Hello, my wonderful readers! I was a bit skeptical at first to start this story, what with school and extra curricular activities and all, but I'm glad I did! Thanks so much for submitting girls, and I'm really sorry for the late update. School's been so busy, I'm pretty sure you all understand... The SYOC is closed! I don't want to make this too long, so let's get on with the story!

Disclaimer: Anything you find canon, it sure is not mine.

The cameras are all pointing toward me. Almost every citizen in Illéa is watching me right now. Live. I clear my throat.

"Well, you all know the uh- fairy tale story of my parents, King Adrian and Queen Aurelia." My voice sort of breaks when I say fairy tale and Queen Aurelia.

I look back at my sister, Ariel. She motions for me to go on. Aladdin flashes me a thumbs up. Aurora smiles warmly at me. My father, well, my father has a blank expression on, but once I catch his eye, he gives me a small smile.

I take a deep breath. I'm usually not like this during Reports, but I'm announcing my Selection. I lick the roof of my mouth to savor the apple juice taste still lingering there. It calms me. There is a screen where my speech is flashing, and all I have to do is say what says there. I decide not to. I avert my eyes from the screen and look directly at the camera.

"My dad, King Adrian, held this contest many years ago." I choose not to look at my family, since they will all have different reactions and I don't want to mess this up. "This contest sent in 35 lovely girls from all 35 provinces. My mom was a three, a college student training to be a lawyer, from Clermont. A beautiful lady from a beautiful province." I pause, thinking of what to say next.

"My dad eliminated 10 girls at first, then went on his first date. His first date wasn't my mom, they barely communicated at first. My dad only kept her because she was one of the prettiest and the smartest."

The audience laughs. I want to turn around to see my father's expression, but I don't know if it's good or bad so I don't.

"Then my dad eliminated ten girls, so there's only fifteen left. My mother's part of the fifteen, yet they still didn't talk much. But since there were only fifteen girls, my mom and dad started growing closer together. No one knows it, but they get into fights often. Silly banters and arguments." It's hard talking about my mom like this, but I stay strong. My father told me this story beside my mom's deathbed.

"My dad narrows it down to the Elite, ten girls who will fight for his heart. My mom makes it to the Elite, but then she tells him that she misses her home so much. He lets her go by eliminating her. After that he eliminates four, so five are remaining. My dad realizes he misses my mom, but he doesn't know why. After eliminating two more girls, he finally realizes he was in love with my mom. The girl he let go. The girl who's probably drowning in suitors already."

I chuckle a little, remembering when my dad told me this story.

"He pauses the contest and goes to Clermont, which is a loooong way from Angeles. He sees my mom in a bookshop, reading silently to herself. He calls her and they kiss, since my mom was also in love with him. They got married and became King Adrian and Queen Aurelia, and lived happily ever after." I want to add almost, but that will just ruin it.

I wait for a moment. "I know you all probably know that beautiful love story, and you are all probably wondering why I said that. That contest was the Selection. For all you smart people, I'm pretty sure you've guessed by now why I told you my parents' story. Well, Illéa, I'm repeating that love story in my own way." I take one more deep breath.

"I'm having my Selection."

Jackson is the first one to clap. He is the host for the Report and has been with our family even before I was born. Ariel then follows him. Then Aurora. Then of course Aladdin hoots and hollers. Suddenly my whole family is clapping. So is dad's council. I force on a smile and hand over the microphone to Jackson, sitting down on my seat.

"Well, there you have it folks! Prince Adam is having his Selection! Forms are being sent out to your homes. This is the chance of a lifetime. Go and enter, girls! The Selected will be announced next week here in the Report. And now let's go to Princess Ariel to see how she is with the Selection."

Jackson strides over to Ariel. He is blonde with blue eyes and I think he's well in his fourties. I don't know, I guess I have to ask.

"So, Princess Ariel, what do you think of the Selection?"

My sister beams and puts her arm around me with ease. "I think that this is such a great adventure! Not only for the girls, but also for me and my siblings. Especially my brother!" She winks at the camera and continues, "And you all know how much I love adventures!"

I almost roll my eyes. Typical Ariel.

"Do you think you'll make friends with any of the Selected?"

Ariel scoffs. "Of course! One of them is my future sister-in-law, after all! Besides, I need to know who is good for Adam and who's not. So girls, you better watch out!"

Jackson chuckles and goes over to Aurora. Unlike Ariel, she looks like the perfect princess. Her posture is perfect, her golden locks cascade down her back, and she has a regal smile on her face. Not that Ariel isn't the perfect princess, but Aurora's just more... royal.

"Princess Aurora, you look stunning tonight, by the way. How do you feel about your brother's Selection?"

Aurora smiles gently, clasps her hands together and replies, "I think this is a perfect way for him to find true love. Our parents found true love during the Selection, and I'm sure Adam will too."

Really, Aurora? Way to put more pressure on me. She got her "true love" thing from our parents. Apart from my mom, she's the truest believer of true love.

"Do you have anything to say to the girls who want to enter?"

