#selectionocnet

[ruby-stones-blog1]

Interview - Moodboard

[niara-aldaine]

goodbye

you guys should probably read this.

It was easy yet not. Simple but complicated. I was terrified of goodbyes: signifying the end of something I didn’t want to finish. Was it really a goodbye though, or more so a “see you later”? I wasn’t quite sure.

I spent the last days in the palace well. I visited the roof more often than I cared to admit, sometimes already finding Felix up there. We spent time together often: eating chocolate croissants, taking pictures, talking until the break of dawn sometimes. I soaked up as much of the palace as I could. I even hugged Baguette (even though he wasn’t the most excited about it). I would miss all the girls so much, especially Naomi. We had another sleepover with tons of chocolate to fill us. And wine. Bottles of alcohol to wipe out all last drops of feelings and consciousness. It seemed idealistic at the time. Who wouldn’t want to erase all pain with some simple drink, leaving a blank slate of a person who just laughed at everything before passing out on the floor?

What hurt most was Haiden. I knew I wasn’t going to be the One afterwards, but that hurt. For a matter of time, I had dreamed of a lavish future: wonderful husband, lovely children, a country to be a fair Queen for. But no, within a simple perhaps 5 minutes, all of that had vanished into the very back part of my mind for shattered hopes and dreams.

I found comfort on the roof, where none of the public and Selected could see my shattered state, see the wreck of a person that I, Niara Aldaine, truly could become. Over a stupid, simple heartbreak. But I was justified in it.

For years and years, I had been left void of something pure and sweet. My parents shared no love, nor did they offer any to the family. It was all cold bitterness at home. Except the palace. For once in my life, I had felt summertime. I had felt warm love, happiness bubbling from every corner of the palace. How many times had I looked up during breakfast at the royal family laughing together at something stupid and wished that could be mine?

I sat on the edge of the roof once more, perhaps my last time before I would be escorted out of the palace and have cameras shoved in my face. Microphones and cameras all asking what it was like to be thrown out of the palace, what it was like to be tossed out of the handful of girls Haiden had brought into the palace. Was it shameful, to be treated as though we were a group of animals, that we could be bought by the palace and be plucked and picked to see who would be future Queen?  I utterly resented him for that.

What would it be like, to just make one wrong move and slip off the edge of the roof? To have a guard find a broken piece of a girl collapsed on the ground, to have a short funeral for people to mourn and cry and throw flowers before moving on with their lives? Because, as always, life goes on. And no one will care, given the time.

“No, you don’t,” a thin pale hand reaches out and grabs my wrist, “What do you think you’re doing?” “I’m not committing suicide over some stupid boy, Felix, if that’s what you’re thinking,” I snarl, already knowing what he’s assuming. “Then what are you doing?” he asks coolly, his eyebrows raised as he lets go of my wrist. “Thinking about circumstances.” “Conversations and croissants again?” Felix smiles thinly. That smile. That stupid damn smile.

“What?” he asks, noticing my expression. “Nothing,” I dismiss him, turning away. “Human emotions are never nothing and they should never feel as though they are nothing,” he states. And suddenly, I’m burying my face in his shoulder because, he knows. Someone finally understands. And I can’t express what a relief it is, to finally have someone who isn’t a girl fighting daggers and knives with me for a prince’s heart or someone who isn’t a prince balancing 34 other girls’ hearts on the line.

Felix taps my shoulder, notifying me of the soon-coming sunset and I sigh, leaning my head on his shoulder as he grips my hand tightly. And as the sun approaches the edge of the horizon, he tips his head and whispers something into my ear. A quiet deadly little secret. And of course, I accept.

It’s 10 minutes until dinner and I stand right before the entrance of the palace doors. Soon the girls will arrive to the dinner table, one last meal before the Eliminated leave and only 3 will remain. But I won’t be attending.

I wonder if any of the girls will even slightly care, or will their eyes simply skim over my empty seat for a minute and return back to the girls who are present? Naomi would notice, but she would understand my absence. The others wouldn’t.

I push the doors open quietly and walk down the extravagant marble steps, my bags with all my belongings behind me. Felix is already there, giving that same quirky, thin smile as he holds his hand out to me. The luggage is fit into the back of the car and I slip in next to Felix.

No, we’re not engaged, nor are we married. But we will be running. Running far, far away from the lovely palace full of dangerous secrets and dangerous people.

“Ready?” he asks, squeezing my hand gently. “Always,” I reply airily. I don’t look back the palace. But my mind is buzzing with revenge, secrets, anticipation.

Watch out, royals. You may think I’m gone, but I’ll be back. And this time, with an army behind me and a crown on my head.

[princess-elaine-schreave]

Can you tell us something awkward about Prince Haiden ?

all of him. all of him is awkward 

[ladycambianiscovar]

“It’s the realization of… him. It terrifies me.”

@yanely-genovious

[lady-cornemuseur-prinz]

Challenge#6~ Confessions

A/N–>As always, thanks to @kilewoodwork for RPing Ashton’s dialogue! There are references to past rp dates that are not in fic form in this. This is the last challenge we’ll probably be writing, I guess…so have fun reading!!!

Seeing my family again had been the best thing that could have happened. Especially because we we’re finally all there. Even Xander. Since he’d been drafted we hadn’t really been all together like that, and in a way I had to thank Ashton for giving us such a chance, even if he had no idea of what he’d done. Moments like those made me realize I would never regret entering the Selection…even if things didn’t turn out the way my heart hoped they would. Meeting Ashton had changed my life in more than one way, and I would always be grateful for it.

The family visit hadn’t come out without it’s drama though. With all of Illea knowing about Winter and Cody now, and Cillia getting arrested for something that had been greatly exaggerated to get her in trouble. Somehow, I wasn’t really surprised when I heard Magnus had done something as well to get himself arrested too, but at least they were both lucky to get help from Gracebella and I knew they’d gotten out.

Still, things had been a bit busy this week and I hadn’t really seen Ashton that much. After I got him out of the ballroom the day Cody and Winter’s relationship was exposed we’d only occasionally talked as he was on various meetings. He’d handled it pretty well though, and things were calming down.

I knew I had to see him again soon. I didn’t know why, but I just really wanted to see him and be with him. Okay, maybe I knew why…

I opened the top drawer of my desk and looked for a piece of paper, stumbling with the “Ace of hearts” I’d been holding on to since the Selection began. I wondered what Ashton would think if I told him I’d kept the card that had stuck to my leg before our very first date. Would he think it made no sense? Sometimes I wasn’t really sure it made any sense myself.

Either way I left the card back in it’s place and wrote down one of my small letters to him:

Ash (sorry, I meant Pauper),

I know things have been complicated since the incident in the family ball a few days ago. I still wish I could have helped you out more with that, but it seems like things are calming down now… I thought it was the perfect time for you to take a little brake. Hopefully I can at least help with that ;) Maybe meet me in the gardens? Sincerely, Lady Cornemuseur.

****

Pipes,

I’ll see you there

Once I saw Ashton staring out at the gardens near a bench I approached him, aiming the video camera I’d gotten at his face. “Hi there” I said smiling.

“Why the camera?” Ashton asked, and I could almost hear the amused tone hidden in his voice.

“It’s no secret that you like filming.” I pointed out, lowering the camera. “I wanted to try doing something you like.”

He chuckled. “Okay”

“So, anything in particular you would like to randomly point a camera at? Because I sadly don’t posses the skills to make a film, and this will probably just be me doing voice overs when I see something interesting during our date.” I admitted.

“I’ll see what I can do.” he assured me, holding out his hand for the camera.

I raised an eyebrow at him with a grin on my face.“A man with a plan, I like that.” I snickered, placing the camera in his hand.

“Lead the way, darlin.” He said gesturing at the gardens.

I smirked at his choice of words, but started walking anyway. “Anything in particular you want to do today?”

“Nope, you pick” he replied, and when I started walking backwards to face him, I found him looking at me through the camera lenses. I was pretty sure he wasn’t filming, but part of me wished he was. It was probably a stupid wish…  “Have you had any lunch yet?” I finally asked, pushing away my initial thoughts. I wanted to make sure he had eaten something before we did anything. Ashton had a very busy schedule, which wasn’t really surprising with him being a prince, but I knew he didn’t always use his free time for the important things…like getting enough sleep or eating.

“I normally skip lunch” he admitted with a shrug and I immediately stopped walking to frown at him.

Normally? He normally skips lunch? I’d already guessed he skipped it a few times… but normally implied it was a habit. “Okay, we’re definitely taking a trip to the palace’s kitchen first then.”

“Alrighty.” I was glad he wasn’t really protesting.

As we made our way to the kitchen I stared at the empty hallways. It was weird how different it felt now. The palace had always been too big, even at the beginning with all the selected. Sure, you might have run into someone a couple of times, but it was never too crowded. Not even last week with so many of the Elite’s families here, yet now that they were gone and the Elite had been cut down to the four of us, I could suddenly tell the difference. In the last few days I’d asked myself if maybe it felt like that because we could all tell Ashton was close to choosing–even though I still didn’t know who he would choose. Sometimes I wasn’t really sure he knew either.

“So…things have been a little wild lately. You holding up okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Did you eat breakfast at least?”

“Yeah some toast”

“Well, that’s better than nothing…” I mumbled, and an idea hit me out of nowhere. “Oh! I know what we can do after eating!” I smiled. I hadn’t really come with a plan of what we would do today, so part of my head had been rummaging through ideas. One had finally stuck. “Ever gone hunting for shells?”

“When I was 5 maybe”

“How about we go help you remember how that is after lunch?” I suggested, reaching for his hand.

He chuckled, the way he always did when I said something he found particularly odd. “Alright”

When we finally reached the kitchen I stared at some of the cooks working in a further corner. They were probably getting prepared for dinner, so I didn’t want to bother them. Ashton would just have to stick with my cooking. “What do you want to eat?” I questioned. “I can make sandwiches…or… sandwiches. Have I mentioned I’m good at making sandwiches?”

“I gathered”

“Perfect, sandwiches then” I smiled as I started looking for some bread. Ashton mumbled an amused “Mmm” and I realized here in the kitchen was the perfect place to tell him the story I’d been thinking about ever since I heard he had a thing for tomato paste.

“You know what else…there’s this really weird thing I did one time when my mom wasn’t home and I was hungry. I’m pretty sure you’ll want to try it.” I started to explain without looking at him as I gathered some cheese and ham. I couldn’t believe I was actually telling him such a weird story. “You see, fourteen year old me wasn’t the great cook you see standing in front of you now, so when you have no idea how to cook and you’re really hungry you get creative…and that’s how I ended up reaching for some mozzarella cheese and tomato paste.”

“Tomato paste you say?” he repeated curiously.

“I knew that would get your attention. Yes, tomato paste.” I affirmed.

Ashton grinned and I returned the gesture as I placed the ingredients I’d gathered in an empty table. “That’s why I never judged you about it.” I explained. I never woke up to eat it in the middle of the night like I heard he did…but it did become my ‘go to’ those few times my mother wasn’t home and I just wanted something to ease my growling stomach. I had to eat it alongside cheese though. It tasted better that way.

“I knew I liked you.” Ashton replied, still grinning and it was impossible to stop my heartbeat from skipping.

It didn’t even matter that it wasn’t the first time I heard him say it. Hearing him admit that didn’t only bring a smile to my face anymore. I knew an opportunity to tell him how I felt could be coming my way…actually I could have told him the day I realized it. That afternoon after he came to my room with Eli last week. After he found out I’d dyed Tomato’s hair red with Cillia and Eli had left when he thought we were about to argue. When Ashton and I ended up having a conversation in my bathtub with Tomato. Talk about weird situations out of context…

I smiled shyly and couldn’t avoid drifting closer to him. “Is that so?”

“It is.”

I tentatively reached for his hand. I was digging my own grave. I knew it. I didn’t know if Ashton felt the same way I did…but he needed to know. “Well…” I bit my lip, trying to ease my nerves. “Maybe I..” I paused, unsure of what I was about to do. Not because I wasn’t sure of how I felt, but because I knew what it would mean. Ashton raised his eyebrows, waiting for me to finish. I took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes. He needed to know how I truly felt. Sometimes you just had to take a risk. Sometimes you have to be willing to get hurt to truly let someone in. “I think I do more than just like you.”

“How much more?” he asked and I squeezed his hand, gulping in an effort to untie the knot in my throat. He looked down at our linked hands and then back at me. “There are varying degrees of more.”

“I know” I said smiling nervously. “I’m trying to be brave here, give me a sec.”

“You could write it in tomato paste” he ventured. Joking, but the tone in his voice was soothing.

