Astin's POV

I had a restless night. The past few nights have been similar. I know what's going on, I'm not stupid. The next Selection is coming up straight after my next birthday…next month. Mom and Dad have already had tons of meetings already about it. I hate so much fuss and commotion focused around me. The whole nation is going to watch me fall in love. I honestly don't think I will be able to handle it. I have no idea how dad did it, and how he met someone as perfect as mom.

"Wake up Astin!" I hear my sister Aria yell from outside my bed sheets. She let herself into my room as she usually does. I let out an agitated moan before removing the sheets.

There is my sixteen-year-old sister Aria, wearing one of her day dresses and her red locks glowing from the sun that has suddenly appeared.

"Hello sleeping beauty," she smiles. I sit up and rub my eyes.

"What's the rush?" I ask, squinting.

"Mom and Dad have a surprise for us!" Aria squeals. "Come on! They're not telling us until your up! We're all waiting on you!" With that she skips out the room humming one of her favorite songs with her harmonious voice.

I sludge out of bed and don't bother ringing my servants. I shower quickly and dress nice, but casually before heading down into the dining hall with the rest of my family.

"There he is!" My dad bellows just at the sight of me and I instantly smile.

There they are. My family is sitting around the long table eating breakfast. They all look so excited, like they are about to jump out of their seats.

"Sit down darling," Mom says sweetly. I take a seat next to my dad at the head of the table and the servants begin to place meals in front of me.

"So!" Aria exclaims. "What's the big news?" Her red locks bouncing with her excited body.

Mom glances at Dad and they give each other mischievous smiles.

"Tell us!" Brooks complains, his seven-year-old impatience clearly showing.

"Calm down, calm down!" Dad laughs. "Ok, America…go on. Tell them."

"Oh my gosh! Are you having another baby?" Aria asks. Mom and Dad stare back with embarrassed faces but shake them off quickly.

"No, Aria," Mom smiles. "My family is coming to visit!" Mom looks more excited than I have ever seen her. She really cares for her family. We all cheer out in pleasure. We always enjoy their visits.

"Yes!" Brooks exclaims. "Uncle Gerard can teach me some more soccer skills!"

"I wouldn't hold your breath, Brooks," Mom says. "He might have his hands full with his new wife and baby." Brooks pouts with a heavy sigh.

"And Aunt May can help me with my drawing!" Aria exclaims.

"Is Aunt Kenna and Uncle James and their kids coming this time?" I ask my mom. She shakes her head, sadly. I think she really misses them.

"No, they are holidaying in Sumner," Mom sighs.

"What about Kota?" Father blurts out but instantly wishes he could swallow those words. Mom gives him the deadliest glare, but it's too late.

"Who's Kota?" Brooks ask and you can see the curiosity on Aria's face. I also am curious to who Kota is.

We all stare at our parents with intense inquisitiveness.

"Aria, would you please go play us a song," Mom calmly says. She usually does this when she is overwhelmed. If she cannot play herself, she makes Aria play the piano for her.

"Yes, mom," she rises slowly, still cautiously eyeing our parents, while walking over to the piano and playing a song.

Mom sighs again before saying,

"We have lots to tell you all," Aria slows down the song so she can listen to what mom says. "And I think your all old enough, now." She looks at dad. "We will tell you all tonight."

"So a bedtime story?" Brooks asks.

"Yes, a bedtime story." Mom smiles.

Aria ends the song just in time for a soldier to enter.

"Your majesty, you are needed urgently." The soldier says after bowing. Dad sighs and rises. He walks over to mom and plants a kiss on her cheek before he leaves with the soldier.

Eventually we all leave the room with the only hope to know more about our family tonight.