"All I have to say is that it doesn't matter who you are, everyone can find true love. You just have to wait patiently," says Aurora. "You might not find love with my brother, but you will someday."

"Wise words, your highness," Jackson says. "Prince Aladdin, any thoughts about Adam's upcoming Selection?"

Aladdin chuckles and smirks. "Thirty-five gorgeous ladies in our castle? Why, it's more than I could hope for!" He winks at the camera.

He may sound obnoxious and a pervert when you only hear those lines, but unfortunately, he is actually a real charmer. Girls swoon at the sight of him. Boys are jealous of him. They all either want to be with him, or be him. I admit I'm a little envious of my younger brother. If it's him who's having a Selection, he'll be at ease and will capture the hearts of the contestants immediately.

Jackson laughs and high fives him. "Now, Prince Adam. Anything to say to the girls who want to enter?"

I feel nervous and tense. What can I say? I need to make it good or else my dad will kill me. Not literally, but you know what I mean.

"Well, I- I hope you enter because uh- it's great here in the palace and this is a chance to win my heart!" I almost cringe when I say that. That's horrible! Beside me, I can feel Ariel stifle a laugh.

"There you have it, Illéa! To all you beautiful ladies out there, submit the application form! Thank you for watching The Report. See you next week!"

The cameras go off. I stand up from my chair and with a very red face, proceed to my room. I'm very embarrassed about what I said just seconds ago. To be fair, I am a very good speaker, I just wasn't awhile ago because it's my Selection. I'm having a freaking Selection.

"Adam! Wait up!"

I hasten my pace since I don't want to face my sister right now. She'll probably just make fun of me. Unfortunately for me, Ariel's the quickest runner I know and she catches up to me.

"I can't believe you actually said that!" exclaims Ariel, her blue green eyes bright with amusement.

"Yeah, yeah, I can't either," I say bitterly.

She punches my arm lightly. "Awwww, c'mon!" Then she bursts out laughing. "It's great here in the palace and this is a chance to win my heart!" she mimics me.

I look at her with what I'm hoping is a death glare. She sobers up a little bit and bursts out laughing again. I give up and run to my room. On the way, General Ambrose stops me. He bows before me.

"Your highness, more guards are being recruited to make the castle more secure for the Selection. Perhaps you want to meet some of them?"

I think about it. Why not?

I nod at him and he motions for me to follow him. We get to a post where guards are all lined up. Simultaneously, they all bow to me and then salute General Ambrose. One guard catches my eye. He has black hair and is a bit short. This doesn't faze me though. What does is his familiar green eyes.

"How old are you?" I ask the guard.

"18 years old, your highness," replies the guard. He has the exact same green eyes that killed my mother, but it's not possible. This guy is 18 years old. My mom died 8 years ago. He would be ten at that time. The rebel who killed my mom was probably 15 years old at that time.

I read the name stitched on his uniform. "Officer Kressin. What's your first name?"

"Charles, your highness."

He has a confused look on his face, but I'm not fooled. I can't ask him more questions since there are others watching. I give him a nod and decide to ask him one last thing.

"I've never seen you before. Are you one of the new recruits?"

Officer Kressin nods. "Yes, your highness."

"Very well, then. Just know, I do not like short answers," I say a little bitterly. I know I can't judge this man just because of his eyes, but I'm sure of it. Those piercing green eyes are still fresh in my memory. And this guard has the exact same eyes.

"I'm sorry, your highness. I will know better from now on," says the green eyed guard.

"Fair enough. Enjoy your stay at the palace. Make sure it's secure. Do your job wisely." I'm not one to be bitter and strict to the guards; in fact, I like them. But there's something that bothers me about this Officer Kressin. I need to do some research about him.

The guards bow before me and I nod, walking back to my room. I know I can't trust Officer Kressin, and it may sound a bit harsh, but I know those green eyes. I sigh a little, feeling tired. I'm not in the mood to eat dinner, so I just grab an apple from a basket and go to my room.

I'll research on the guard tomorrow. For now, I need to sleep.

Cassidy Rose Montgomery, 2

"Cassie!" my father yells. "It's almost time to go!"

I sigh, rolling my eyes and putting down my pencil. The dress I'm rendering is absolutely gorgeous, but it needs a flowier skirt. It's a sundress, with mint and light blue as the main colors.

Now, instead of continuing my design, I have to go to this stupid business conference. I smooth out my pastel pink skirt and white blouse, grabbing my purse. I take one look at the mirror.

I braid a small portion of my curly blonde hair and bring it to the other side. My bright blue eyes are as wide as ever. Who am I really? Sometimes I feel like a pawn in my family's big chess game. I want to feel loved by my mother and father, but it seems like I'll never achieve that.

I put on matching white heels and am ready to go. My dad will probably just set me up with that stupid socialite Edward again. As I walk over to the door, I pause by my desk. On top of it is a picture taken at the premier for my first ever design.

Tears form in my eyes. I touch the lovely face of my older sister Amber. She's wearing the dress I designed, since she was the model for it. It's months since she passed, and I still can't get over the fact that she's... Gone.

"Cassidy Rose Montgomery! Get down here now!"

I almost wince. I know my father's serious when he says my full name. "Yes, dad! I'm coming!"

I run down the stairs and meet my dad. My mom passes me and gives me a cold glare. I sigh internally. I'm used to it. My mom hated it that I became a fashion designer, not a model.

"Let's go," my dad tells me. I follow him to the limousine. It's a boring ride with just my dad talking to the driver about business and politics. My father's the governor of Atlin, and he has to attend a lot of meetings, which, unfortunately, are meetings I have to attend too.

We arrive at the hotel where the party is about to begin. The party is being held to celebrate Prince Adam's Selection. From what I hear, he's announcing the Selected today. I really hope I get in. This life isn't for me. I want something else. Besides, Amber will want me to be Selected.

"The governor of Atlin! Welcome!"

I look to the man who said that. It's the stout man, the governor of Angeles, whose name I never bother to learn and whose son, Edward, I have to date or something.

He shakes my hand and pushes me inside the room. It's quite lovely for a room of despair and loneliness, which I always feel during my father's parties.

Everyone turns their attention to a large screen, where The Report is showing. I focus on Prince Adam; he seems tense and nervous. I've never seen him like this. He's always calm and cool.

The King begins intros and I sort of tune out. The only thing I'm interested in is the announcement of the Selected.

I lean my head on the table in front of me and sleep for a little while. I'm really bored and have nothing else to do.

Hoots and cheers wake me up. Someone pats me on the back. A guy whistles and I bolt up. I look at the screen.

"And the Selected for Baffin is Shula Azar Hadyn!"

Huh? Baffin? Oh my gosh! I missed it! I look around and everyone is applauding me. Me. Me! I'm Selected? I'm Selected!

I scream and jump up. I look at my dad who has a grim expression on his face. He approaches me and says,

"Oh, young lady. You're not going anywhere. You're getting married to Edward. I'll talk to the royals myself if I have to. You're not going to the Selection."

Emerald Suzanne Forrester

I narrow my eyes at the girl. Then I smirk.

"Oh, so you think I'm obnoxious, huh?"

"S-sorry, Emerald. I-I didn't m-m-mean to s-say that."

I tilt my head, faking sympathy. "Aww, I'm pretty sure you did."

The girl lowers her head. "N-no. I swear, Emerald. I-I d-didn't mean to."

"Well, intentionally or not, you called me obnoxious. And I'm pretty sure the whole school knows what happens when someone calls me something bad," I say, checking my perfectly manicured nails.

I glare at her, waiting for a reply.

"Y-yes. I do know," she says.

I flip my platinum blonde hair and smirk triumphantly. "Well, then. I expect you do it."

She grabs my books from my arms and looks at me. My friends laugh at her. I walk to my next class, not caring if the girl doesn't have the same class as me. I hear a few catcalls and whistles from boys. I raise an eyebrow, unbuttoning one button from my blouse so they can get a better look.

I blow a kiss to the boys and wink, swaying my hips as I walk. I'm used to it; after all, I'm the most gorgeous and hottest girl in the university. My heels click as I walk on the marble floor.

"Em, check this out!"

I turn to Marcie, one of my so called friends. She hands me a piece of paper.

"What's this?" I ask.

Marcie points to the girl who's carrying my books. The girl looks like she's angry.

I scan the paper. "Why, it's your Selection application!" I exclaim.

She fumes and tries to snatch it from me, but I continue to look. After I finish, I look at her, pouting my lips and batting my eyelashes.

"Sorry, hon, but let me do you a favor." I rip up her application form. "You have no hope of getting in. I saved you the trouble and made you realize that."

She stares at the ripped up pieces of paper on the floor. She tries to grab them but I kick the pieces away. She scurries after the pieces. I roll my eyes. What a nerd.

My other friend Rebecca laughs. "What a sucker for thinking she can get in."

"I know right," Marcie says.

I sigh dramatically. "At least I helped someone today. Do you think she was worthy of my help?"

We all look at each other and laugh. "No way."

The girl returns, glaring at me. I pout at her. "Aww, is your wittle appwication fowm all wipped up?" I smirk. "You know, you can thank me some other time. Right now, I have to get to my class."

I open the door to the classroom just as the bell rings. I smile sweetly at the professor. He rolls his eyes at me as I take my seat.

"Today, we are learning how to know which sources are reliable or not. You are future journalists. You must know if something is valid or not."

I finger my necklace as he continues his lecture. I zone out and think of the Selection. Sure, the prince is nice enough, but he's not really my type. I've seen far more handsome guys than him. Of course, the crown is the best prize of all. Being Queen means being free. That's all I want.

It's decided. I, Emerald Forrester, am signing up for the Selection.

So, who is this Officer Kressin? I know it's actually pretty obvious, but still... Again, I'm really really sorry for the very late update... Review please!

~Jaspercabeth83