#selectionocnet

[jynsongxvii-blog]

❝ Rolling eyes at the  f l o w e r ❞

A/N: This is the super late challenge #2. This turned out to be very long which made it hard to simply sit down and write quickly. Who would have thought graduating would have me busy even after tests? Probably everyone, but me. Oh well, here it is. Thanks to Alex for being patient (I’m still super sorry about posting late tho!!) and for rping @domschreave. This turned out better than I thought, so I hope it’s not awful. What I consider to be a pretty edit can be found at the end of the fic❤ [interesting fact I learned. It’s dominoes not dominos, rip]

Geoffrey walked up to Dom's door and knocked. The prince quickly opened and was a bit confused to see the old butler. “Hello?” The man did the bow that was practically second nature after years of working at the palace. “Highness, a Selected asked me to give you this.” He handed him an envelope and a small box. “She also mentioned you might want to open the letter first.” “Ok, thanks.” The prince opened the letter and began reading. Hello there, So you say you like puzzles, this is a simple one, just for you. Maybe not even worthy of considering a puzzle since I'm sure you'll say it's way too simple for your intellect, but either way, let's see how much of an impression I've made. I send this in hopes of arranging our meet up. It seems I'll need your help for our date to happen... and we might need to leave the palace. Details of where we'll go will remain a secret until tomorrow. If you agree to that, then I'll see you in the afternoon. Since I have no means of transport for the city you must tell me where we'll meet to leave. Write it on the back of this paper (hopefully, that's not too much work for your princely hands). However, for this to happen, you must first figure out who I am and add my name alongside the place you choose for the beginning of our encounter. Your hint is inside the box. Have a good day, Highness. Dominic quickly opened the box and found the domino tile a smirking girl had placed inside hours earlier. Rolling his eyes, he addressed the butler again. “It’s Jyn, isn't it?” Geoffrey cleared his throat uncomfortably, asking himself how the young Miss had convinced him to actually help her out with the current task. Sure, she could’ve ordered him to do it even if he refused, but she’d opted for pleading with puppy eyes and he couldn’t say no. “I'm afraid the lady who sent the letter asked me not answer that, Highness. She was, however, expecting you to roll your eyes, and said to mention "extra points for me" if you did so.” “Fine. I'll go find her myself.” Dominic didn’t seem interested in waiting and walked off to Jyn’s room without giving the butler any other response.

I flipped through endless pages of dress sketches, noticing Peggy was a lot better than she thought she was.

It was a real shame she had to hide behind her sisters to show her talent, too young to be given important chores around the palace such as dressmaking. The design for my ballroom dress had come from Eliza, but apparently, Peggy had dealt with details and most of the actual confection of the dress. I owed the final product to her and I wouldn’t have known if it weren't for Eliza leaving the sketchbook for me to see without her little sister’s permission.

I knew she was a little ashamed of taking it without her knowing, but she’d told me she just couldn’t take credit for what Peggy did any longer. Eliza explained Peggy helped her all the time, being such a good seamstress her older sister couldn’t bear leaving her out of it.  Because of that, instead of doing all the dresses herself she sometimes let Peggy work on them while she did her sister’s work. Being only fifteen Peggy wasn’t allowed to work on anything that would affect any nobles, politicians, royals or Selected. It was just a rule for everyone. She was given simpler responsibilities that could be fixed if necessary without causing major issues.

To me, It didn’t matter if she was young or not, just if she was competent. I’d seen great kids working at a young age in my town. In different jobs and chores, there was always a few standing out. Considering the work I’d seen, Peggy deserved a chance to shine and maybe I could give her that. I could give her permission to make my dresses alongside Eliza with all the creative liberty she wanted. I wouldn’t complain no matter the result, so there was no way to get in trouble for her this way.

Banging on my door stopped my thoughts and I looked over my shoulder slightly confused at all the fuzz. Closing Peggy’s sketchbook and picking up the sandwich Angelica had left for me a while ago, I stood up.

“No need to throw the door down, Geoffrey..” I grinned, opening said door. My amusement disappeared a second later as I froze with the sandwich raised halfway to my mouth, blinking at my visitor. “Oh..” Standing in front of me was a prince, not a butler, so I lowered the food, my other hand still gripping the doorknob tightly. What is he doing here? “Hi?”

“You're the one who sent me the domino, right?” Dom held the letter and the box I’d handed to Geoffrey a while earlier in his hands.

“Uh…” It took me another moment of blinking to snap out of my daze. He was supposed to send his answer back with Geoffrey, but it seemed he didn’t follow the instructions. Impatient are you now, Dominoes? This wasn’t the plan, but I could rearrange it. “You're not really good with rules, are you?”

“Sorry... I just thought I'd come tell you it wasn't that hard to figure out it was you... did you still want to wait until later to go or should we go now since I'm a ‘rule breaker’?”

