The Selection, the chance of a lifetime where 35 boys were sent to the palace to compete for the heart of Prince Alex.

You remembered vividly the day the prince had announced on television that he was gay. Your cheeks had flushed and your mother and sister, Gabriella, had squealed proudly.

And then, ten days later when the acceptance to compete in The Selection came. The opportunity to stay in the palace and fall in love with Alex.

You got butterflies in your stomach and a bright red blush on your cheeks the first time you saw the prince. You similarly remembered the day vividly. You had both been seven years old as he walked through the village with his parents.

The two of you had locked eyes and touched fingers as he passed…before he was ripped away.

You very well doubted Alex would remember you, and yet the opportunity was too good of an offer to pass down.

However, the night you arrived, you felt scared. Trapped. Alone. Despite your maid’s protests, you had ran into the hallway and up and down a few flights of stairs. You rounded the corner, breathless with tears running down your cheeks.

You slammed into a broad chest and felt big, warm hands pull you up. You remembered those palms from that fateful day.

Alex.