In another moment I would have laughed a lot more, but I still appreciated the gesture.“That would be so romantic of me.”

“Quite.”

I smiled, looking up at his blue eyes. Reassuring. There was no point in hiding what I felt from him.

“I love you Ashton”

Ashton beamed back at me, a radiant smile taking over his features, giving me the last ounce of courage I needed. I squeezed his hand again. “I love the way you smile when I talk to you and the way you try to make me laugh when I’m nervous and how you care so much about others.”

“That’s… very nice” he swallowed. “Nicer than I deserve.”

You might think that, but I disagree. I clenched  my jaw, feeling a bit nervous again. The voice in my head that sometimes reminded me Ashton might not feel the same way I did trying to take over. “It’s how I feel.”

“Hey,” he said sliding his hand to cup my cheek “thank you”

I stared at him and swallowed. He hadn’t left much distance between us, and then he leaned down to kiss me. I was taken aback for just a second before I leaned into the kiss. He deepened the kiss and I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around his neck. Feeling my insides spark with warmth.

“Just… just tell me when to stop, okay?” he paused, his lips still brushing mine.

I smiled and nodded as I kissed him again. “Let’s just… not take clothes off yet“

He chuckled against my lips and it was the best sound I could have heard as he said “Okay” and kept kissing me. I deepened the kisses, keeping him as close to me as I could. It wasn’t the first time we kissed and I’d slowly let our kisses last longer, but I had never let it come to this. This time I poured all of my feeling for him into it.

He pulled all my hair back and placed his hand at the back of my neck, seemingly not wanting there to be any distance between us as well. I buried my hands in his hair and smiled between kisses, admitting that as lame as it sounded, I’d never gone this far with anyone…that I meant what I said. I wanted him to know. I could feel him smile against my lips as I said it and after that we stared at each other. He gave me a warm smile before giving me one last kiss quickly and pulling away. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling back at him even if I tried. Which I didn’t.

“To the shells?” he finally asked.

“Definitely, just let me make you my amazing sandwich.”

“Mmkay”

I smiled again and this time I was the one to give him one last kiss quickly. “Sorry, can’t let you skip lunch.”

“How many do you have?” I asked as we walked near the shore. I already had a few shells gathered in the hem of my dress.

“Not very many, they’re all broken.”

I laughed. “You need more practice” I said, trying to cheer him up as I turned to look over at his shells. I raised my eyebrows as I saw the few amount of shells in his hand. Half of them were broken. He was really bad at this. “a lot more… Okay, let’s try this.” I looked down at his feet to confirm he’d taken off his shoes and then grabbed him by the wrist, guiding him into the water.

“It’s cold”

“You’re really whiny when it comes to water you know?” I replied with amusement. First he whines about the dog water and now this?

“I’m really whiny all the time”

I burst out laughing at that, and stared down at the water covering our feet. “Yes, yes. Very true”

“It’s cute though, right? Part of my charm.”

I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t stop myself from laughing again. “You and your stupid charm”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

I shook my head and kissed his cheek, to which he responded with a smile. Then I elbowed him playfully and explained how we could use the tide to our advantage.

“That’s a lot of standing in the cold water” he pointed out, as if opposing to the idea, but he still leaned down to roll up his pant legs. I smiled at the action. “Yes well, it’s the price of shelling”

“That’s an ugly word” he countered and I snorted.

“What would you call it?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t like that.”

“Maybe when you’re the king you can make the dictionary people come up with a new word for it. Problem solved.”

“Good idea, I’ll write it down on my list.”

”Perfect. I wonder what else is on that list.”

“Plenty”

“Hum, care to share one of your ideas?”

“Nope”

“I could persuade you to tell me” I joked.

“Try me”

I tilted my head, thinking if I should accept the challenge. The possibilities of that working out were null. “Well, it probably won’t work but…” I walked over to him and pressed my chest against his, placing one arm over his shoulder and letting my other hand slowly stroke his nape, then I put on a mischievous smile, leaving a very small distance between our faces. “I’m just asking for one of your thoughts, Ashton”

“See, I know what you’re trying to do, so it isn’t as effective”

I laughed with a shrug as I got the response I expected. “I suck at seducing anyway…” I probably should have taken a step back then, but I didn’t feel like it. “I might want to kiss you though”

“I might be okay with that”

“Might is really vague though…” I said, remembering how Ashton loved using words like those. ‘Maybe’ was his favorite one so far.

“Guess we’ll just have to find out”

I looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Might as well.” I mumbled, closing the distance between us and kissing him.

He kissed me back without hesitating. “Seems I’m too good to resist”

I hit the back of his head at that and glared at him, but was unable to hide a smile. “Don’t make me change my mind.”

“Yes ma'am” he grinned, kissing me again and I deepened the kiss, smiling. Then he bit my lip. I looked at him with an unavoidable and slightly surprised grin on my face. “Oh, well it looks like I’m the one too good to resist” I teased, but he replied with: “You are.”

I looked at him for a few seconds before giving him a big smile and then hugging him, placing my head on his chest. I could hear his heart beating loud and clear. “You know, I never imagined a prince would tell me something like that”

We stayed like that for a moment and when I looked up at him, he was smiling down at me. “How do you deal with it all?” I asked him.

“All what?”

“You know, all of it. Being a prince, having the Selection, addressing the reporters, dealing with all of us…most of the time you make it seem like a stroll through the park” He always impressed me with how calm he managed to act in front of others when it came to things like that.

“I’ve been taught how to do this since I was old enough to talk. It’s my only option”

“Do you… like it?” I ventured, not sure if he would give me a straight answer.

“Yeah” He immediately responded, and for a moment I thought that was going to be all his answer, but then he continued. “I want to be king. I’m not some fairytale prince who doesn’t want the crown. I want the responsibility and the power, but I want to help people. I want to make a difference.”

“That’s good to hear” I smiled.

He gave me a shy smile back and I was surprised to see it. Ashton rarely acted shyly. It made my heart do one of it’s weird flips to know he was actually being shy with me. “I’ve never told anyone outside my family that, not in so many words” he admitted and I stared at him fondly.

“You have no idea how much it means to me to know I’ve earned such trust.” I always wished for him to trust me like this. He blushed with a shrug and I squeezed his hand, smiling. It probably came out as shy as his at the thought of him trusting me.

We stayed like that for a couple more minutes, with the tide brushing against our legs, staring at each other with our hands linked together. It was peaceful. Comforting. Perfect.

“Ready to head back?” he said after a while.

“Yeah…” I paused looking at the sea. Seemingly never ending until it reached the horizon. “just…one last thing.”

“Hmm?”

“I want you to know that I trust you to find a way to make a difference in this country… and… who knows…” I chewed the inside of my cheek, staring at the water below me. “Maybe I’ll be around to help you find it.”

“Thanks pipes”

I looked up at him with a tentative smile, knowing very well that I was blushing. “You’re welcome.”

We both walked the few steps back to the shore before he turned around and added: “I mean it. Thanks for the date, and for believing in me”

“Anytime” I said, smiling brightly at his words.

Back in the palace he accompanied me to my room.

“I’ll see you soon.”

I nodded and gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you too…for keeping me here” I told him, feeling the need to thank him for it all as well. He gave me that charming smile of his and then left me in my room.

When he was gone I plopped down on my chair feeling a bubble of happiness surrounding me. Eli was right, I had it bad. I looked over at my desk. The ‘Ace of Hearts’ was on the top, where I had left it after writing my letter.

I’ve given you my heart Ashton. Now the only thing I can do is wait and see if you’ll give me yours.

[winter-havilliard]

