I DO NOT OWN THE SELECTION SERIES. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO KIERA CASS. AFTER MY LAST STORY FAILED TO GET ANY SUPPORT, EXCEPT FOR ABIZEAU, I DECIDED TO TRY MY HAND ONE FINAL TIME. THIS IS A REGENCY ERA STORY SET IN THE EARLY 1800'S WHERE ILLÈA WAS CREATED INSTEAD OF THE UNITED STATES. HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE STATES INSTEAD OF PROVINCES SINCE IT FEELS FO COMPLICATED TO FIGURE OUT WHICH PROVINCES WOULD STILL EXIST.

FACE CLAIMS

SPENCER I- RUPERT EVANS

CROWN PRINCE GEORGE- JONATHAN BAILEY

After centuries of British rule over the 13 American colonies, a wealthy merchant named Gregory Illèa rallied a rebel army to oppose the mother country in 1776. After a long war, the British were defeated and a new kingdom was formed, named after the fearless rebel leader.

Under the rule of Gregory I, the nation expanded, abolished slavery based on race, and endured a brutal civil war. Illèans are not decided by race, but by castes.

This is the world of Antebellum Illèa.

Illèa Palace. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kingdom of Illèa. December 7, 1823.

Crown Prince George Illèa admired all of the decorations adorning the hallways. It was Christmas time in the capital once again and it was always George's favorite time of year. The parades, the festivities, the presents. It was everything that he loved about the season. The signs of Yuletide cheer made it easy to forget that he was currently on his way to his father's office.

When the servant had come to his chambers and informed him that his father wanted a meeting, George had a sneaking suspicion what it might be about. The fact that he was 25 and was still unmarried had not escaped him, his family, or his nation. The duty of producing heirs had fallen upon him. Illèa was still a young fledging nation and it only recently got back on its feet after the Southern uprising of 1812. More than ever, the kingdom needed to look secure. That meant George would have to hold a selection.

George personally loathed the custom. Why his grandfather, Gregory I, had developed it was beyond him? His aunt Katherine had simply had an arranged marriage. Just because it had apparently worked wonders for his uncle Spencer didn't mean it was going to work out for him. George eventually worked his way out of his thoughts as he knocked on the door.

"Come!" A voice from within boomed. George slowly opened the door to find his father: Spencer Illèa, first of his name, Illèa's 1 true king. He was pouring over reports; as he often was.

"You summoned me, father?" George inquired.

"Yes I did, my son. Please sit down." The king of Illèa replied as he motioned for his heir to take a seat; which George did.

"I have a sinking feeling that you're going to insist on my having a selection." The heir to the Illèan throne stated, trying to hide his displeasure.

"Yes I am, but I must also insist it is. It such a terrible thing as you make it sound." Spencer insisted as he looked at his son.

"There must be another way that I can find a woman to aid me in siring heirs." Gregory griped.

"The pressures of the crown that you will own day come to know can be...daunting. A wife and a Queen offers more than just a functioning womb; although I hate to admit that securing the dynasty is a vital function." King Spencer explained, eager to get thorough to his eldest son. However, a queen does considerably more than bear children. She is a light when you walk through darkness. She is sturdy ground when the Earth tremors. A wife is meant to lessen your burdens."

"Please, don't start talking about you and mother." George pleaded as he knew exactly where this conversation was headed and meant to nip it in the bud.

"It is true, your mother is a kind and loving woman, a dutiful wife, and has endured a great deal without complaint. I am most thankful that your grandfather insisted came up with the idea of a selection." Spencer said regardless.

"Fine...I shall have a selection." George conceded as he knew that his father would not cease until he did.

"I have written to all twenty-four Dukes of Illèa. They will all be sending either their eldest or yet unmarried daughters to Philadelphia for a trial basis of personal inspection. Perhaps you shall find your true love amongst them." King Spencer explained with a look of relief on his face.

"All I am going to say is that if I must endure a selection, John should as well." The eldest Illèa son declared in annoyance.

"Your brother will have a selection when it is his turn. You are the heir to the throne; therefore, you must be married first." The king declared in return.

"May I go father, I trust you wouldn't want me to be tardy for my fencing lessons?" The crown prince asked.

"You May go." Spencer relented as George quickly made good on his escape, dreading the task that now lay before him: having to watch 24 noblewomen competing amongst themselves for him or perhaps it was just the tiara that came with him.

I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. THIS STORY WILL ONLY HAPPEN IF I GET ENOUGH SUBMISSIONS. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE. SUBMIT...AND AS ALWAYS, REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED