Kiera Cass - The Prince

I PACED THE FLOOR, TRYING to walk the anxiety out of my body.

When the Selection was something in the distancea possibility for my futureit sounded thrilling. But now? Well, I wasnt so sure.

The census had been compiled, the figures checked multiple times.

The palace staff was being reallocated, wardrobe preparations were being made, and rooms were being readied for our new guests.

The momentum was building, exciting and terrifying in one fell swoop.

For the girls, the process started once they filled out the forms

thousands must have done so by this point. For me, it started tonight.

I was nineteen. Now, I was eligible.

Stopping in front of my mirror, I checked my tie again. There would be more eyes watching than usual tonight, and I needed to look like the self-confident prince everyone was expecting. Finding no fault, I left for my fathers study.

I nodded at advisors and familiar guards along the way. It was hard to imagine that in less than two weeks, these halls would be flooded with girls. My knock was firm, a request made by Father himself. It seemed there was always a lesson for me to learn.

Knock with authority, Maxon.

Stop pacing all the time, Maxon.

Be faster, smarter, better, Maxon.

Come in.

I entered the study, and Father briefly moved his eyes from his reflection to acknowledge me. Ah, there you are. Your mother will be along shortly. Are you ready?

Of course, I replied. There was no other acceptable answer.

He reached over and grabbed a small box, placing it in front of me on his desk. Happy birthday.

I pulled back the silvery paper, revealing a black box. Inside were new cuff links. He was probably too consumed to remember that hed gotten me cuff links for Christmas. Perhaps that was part of the job. Maybe Id accidentally get my son the same gift twice when I was king. Of course, to get that far Id need a wife first.

Wife. I let the word play on my lips without actually saying it aloud.

It felt too foreign.

Thank you, sir. Ill wear them now.

Youll want to be at your best tonight, he said, tearing himself away from the mirror. The Selection will be on everyones thoughts.

I gave him a tight smile. Mine included. I debated telling him how anxious I was. Hed been through this, after all. He must have had his own doubts once upon a time.

Evidently, my nerves read on my face.

Be positive, Maxon. This is meant to be exciting, he urged.

It is. Im just a bit shocked at how fast its all happening. I focused on lacing the metal through the holes on my sleeves.

He laughed. It seems fast to you, but its been years in the making on my end.

I narrowed my eyes, looking up from my task. What do you mean?

The door opened then, and my mother walked in. In typical fashion, Father lit up for her.

Amberly, you look stunning, he said, going to greet her.

She smiled in that way she always did, as if she couldnt believe anyone would notice her, and embraced my father. Not too stunning, I hope. I wouldnt want to steal attention. Letting Father go, she came and held me tight.

Happy birthday, son.

Thanks, Mom.

Your gift is coming, she whispered, then turned back to Father. Are we all ready, then?

Indeed we are. He held out an arm, she took it, and I walked in their shadows. As always.

About how much longer is it, Your Majesty? one reporter asked. The light of the video cameras was hot in my face.

The names are drawn this Friday, and the girls will actually arrive the Friday after that, I answered.

Are you nervous, sir? a new voice called.

About marrying a girl I havent met yet? All in a days work. I winked, and the watching crowd chuckled.

Doesnt it set you on edge at all, Your Majesty?

I gave up trying to align the question with a face. I just answered in the general direction it came from, hoping to get it right.

On the contrary, Im very excited.

Sort of.

We know youll make an excellent choice, sir. A camera flash blinded me.

Hear, hear! others called.

I shrugged. I dont know. Any girl who settles for me cant possibly be a sane woman.

They laughed again, and I took that as a good stopping point.

Forgive me, I have family visiting, and I dont wish to be rude.

Turning my back to the reporters and photographers, I took a deep breath. Was the whole evening going to be like this?

I looked around the Great Roomthe tables covered in dark blue cloths, the lights burning brightly to show the splendorand I saw there wasnt much of an escape for me. Dignitaries in one corner, reporters in anotherno place I could just be quiet and still.

Considering the fact that I was the person being celebrated, one would think that I could choose the way in which it happened. It never seemed to work out that way.

No sooner had I escaped the crowd than my fathers arm came swooping across my back and gripped my shoulder. The pressure and sudden attention made me tense.

Smile, he ordered beneath his breath, and I obeyed as he dipped his head in the direction of some of his special guests.

I caught the eye of Daphne, here from France with her father. It was lucky that the timing of the party lined up with our fathers needing to discuss the ongoing trade agreement. As the French kings daughter, our paths had crossed time and time again, and she was perhaps the only person I knew outside of my family with any degree of consistency. It was nice to have one familiar face in the room.

I gave her a nod, and she raised her glass of champagne.

You cant answer everything so sarcastically. Youre the crowned prince. They need you to lead. His hand on my shoulder was tighter than necessary.

Im sorry, sir. Its a party, I thought

Well, you thought wrong. By t h e Report, I expect to see you taking this seriously.

He stopped walking and faced me, his eyes gray and steady.

I smiled again, knowing hed want that for the sake of the crowd.

Of course, sir. A temporary lapse in judgment.

He let his arm drop and pulled his glass of champagne to his lips.

You tend to have a lot of those.

I risked a peek at Daphne and rolled my eyes, at which she laughed, knowing all too well what I was feeling. Fathers gaze followed my eyes across the room.

Always a pretty one, that girl.

Too bad she couldnt be in the lottery.

I shrugged. Shes nice. I never had feelings for her, though.

Good. That would have been extraordinarily stupid of you.

I dodged the slight. Besides, Im looking forward to meeting my true options.

He jumped on the idea, driving me forward once again. Its about time you made some real choices in your life, Maxon. Some good ones.

Im sure you think my methods are far too harsh, but I need you to see the significance of your position.

I held back a sigh. Ive tried to make choices. You dont really trust me to.

Dont worry, Father. I take the task of choosing a wife quite seriously, I answered, hoping my tone gave him some assurance of how much I meant that.

Its a lot more than finding someone you get along with. For instance, you and Daphne. Very chummy, but shed be a complete waste. He took another swig, waving at someone behind me.

Again, I controlled my face.

Uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, I put my hands in my pockets and scanned the space.

I should probably make my rounds.