Challenge 5 pt 2

THE BIG REVEAL IS HERE! Windy af people ;) This is actually a sad thing for me. I love these characters and I can't believe it's out now. I'm so emotional, ew. But not to worry, Windy isn't over, simply revealed. I've been told I'm 'dramatic as hell', thanks @cillia-elizabeth-rountree I hope this fulfills your hunger for drama, kids. (Sorry for typos) ---------------------------------------- “Hey Winter, which tie do you think I should wear,” Cody asked as he stepped out of his closet, holding a blue tie and a sliver tie. I stopped my spinning on his swivel chair and examined the options. “That one,” I pointed to the silver tie. “It matches my dress.” “Oh, so we're that couple now,” he smirked. “Absolutely. I plan on us having one of those sickeningly sweet relationships that everyone pretends to hate, but is really just jealous.” Cody walked up to me and leaned down so his hands were testing on the armrests of my chair. He moved forward and kissed me. “I think we could manage that.” “Same,” I agreed. “We're super cute.” He rolled his eyes. “Dork.” “You love me,” I smiled obnoxiously. “No, I don't,” he retorted. My jaw hung open. Can you say rude? He turned his head to me and chuckled. “I do. love you.” “You better.” ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ As I exited Cody’s room, I received strange looks from passing maids and other palace staff. It was less than proper to see one of the Selected come out of another man’s bedroom. Highly unethical. I avoided the looks, not letting them get to me. They might see me as a skank or a whore, but whatever. I'm happy and that's all that matters. When I arrived in my room, I decided it was time to get ready. My maids came up to me and did my hair and makeup. They also got me dressed. I looked pretty good, if I do say so myself. Once I was all done and ready to go, I made my way downstairs to meet my family. My parents were mingling with Yanely's, Amber and Yanely were speaking, and the rest of my siblings were talking amongst themselves. “What are you guys all doing around here? Go talk, go mingle,” I told them. Charlotte shrugged, grabbed a random guard's hand and danced with him. I always admired her courage. Caroline laughed and made her way towards a few of the Selected. She chatted with them for a bit. Magnus just stood there, eyes darting in all directions. “Go on, Maggie.” “Can't.” “Why not,” I questioned. He shrugged and shuffled his feet a bit. “I'm waiting for someone.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “And who is that someone?” “You won't know her.” Her? “I bet I will.” “Sssiiilllaa,” he muttered. “Could you repeat that?” Wow, he must be extremely embarassed about something. Good. “Um… Cillia,” he smiled sheepishly. “Cillia? When did you meet her?” Oh gosh. It is not good they met. She just got eliminated. She could be absolutely psychotic right now. “Long story… She fell from the sky and I caught her- for short.” What the hell? Just then Cody appeared behind me. “What are we talking about.” Magnus stared him right in the eye. “You're quickly approaching death.” Cody’s eyes widened and he shot me a panicked look. “Magnus, go away.” He rolled his eyes at me, but got up and walked toward the refreshments fable. “Was he serious? Were you guys talking about us,” Cody asked a bit anxiously. I smiled at him. “No, we weren't. He was probably just being funny. He has a dark sense of humor.” “What I'm hearing is that he knows but you didn't even tell him about it.” He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. “How do people always know without us telling? We're not that obvious,” he grumbled. I shrugged. “You are. I'm not.” His jaw fell open. “You're so mean to me. I swear, Win. I'm going to find someone better.” “Better?” Cody smiled genuinely. “Naw, that's not possible. You're perfect.” I blushed. “This is why people always know. You're quite public about it.” “I can't help it, you're too beautiful. I like your dress by the way.” “Thank you. You look very handsome,” I laughed. We continued to talk and laugh before my father showed up. Cody seemed to get a bit tense. “How's my little Winnie?” Cody's eyes became bright with amusement at the nickname. “Winnie?” My father turned his eyes to Cody, and smiled politely. “Yes, family nickname. One I suppose even you could start using- my baby girl could become your family after all.” I nervously glanced at Cody. “What do you mean by that, dad?” “Oh, just that the prince could become your brother-in-law,” he said before sipping his wine. “Cody?” My father laughed. “Who else. You're in the Selection, snowflake.” I saw Cody visibly relax. Part of me wished that we could just tell everyone about us. My family was here- it would be a good time. But we couldn't. Not until everything was sorted out with the media, first. “So, Prince Cody-,” my father started. “Just Cody is fine,” Cody smiled a bit. My dad nodded. “So how have you been during this Selection? It must be slightly annoying with all these new people.” Cody shrugged. “Some people make it worthwhile.” “Really?” “Of course,” Cody grinned. “I've become friends with a lot of the girls.” “My daughter being one of them,” my father asked. “Eh, no. I wouldn't consider Win my friend, really,” Cody joked. My father chuckled. “Well clearly you're comfortable enough for nicknames.” Cody laughed and shrugged. I don't understand why he was so nervous about meeting my family. He was doing just fine speaking to my father- which probably should've been the scariest part. My father continued to talk with us before excusing himself. When he left, my twin sister approached us. As she walked to stand next to me she rested her hand on Cody's arm. “Why, hello there. I'm Summer, but you can call me Sam,” she smiled flirtatiously. I loved my sister, but she's always been a flirt. Cody cringed away from her and told her hand off his arm. “Yeah… Okay,” he replied awkwardly. She seemed to notice his awkwardness. But that just made her more determined for him to like her. “I already know who you are. You're Prince Cody.” She leaned over to whisper in his ear. “The cuter prince at that.” I grabbed Cody's arm and yanked him away from her. “That's enough, Sam.” She looked at me in question. “What's wrong.” “You're making him uncomfortable.” “No I'm not, I'm trying to get to know him.” I gave her a flat look. “Cody’s gay.” I heard a grunt from behind me and I turned to see Cody looking even more uncomfortable.”Winter, what the h-” I pinched his arm to shut him up. He yelped at the pain. “WINTER!” “Um… What's going on,” Summer asked. She looked extremely weirded out. It would've been funny if I wasn't trying to get her to back off. Cody cut in. “I am not gay.” I sighed and reached to pinch him again, but he slapped my hand away. “You need to stop,” he stated firmly. Summer laughed. She actually laughed. “You two are silly. I missed you, Winter,” she smiled and I smiled back. I missed her a ton. She was my best friend, I told her everything- except this small tidbit. “It was really nice to meet you, Cody,” she said with a slight giggle. She waved at the both of us before walking away I. The direction of a few of the Selected. “I really need to go make my rounds,” Cody muttered to himself. Ah yes, rounds: one of Cody's princely duties. “Alright,” I nodded. He leaned down to kiss my cheek before I stopped him with a look. It was hard sometimes to remember when we had to hide our relationship or not. He smiled at me some last time, before disappearing into the crowd to shake hands and kiss babies. ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ I felt someone tap my shoulder. “Yes,” I asked. It was Ashton. “We need to dance,” he replied. “We do?” He nodded. “I need to get in at least one dance with each of the Elite. Plus, the press needs to see us together to draw suspicion away from Cody.” “Yeah, alright,” I agreed. Ashton smiled and took my hand in his. He pulled me to the dance floor. We swayed as we made sure the media saw us. “How much longer do you think we'll have to carry this on- acting like I'm competing?” He sighed. “I'm not sure. It's too soon to tell.” “The rumor is already out there, Ashton.” “I know, Winter. But I need to consider this carefully. I don't want anything and happening to the both of you.” I closed my eyes. “I know… It just sucks hiding all the time. Sneaking around isn't as fun as they make it in the movies.” “I’m sure,” he chuckled. “I guess we just need to ease the media into the idea of you with my brother. At the rate you two are going, it'll be smooth. Hopefully,” he added. “May I cut in,” Cody asked. I looked to Ashton in silent question. He shrugged. “I don't see why not,” he shrugged. Cody nodded at him and pulled me to him. I liked this better. ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ “Want to meet my mother?” “Sounds terrifying. Might as well,” Cody sighed. I laughed as we walked over to the area my mother was in. I noticed Gracey wasn't too far away, so I figured I could introduce them as well. “Oh, Gracey. I'd like to introduce you to my mother.” I gestured them to each other. “Oh that'd be wonderful,” Gracey smiled win delay and held out her hand. My mother gladly took it. “Hello, dear. I'm Reyna.” “Hi I'm Gracebella, it's a plea-,” she was cut off. “Fiona Sinclair, her mother. I heard your daughter is a three as well, are you planning on putting her in law school, of course my baby's almost done with it and she's only a year older than yours, but still, is yours planning on being a lawyer?” My mother looked a bit taken back by Fiona, but quickly composed herself. “Um. Yes actually. My little Winter has always wanted to be a lawyer. Just like her father,” she said kindly as she patted my shoulder. Cody was beside me, smiling politely. He caught my stare and mouthed the words ‘daddy's girl’. I rolled my eyes. “How much has she been studying for her tests, I assume she's not in college yet. Where is she planning on going? My Grace went to the best in the country,” Fiona stated with a great deal of pride. I didn't understand what this lady's issue was. She automatically started bragging. Gracey is amazing, don't get me wrong. But it just wasn't necessary of her. My mother pursed her lips. “Winter was about to be a senior in high school. She hadn't decided on a college yet. There were too many to choose from.” She was getting defensive. I gave a weary glance in Gracey’s direction and she returned it. This was extremely uncomfortable. Fiona lifted her chin in the air- a sign of superiority. “My daughter has known where she was going since she was eight.” “You let an eight year old choose a college?” She was definitely getting defensive now. Fiona looked at my mother as if she was an outright idiot. “No of course not, I picked it for her.” My mother sucked her teeth. She wasn't quick to anger, but she despised when parents controlled their children. She was guilty of it every once in awhile, though. “Wouldn't want to let her too far off the leash, am I right,” my mother hissed, sarcasm dripping from her tongue. “Of course not, otherwise she'd go to an awful school and end up in a ditch,” Fiona stated as if it was the most obvious explanation in the world. “I see. But why are you focusing more on her career rather than the selection. Don't think she can win?” Oh no. This can't be good. Fiona raised a brow. “She can win with ease, if you haven't noticed Ashton clearly loves her, plenty more than yours at least. I'm focused on her career because I wasn't relying on her to be selected, though now that she's here she'd make an excellent Queen.” Gracey looked small in that moment. She probably craved her mother's approval, whether she knew it or not. It was simply how she was raised. “Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that. My daughter is still here, as well. In fact, she's the favorite and she was on the front cover of the Gossipel,” my mother smirked. If this conversation was awkward for me and Gracey, it must be total hell for Cody. I doubt he wanted to hear about how my mother assumed his brother and I were made for each other. The thought, alone, made me cringe. “Oh yes, the magazine for sluts. It's only appropriate she's on the cover. I heard she's even getting with the other prince,” Fiona shot back. Cody and I stiffened. We glanced at each other nervously. This was bad. Bad. Don't do anything too rash, Winter. Stay composed. You can do this, I reminded myself. “Puh-lease,” my mother said mockingly. “Prince Ashton is obviously in love with my daughter. She deserves only the best.” “Why is Ashton automatically considered the best,” I bit. Shoot. I was supposed to stay composed. Composed. Cody placed a hand on the small of my back- a form of calming me. Gracey subtly stomped on her mother's foot. Good. “I think my mother and I need to go back to my room, one of my bobby pins appear to be falling out.” “I'm not a maid.” “Could have fooled me,” my mother retorted, examining Fiona's clothes. Oh no, Mom. You're making it worse. “Well, no wonder your daughter is so sloppy. She comes from a pig like you.” Okay, damn. Cody stepped forward. “Excuse me miss, but no one likes a hypocrite. But wait,” Cody said mockingly. “A hypocrite means both parties are doing or are the same thing. However, you are the only pig here,” He snapped, rather formally. Always the prince. “Excuse you, my daughter will probably be married to your brother and I highly doubt when she is Queen she'll stand for your insults at me.” Gracey aggressively elbowed her mother. I grabbed Cody's sleeve and yanked him back. I noticed my mother's confused look at my movement. Sorry, mom. “He's sorry,” I said directing it more at Cody than anyone else. “I don't apologize to witches, Win,” Cody snapped. Gosh darn it, Cody. I'm trying to save you. “It's fine Winter. She's even worse at holding her tongue,” Gracey gestured to her mother. “Why are you so defensive over her Prince Cody, is it because you love her?” Fiona cocked her head like a vulture, circling its meal. Cody's face turned into pure rage as mine turned to one of panic. “How dare you! You shall not accuse my daughter of treason,” my mother exclaimed. Fiona clicked her tongue. “Well it's true isn't that right, Grace?” “Of course it's not true, mother. Winter is loyal to Ashton and would never betray him like that,” she sighed. Cody flinched at those words. I knew Gracey didn't mean to hurt him, but it was still a knife to the chest. Betrayal. One of the largest factors that kept us apart. Betrayal of a brother. “See even your own daughter understands,” my mother said more in question than in a statement. She was starting to have doubts. I could tell. “Yup. See, mother. You're just confused. Maybe you should go take a nap before continuing your social endeavors,” Gracey advised. “I don't need sleep, Grace. I just need them to admit their relationship because it's true. You might be a good liar but not to me.” Fiona pinched Gracey’s cheek. Good liar? “There is no relationship,” Cody stated firmly. Fiona bared her teeth. “Liar liar pants on fire,” she hissed. I was about to retort, before Cody cut me off. “What do you want me to say,” he exploded. This can't be good. “That I'm desperately and hopelessly in love with her? That I can hardly breathe when she's around- when she isn't? That my jealousy can consume me if someone even glances in her direction? Because she's perfect, and everyone should be in love with her- everyone probably is. But they can't be. That's my job and my job alone. What else do you want to hear? She's my best friend, she's the only one I love and will always love? That she's lovelier than the moon itself or the season she's named after- even in the morning when she she has messy hair and can't be bothered? That it pained me not to be able to kiss her and tell her I loved her because she might not feel the same way? That I still can't do that whenever I want because she could be taken from me? That it kills me to know that her life and reputation is on the line every time she's with me? That the vultures that are the press could ruin her life because of me,” he bit. “I can't do that to her. I'd never let it happen. She's everything to me. Everything... Is that what you want to hear,” he said more quietly. But it didn't matter how quiet he was. The room was quieter. Everyone had their eyes on us. Most with wide eyes and dropped jaws. I looked to Ashton who looked like a mixture between disappointed, pained, and frightened. I felt worse for him than I did for myself at the moment. Suddenly, there was a great explosion. Fireworks filled the skies with their luminescent colors. Great timing. “Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to hear,” Fiona smirked. “Mother,” Gracey exclaimed. The fireworks and Fiona brought me back to reality. I raised my eyes to Cody and he looked down to me- apologies written all over his face. But this wasn't the time. We were free. I couldn't regret that. I noticed a large group of reporters stampeding our way, but Cody grabbed my hand and pulled me away before they could reach us. We ran through the hallways, hand-in-hand. We dodged maids and reporters until we reached Cody’s room. He slammed the door and locked it quickly. We breathed heavily before Cody wrapped me in a hug. “I'm sorry, Winter.” “It's fine,” I said softly. “At least there's no more secrets.” He offered me a small smile. “I doubt that's how you wanted this to pan out…” “How? You professing your love for me and defending my honor? I can't think of a better way.” I stood up on my tippy toes and kissed him. It was a slow kiss, but it was hopeful. Filled with the hope of a real future in the open and everything working out. We broke away and Cody rested his forehead against mine. “We're free,” he grinned. I returned the look in full force. That didn't sound like such a bad thing- free to be with who I loved, free to live me life happily. Free. No. That didn't sound bad at all.

[avalonbrooks]

Challenge #4

thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this: @thenewsomelibrary @ladyhollygwen @scarlettviliana , couldn’t have done it without you!

I was utterly, completely stuck. I had been brainstorming for days, trying to come up with anything. Nothing popped into my mind. And this time we were on our own. I had to be able to do this.

I tried everything: talking to the Seven and Eight children, asking the other Selected if they had any ideas how to help me get an idea, I even tried to do a cookie eating contest with Holly (that one was mostly fun and it turned out both of us could do impressive accents with cookies stuffed in our mouths).

I had finally got a half-decent idea after those cookies (food usually helped a lot for my mind) and hurried to my room. I had the worst memory possible, so I rummaged around for a pen. I had no time at all; the deadline was coming in a couple days, so I quickly grabbed an eyeliner and messily scribbled down something half-decipherable on my forearm. I pulled down my sleeve (thank God I was wearing longer sleeves) and hoped no one would notice the sloppy black ink. I shrugged on a large trench coat to cover my dress and donned a pair of sunglasses before heading out.

The other girls were all busy, probably with the newest challenge. Some girls were waiting in the hallway for their turn with the Queen. I had first went to Liz to ask for advice: she had simply told me to do whatever I thought was meaningful; after all, this was supposed to also be revealing what the role of Queen meant to us. Holly had also advised to pick what was dear to me, but that was a little difficult. I mostly kept things at a distance, not quite wanting to get associated with things. The closest thing I had to my heart was probably my cat Tigress back home, and we were supposed to do something for the people of Illea, not the animals.

I snuck out of the palace without anyone noticing. By the time I reached my destination, it was late afternoon and time was running out. I went in, took the elevator, and went up several floors. The doors opened with a cheerful ding! and I looked around in wonder at a white room of scientists, doctors, nurses, and more; all scurrying around and helping. I immediately picked out someone from the entire midst of the group, standing in a white lab coat with her white heels, red lipstick, and unmistakably impeccable blonde hair.

Scarlett.

