ROYAL SELECTION

★KING'S PALACE★

Dominic stood at his balcony, sipping wine, lost in thought. The seer's words weighed heavily on his mind.

His brothers, Ethan, Lucas, and Alex, entered the room, their faces filled with concern.

"Hey, bro, how is it going?" Ethan asked, his brow furrowed.

Dominic's gaze remained distant. "Fine, I guess," Dominic replied, his voice laced with indifference.

Lucas's expression turned encouraging. "Come on, bro, this is no time to be moody," Lucas said. "Tomorrow morning, you'll be seeing your brides-to-be in front of you. You should be happy."

Dominic's eyes snapped towards Lucas, his face incredulous. "You know I don't want any of these," Dominic said, frustration etched on his face. "Why can't I go out there and bring a wife home? Why must it be done in the traditional way?" He gulped his drink, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Alex's face turned solemn. "You can't change tradition," Alex said. "It has always been like that."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and I heard the seer telling Dad the reason why the message came early is because you've come of age," Ethan said.

Lucas added. "Yeah, and I also heard the message comes once the crown prince turns thirty."

Dominic's gaze dropped, his eyes clouding. "I just turned thirty a month ago, so why the rush?" Dominic asked.

Ethan's expression softened. "I don't think it's a bad thing," Ethan said. "Remember, we are here for you, and we will support whatever decision you make." Lucas and Alex nodded in agreement.

Dominic's face reflected his confusion, his eyes searching for answers. The brothers stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the clinking of Dominic's glass.

Finally, Dominic spoke. "I appreciate your support, guys. But I still can't shake off this feeling." His brothers exchanged knowing glances.

"We'll get through this together," Alex said.

"I went through the details of the families, and I saw they are from wealthy homes," Lucas said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "The gods are wise, they say."

Alex's face lit up, his grin wide. "I can't wait to see my own wife," Alex exclaimed, his voice trembling with anticipation.

Ethan's and Lucas's faces turned amused. "Don't dream it, Alex," Ethan said, chuckling. "Remember what the seer said: only when Dominic picks a wife can you choose from the selected girls."

Alex's expression fell, his pout evident. "Yeah, whatever," Alex muttered.

Lucas's face turned reassuring. "We got you, bro," Lucas said. "We'll help with the selection of your bride."

Dominic's gaze remained distant, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.

As he continued sipping his drink, his brothers exchanged knowing glances.

Ethan's expression turned sympathetic. Dominic's face reflected his confusion, his eyes clouding.

"I'm not looking forward to this," Dominic muttered, his voice barely audible.

Lucas's face softened. "We're here for you, bro," Lucas repeated.

Alex nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we'll make sure you find the perfect wife," Alex said.

Dominic's gaze drifted to his brothers, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. The brothers stood in silence for a moment, the tension easing.

Ethan's expression turned thoughtful. "Let's focus on tomorrow," Ethan said. "We'll face it together."

Dominic nodded slowly. "Tomorrow," Dominic echoed, his voice laced with resignation.

★NOAH'S MANSION★

Katherine lay on her bed, laptop open, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Mrs. Amma knocked gently on the door and entered.

"Are you busy?" Mrs. Amma asked, her face concerned.

Katherine sat upright, closing her laptop. "No, Mom," Katherine replied, her expression open.

Mrs. Amma's face softened.

"Okay," Mrs. Amma said, sitting beside Katherine on the bed.

"Are you really going through with this?" Mrs. Amma asked.

Katherine's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, Mom?" Katherine asked.

Mrs. Amma's eyes locked onto Katherine's. "I'm talking about the letter from the palace... You're seriously not going?" Mrs. Amma clarified.

Katherine's face turned resolute. "Mom, I'm not going," Katherine said.

Mrs. Amma's expression turned pleading. "Please think it through," Mrs. Amma said.

Katherine's jaw set. "I have thought about it, and I've made up my mind," Katherine replied.

Mrs. Amma sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Your sisters are going tomorrow," Mrs. Amma said. "You don't want to miss this opportunity."

Katherine's eyes flashed with determination. "Mom, I'm just in my early twenties," Katherine said. "I don't want to get involved in anything called marriage or being betrothed to someone... I have dreams to fulfill."

Mrs. Amma's face reflected concern. "But, sweetie, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance," Mrs. Amma said. "You could be the future queen."

Katherine's expression remained unmoved. "I don't care about being queen, Mom," Katherine said. "I care about my own happiness and future."

Mrs. Amma's eyes filled with understanding. "I just want what's best for you, Katherine," Mrs. Amma said.

Katherine's face softened. "I know, Mom," Katherine replied. "But what's best for me is to pursue my own path, not someone else's."

Mrs. Amma nodded slowly. "I'll support you, no matter what," Mrs. Amma said.

Katherine's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thanks, Mom," Katherine said.

Mrs. Amma hugged Katherine tightly. "I love you, Katherine," Mrs. Amma whispered.

"I love you too, Mom," Katherine replied.

The next morning...

Diana and Stella emerged from the house, luggage in hand, beaming with excitement. Their parents, smiled warmly.

Diana's face glowed with anticipation. Stella's eyes sparkled.

"Okay, girls, be careful," Mrs. Amma said. Mrs. Amma's expression turned maternal. "I've packed your favorite snacks," She added.

Diana's face lit up. "Thanks, Mom," Diana said.

Stella nodded enthusiastically. "I'll miss you guys," Stella said.

Mr. Noah's face turned solemn. "May the gods guide and protect you," Mr. Noah said.

He placed his hands on their shoulders. "May you find favor in the prince's eyes," Mr. Noah prayed.

Diana's eyes closed, her face reverent.

Stella nodded.

"I love you, Dad," Diana said.

"I love you too, sweetie," Mr. Noah replied.

Mrs. Noah hugged them tightly.

"Come back with good news," Tony whispered.

Diana and Stella exchanged excited glances.

As they settled into the car, their parents waved goodbye.

The car drove off, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Noah smiling proudly.

Katherine watched from the window, her expression contemplative.

Her eyes followed the car until it disappeared from view.

Mrs. Amma turned to Katherine.

"Your sisters will do great," Mrs. Amma said.

Katherine's face reflected mixed emotions.

"I hope so, Mom," Katherine replied.

Mr. Noah's expression turned understanding.

"We'll support your decision, Katherine," Mr. Noah said.

Katherine's eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thanks, Dad," Katherine said.