I stare at the television in complete adoration. I study his face. Every ridge, every blink, every strand of hair. Absolute perfection. I can't think of anything else other than how lucky I am that I was born only 1 year after him. It seems like a miracle. My brother shoves me back from the T.V. "You're going to ruin your eyes," he says plainly. I huff and sit back onto the sofa. My brother, the man of few words, is a little over 4 years older than me. He thinks he knows everything, but if he did he wouldn't still be living with us at the age of 22.

"Oh please. You just want him for yourself." I wink at him and shove him lightly. "Too bad he's straight!" I joke. I love 'making fun' of his low-key crush on the Prince. It has seemed like a competition between us for the past few weeks since I had received the Selection letter. Of course, I had signed up the exact day the letter was placed in my hands. My brother, however, took 'personal offense' to this and has spent all his time refining my posture and manners to the point I want to scream.

I instantly start staring back at the television. I can't afford to take my eyes off of it. I can feel my Dad's arm on my shoulder. My family is all huddled on the couch and the air is so thick with anxiety I could choke on it. They know I want this so much. Actually, they don't know how much I want this. I want more than anything, and I have wanted it since I was a child.

King Calder walks up to the podium while the crowd cheers. He holds up a hand and the crowd quiets. "I know that you are all anxious to see The Selected, but I assure you that can wait." My eyes glaze over and I doze off for a while. The King goes on and on for about 15 minutes on the new airport they are planning to build to try and unite Illea and The German Federation. I pop my head up the moment I hear the word 'Selection'. My eyes widen as I see a maid scuffle across the screen and hand Prince Griffin an entry.

"Radian Gladys of Kent"

A picture of the girl flashes on the screen. She's really beautiful, with black kinky hair and dark smooth skin. Part of my confidence chips away.

"Emory McCallen of Labrador"

Another picture, another beautiful girl. This one has extremely long hair tied into gorgeous crowned braids. Her hair is so blonde it looks like it's covered in snow.

"Zellius Crowe of Waverly"

The only thought I have? Extremely posh. Her hair has no ounce of curls and her suit is crisp and perfectly fit. Somehow even she makes my smile falter.

"Zara Weasley of Allens. Fae Avery of Zuni, Caroline Hades of Whites…" My smile slowly grows smaller, until I'm staring at the TV with possibly the best poker face I have ever pulled off in my entire life. All pass by, but no one from Angeles yet. I still have an ounce of hope. 20 gone...29 gone...32….34. I grab my brother's hand forcefully and dig in my nails. He yelps but I keep my grip. I need to release my nerves. The last maid crosses the stage and hands over the envelope. My envelope...or what should be mine. Silence. Did he open it yet? Is there something wrong? My mind panics, but I am relieved by the sound of ripping paper coming from the speakers.

"Glen Gladewood, Angeles."

Tears overflow from my eyes and I start bawling. I made it? I made it. OH. MY. GOSH. I MADE IT! I stand up and rush to wipe my eyes. I get to meet Prince Griffin! I hug my Mother tightly, then my father, then my brother.

I grin widely. My dream has come true.