris gave up on finding Mel and began searching for his mother. He spotted her, dancing with Advisor Williams. It was no secret that his mother had many admirers, but she hadn't dated since Christopher's father had died. She insisted she'd found her true love and she was content with the short time they'd had together. She would never marry again. But that didn't stop men from trying. Not only was Serenity gorgeous and kind, but she was also the Queen, and there were many who wanted to take advantage of that.

Christopher's attention was pulled to the doorway as the music stopped and his cousin was announced. Camilla looked beautiful in a pale pink gown, her dark hair pulled into an updo and her blue eyes shimmering with the perfect amount of makeup. She entered the room and every eye was on her. When she made it to the bottom of the stairs the band started up again and people began talking. Millie greeted her parents and made her way around the room, sweet and quiet, the image of a perfect princess. Only those who knew her well could tell how supremely uncomfortable she was.

Before Chris got a chance to greet Camilla, he felt a gentle touch on his arm.

"Hello, darling, you look wonderful."

Chris smiled at his mother's gentle voice, turning to see his mother standing next him, standing arm in arm with her top advisor, Jasper Carmichael, "Thanks, mom. So do you."

It was true, his mother was radiant.

She smiled at his words, "I know this isn't what you wanted, but I'm going to enjoy having you around more. I've missed you."

Chris allowed his mother to pull him into a hug than he turned to Jasper and gave a hearty handshake.

"Yes, Your Highness," Jasper added, "we are all ecstatic about your return. Glad to see you are taking your responsibilities seriously." Jasper's tone was cold, but Chris knew that's just who he was. He'd known Jasper his entire life and could probably count on one hand the number of times the older man had smiled.

Serenity's smile dimmed slightly, "Christopher has always know what his duty is. He does not take his role lightly, Jasper. Him going to school was a way for him to learn more about the people he will one day govern."

Jasper turned to the queen, the coldness in his eyes lessening as he looked at her, "I'm sure you're right, Your Majesty."

Serenity laughed lightly, "I've known you for nearly twenty-five years, can't you call me by my first name?"

"That would be improper, my Queen."

Jasper was the epitome of propriety. His family had been advisors for generations and he took his role more seriously than anyone. He never did anything that could be perceived as inappropriate.

Serenity rolled her eyes, teasing the man next to her before turning back to her son, "So, I heard a rumor that you invited one of your friends from school. Where is she? I'd love to meet her. Is she entering the Selection?"

Chris felt his ears heat up, "Her name is Melody Wesley. I'd love for you to meet her." He deliberately avoided her question about the Selection.

Jasper seemed to sense the prince's discomfort and he turned to Serenity, "May I have this dance?"

Christopher shot Jasper a grateful look as the advisor spun the queen onto the dance floor. Once he was certain that his mother wasn't coming back, he began scanning the room, intent on finding Melody.

...

Camilla Schreave should have been having the time of her life. It was her eighteenth birthday party and people from all over the world were here to celebrate her. She should feel admired and honored, but all she felt was dread. She knew everyone was looking at her and she could only imagine what they were saying.

They were probably comparing her to her mother, like they usually did. Millie had grown up hearing the stories about her mother and how she was an inspiration. She had been a professional fencer who had immigrated to Illéa, entered the Selection, and won the heart of Prince Brandon. Millie admired her mother greatly, but it was exhausting always being compared to her. Millie knew she didn't measure up. The reclusive princess, who would rather read books than hold a press conference. She also knew they compared her to her younger cousin, Serena.

Millie was supposed to be the one people looked up to, but that had always been Serena. Serena was outspoken, hardworking, and magnetic. Camilla. . . wasn't. Millie has always compared herself to the younger girl, and she always came up lacking.

She'd heard the whispers and rumors. She knew that everyone preferred Serena, and Millie was okay with that. She wished she wasn't a princess, but since she was, she tried her best. But her best wasn't good enough. She'd never be as pretty as any of the women in her family. Her face was dotted with awful freckles and her hair was boring brown. She'd hardly eaten the last week to look skinny for her party and she still felt like she was twice as big as Serena.

Millie wished she could just return to her room, but tonight her absence would be noticed. When they went to cut the cake at least, if not before.

Camilla continued circulating the room, thanking everyone for coming even if she had no clue who they were.

"Cammie!" a loud voice called and Camilla turned, knowing there was only one person who called her that.

