I didn't get much sleep for the next two weeks. I knew that tonight on the Illea Capital Report, I was going to find out who the 35 Selected were. And, to say the least, my nervousness had died down a whole lot. I still didn't know if I wanted to find out, though. I sat on the couch in the early morning, braiding Tya's hair. She was talking to Lee about her crazy dream and how they could play with their dolls differently this time. Lee was grinning as she was talking to him, seeming anxious to be able to play with her again. Mom and Dad were still in their room at 9, so I ended up having to make breakfast on my own. Fridays were our day off of work, and we appreciated every bit of time off that we could get. I made the family eggs and sausage and decided that I wasn't hungry, so I went up to my room to think.

When I got up to my room, Naton was sitting on my bed, staring out the window. He apparently heard me walk in, because he turned around and smiled.

"Hey, Ley." He murmured softly, not sounding like he wanted to argue for once. I walked up and sat next to him.

"Hey, Nat, what do you need?" I asked, gently placing my hand on his. Naton sighed and got a distant look in his eyes.

"What do you think of the baker's daughter?" He asked me. I blinked. He was talking about Terra who was only a year younger than him. He talked about her every now and then, so I didn't know where this conversation was going.

"She's a nice girl," I whispered, "I haven't really talked to her much, but every time I did she seemed interested in how you were doing." Naton's face lit up.

"Really?" He asked, "She asked about me?" I nodded, and saw him grin.

"Nat, do you like her?" I accused with a giggle. He blushed.

"Well, we've been dating in secret for a while, and I was thinking about asking her to marry me. But you know…she's a Four. I'm not sure if she'll want to be a Six." He seemed so sad and scared, as if one rejection would break him.

"If she loves you, Nat, I'm sure she'd love to be a Six as long as she was with you." I assured. He smiled bigger, then his face suddenly dropped.

"Ley, what about Mom? Will she approve?" He asked. I gently rubbed his hand.

"Mom would love her as long as she makes you happy." I told him.

"Thanks, Ley." Naton said and kissed me on the cheek. "I think I'll ask tonight."

"Good luck," I whispered as he got up and left.

.~.~.~.

It was time. My family gathered around the TV as the Report began. I got so nervous that I could feel myself shaking. I looked around to find Naton and saw that he was talking to Dad. I smiled, knowing what he was talking to him about. Once he was done talking to Dad he came over and sat next to me, putting his lips to my ear.

"I asked." He whispered to me. I grinned.

"What'd she say?" I asked and gave a teasing push. He blushed.

"We're getting married next month." Naton replied. I beamed.

"Oh, Naton! That's great!" I exclaimed. He was all I needed to get my mind off of The Selection for once. I actually felt confident that I wouldn't get picked. I loved my life here, and I had no intention of leaving it.

I heard Tya squeal as the Report came on. An instrumental version of our national anthem came on as it always did. Lee ran over and sat in my lap so he could get a front row seat. I laughed quietly and ruffled his hair. The face of Enrique Vanderloft came into view with his cheesy little grin as he introduced the royal family. King Ahren was sitting on the larger throne, next to Queen Camille who looked completely regal. Her face seemed so calm even though she knew the fate of her son's happiness was going to be among the 35 girls being announced tonight. I wished I could be as calm as she was on a daily basis. Prince Lionel sat next to the Queen, with his brothers next to him.

Enrique gripped the microphone that was in his hand and finally spoke.

"Hello, people of Illea! Tonight we are taking a break from our usual news and jumping right into announcing the 35 girls who will be competing in The Selection!" He grabbed a piece of paper that had a gold glow to it and began to read it aloud, "From Honduragua we have Dianna Wallace, Four." I let out a sigh of relief. He kept going through names until he began to announce the girl from Newberry. I swallowed. Please don't be me, please don't be me. I thought to myself.

"And the final girl from the province of Newberry is…Analeyah Salome, Six!" Enrique announced giddily. My parents cheered along with my brothers and sister. I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach. My mind went blank. I didn't realize when I started crying but before I knew it, Dad was on the floor hugging me and stroking my hair, telling me it was going to be okay. I didn't think it was going to be okay. In two weeks I would be going to the palace to start my princess training. I was so not looking forward to this.

Dad shifted me around in his arms so that I was looking at him.

"Honey," He whispered, "Ley, listen to me. You're going to be okay, you'll make a wonderful princess." I shook my head as Dad let go of me. Lee crept over and hugged me and I hugged him like I never had before. He seemed so small in my arms, so gentle, so fragile, and so loving. He was the youngest, but he always seemed to make me feel better than both Tya and Naton ever did.

A/N: Sorry this is a bit short, I'm hoping to get two chapters up this week, and instead of doing my Friday Special Sneak Peak on Friday, I'll have to post it on Thursday. Disappointing. I know. But, it's for a good cause since I will be out visiting family over the weekend. Love you all!