“Scarlett!” I called out and she turned, her eyes wide with surprise before she smiled brightly. “Avalon,” she said warmly, pulling off her gloves and setting down her tools. Scarlett straightened up before shrugging off her lab coat, revealing a simple white dress and leading me to an office.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, sitting down. “I could ask the same of you,” I laughed. Scarlett shrugged. “I need help,” I sighed, leaning back in my chair and taking a cookie. She pushed the plate forwards. “The Selection?” she inquired curiously, eyebrows raised. I nodded wordlessly. Perhaps she could help me. “Honestly I’m quite relieved that I got eliminated,” Scarlett smiled genuinely, “it just wasn’t quite the scene for me. But whatever to help, of course. What do you need?”

Scarlett had been a friend of mine in The Selection on the way to the palace on the plane ride (I had helped when she spilled her orange juice). She was a bit unusually quiet but very intelligent and open-minded. Scarlett had explained to me, just before she left, with quiet solemnity about what had happened. I was a bit sad to see her go, of course, but I knew that she was much happier doing what she really wanted to do: working to help scientists for medicine for the people who couldn’t afford it.

I explained to her all that had happened in the past days, her muttering and nodding to herself quietly as I proceeded. We discussed for awhile, catching up with one another as well. After I finished explaining everything to her, she got up and started walking down a pristine white hall, talking to me as her shoes tapped against the floor. “Alright,” Scarlett said finally, “I may be of some help. Let’s find Caroline.” We located a young woman, quite young, with blonde hair and dark eyes found their way to me curiously. 

It was a challenging hour. Caroline was tough; she focused on things that I hadn’t seen earlier and tried to cover all areas that might come to any sort of difficulty. I didn’t realize it would be this hard. 

How did Ashton deal with this? I scoffed at myself, realizing how much of a disorganized and unprepared Queen I would be. I doubted I could do it, but I would, for the most part, try. I hadn’t quite realized it but I did miss him. I hadn’t spoken to Ashton for awhile now, but it felt like ages. Sometimes I missed just simply speaking to Ashton. It hadn’t helped with all the extra tension with the other Selected now. I remembered bits of my last conversation with him. You can fall in love more than once, but not all at the same time.

It was tedious work; organizing everything and trying to get it just right. But after 3 incredibly long hours, a pair of asleep legs, a box of cookies, and pure willpower, I was awake and we had practically mapped it all out.

The plan was mostly for education as I realized that education had a large impact on society. It could affect so many things: population, the castes, the jobs, poverty. My original idea was that since so many people like Charlotte (the Eight girl who aspired to be a doctor) wished to pursue things they couldn’t possibly do, others who were advanced in those could help them. It was a bit like an exchange program: where people would exchange ideas, concepts, and learn things from one another. I also added in that we could do some sister areas; perhaps a school in one place could be a sister school in another place and they could support each other. Education was a strong foundation of the country and it affected so much of it. Especially educating women. The next generation would be educated, therefore making a better economy and environment. This would especially be training people in more rural areas. The exchange program would be designed to provide expertise and skills training. It would strengthen jobs, homes, the economy, not to mention that feeling like you were part of your country.

With the enlisted help of Caroline and Scarlett, we managed to make several phone calls: connecting some hospitals as sister hospitals, schools, even shelters. The exchange program was a bit harder. We didn’t quite put it into action yet but we had it all planned out. For people pursuing multiple areas like science, math, teaching, anything really, we found people offering to teach others. It was like the country was supporting itself: nationally yet locally. It started in small areas, but it would affect the entire country of ��Illéa.

                                                     . . .

The day had finally come. I reviewed everything through my mind, mentally preparing myself for my presentation. Unfortunately, nobody else was here with me. It was alright, I didn’t need them. I could rely on myself. I calmed myself, breathing in and out. 

As I walked into the room, I noticed the Queen first, smiling graciously. It was the presentation and explanation that terrified me the most, especially in front of the Queen, of all people. My eyes met hers hesitantly and I remembered the last piece of advice I had received: Now is later. As I began my presentation, there was that simple thought running through my mind. Now is later. Now is later. Somehow that thought gave me hope and comfort.

[jynsongxvii-blog]

Blondie, Tim & the Flower Girl

A/N: This is challenge #2.5? So I put in my practice challenge this time since I had no time to write the story out...still have no time (GUYS, I’M GONNA DIE. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT COLLEGE THIS WEEK ASDFGYHJK) but anyway, I did manage to write this out (not much editing...so forgive any weird grammar if there is some). If I have time later in the week I’ll write&post the actual story, but idk. I liked Jyn with kids tho. Maybe you will as well.

“There once lived a normal--” 

The oldest kid in the room scoffed with an eye roll before I could say anything else.

“Timothy...” One of the nurses scolded him with a stern look. 

“What? All stories start with ‘there once was...’ or ‘once upon a time...’ Something different would be nice.” It was clear his attitude wasn’t uncommon by the nurse's sigh. The boy was twelve at most and didn’t look sick; not that all the kids looked sick, but he was the only other kid wearing regular clothes besides a five-year-old sitting next to him.

I stopped the nurse before she could say anything else, addressing the boy, “How would you have the story start then?”

Timothy seemed surprised by my question but soon returned to his uninterested look, crossing his arms and staring away. “I don’t know, you’re the one telling the story. You figure it out.” 

I smiled faintly at the way he tried to give me a side-glare. “Alright then, let’s see…” It’s technically not a fictional story, so I can start somewhere else. 

The nurse nodded at me in a silent sign of permission when I hoisted up a blonde girl in my arms. I hoped that would make me relax a little as I walked around the room. Some would think carrying a kid around would make you more nervous, but in my case it made me think of being back home. After all, when I held singing classes for kids in my house, a couple of neighbors left their youngest with me so I could babysit. Sure, that only happened when my dad was going to be around the house, but either way, I usually had a kid in my arms during those classes. 

Maybe I could pretend I was in a class. They're just children, Jyn. You can handle children. The blonde girl I’d decided to carry was soon fascinated with my purple tips and had her fingers around them. 

“It’s purple!” She exclaimed and I chuckled at the amazement in her eyes. 

“Yeah, do you like it?”

She nodded enthusiastically while another girl asked, “Why is it purple?” 

I looked down, finding a girl with a bandana covering her head. I had to remind myself not to let my smile falter. She was as strong as children came. She didn’t deserve my pity; she deserved my respect, so I knelt in front of her, offering the same welcoming smile. “That’s because I dye it purple. You can make hair any color you want with hair dye.”

She tilted her head at the idea, “My hair isn’t flat like yours.”

I imagined the corkscrew locks that probably graced her warm skin before therapy began. Her brown skin more alive back then maybe. Joy. That’s what they need to see more often, Jyn. That’s what you’re here for. Bring some hope and joy. I kept the friendly smile on my face before saying: “That doesn’t matter. I bet purple tips will look amazing on you as well.” Then staring at her bandana, “I love the flowers though. They look lovely on you.” 

I asked for Blondie’s opinion too, not able to imagine how hard it might be to be told you’ll have to get rid of your hair at such a young age. I never dared to cut it when I was young and still I’d barely ever cut it when I grew up. I wanted her to know she looked beautiful like that too. Not only to make her feel better but because it was the truth. She rocked that bandana. “Don’t you think they look pretty?”

Blondie finally looked away from my hair and focused on the bandana, quickly nodding with the same enthusiasm she’d had before, “They look like the flowers my daddy brings!” I was glad Blondie carried so much excitement for everything. 

The second girl brought a hand to her bandana as if remembering it had flowers on it just then, a smile soon revealing dimples. “Thanks! My mom gave it to me a while back.”

“Well, she has a great taste! You should ask her where she got it. I might want one for myself.”

She blinked. “You would?”

“Of course! Bandanas are great accessories, but it’s not every day you find one as pretty as yours. I doubt it’ll look that good on me though.” I pretended to whisper at the boy sitting next to her but made sure all the kids could hear me. “I have a big head.”

The boy giggled with some of the other kids while others just smiled. Timothy...well, he raised an eyebrow at me, so I called it progress. 

I faked a gasp, “Are you laughing at me?”

Some giggled again, Flower Girl and Blondie included. I could even see the nurse smiling at my dramatics too. The boy I’d whispered to adjusted his glasses and pointed out my head wasn’t that big, I ruffled his hair with a “don’t lie to your elders!”

That time I even got Timothy to roll his eyes with slight amusement. Why do boys roll their eyes at me so much?

I stood up again. “Okay, I’ve taken away enough of your time, let’s get to the story telling.” 

“Take all the time!” Blondie said as she placed her arms around my neck. I laughed a bit, shifting her weight in my arms.

“So let’s begin again.This is actually the story of a friend of mine. His name is…" I'd originally planned to say his name was Jack for the sake of keeping Jason's life secret--even though in our phone call he'd said it was fine if I used his name--but as I eyed Timothy, walking around the room, I changed my mind and said, "Timothy. He was a normal boy like all of you...”

The kid next to him, whom I was starting to believe was his little brother, tugged at his sleeve saying, “Like you!” 

Tim narrowed his eyes at me like he could make me disappear with just a glare. I smiled in victory before going on. 

I was never good with stories. That was the truth. I loved kids, so the thought of coming here with them was comforting. People always said I was good with them, and to an extent, I agreed I wasn’t too bad...but writing a story for children was something else entirely. I was good with talking, attempting dumb jokes, playing, even teaching, but when it came to stories I was blank. The only stories I ever told the kids I babysat were stories about the crazy stuff I did with friends. 

When Jason tried to teach me how to drive, when Johnny got attacked by a bunny and almost broke his leg, that time I messed things up in the washing machine and both my dad and Jason had to wear orange for over a month, how we met Clem when Johnny pretended to work at the beauty parlor I worked in and almost burned her hair with a curling iron… but that was just me fooling around, retelling something I lived. Those were the stories I could tell. 

So that’s what I would tell them. Maybe not something funny, but something I had lived. Something I had gone through with a friend. 

And so I told them about the time Jason's sister got seriously ill. 

The story of the boy that held onto hope even when everyone else lost it. The story of the boy that taught me how to hope.

[kctiebell]

playlists

@thenewsomelibrary 

@ashtonschreave

i made some playlists at @thenewsomelibrary request so here’s playlists for liz, avalon, and ashton! sorry it took so long 

playlist for liz/alize:

TALK ME DOWN - troye sivan

YOUTH - troye sivan

you don’t own me - g-eazy, grace

lady - no

boys like you - who is fancy, ariana grande, meghan trainor

la la la - sam smith

all i want - kodaline

keeping your head up jonas blue remix - birdy, jonas blue

that’s my girl - fifth harmony

superhero - cher lloyd

scars to your beautiful - alessia cara

alarm - anne marie

before he cheats - carrie underwood

lip gloss - lil mama

take a hint - victorious cast

fire meets gasoline - sia

lane boy - twentyone pilots

glory & gore - lorde

playlist for avalon:

chandelier - sia

bang my head - david guetta, sia, fetty wap

wild horses - birdy

black widow - rita ora, iggy azalea

bird set free - sia

c’mon - ke$ha

good time - owl city, carly rae jepsen

oxygen - prince fox, michelle buzz

wild things - alessia cara

all in my head (flex) - fifth harmony

final song - mo

capsize - frenship, emily warren

war of hearts - ruelle

top of the world - the pussycat dolls

let me love you - dj snake, justin bieber

buzzcut season - lorde

the feeling - halsey, justin bieber

playlist for ashton:

alone - hollyn, tru

not that simple kyle tree remix - mike posner

cheap thrills - sia

let it all go - birdy, RHODES

dirty love - ke$ha, iggy pop

fun - pitbull, chris brown

international love - pitbull, chris brown

please don’t go - joel adams

toothbrush - DNCE

perfect strangers - jonas blue, jp cooper

cold water - major lazer

heathens - twentyone pilots

closer - the chainsmokers, halsey

wherever i go - onerepublic

soldier - fleurie

hurts so good - astrid s

castle - halsey

confident - demi lovato

royals - lorde

elastic heart - sia

some of the songs are weird or sound bad in the beginning, so i’d recommend listening to the entire song! thanks for requesting and hope you enjoy it!

[princess-elaine-schreave]

Thanks for opening your ask box, I just wanted to ask what it's like living in the palace and if you had a special someone yourself *wiggles eyebrows* thanks!

No problem! As for your question living in the palace is nice, I guess. I’m not quite sure how I’d describe it, but I’ve always loved the architecture behind it though. As for a special someone? Umm well, I don’t know…I mean… I don’t think so

[ladycambianiscovar]

Lady Winter Havilliard @winter-havilliard

Lady Winter’s relations with Prince Cody Schreave ( @codyschreave ) have recently been brought to the media’s attention. There has been no official elimination or punishment, for committing treason, given to Lady Winter. The Royal Family has not said anything at this time regarding the situation.

