I HAVE AMAZING NEWS JUST WAIT TILL THE END!

Note: some stuff here may not be accurate to what Kiera Cass has said about this universe and I would've double-checked but I literally wrote this in a grocery store. So this is possibly a slight AU.


Photo #40: The Princess's Choice

Based off of history, Eadlyn knows that the heir to the throne must have always been a male. But when she was born, her father changed the rules so that his successor could be his first-born daughter. It wasn't right for someone to be deprived of anything just because of gender (or as Eadlyn says, because of her breasts). Eadlyn was glad she would be next-in-line for the throne. After Illéa made that move, a lot of countries followed and changed their laws of inheritance as well.

The next photo on the wall shows her father sitting on his desk with stacks of letters and papers surrounding his desk. Her mother stands behind him, peering over his shoulders with her hands on them. Both of them with their eyes focused on one letter in particular.

-o-

"This letter is an interesting one," Marlee says, sliding an already-opened envelope across Maxon's desk.

Maxon holds up the envelope and takes out the letter. The stationary is beautiful and once he unfolds the letter, he sees a beautiful hand-written calligraphy set before him. America gasps at the work of art that is penmanship for her eyes to read. She picks up the envelope to see where the letter came from and her jaw almost drops.

"Maxon," America says softly, "this letter came from the monarchy in Africa."

"I know," Maxon replies, in complete shock.

The two of them thoroughly read the letter, taking in each and every nearly written word. Each of the words looking like a graceful loop across the paper - not one slight mistake in sight (and it was written by the princess herself, not her staff).

"Wow..." America and Maxon say in sync with each other.

"What does the letter say?" A curious Marlee asks, holding up the camera to take a photo of them for the papers.

"It's from the Princess," Maxon says. "Her country has changed the laws of inheritance after we did for Eadlyn. She's going to inherit the throne sometime after her father once she finds a husband from her very own and upcoming Selection."

Marlee claps a little out of pure joy.

"She wrote us a letter telling us the news," America adds. "Princess Iqadi, that's her name, is a bit nervous about going through her Selection. She's never experienced love and the only kind she's seen is through her parents although her mother was not a suitor for her father."

"The idea of suitors scares her," Maxon continues. "They're all pre-determined gentlemen being placed in her palace and one of them will be her husband."

The three of them are smiling brightly, remembering the fond memories from Maxon's Selection as if it was only yesterday. Oh, how the times have passed. They were only adolescents and now they have their own duties, spouses, and kids to care for.

"Princess Iqadi has one problem," Maxon says. "She wants to make everyone happy - her country, her parents, and ultimately herself - in that exact order. She just doesn't know how to make it all work in one man."

"So she wrote that letter for advice?" Marlee asks.

Maxon nods.

"Well, King Maxon," America says playfully, "any advice for the princess?"

Both ladies look at Maxon with raised eyebrows. Maxon knows the pressure of trying to fall in love all while considering all the other factors that play, like his parents and his people. That happened to himself during his own Selection - he loved America, his father didn't, and the people favored Marlee. At the end of the day, he chose America to be his bride and princess and the people adored her. Making that kind of choice is hard because it not only affects your life but everyone else's.

Maxon pulls out a fresh piece of his own stationary to start formulating a response to the princess. America prepares an envelope with the proper postage stamps and Marlee takes a seat on a chair on the other side of Maxon's desk. He gets a pen and takes a breath before starting to write in his best cursive.

"Dear Princess Iqadi," Maxon says as he writes it down. "My palace and I are beyond elated to hear the great news. A Selection is truly a life-changing moment that will only change it for the better. Choosing the right partner is difficult if you don't know exactly who or what you're looking for. Everyone will have their choices and preferences but it's yours that matters the most at the end of the day. You're not only choosing a partner for the throne but a partner for life. If you find a man who pleases your people and your parents, there is no doubt that he will enlighten you as well. Heed my sage advice, Princess Iqadi, accept the opinions of others but do not let them pick for you. It's your choice."

Maxon signs the letter off and passes it to America to put in the envelope. Marlee has her hands to her mouth in pure amazement.

"That was perfect," Marlee says.

"It sure was," America says, lovingly kissing Maxon on the cheek.


GUYS! I HAVE PUBLISHED MY OWN SELECTION-ESQUE FIC (but it's under The Avengers category since it's a part of my current series). You don't need to know The Avengers or that said series to read it. The narrator will explain everything important. And no, just because I mentioned Princess Iqadi doesn't mean the two universes are related in any way.

Go read it: The Princess's Choice - Being the only child of the King, Princess Iqadi is forced to choose a prince from a group of suitors who not only satisfies her parents and her country but herself.

Stay Tuned - It's the holidays!