ROYAL SELECTION

★NOAH'S MANSION★

The dining table was filled with the soft clinking of utensils as everyone ate quietly. Katherine's eyes scanned the room, noticing the paled looks on their faces.

She knew it was because of the previous night's events.

"Am sorry," Katherine said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Everyone turned to look at her, confusion etched on their faces.

Diana's eyebrows furrowed, skepticism written across her face.

"Yeah, right," Diana scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Am sorry about last night...I didn't mean to ruin everyone's night".

Amma's expression softened, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"It's ok, dear, you didn't ruin anyone's sleep," Amma reassured.

Tony's eyes locked onto Katherine's, concern etched on his face.

"I heard you scream," Tony said, his voice gentle. "Am sorry I couldn't come over to your room."

Katherine flashed a smile at Tony, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Mr. Noah's face radiated understanding, his eyes filled with love.

"It's ok, there is no need to apologize," Mr. Noah said. "We are family, and we will always have each other's back."

Katherine's smile broadened, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Thank you, Dad," Katherine whispered.

Amma's expression turned practical, her voice gentle.

"Now, finish your food. You don't want to be late for your interview."

The tension dissipated, and the family continued eating, the warmth and love between them palpable.

Diana's face still held a hint of resentment, but Stella's expression remained neutral.

As they ate, the conversation turned to mundane topics, the previous night's events slowly fading into the background.

THE KING'S PALACE

Dominic rushed down from his room, his face tense with urgency, already late for work. He descended the staircase, his footsteps swift.

As he reached the bottom, he spotted his family gathered around the dining table.

"Good morning, family," Dominic greeted, his voice hurried, before turning to leave.

Queen Charlotte's expression turned concerned, her brow furrowed.

"Aren't you going to have your breakfast first before leaving?" Queen Charlotte asked, her voice gentle.

Dominic's face revealed his impatience. "I can't, Mom, I have an important client waiting for me at the office," Dominic replied.

Ethan's eyes sparkled with mischief, his smile playful.

"At least take a bite," Ethan insisted.

Dominic's jaw clenched. "I'm not hungry," he said firmly, turning to leave.

Just then, the seer walked in, his presence commanding attention.

Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

King Ryder's expression turned grave, his brow furrowed.

The seer's face was solemn, his eyes intense.

Whenever he came to the palace, it meant one thing: a message from the divine.

The air thickened with anticipation.

Queen Charlotte's hands clasped together, her eyes locked onto the seer.

Dominic's departure forgotten, he turned back, curiosity etched on his face.

Ethan's grin faded, replaced by intrigue.

The room fell silent, awaiting the seer's words.

The seer's gaze swept the room, his voice low and mysterious.

"I bring a message from the heaven..."

"I will take my leave now," Dominic said, his voice laced with impatience, as he turned to depart.

The seer's hand shot out, his expression stern. "You can't go, my prince. The message includes everyone here," the seer declared.

Dominic's face fell, his eyes narrowing in frustration. "Really?" he sighed tiredly.

The seer's gaze remained unwavering.

Soon, the family gathered in the king's chamber, their faces filled with curiosity.

King Ryder's expression turned grave, his eyes locked onto the seer.

"Tell us the message," King Ryder commanded.

The seer bowed, his voice low and reverent.

"Your Majesty, I greet you... The heavens have spoken, and I bring their words."

Queen Charlotte's hands clasped together, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"The time has come for the crown prince to pick a wife," the seer announced.

Dominic's eyes widened in surprise, his face pale.

Ethan's eyebrows shot up, his mouth agape.

Their siblings exchanged shocked glances.

King Ryder's expression remained stoic, his eyes knowing.

Queen Charlotte's face held a hint of a smile.

Only their parents seemed to grasp the seer's words fully.

Dominic's mind reeled, his thoughts racing with the implications.

"What?" Dominic stuttered, his voice barely audible.

The seer's gaze locked onto Dominic.

"The gods have decreed it, my prince. Your marriage will seal the kingdom's fate."

The room fell silent, the weight of the seer's words hanging heavy.

Dominic's face reflected his turmoil, his eyes searching for answers.

"Five families have been selected for the prince to pick his wife," the seer continued, his expression solemn. "Each of these families will bring their daughters to the palace, and they will be entitled to live in the palace and participate in whatever task that is given to them."

Dominic's eyes widened in incredulity, his face pale.

"I don't get it," Dominic interrupted, his voice laced with skepticism. The seer's gaze remained unwavering. "You mean to tell me I've got to pick a wife from the ladies that will be brought to this palace?" Dominic asked, his tone disbelieving.

Queen Charlotte's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Are you being serious right now?" Dominic pressed, his expression frustrated. The seer's face remained stern. "I thought this type of thing happened only in movies," Dominic exclaimed, throwing up his hands.

Ethan's face mirrored Dominic's shock, his eyes wide with amusement.

King Ryder's expression turned stern, his brow furrowed.

"This is not a joke, Dominic," King Ryder said. "This is a divine decree."

The seer nodded in agreement. "The gods have chosen these five families for a reason," the seer said. "You will find your suitable wife among them."

Dominic's face reflected his turmoil, his eyes searching for escape.

"This is crazy," Dominic muttered, shaking his head.

Queen Charlotte's expression softened.

"Trust in the gods, Dominic," Queen Charlotte said. "They know what's best for you and the kingdom."

Dominic's gaze locked onto his mother's, his eyes pleading for understanding.

"What if I don't like any of those girls?" Dominic asked, his face scrunched in frustration. "This is the 22nd century, none of this happens anymore."

King Ryder's expression turned stern, his eyes serious.

"It has always been the tradition of the land," King Ryder said. "It always brings in good fortune... I married your mother through that process."

Dominic's eyes rolled, his sigh tired.

"This is kinda cute," Alex said, a playful grin spreading across her face.

Lucas's eyebrows rose, his interest piqued.

"Are we entitled to this as well?" Lucas asked, turning to the seer.

The seer's face remained solemn.

"No, my prince," the seer replied. "Only the crown prince is entitled to it."

Lucas's face fell, but the seer continued.

"But... you can also pick your choice once the crown prince picks his at the end of the task."

Ethan's face lit up, a smile spreading.

"Cool!" Ethan exclaimed.

Ruby's eyes sparkled, her face radiant.

"When are we starting with the task?" Ruby asked happily.

Riley's expression mirrored Ruby's enthusiasm.

"We seriously can't wait," Riley said.

Dominic stared confusedly at his siblings, his face incredulous.

"This is not happening," Dominic muttered, shaking his head.

The seer's gaze locked onto Dominic.

"The tasks will begin in a week," the seer announced. "The five families will arrive by the end of this week once they receive the letter from the palace. Be prepared, Prince Dominic."

Dominic's eyes widened, his face pale.

King Ryder's expression turned resolute.

"This is the will of the gods, Dominic. You will fulfill your duty."

Queen Charlotte's eyes shone with encouragement.

"We trust you, Dominic. You will make the right choice."

Dominic's face reflected his turmoil, his eyes searching for escape.