[lady-cornemuseur-prinz]

Challenge #4

“I want to display something that will actually help, you know?” I said, impatiently pacing my room. “I want to make sure it’s something that will help people. Our people. The plans we make for this presentation might actually be taken into consideration if they’re good, so I have to make the best out of this. I have to come up with something that will make a difference in Illéa.”

I stopped pacing the room to face him. The sunlight coming through my window made his golden hair shine. “Have any ideas?” I asked.

He tilted his head, dark eyes staring at me as I stood there waiting for a response—that I knew would never come—his tongue sticking out of his mouth.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Tomato you’re not really helping.”

Tomato barked at the mention of his name and my eyes instinctively darted to the door. Of course, as usual, nobody outside heard. Thankfully I’d managed to make him understand he couldn’t bark, and if he did, it couldn’t be loudly. If he barked loudly he would have to sleep on the bathroom and Tomato was as fancy as his real owner. He liked sleeping in a palace bed.

I released a breath in relief and then glared at the puppy sitting on my bed. I could almost swear he was smiling mischievously. “Don’t do that again.” I ordered as I walked over to him, but as soon as he saw me approaching, he rolled over on his back. Waiting. I rolled my eyes, but then crouched in front of the bed to rub his belly and he at least tried to lick my hand in gratitude.

As much trouble as he was I really loved his company. I’d always wanted a pet back home, but even though my family of Fours was in an acceptable position economically, expenses for taking full responsibility of a pet were still avoided. The closest thing I had to a pet was Garfield, a stray cat from our area that I managed to feed with a small bag of food each month (courtesy of my parents). It was my job to ration it so it would last. He wasn't really a pet though. He probably didn't even know I’d named him and just liked coming to our house because there was food in the yard waiting for him.

There was also the fact that I really wanted to help Ashton with this. It seemed like he really liked Tomato and he’d said if I could train him maybe Tomato could stay permanently and wouldn't have to be a secret anymore. I knew Ashton could use a pet in his life, as it could bring a bit of normalcy into it. Knowing that made me even more determined to make this work.

I was still honored by the fact that he’d actually suggested I train him, even if I had no past experience with such things. If anyone can do it, it's you. You’re pretty incredible, Pipes.

I shook my head as I felt my pulse rising. They were just words... I needed to remember that… Tomato took advantage of my daze to lick my face and made me snap back to reality for a second. The scene hadn't even been that romantic when you thought about it. I'd been kneeling on the floor with Tomato, and Ashton stood nearby. Smiling. That confident gaze in his bright blue eyes and… okay, what’s wrong with me?

The puppy settled next to me, looking for comfort in my side after I stood up and plopped on my bed to rethink about that day—as I'd realized I couldn't really seem to take my mind of it anyway.

After we’d managed to get Tomato unnoticed into my room (with the help of some bedsheets) I learned that Tomato had actually been a late birthday present gift from Avalon. The mention of his birthday had made our conversation change as I asked when had his birthday been. Apparently it had been all the way back in July, so Ashton said it didn't really matter, but still I’d insisted on needing to know so I could send him a present next year...even if I wasn’t in the Selection anymore. He hadn't believed me at first. Even admitting that he didn't think I was lying, but maybe instead thought I was crazy.

“Well you're probably right, but I'd like to know why you think so?”

“Why would you want to give someone you might not be with a present?”

A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts again, so I stood up and whistled so Tomato would know he needed to hide. The young puppy hid under the bed and I headed for the door. When I opened it I found a prince standing in front of me...but not the prince I’d been hoping to see.

•••••••••

Cody seemed surprised to see me even though he had been the one to knock on my door.

“Lad— uh, I mean, Piper. Hi. I just… I was just passing by and— you know—what you saw yesterday, me and Winter— we weren't—we were just...” he kept on stuttering for a few more seconds, averting his eyes from mine, until he finally looked at me and noticed my raised eyebrows. “Right. Okay. You get what I mean...right?”

I laughed at his ridiculousness and after a few seconds his nervous laughter turned genuine too.

Yesterday I’d gone to Winter’s room hoping I could bounce of ideas with her, but to my surprise, when I’d entered the room, I’d found a recently pushed Cody sitting on the floor next to Winter's bed. The look on their faces was priceless.

I knew Winter had found that special someone and I was glad it was someone as amazing and adorable as Cody. He clearly cared about her, even though he was an odd child sometimes. They would make a perfect match. Windy had sailed.

“Yes Cody, I get it.” I finally said as my laughter died down.

“Okay, okay, sorry. We were just talking, but it was kind of surprising when you came in the room.”

“For me, maybe” I joked.

“Oh shush, you didn't even knock.”

I shrugged. “Fair enough. I’ll never dare commit that mistake again… wouldn't want to interrupt when you’re not talking.”

A fierce blush took over his face. “What—we— that's not—I hate you.”

“Not the first Prince to say that.” I grinned, remembering the conversation I’d had with Ash in the shed.

Cody shook his head and clearly tried changing the topic to something that wouldn't have him stuttering and blushing every five seconds. “So got anything planned for the assignment?”

“I thought I had something...but I changed my mind… twice. Now I don't have anything set in stone. I’m running some things in my head.”

He nodded. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”

I leaned on the doorframe. “Yeah, I’m just worried it won't be perfect or as impressive as others. I’ve never had experience with projects like this. What if I miss something or it isn't even doable in the end?”

“Try your best. It doesn't have to be 100% perfect. It's not like you’re queen yet.”

It's not like I even know if there's the possibility of that happening either. “Maybe I’m not queen yet Cody, but I will be presenting it to a Queen.” I mumbled.

Cody rolled his eyes. “Just try your best. I’ve been learning to deal with things like this my whole life and so has Ashton, but some of you girls on the other hand, had zero experience before this. That's why you’re doing these assignments. So they can see if you are learning, and if you are ready to learn more. Show them what you’ve learned. And if you really like my brother...be sure to make your project as good as you can.”

****

I decided I needed to go to the gardens that night so I could think about my project. Going there always made me feel better.

It was Roland's shift, so that meant I could manage an escape. I only ever risked doing those when I knew the guard at shift was close to my brother. That way I knew there wouldn't be any problems when I came back...but I still found their reactions hilarious when I finished my small midnight walks and came back to my room. They never understood how I managed to get out of my room without them even realizing I’d left in the first place, so you can probably imagine their dumbfounded faces as ‘Lady Piper’ suddenly appeared in the main hallway claiming to have been in the gardens.

Xander's reactions were probably the best, as he always came the next morning to nag at me for taking advantage of his peers. It wasn't my fault though, sometimes I just needed to feel like things were normal and I wasn't really in the palace competing to be a future Queen and a Prince's bride. The gardens were incredibly beautiful and I had to admit that the ones in St. George’s park would never meet the mark set by the palace’s, but even though they weren't similar, the royal gardens gave me a vague familiarity to all those hours spent in the park back there.

I remembered attempting—and utterly failing—to play soccer with Xander and Adrien, trying to get Eli to play with me and Mari, staring at my mom as she laughed at one of my dad's jokes while they sat on a bench... His jokes were never really funny in case you're wondering, but my mother's laugh came out easily, like mine.

I preferred roaming the royal gardens at night though, when I could look up at the stars and everything was quiet. You could still see lights and people working inside the palace, but outside it was just you, the bushes and the stars. Of course, that was the time when we couldn't be outside. That's why I resorted to fooling the guards. Many times I used distractions and others I just simply slipped out when they changed shifts. In one rare occasion I took advantage of a sleepy guard. The last time I’d just told the guard I was thirsty.

Sydney had decided she finally wanted to join me on the fun of making weird plans to get out of my room at night. Therefore, when the guard went for the water, I slipped out of my room and headed to the gardens, meanwhile Sydney waited for him to return and received the glass in my place, claiming I was taking a shower. The guard never realized I was gone until an hour later, when I came back. He gave me a squinting glare before opening the door, but he wasn't surprised. It had been Adam after all, my brother's closest friend. He'd probably been expecting it to happen as it wasn’t the first time I fooled him.

The plan that night was to use one of Sydney's uniforms, and just casually come out of the room as a maid. Roland wouldn't think much of it...that is until I came back obviously.

Sydney helped me slip into her clothes and fixed my hair to cover the sides of my face, when I was ready, I left the room looking down at a tray in my hands. Roland didn't even glance at me. I left the tray as I passed the kitchen and hurried to the gardens. Once there I pulled my hair into a ponytail and untied the white half-apron.

“You really outdid yourself this time didn't you?” a voice behind me asked, making me yelp with a jump.

Xander laughed. “Sometimes I forget how easy it is to startle you.”

I glared at my brother. He was still in uniform, arms crossed as he leaned on a nearby wall and a crooked smile spread across his face.

“What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the palace guarding something?” I said crossing my arms as well.

“My last shift already ended.” He shrugged. “And I’m ‘guarding’ you right now. I believe you’re supposed to be in your room.”

I ignored his last comment and turned around, heading deeper into the gardens. “How did you even know I’d be here today?”

I heard him sigh in annoyance before catching up with me. “I realized every time you do this it just happens to be the shift of a guard I know well.”

“Took you long enough to notice” I smiled without looking at him.

“Is that one of Sydney's uniforms?” he asked, dismissing my comment. I nodded and he frowned. “You dressed as a maid so you could come to the gardens?”

“Is that so hard to believe?”

“Not from you” he chuckled. “I guess I just didn't imagine you’d go so far to come here.”

“You’ll understand once you see Roland’s face in the end. This is the first time I've done it to him. I can't wait to see his reaction.”

Xander shook his head with a smile. “You should be considered a menace to society.”

“Maybe.” I grinned, and we walked in silence for a while as I stared at the sky. I hadn't planned on him being here...but then an idea hit me. “Did you know the beach is really close to the palace?”

***

“I can't believe you actually convinced me to do this.” Xander mumbled as we walked on the shore.

I tried to sink my feet as far as I could with every step, loving the feeling of sand covering my skin. It was relaxing. Even better than grass. “Oh Xander, don't act like you didn't want to come.”

He gave me a begrudging humm before adding: “So I heard you got a new assignment.”

“Yeah… it's a project. We have to prepare a presentation of a program that will help better Illéa”

“You sound worried.” Xander pointed out without having to look at me.

We had stopped walking, and were now standing near the water, staring out at the vast sea in front of us. My conversation with Cody hours ago had helped, but not long enough.

“What are you worried about?” my brother pressed on at my lack of a response.

I glanced at him. It wasn't that I was just worried about my program not being good anymore, but what it would mean to them if I messed up. “What if they think I’m not ready to be a Queen? That I can't handle it? I'm not a Three or a Two, I’ve never dealt with anything remotely similar to all of this like some other girls.”

Xander remained silent for a while and I just stared at the horizon where the sea met the sky. Both dark at night. I knew as irrelevant as my worries should be, they did have a point. I'd payed enough attention to Ashton to notice how he worried about his duties. Enough to notice he wanted his choice to be a good Queen. He cared about the future of his country... If my project wasn't good enough and he thought I wouldn't make a good Queen... would he sent me home?

“Do you like him?” Xander finally asked, surprising me with what seemed like a sudden attempt to change the conversation.

“Of course. He’s nice, sympathetic, caring, sweet, way too flirty for his own good…” I was grinning then, but Xander interrupted me.

“No. I mean do you like him, like him.”

“Oh” I paused, and remembered my last conversation with Ashton.

“I care about your annoying royal ass…” I’d admitted, giving him one of my small kisses as he smiled. “I’m actually scared of how much I’ll let myself care.”

“Me too” he’d mumbled back.

Then I remembered our moments in the shed. His selfless offer. Our minutes just standing there, holding each other in an embrace.

“Because you deserve everything you want”. He’d whispered in my ear, hugging me tighter.

I thought about all the other moments we'd spent together. Our first date with the paint fight. His green hair, my purple ends and his bold flirting on countless occasions. The Ace of hearts I kept in my desk drawer. Our little letter exchanges. The two wishes he’d promised me—that I still hadn't decided what would be yet. How he trusted me to train Tomato and keep him in my room. Even our discussion in that random bedroom and the way he smiled that first time I gave him one of my “lame” kisses.

“Yes. I like him, like him.” I said smiling.

It usually took me awhile to decide when I liked someone, but I was certain now that I liked Ashton, and if he let me know him more I knew it could become more than just like.

Xander nodded. “Well then, if that's settled there's only one doubt remaining. Will you make a good Queen? I don’t know if I have the knowledge to judge that… but even if you’re not ready yet, I can assure you that you have all you need to become a great Queen. You're hardworking and honest, you care and want to help other people. You always try to do things as best as you can, with passion and dedication, just like you did when helping Jorge and even that kid, Tommy.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it. “You're worried they will think you can't handle it, but I’m telling you: I believe they’ll see you can.”

