Here's Chapter 2 guys! Make sure to read it because like chapter one there are some changes to it! Please enjoy!

Please review for feedback and just a reminder, the SYOC introductions are now in their own separate story titled When The Stars Align (The Selected- Introductions).

Chapter 2- The Selection (Payton)

Payton sighed as he ran adjusted the cuffs of his suit for what must have been the hundredth time. He couldn't help it he was nervous. At first, when the selection had been announced, he had felt excited; now all he felt were nerves.

The truth was that part of him no longer wanted to do the Selection. It had been nice when it was on paper, now... it seemed like a nightmare. Thirty-five girls all vying to be his wife. He would bet money that more than half of them were in it for the crown and not for him and it bothered him. He wanted to marry for love and not be used as a peg for a higher status.

He continued to watch the TV crew set up for the Report, fiddling with the cuffs of his suit as he did so.

"You look like you're about to be sick." The voice came from his younger sister, Leandra. At the age of fourteen, anyone could see that she was going to grow up to be a great beauty. She was almost the spitting image of Mom but with Dad's coloring. She had straight honey blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes.

"I feel like I am," Payton said tiredly as he gazed at his baby sister. "Why do I have to go through this again?"

"Because it's a tradition. You'll get to finally find the girl of your dreams." Leandra said excitedly.

"I guess," Payton said with a shrug, eyes still following along with the crew. It was almost time for the report.

He really couldn't bring himself to be excited anymore, another reason why he was dreading the Selection was that he was certain he was in love with Victoire; the French Princess. The girl was too beautiful for her own good with soft blonde hair and large blue eyes the color of the sky. Damn Illéa and their tradition of marrying common people.

"Payton." His mind flashed back to the present when his Dad stepped in front of him. Leandra must have scampered off when his mind had wondered.

"Yes, Dad?" He asked fiddling with the collar of his suit now. Man, he just couldn't stand still.

"How are you feeling?" Maxon Shreave eyed his son with compassion, a small smile on his lips. "I know I was a ball of nerves when I was in your shoes."

"You know exactly how I feel then," Payton said laughing nervously, he could see the rest of his family starting to settle down in their seats. It was almost show time.

"Don't be nervous. This will lead you to the girl you'll love with all your heart. Just be yourself. Just promise me one thing." Maxon said, meeting Payton's gaze intensely.

"Whatever you need Dad," Payton promised. He loved his Dad and the rest of his family; even though he was against the Selection he'd do everything he could to make things easier for his Mom and Dad.

"Promise me that you won't let the right girl slip through your fingers," Maxon said, a wistful tone in his usually even voice. "No matter what, don't settle for the next best thing." His warm chocolate brown eyes were haunted as he spoke.

Payton hesitated, if that was the case he should just tell his Dad that he was in love with Victoire and be done with it but something made him hesitate. "Dad, Mom was your first choice right?"

It was hard to imagine her not to be. Dad treated Mom with so much adoration and respect. How else would they end up having five kids?

His Dad barely hesitated before responding, "Of course Kriss was my first choice. I almost made the wrong choice though. I almost picked the second best." His voice seemed to shake as memories of his Selection filled his head. He blinked a few times before smiling at Payton. "We better get to our seats." His Dad didn't even wait for a reply, he just took off towards his Queen with Payton following after him.

Payton trailed after him deep in thought, maybe he was being paranoid but from his Dad's response, he felt like he didn't know as much about his Dad's Selection as he should have.

He settled down beside his family just as the report was about to start. He zoned out for the most part, listening to how his Dad and Raquelle Fadaye, Gavril Fadaye's niece went on about Illéa and their new improving relationship with New Asia. Before he knew it it was his turn.

"Good evening everyone," Payton began, sounding much more confident than he felt. "I'm sure everyone is as excited as I am about this Selection, so let's get started." He said.

Payton began to read out the names, feeling his tongue go dry. There were too many names, how was he supposed to keep all these names and faces with each other? Honestly, he wasn't really paying attention to the picture as he read the names. Only three really stood out.

The first was Isadora Spritz from Hansport, a girl with pin-straight black hair and dark gray eyes. Asteria Newsome from Clermont. The girl was beautiful with hair the color of butterscotch and sapphire blue eyes. The last was more because of the last name. Eirelyn Leger. She was General Leger's daughter. She was the daughter of a man who had given his life to save others a few weeks ago. He also couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. The girl was pretty he guessed with nice flawless skin a shade below olive, almond shaped emerald green eyes and a head full of dark red curls.

The report ended shortly after he announced the selected girls and he found his parents standing together looking nervous and talking together, they didn't seem to notice him as he listened in to their conversation even though he knew he shouldn't.

"Eirelyn Leger... isn't that...?" His Mother couldn't seem to finish her question, her usually warm light hazel eyes clouding.

"She's America Singer and Aspen Leger's daughter." His Dad confirmed sullenly.

Payton walked away before he could hear more, his head full of questions. America Singer? Who was she? Would there be problems for her since her Dad was the deceased General Leger? Shouldn't his feelings feel more welcoming? General Leger had been a good man and brilliant tactician; what was wrong with his daughter? But why did the name sound familiar for another reason?

He thought hard for the longest time and choked when he realized the answer. This girl wasn't just General Leger's daughter. She had also been the girlfriend of a newly deceased palace guard. One he had considered a close friend. With this new information in his head, he immediately made a decision.

He was going to make friends with Eirelyn Leger, no matter what it would take. He'd make her feel comfortable. He owed his friend that much. And more than anything, he owed her Father. Without Aspen Leger, he was certain he and his family wouldn't have been so lucky in all the attacks that they had faced.

And that's the end! Next is to see America and Celeste's reaction!