Twenty years ago Prince Karson of Illea held his own selection. He ended up falling in love with Lady Mercy, a farmer's daughter. Three years after they were married Prince Karson became King Karson and the people loved both him and his lovely wife. They had four children: Crown Prince Ethan, Princess Amber, Princess Cosette, and Prince Josiah.

For awhile everything was perfect, King Karson and Queen Mercy had a wonderful happily ever after. Their children were growing up nicely, and the people were happy. But now the King is dying. Everyone knows it and isn't happy about it. Everyone is so distracted by it that criminals are taking advantage of people more and more easily. Everyone is unhappy and none of the people want Prince Ethan taking over as they hardly now him.

But Prince Ethan is determined to help his people get through this. So when Princess Amber suggests he hold a Selection to distract the people as well as giving them an opportunity to get to know him better, he agrees. What no one knows is that he doesn't want thirty-five girls invading his home, he doesn't want any girls falling in love with him, and he doesn't want to fall in love with any of them. But because he knows this is the right choice he chooses it and sacrifices himself for the good of the people.