My brother’s words were just what I needed. I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thanks”

“That's what siblings are for” he said and I knew he was grinning.

I took a step back and placed my hands on my hips. “Now, how did you know about Tommy?”

His smile grew as he took what seemed like an envelope out of his jacket. “I met with Jorge yesterday and forgot to give you this.” He handed me the envelope. “It’s from Tommy. obviously I had to ask who this Tommy was, so Jorge explained.”

I examined the envelope, it was made of regular paper, seemed to be hand folded. “I don't understand...Tommy wrote me a letter?”

Xander shrugged. “That’s what Jorge said.”

“Wait, why were you meeting with Jorge again?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

He quickly looked at the sea again, burying his hands inside his pockets. “Nothing important.”

Well, that sounds like a lie. “Right.” I mumbled, while opening the envelope. I’d get him to tell me later.

The letter read:

Hey Brunette,

Thanks again for the help… My sister was really happy when I showed her the music box was fixed. She even gave me a hug, and she's not a hugger.

I also wanted to apologize for my attitude the other day. I just didn't think I could take you seriously being a Selected and all. I thought you were just helping because of that dumb competition. Actually I didn't really think you knew what you were doing either, but don't worry, I learned my lesson. And in case you are wondering, yes, I knew you were a Selected. You weren’t fooling anyone about who you were. I mean, you appear on TV almost every week, did you think no one would recognize you?

Anyway, thanks again. I’m glad to know that you aren't just dresses and dates. I’m not really into this stuff, but I guess you could say I’m rooting for you, as well as many other people started to do after your visit. I’m just doing it because you fixed my sister's music box though, so don't get excited Brunette.

Tommy.

I rolled my eyes when I read the word Brunette, knowing he probably knew my name by now, but refused to use it to be annoying. Still, reading the rest of the letter had me smiling. I was glad to know I could help him and his sister, and it felt even better to know that people like him were rooting for me. I guess it was kind of naive of me to think no one would recognize me, but I was happy to know that just like Jorge and Tommy, everyone else had treated me like I was a normal volunteer. Because I was. Just as normal and as important as they were.

***

I’d been taking classes with Miss Lewis since the day after the last elimination, taking Ashton’s offer as soon as possible and having as much fun as I could with it. All I really wanted was to learn about mechanics, and know I finally could. My mental list of reasons why not to get eliminated this round kept growing: Ashton, my brother Xander, Tomato, Kady and Sydney, the youngest prince and the remaining girls I’d befriended during this competition. Now I had to add Miss Lewis’ tutoring classes.

“You did good today, Piper. Make sure to read the next chapter for our next class.”

“Thanks, I will.” I smiled, stacking the books I’d used in a pile, but then decided it was the time to ask for her help. “Umm, Miss Lewis, could I...uh, ask for a weird favor?”

The red-headed tutor pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose and looked at me warily. “What kind of favor?”

*****

“Good afternoon, your Majesty” I said facing the queen, being careful to perform my curtsy correctly. She smiled and then I gave Ashton a curtsy too. “Your Highness.”

Ashton did a brief nod in response and to my surprise the shadow of a grin appeared on his face. I looked back at the queen.

“Lady Piper Prinz?” She said, and I nodded. “Yes, your Majesty.”

She looked at me almost with curiosity before glancing at Ashton, and I noticed the corner of her lips twitch for a second in a contained smile. A smile that seemed to be hiding certain amusement she shared with her son. I couldn’t stop my eyebrow from raising as Ashton nodded at her in response with a less subtle grin. I don’t get it…do I have something in my teeth?

“Very well,” the queen finally looked back at me. “Begin when you feel ready.”

Feel ready? After that? I don't think I can… “Yes, thank you.” I said, clenching my fists behind my back.

It was like being back in highschool, but worse. I always managed school presentations flawlessly...or well, as flawlessly as possible. People always thought I was calm and collected, that I wasn’t nervous or worried, but boy were they wrong.

Was I good? I guess. Was I able to take hold of my emotions? You could say that. But was I calm? No. I was internally screaming most of the time. Now, I was standing in front of the queen, of all people. The queen of Illea, who also happened to be Ashton’s mother, Ashton being the guy I like.

I’m cool. This will be fine. Just imagine you’re back in school doing a presentation for Mr. Lerman… wait, no… Mr. Lerman hated you. Bad example… Okay... but seriously I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING FUNNY. WHY DID ASHTON AND THE QUEEN SEEM AMUSED? Oh, great, internally screaming now.

“My program involves decreasing the Eight population.” I began, pushing my worried thoughts away so they’d become background noise as usual. Queen Sabine, Ashton and the woman advisor all perked up at my proposal, as if curious but also unsure. I didn’t blame them, without an explanation my proposal could sound very skeptical.

I started by showing them the charts I’d made with information from last year's census, demonstrating how an important amount of the Eight population was actually formed by physically or mentally unwell people. I started to explain how they were people who didn't have a choice, people who were born that way or were involved in accidents.

“They’re Eights, barely managing to survive, for accidents they never asked for, or things they didn't even have a choice in.” I continued. “They were told their bodies were a curse. That they weren’t worth anything. Many were born deaf or blind or unable to speak. Some were in accidents that shouldn’t have caused permanent damage, but without the right help they never regained practice with their limbs... and therefore never walked again. Doing more research I even found out that others weren't even in regular accidents, but instead turned out to be old soldiers or guards who ended up like that because of their duty. After losing a limb, they were seen as unfit to work anywhere else, and received no useful help. We are leaving all of this people behind in their times of need.”

As I talked I showed more slides of the conditions these people had to live in and how they had to become homeless beggars most of the time. I felt myself calm down as I talked. Like always during presentations, the more I talked, the more relaxed I became and the more my internal screaming subsided. It helped that this was a topic I cared about. I sounded more confident when it was.

I’d gotten my inspiration for this program when I’d gone outside the palace, accompanied by Miss Lewis, who was not a woman easily persuaded. It took me awhile to convince her, but in the end she agreed when I let he established rendezvous points and times, just in case of emergencies. My visit to the people of Angeles had been what I needed, as it brought my attention to a problem that should be fixed and might be ignored.

“This week I met a family of Sevens. Their youngest daughter, Melody, is a 10 year old. She wasn't born deaf, but three years ago she suffered through a bacterial meningitis that resulted in her deafness. You would think she is lucky to at least possess the ability of speech...but that isn't enough.

“Talking to their parents I learned their concerns for her. How they worry about her future because with her new acquired deafness, the only future she can aspire to is being thrown down a cast and becoming an Eight. You can probably imagine no one wants a deaf worker. They believe that her disability means they must take more precautions… and maybe that's true, some changes would be needed, but I saw this girl work and help in her home and I can assure you she holds her ground. She can manage herself around the house amazingly and has learnt to work around her disability with the help of her aunt's husband—a Three that happened to be a very good and patient teacher.”

While I talked I tried my best to remember Lady Nancy’s lessons. I made sure to articulate the words correctly: with the right tone and meaning behind every sentence. I kept a steady pace and if I ended up pacing the room I did it calmly instead of in a nervous manner. I also kept the right volume in my voice and looked at all the three members of my small crowd. I even took her tip on having a reference point to look at just in case I felt nervous. My reference point might have or might not ��have been a certain Prince's blue eyes…

“This shows that if people were given the right help and support they could have better lives. These are our people and in their times of need we have abandoned them. That is something we must change and it's the reason why I decided to develop this program.”

My three spectators had been listening intently and took some notes every now and then. I tried not to dwell too much about what they were writing down.

“So what exactly are you suggesting, Lady Piper?” The Queen asked, resting her hands on the table.

“Recovery programs. Programs that would help people in these situations learn to work around their new bodies or even regain the use of their limbs in some cases. Being handicapped shouldn't mean your life is over, the same way being born a certain way shouldn't mean you’ll never amount to anything. Especially not because no one will give you a chance.

“With the right help, more people like Melody could exist, and if people saw the support of the monarchy, employers would start accepting people like Melody. If this happened a great amount of the Eight population would become productive again and would have better lives.”

“It would be a slow process” Ashton commented.

“But an important step for the people of Illéa and an overall improvement. Sometimes you can't change things in one day.” I assured with a smile, and he nodded with the corner of his lips slightly moving upward.

“However” the adviser next to him intervened, “like you mentioned earlier people don't want a deaf worker. What if I said no one wants to help an Eight?”

She was right. I considered that while preparing my presentation. The people that might want to help couldn't, and most of the ones who could help, didn't really care.

Ashton looked from the advisor to me and waited for my response. For some reason it was weirdly comforting to see him not even remotely concerned about me not having and answer. It was like him saying he trusted me to handle it, and I did. I’d been ready for this.

“Sadly, that might be true.” I said, reaching for my prepared papers and handing Ashton, Queen Sabine and the advisor each a set.

Lady Nancy told us we needed to handout sets with all the information we presented, because developing a program involved analyzing and considering everything. We would have to be prepared with more than just words and a visual presentation, so I knew I wouldn't be the only girl who’d be prepared like this. “You see, I don't believe I need that many fundings from external sources for my idea to work. All I need are facilities, equipment and capacitated people.

“Like Prince Ashton pointed out earlier, it would be a slow process. A process that should start in provinces that can be considered important central points like Angeles, Kent, Bonita and Bankston. That would leave nearby provinces some accessibility to the program, even though it would be rough at the beginning.

“In the previously mentioned provinces, I’ve contacted the public hospitals to see which had the possibility of making at least a small space to be used. I found one place in Angeles, three in Kent and four in both Bonita and Bankston. All could be used, but I would recommend only using one or two in the last three, as we wouldn't want to take space from all of these hospitals that need it. Equipment would be a little trickier, and might need the involvement of the monarchy’s funds, but I know that Twos would be willing to lend their own funds once they saw the program was supported by the Royal monarchy.” It wasn't really a secret how some of the richest Two families thrived on looking as good as possible in the public and royal eyes. “Also I know of some Three families who are able to help and would be pleased to do so.” I said smiling at the memory of the Levefvre family back in St. George. Mari and Adrien’s family.

“As for the people capacitated, it would only take Threes who are interested in the field to take upon the studies. For the interest Melody’s uncle showed in helping her, I trust there are people interested in such areas. This would mean new jobs for Illéa's people and a whole new field of studies and options for the Threes. Also, if the program gave the expected results, it would mean many workers would go back to their lives and the Eight population would be reduced as I stated at the beginning of my presentation. As the program grows more people will become less reluctant to lend their fundings or donations, and eventually we would be able to build our own facilities.”

“Slow, but steady.” The Queen chimed in and I smiled at her. Xander's words, followed by Cody’s, echoed in my head.

You have all you need to become a great Queen. Try your best. Show them what you’ve learned.

“Yes. I can't guarantee it's completely foolproof, and it probably isn't perfect, but this is an important issue and if my idea could be the foundation of something bigger I know it would be of great help.”

“Indeed, very well.” The Queen nodded, but she turned her head to frown at her son when he let out the snort of a laugh. He probably found the little message I’d left as a joke at the end of his set of papers. When Ashton noticed his mother’s curious glance and the advisor’s raised eyebrow he immediately returned to the collected Prince facade, but I smiled knowing I was able to get something out of him. “It is an interesting idea, Lady Piper.” The queen continued, still giving Ashton a confused sideways glance. “Thank you for your time.”

“It was my pleasure your Majesty.” I said doing a curtsy to her and Ashton, who was now trying to keep a straight face and glare at me at the same time, but it was a poor attempt of hiding his grin.

***

After my presentation I’d received assurances from “The hoe squad”, who I’d started to get closer to, telling me I probably did great, but I could see most of them were already trying to concentrate on what they would say.

Knowing I could use the walk to calm my own ‘post-presentation’ nerves I told them I’d go for some water, but after my walking I’d ended up sitting on the floor admiring a pillar. Half an hour later, Ashton appeared, so I could only guess he was taking a break between presentations. We didn’t look at each other for a while after he sat next to me, remaining silent until Ashton sniffed the air and laughed. “So you are wearing vanilla scented perfume?”

“Of course, I am. You said it was your favorite smell on our first date. I have to use all the advantages I can. This is a competition, Ash.” I answered with a grin, now assured he’d noticed my little hidden message in his set of papers.

Ashton’s laugh filled the hallway and for a moment I wondered if maybe my scandalous laughter was rubbing off on him. “You know, it’s really hard to predict what you’ll do sometimes.”

“Oh, but I wouldn’t want to be predictable now would I?”

He shook his head. “Oh, no. We wouldn’t want that.”