Serena pulled her cousin into a long hug, "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Camilla resisted the urge to laugh. She'd seen Serena dancing with nearly every eligible man there and knew her cousin hadn't been looking that hard.

"Well, you found me. I was-"

"Happy birthday!" Serena cut in, giving her cousin another hug, "This is such an amazing party! Aren't you having the best time?" Without waiting for an answer, Serena continued on, "I mean, everything is so pretty and the music is amazing! Have you been dancing?"

Serena finally paused for breath, giving Millie a chance to answer, "Not yet. I've been greeting people."

"That can wait," Serena decided, grabbing her cousin's hand, "right now we need to find you a partner."

Serena began dragging Camilla through the crowd and Millie could feel her cheeks heating in a deep blush. How embarrassing was it that she needed her cousin to find her a dance partner. Camilla loved Serena dearly, but she couldn't help the pang of jealousy she felt whenever she was around her. Serena conversed so easily and was loved by everyone she met. Millie could barely stutter out a sentence in front of strangers.

"It's really ok, Serena. We don't need to find someone."

The redhead scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous, Cammie. This is your night and you deserve whatever you want."

And that was entirely the problem. What Camilla wanted more than anything was to disappear back to her room, but no one actually seemed to care how Millie felt.

...

Christopher had thoroughly enjoyed the rest of Camilla's party. He hadn't been bombarded by any more newscasters and he'd actually been able to hang out with his cousins and uncles. Though Christopher had never met his father, he didn't feel fatherless. His uncles had done such a good job raising him and preparing him to be king. Even the advisers, especially Jasper, had played their part in his childhood.

Though Chris wasn't a big fan of dancing, he'd asked his mother, female cousins, and Melody many times that night and even found he was enjoying himself.

As the party started to wind down, Christopher found himself dancing with Melody again. He was so glad he'd gotten the nerve to invite her tonight, and even happier she'd said yes. She fit perfectly in his arms and Christopher couldn't help smiling as he pulled her close and dipped her. Mel shrieked a little, not expecting it.

"Christopher Schreave," she scolded, "don't do that again."

Chris feigned innocence, "Do what?" he spun her out then back in, waited a moment, then dipped her even lower than the first time.

Mel burst into giggles and righted herself, pushing away from him, "I think were done for tonight." She made her way off the dance floor, Christopher following close behind. She nodded at the door to the garden and started walking that way. Christopher grabbed another glass of champagne and joined her.

The air outside was cooler and it was infinitely quieter. Though they could still hear the party, they were truly alone for the first time that night. They walked in silence until they came to a bench. Mel collapsed onto it, pulling her shoes off as soon as possible.

Chris watched her for a minute before sitting down, taking a sip of the champagne and offering the glass to her. Mel took a small sip and handed it back.

"How many of those have you had?" she wondered.

Chris thought for a minute, "Not sure. But I'm fine."

Melody nodded, pulling the glass away from him and taking another sip.

They sat in companionable silence for a while before Christopher said, "I can't believe I won't see you all summer."

Mel shrugged, "It'll definitely be weird," they'd spent every spare moment together for the past year, "but you'll be busy and won't have time to think about me."

"I always have time to think about you."

Melody rolled her eyes at her best friend, "Whatever. You'll be too busy dating thirty five girls."

"You know, you could be one of them," Chris offered.

Mel laughed out loud, "Yeah, right. I'm the furthest thing from a princess."

"That doesn't matter. I want you to be there."

On many occasions Christopher had made his feelings for her perfectly clear, but Melody did not feel the same way. This was his last chance to convince her to give him a shot. Once the Selected were picked tomorrow, there would be no going back.

"Just fill out a form and put your name in. There's still time." Chris was practically pleading.

"Chris," Melody looked at him with sad eyes, "you know it would never work between us. Plus my mother would never allow it."

Melody never talked about her parents. The fact that she brought her mother up showed just how serious this situation was.

Chris let his frustration out in his tone, "Sheesh, Melody, it's not like I'm proposing or anything. All I'm asking is for you to think, just think, and actually consider putting your name in. You know how I feel about you and all I'm asking for is hope. Just a sliver of hope. Just say you'll consider it." His brown eyes had never looked more earnest.

"Chris-" she started.

Christopher grabbed her hand, "Please, Mel. Please. All I'm asking is for you to consider it. The forms are due tomorrow, just think about it, and maybe turn one in."

Mel looked into his eyes and knew her words would make or break their friendship. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, "Alright, I'll think about it."