The decree arrived at dawn.
Not carried by a servant.
Not whispered by rumor.
But nailed to the iron gates of every noble estate in the kingdom.
"By order of the Crown, all eligible daughters of noble blood shall attend the Royal Selection at the Capital within one month's time."
The Duke of Evermere read the parchment twice. Behind him, his younger daughter, Lady Selene Evermere, clasped her hands to her chest.
"A Royal Selection…" she breathed.
"Father, this is it. This is our family's chance."
But near the rose window, seated quietly with a book in her lap, her older sister did not move. Lady Elowen Evermere turned a page.
The Duke exhaled slowly.
"Both of you are eligible."
Selene's smile widened.
Elowen's fingers tightened slightly against the page.
"I have no interest in court politics," Elowen said calmly. "Surely my presence is unnecessary."
The Duke's gaze hardened.
"This is not a request." Across the kingdom, carriages were already being prepared.
Because the Crown Prince had finally agreed to take a bride.
Or so the kingdom believed.