I smiled, but then remembered the shared amusement with his mother at the beginning of my presentation. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“I’m afraid I’m in no position to tell you how you did on your project, Lady Piper. That wouldn’t be fair.” He said teasingly.

I pushed his shoulder and rolled my eyes. “It’s not that. I just wanted to know what the Queen seemed to be so amused about after saying my name. It was eating on my nerves.”

Ashton laughed again. “Oh, that was nothing.”

“I doubt it was nothing.”

“Well, fine. I guess she was just happy to know your dad didn’t kill you.” he finally answered giving me an amused look, as if expecting me to catch up on something.

Killed by my dad? what does that even…

“I mean, you did judge his ability to choose names for his children.” Ashton added with a smirk.

I gave him a bewildered look. He wasn’t making any sense at all...unless...oh, wait… OH, NO. I gasped, finally remembering the form I’d filled in when I’d applied to the Selection. It already felt like it had been ages ago. I’d been so bored while filling it in I’d started writing random comments on some of my answers.

Name: Piper Prinz.

Yeah I know five letter names that start with a “p”?  What can I say? I blame my dad…I hope he doesn’t read that. (Who am I kidding he is totally reading this before I send it. I’m kidding dad, I love my name, don’t kill me. Love you!).

“You read my application!?” I practically yelled. Ashton seemed to be about to burst chuckling.

“Of course. I read the applications of all the 35 girls who ended up being Selected. Let me tell you, yours was very interesting. A nice change after reading all of those files filled with provinces, heights and talents.”

“I thought only random advisors would read those!”

“Not a very smart assumption.” A mischievous smile spread across his face as he added: “I did like how you seemed determined to show how offended you were by our question of how much you girls weighed. You are right, that shouldn’t be relevant.”

I felt my face turn red. “Oh God...I can’t believe you actually read it! That’s so embarrassing! Wait...that doesn't explain why the Queen…” My eyes grew wide as I noticed Ashton was trying not to laugh again. He’d been waiting for me to get here. I grabbed him by the shoulders. “Please tell me your mother didn’t read it.”

Ashton leaned forward, enough for our noses to brush each other. “You should have heard her laugh.”

That’s it. Someone just end my misery, please.

Ashton laughed at my shocked face and after a couple of minutes of blushing and dying of pure embarrassment, I glared at him.

“You are so lucky I like you, Ashton Schreave.”

He stopped laughing. “Like me? Not just care about me?”

I crossed my arms, staring at the pillar again with a frown. “Yes, you heard me right. Like you. And it actually goes in pair with caring about you. Maybe it could turn into something more...Who knows? It’s not only in my hands to decide.”

Ashton seemed speechless for once in his life, as he stared at me, blinking several times and then smiling. A guard suddenly appeared and informed the Prince the presentations would continue in a few minutes. He nodded and the guard left, then he looked back at me. “That's good to know” he said, then he kissed my cheek and stood up.

[winter-havilliard]

Challenge 4: Winter Havilliard

Hey this is my fourth challenge! In this AU, CPS (child protective services) isn’t a very big thing- or a thing at all. Sorry for any typos! (It’s a bit abrupt in my opinion, I was too busy, tired, and bored to write more)

—————————————————

I laid on my bed and let out a large sigh. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for this next assignment. Given my circumstances, I technically was no longer competing in the Selection- for Ashton’s heart anyway. But in the media’s eyes, I was still the favorite.

Ashton, Cody, and I had discussed how we planned to handle Cody and I’s situation. For now, we would be discreet. I wouldn’t tell my family, my friends, my maids, or anyone else for that matter.

It was a bit uncomfortable to have to keep my relationship with Cody a secret, but it was what Ashton had requested. He was the future king, he knew more about what the media could do than I did. They could cast a completely dark light over this ‘scandal’, and I was definitely not prepared for the backlash yet. It’d take time.

I continued to ponder ideas for my service project before I was interrupted by my door being opened. I didn’t bother to look to see who it was. All the other girls were busy and there’s only one other person in this palace who doesn’t usually knock.

Cody flopped down on the bed beside me. “Hello,” he sang.

“Hey, Coldy,” I joked.

Cody smiled before leaning in and kissing my cheek. “My cheek, really? What are you, my mother?”

Cody blinked. “I sure hope not.”

I laughed at his expression and he grinned back. He reached over and pecked my lips. He leaned back before I pulled him towards me. I kissed him again. He smiled into the kiss, seemingly amused by my eagerness. He reached his hand up to play with a strand of my hair.

I loved moments like these- times when I was alone with Cody, when we could just enjoy each other. I could definitely get used to this. I was beyond thankful to Ashton. He didn’t have to let me stay, but he did. And for that, I was truly indebted.

Cody and I broke the kiss, finally coming back for air. “So what have you been up to,” Cody asked.

“Oh, nothing really. I was just brainstorming for the next challenge.”

Cody pursed his lips. “Any ideas yet?”

“A few,” I responded. “I’m not really sure, though. I was raised decently privileged, so I’m not aware of what the lower castes truly need. I’ve never been one to trust statistics.”

Cody chucked. “Me neither.” He reached over and pulled me closer to him, practically hugging me. “Just think of something you care about or enjoy, and go from there.”

“Something I enjoy,” I questioned. I thought for a moment, racking my brain for anything that sparked my interest. “Well, I like children.”

It wasn’t strange for me to have a fondness for children. I grew up in a big family and always thought that it was best to have siblings. It might’ve been a weird thing to say to Cody this early in our relationship, but it was probably better that he got to know every aspect of me.

“Really? I like kids too. Do you want a lot?”

I smiled. “Yeah, I do.”

“Same,” Cody grinned. “But anyway, why don’t you do something having to do with children.”

I pondered the thought for a bit. “Maybe I could think of starting a child protection program. It could deal with getting children out of unsafe homes.”

Cody nodded. “That sounds good. What would you call it?”

“I don’t know… Maybe the Illean Youth Defense? The I.Y.D. for short?”

“What exactly would it do,” Cody questioned.

“It would be a program to get children out of unsafe homes. Whether the abuse is mental or physical. It could take the children out of those living situations and place them in a safer, more nurturing environment. The parents would also be charged and convicted of the crimes they would have commuted against their children- assault, neglect, etc.”

“Mmhm, and how do you plan to carry that out?”

“Well, I was thinking that there could be seminars. A representative could go to each city in each province and speak about the program. The seminars could be held during the school day… But not everyone goes to school, right?” Cody nodded. “Then there could also be a special on The Report, I know everyone watches that.”

“What would the reps say,” he asked as he played with my fingers.

“They would discuss what the organization does and hopefully teach the children what to do in those situations. They could also tell people to watch for signs of domestic abuse if the child is maybe to scared to speak up,“ I shrugged.

Cody smirked. “Well would you look at that?”

I furrowed my brows. “What?”

“You just did the assignment,” he nudged my shoulder playfully.

I grinned at the realization. “I guess I did…”

“You know what that means,” Cody said. I raised my eyebrows in question. “We need to celebrate,” he winked.

I rolled my eyes as he leaned in to kiss me. Before our lips could even touch, the door swung open. In a moment of panic, I threw Cody off of me. He fell off the bed and to the ground with a large thud.

I whipped my head to the door, only to see Piper. “Ow, Winter! Violence is not the answer,” Cody exclaimed as he lifted himself from the floor and rubbed the back of his head.

“Uhhh…,” drawled Piper.

Cody whipped his head to Piper with wide eyes. He began to stutter his usual ‘Cody stutter’. “Yeah… I’m just going to go,” Piper muttered awkwardly.

She turned on her heel and walked out the door. I listened in silence for her footsteps as they got farther away from my room. A few moments later, I heard the sounds of loud laughter down the hall. It was unmistakably Piper’s.

I turned back to Cody and he chuckled nervously. “That wasn’t weird at all,” he muttered sarcastically.

* * *

I tapped my foot nervously as I waited in my chair for my turn.

Most of the girls seemed pretty put together about this. I noticed Holly was a bit anxious, but she seemed determined.

This assignment may not decide whether I stay or leave, but I still don’t want to make a fool of myself. I worked hard on this, and hopefully the Queen would be impressed.

Oh. My. Gosh. I just realized I’d be talking to the Queen… Cody’s mother. The pressure was even stronger now. I have this slight fear that she’ll think I’m some gold digger when she finds out about me and Cody. I hope she doesn’t, though. I really want her to like me.

I was currently sitting with Yanely, Cillia, and Gracey. We weren’t talking very much, though. I think most of us were too focused on what we planned on saying during our presentations. I was so lost in thought that I nearly missed when they called my name to present.

Before I walked in, I saw Ashton and Cody standing off to the side. Cody shot me a smile and a thumbs up before I went in. I love that dork.

I stepped into the room, hopefully ready for anything the Queen could throw at me.

* * *

The interview was going pretty well.

I had been discussing my ideas eloquently. I’d done my research thoroughly and practiced, so I hoped it was good enough. The Queen had been jumping in every so often to ask questions and such.

”-and I guess that is my idea. Thank you for your time,“ I curtsied.

She smiled kindly at me. “Well done, darling. But please take a seat, I’d like to address a few things with you.”

I gave her a curious look, but sat down nonetheless. “Of course. What would you like to talk about?”

“Your relationship with my son,” she replied bluntly.

I paused. She probably meant Ashton… At least I hoped. She probably just wanted to get to know me a bit as a candidate for her daughter-in-law.“

“Alright…”

“I know, darling. There’s no need to be nervous,” she smiled reassuringly.

“Know?”

“Yes, about you and my son- my youngest son.”

My smile dropped and my heart began to race. I was not prepared for this situation at all.

“Um… Uh how?” I probably sounded like an idiot, but I was at a loss for words.

“Oh, dear. I know my sons. They may not tell me everything directly, but I still understand. I mean, Cody was clearly in love with you. That was painfully obvious,” she chuckled. “The boy talked about you constantly. He wouldn’t let Ashton speak about you, or he’d just grumble around him some nights.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “I found the staring a bit strange, though.”

“Staring,” I sputtered.

The Queen laughed. “Oh, yes. He’s not the only one, though. You’re just as guilty.”

“Oh my gosh,” I muttered, rubbing my fingers against my temple. This was horrible.

“Oh, dear. Don’t worry,” she reassured me as she pulled my hands toward her. “I’m fine with all of this. Love is love, right? I’m assuming Ash knows about all of this,” she questioned.

I nodded. “He does.”

She grinned before looking down to examine my left hand. “And I’m guessing this hand shan’t be bare for long,” she said in a suggestive tone.

“Pardon?”

She held my hand up and pointed to the finger between my pinky and middle finger- my ring finger. “I see a very beautiful ring in your future. A very soon future at that.”

I blushed at her words. The Queen definitely wasn’t shy. She seemed to be one to cut to the chase- I admired that. But right now, it was also the death of me.&

She laughed at my expression. "I’m only teasing. You’re excused.”

She sent me one last smile before I left the room. I felt a bit ambushed by this and I probably sounded like a blabbering idiot… But oh well. It happens. She seemed okay with me at least… I’d take that as a good sign.

Before I could make it even two steps, I was wrapped in Cody’s arms. He gave me a big kiss on the cheek as he hugged me. “How was it,” he asked.

I would’ve answered, but I was more focused on the expressions the girls were giving me. Cody had shown his affection in the middle of the room.

A few girls had dropped jaws or furrowed brows. Yanely looked smug while Gracey looked disappointed- probably in Cody’s amazing discretionary skills. Cillia seemed to be trying her best to contain her laughter.

I sighed in exasperation and Cody stiffened. He let go of me and turned around slowly, seeing all the eyes on us. He turned his head to Ashton, shooting him an alarmed expression.

Ashton nodded before making his way towards us. He hugged me and kissed me on the cheek, repeating Cody’s actions. “I’m sure you did awesome, Win… I know you were nervous,” he smiled. Ashton was trying his best to cover this all up, but I knew he probably felt awkward. I know I definitely did.

I turned my head to look at Cody and noticed he had a scrunched up face. He was usually one to get jealous easily, so this wasn’t entirely unexpected. I knew it was probably taking a lot out of him not to grab for me like he usually did- even before we were together. He wore his feelings on his sleeve.

I stepped out of Ashton’s embrace and smiled awkwardly. Deciding not to cause any more scenes I nodded towards Cody and he gave me a look of question. He was probably wondering if I wanted to speak to him. I shook my head slightly, enough to tell him no, but small enough that it would hopefully go unnoticed by everyone else.

This has been a very awkward day.

[avalonbrooks]

challenge #3 with @ladyalizemabo

much love and thanks to @thenewsomelibrary and @kilewoodwork for the rp-ing for this! 

I was ecstatic when we received our newest challenge. Finally, something that would benefit the people! Truthfully, I had felt a little guilty lavishing in jewels and exquisite gowns for months, while others had to work to the bone to scrap the tiniest amount of money for food. 

It was even better when we were allowed to work in pairs. I would be teaming up with Liz; that went untold. We both agreed this was one of the best chances that we could put our entire effort into. It was a great way to see how the others would accomplish this. 

After all, one of us would become Queen and this was a chance to prove what the future Queen could do for the people.

Liz and I spent most of the night together, formulating our plan to fulfill the challenge after I had successfully retrieved photos of Ashton in a tight dress and heels. The plan had gone perfectly. I had burst in Liz’s room afterwards and we had looked over the photos of Ashton in a dress, laughing so hard the other Selected were probably wondering if we had gone insane.

We both agreed on doing something for the children, and the next day, we snuck out of the palace through a hidden passage that Liz found out through Ashton. Both of us had kept our hair down and we donned simple clothes, trying not to be noticed. It felt wonderful to be free of pinching heels and tight pins in my hair.

We were going to talk to the children first to see what they wanted, especially since they practically had no voice in anything because of their youth. I was looking around the city as we came out and I sighed, missing the sweet smell of the air and the warm sunshine. I did walk in the gardens usually but I still felt somehow confined, as much as I did enjoy the benefits of being at the palace.

A wave of homesickness hit me. I longed for the days of sitting on the wooden porch, watching the snow fall back in Hansport. I would be jumping onto the railing, walking dangerously on the thin handles with hot chocolate in my hand, Brooklyn and Landon with me. I shook myself out of my trance and decided to focus on something else: my growling stomach.

While Liz was scanning our surroundings, I quickly bought something to eat. I saw Liz near a girl and boy, around twelve and fifteen years old and I hurried over. The boy introduced themselves as Marco and Avila, and offered to show us around for a couple dollars. Liz and I exchanged glances and she shrugged, as they brightened and tugged us along. As they took us around Angeles, showing us some sights (I made us all stop for awhile so I could buy more food; it smelled delicious (except for the tomato products eugh) and we learned a bit about them. 

Marco and Avila had no home except the orphanage after their parents had died. They earned little money from the tours they gave. Their story immediately made me feel awful. How many times had I complained about my life? Compared to theirs, mine was practically paradise. And they weren’t even over 16 yet.

We strolled around Angeles, which turned out to be quite nice actually, and once we arrived back to where we came from, Avila offered Liz and I to eat with them. 

I immediately accepted and tugged Liz along, giving her a small smile. She was lost in thought and I could only imagine what would be going on in her head. 

They explained how we all had to bring something to share. I was eager to go buy more food; it turned out I was hungry. Again.

Liz and I purchased some food: bread and some fruit (I managed to sneak in some muffins too) and Marco and Avila lead us towards a alley-like street, smaller than the normal streets. I looked over at Liz, who had a strange expression on her face. We continued and turned in, leading to a group of kids, all younger than us. 

I scanned the area; they had little to no possessions and I was astounded as to how the monarchy didn’t know about this. Either they didn’t know or they weren’t doing much, which I figured was the case. I couldn’t believe this was how they were living. 

We sat down with curious eyes staring at us. It was only a matter of time until one voice pierced the air. “You’re not just any tourists!” one boy said accusingly. I tensed, my food pausing mid-way to my mouth. “You’re in the Prince’s Selection!”

There was a brief silence before mouthfuls of harsh insults and comments were thrown our way. One girl with bangs swept to the side of her face called out, “The Prince is a dirtbag who won’t ever care about people like us. Why would you care?”

I felt no urge to defend myself or the monarchy. The children were right. They were younger than us, and they had seen more than we would ever possibly see. All of us were lounging around, in handmade dresses with maids to do our hair, wearing jewels that would be enough to feed one family for a year. We had all the food we wanted and yet there was still wasted food. We probably even had bed sheets that were worth more than one of them could make in a year. The complaints that were circling the Women’s Room awhile ago, which seemed terrible then, now seemed selfish and weak in comparison.They were absolutely right. 

“I agree with you,” I spoke, my voice ringing out through the sounds of argument and complaints. “Me too,” added on Liz. The sounds of argument ceased and I digressed.

I thought for a minute before saying, “It’s true that this is all unfair. Plus, Ashton is an idiot, but maybe there still is hope for him.” Liz nodded and continued, “Yesterday, he told us all to think of a project to improve the situation of the Sevens and Eights in Angeles, so, you.”

Liz kept speaking and explaining, with me throwing in a couple words. We asked them what they wanted. They started throwing out things: food, shelter, money, clothes; only the basic necessities. And here I was with more than enough food, the top of the top security measures, plenty of money, and in my closet were some of the finest clothes I’d seen.

The girl who had insulted Ashton earlier spoke up. “I want to go to school and be a doctor.” There was a silence until someone shouted, “Charlotte, you know that’s a Three job. You’re a freaking Eight!”

“So what? Sevens can become nurses if they go to school, and so can I. If I’m good, I can be a doctor,” she retorted, pushing away her bangs and giving a confident grin.

The others started to catch on, calling out things they wanted to do: goals, dreams. They put their hands in the middle which I remembered vaguely doing a lot in primary school, something silly to motivate us. I thought it was sweet though and joined hands in the middle, right along with Liz.

“We’re going to make it possible,” Liz said, “promise. Do you want to meet here tomorrow again?” We agreed and I felt an urge to ask, “Do you want us to bring food from the palace?”

There was a silence but I could see the eagerness in their eyes. Charlotte said, “If that’s no problem.” 

“No one will bat an eye,” I promised and smiled. After all, I would be sneaking down to the kitchens later, and I would be hoarding as much food as I could for the sweet kids who needed it.

The next few days were quite productive. Liz, in all her splendor and talent, convinced some teachers to teach the children for a couple extra hours for free. We brought baskets of food to them daily (exclude the bran muffins, I decided not to put them through the misery of trying bran muffins). The teachers offered to let them use the school as a shelter and I proposed that we could bring them blankets. 

I was quite surprised that I didn’t worry about the other Selected as much. I was mainly focused on working with Liz and helping the children that I didn’t think worrying about something as trivial as how the other girls were doing was that important anymore. Maybe there was something more to the Selection than pretty dresses after all.

Liz and I shared a smile and I couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, the role of future Queen, whoever that would be, wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

[niara-aldaine]

challenge 3

special thank yous to @e--jun with mentions of  @haidenschreave @lady-naomi-lafleur @aliyatyson @lizzy-matthews

the dress 

the shoes

the hair pin 

I can do this, I mentally prepared myself, I can do this. In a matter of minutes, I would be descending downstairs to greet all the foreign diplomats, ranging from an ambassador from New Asia to the princess of Italy. 

Celestia zipped up the back of my gown. It was gorgeously hand-beaded, the color of dusty rose, as if the ethereal goddess of the dawn had skimmed her fingers along it. It looked as though it was spun from gossamer and silk, something only a fairy wore. Celestia squeezed my shoulders comfortingly and Aurora brought over my shoes, a pair of rose gold heels that had elegant spirals of ivy climbing up. 

I could already hear Heather coming around, making sure we would all be on time. I tried to elegantly descend but failed when I almost fell and instead tried to discreetly enter the room. Some of the girls were already talking to diplomats, others hoarding the platter of chocolates, so naturally I drifted towards the chocolates. 

I joined Naomi, who looked absolutely dazzling in her gown. We exchanged greetings and struck up a conversation briefly before Aliya joined us. I ended up exchanging words with Lizzy before I decided to talk with E-Jun, the ambassador from New Asia.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I smiled, “I’m Niara Aldaine.”

“So how are you feeling now that it’s a step away from the Elite?” she had asked. “A bit nervous, I suppose, I'd be surprised if anyone's not,” I laughed, “It's just another step closer to finding out the next true Queen of Illéa.”

“I have complete faith in him as well, he isn't one to regret what he's done,” I explained, ”I think all the countries' rulers and leaders are waiting to see the new Queen of Illéa. It'd change a lot of things, no matter who takes the position.”

She nodded. “New Asia is looking forward to continue working side by side with this country for many years toward, so we are excited to meet the future queen. I'm glad you mentioned the changes that will we have in consequence of all this. May I ask which changes would you make in case you win the competition?”

I had known the subject would come up and I hadn’t mentally prepared an answer beforehand although I knew what I would want to change if I had a position of power. I had often contemplated this when I was younger, playing pretend with my sisters that I could change everything.

“As Queen,” I had started out, “I'd reaffirm the ties Illéa has to other countries in order to strengthen allies and also create new bonds by perhaps increasing trade of resources and more diplomats. Also, I'd try to rewrite the caste system because of the large amount of discrimination and unfairness people face due to a status they were born into. I would also try my best to have the people have more of a say in the monarchy's decision, seeing as sometimes how decisions made by the monarchy either doesn't agree with the people or isn't benefiting them very much. Oh, and also opening new opportunities to those who need jobs or ones who can benefit our economy. And of course, adding more women into government positions. We need more women in administrative positions and although we do have some, I think we should increase that number. Women are just as capable as men to handle these positions and the only reason they aren't receiving these positions are lack of opportunities simply because of their gender.”

E-Jun raised her eyebrows, a small smile on her face. She was so elegantly composed but I could tell she would speak her own opinions if she felt the need. It was no wonder she received the job of ambassador. She was perfect for it. 

“What do you like the most of being born here? Do you wish you were born anywhere else?”

I thought this over in my head slowly before shaking my head. 

“I don't think I would want to be born anywhere else. I know Illéa has its flaws but I love Illéa. Hopefully the future Queen will make it an even better Illéa. And I'd love to travel to other countries though! My favorite part would just be the people itself. Illéa is full of so much hope and possibility, I don't think I could have that bond to any other place.”

We then moved the topic to hobbies of ours and traveling to other countries. E-Jun wistfully described the beautiful scenery and delicious food in New Asia.

“Of course there are amazing benefits but also the workload and stress are parts of your position, so you have to be able to handle it,” I brought up a point.

“Talking about jobs, why do you think you deserve to be the future queen? What qualities do you think you have that will serve you well for the job?” she inquired curiously. And I could tell by looking at her that she truly wanted to know. Haiden’s choice would change not only Illéa but all the other countries as well.

“Well of course I think we all view ourselves differently than others see us, so I hope I’m not being vain. But I believe that I have the patience and determination to do my best for all of the country so although I wouldn’t be the perfect Queen, I think I could be a likely candidate for deserving this position. I also think I have the mix of a logical and creative mind, seeing as I like inventing but also art, thus I will be able to both reason and debate while having compassion for my country. And I think I would also be able to stand for my opinion, even if it went against what others thought. The hard part is sometimes being a good person but also being a good Queen, and I hope I can be that as well as a wife and best friend,” I sighed.

“I agree with you in that too, sometimes is kind of hard to find the balance between using the head and the heart when it comes to ruling a country, you certainly need both... and when it comes to love relationships too,” she winked at me. 

E-Jun described how some families had arranged marriages but her parents gave her the freedom to choose. According to her, all of them ended in the man becoming upset over how her job seemed more important than them although I knew that her job was simply time-consuming and needed focus. She laughed and said, “I wonder if it was better to let my parents choose for me.”

“Well then that's good you didn't choose those men,” I spoke up, “The one for you would understand and I don't think it would have been better for your parents to choose, I think the one for you will come along with time,” which had earned a grateful smile from her.

Later I was strolling down the halls of the palace, clutching my heels in my hand. I saw E-Jun hurrying down the hall towards me, relief on her face.

“Oh wait, I almost forgot again! I brought you a little detail, hope you like it!” she extended a case towards me. I opened it to see a gorgeous flower hair pin. “Oh my goodness,” I squealed, “thank you so much, I love it! It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

I held it to my chest and thanked her endlessly. I don’t think she quite knew how much it meant to me that I had received a gift. 

a couple hours later

I collapsed on the neatly made bed with a pounding head and aching feet. My mind was throbbing with the conversations I had with almost all the foreign diplomats. 

I could feel a migraine coming on and I suddenly felt like I couldn’t breathe. 

This was really it. We were already half way from the original pool of 30 and soon Haiden would be choosing his life-long partner, the future Queen. One of us, out of the 15 left, would be crowned. 

This was my life now: part of the pool that would be chosen from for the next Queen. I could face that later but for now, I didn’t want to think about the Selection.

So I went down to the kitchen and requested for a bottle of alcohol and 2 glasses before heading back upstairs. I knocked on the door and it opened, revealing surprise written across Haiden’s face.

“Lady Niara.”

“Haiden. What do you say to a drink in the gardens?”