“I didn't say the puzzle would be hard..” Actually, it was really simple, “but at least now I know I stand out one way or another, which was the whole point of the ‘puzzle.’” I grinned and took the letter from him. “You are rather impatient though.”

Heading back into my room, I finally took a bite from my sandwich. Dom didn’t come in. “Was that a yes, you want to go now, or a no, let's wait until later?”

Swallowing the bread I smirked at him looking over my shoulder. “Well, I did leave the door open Dominoes, now didn't I?” I walked in my closet to search for the outfit I’d picked out for tomorrow. “Just give me a moment to change into something nicer.”

He finally walked in and shut the door behind him. “So it's a yes.”

“Mhmm.” I grabbed the red jeans and white blouse in a hanger. “Geoffrey can't tell me now since you're such a rebel, but did I get extra points?”

Dom rolled eyes his eyes as I stepped back in the room. That added ten more points to my score. “Yeah, you did.” 

Twenty points total then.

“Perfect.” I might be getting a better grasp at you, Dom. “Now stay there, I'll go change.”

“Hey, Jyn, you've got a rat infestation in here.”

“RATS? WHERE?” I flung my bathroom door open, holding a towel over my chest since I’d been in the middle of changing my shirt. Dom had gotten comfortable on the bed, lying on it entirely. I noticed Cassian staring at him from my desk. “Oh, you mean him. You people need to educate yourself on animals.”

Cassian hissed at him and got off the desk to chew on his shoe. So...maybe he doesn’t like Dom like he likes Evan.

“Whatever. Looks like a rat.”

I glared at him on Cassian’s behalf. “It's not the same... and you seem pretty comfy.”

“Nice bed you got here.” He said with a shrug and I blew a strand of hair out of my face.

“I guess it's technically yours anyway... Let me put on my blouse, I'll be out there in a sec.”

“I'll be here.”

A minute or so later I was walking over to the bed, throwing myself on it and landing next to him. Staring at the ceiling I finally asked, “So what are our means of transport then?”

“Either motorcycle or a fancy car. Your choice.”

Lots of girls wanted to see the famous motorcycle he had, even myself. The thing was probably as popular as the Prince himself, but that’s why I wondered if going for it on the first date would be a good idea. Maybe mixing things up would be refreshing and it wasn’t like I’d been on many vehicles before either. “Fancy car, huh? That sounds interesting…” But then again, maybe he favored the motorcycle over everything else. “What do you prefer? Maybe you want to know where we're going before choosing?”

“Sure. Where are we going?”

“Have you ever heard of the Golden abandoned theater?” I’d done a little research on the abandoned theaters in Angeles and Golden wasn’t too old. Just a decade. It was probably the only one that would still have old stuff lying around in a decent enough state.

“Uhh... I think so?”

“Well... I was hoping we could go there and take a look. I've always wished to see a theater, but an abandoned one? It sounds more fun and means fewer people. Also, zero cameras and an empty stage filled with old things.” I looked over at him with my back still to the bed, offering a smile. “What do you say? Just some good old exploring really.”

He seemed to like the idea. “Let's do it.”

“Great, so fancy car or the edgy motorcycle?”

“You pick.”

“Hmm, why me?”

“You're the lady. And it's your date.”

“You're the driver, but I guess that's a fair point...” I thought about it for a second, not sure of what would be best.

For the sake of trying something different, the car sounded like a better idea, and either way, I would probably prefer to have some sort of control over our personal space for now. I still didn’t know much about him, and even though I didn’t trust the facade he tried to give the media, I wasn’t taking any chances. “We're already doing something kind of weird so we might as well do something different for the ride too. Let's go in the car. We might have to park a few blocks away to go unnoticed, but a little walk never hurt anyone.”

“Alright. Let's have a little fun with it. What do you say I drive my dad's, Lamborghini?” He grinned. I raised an eyebrow with amusement. He was being edgy again.

“Are we allowed?”

“Not technically, but he barely drives the thing. He won't notice.”

I sat up with a laugh. “We're already sneaking into a theater, might as well take your dad's car.”

“Awesome.”

He hadn’t mentioned where we were going, but I’d done enough scouting around the palace to know he was heading for the garage.

“So, on a scale of 1 to 10, how mad would his Majesty be if he found out we took the Lamborghini?” I wondered, but Dom avoided the question.

“He wouldn't blame you at all.”

“I'm not worried about that... not that much at least. I'm just curious about how much it would bother Mr. “I-own-ten-cars” to see one of them missing.” I grinned at my own joke. It was no secret how much the King loved having sport cars and was proud of the amount he owned. ((KACHOW))

“He won't notice. I promise.”

“Alright, how good are you at driving this stuff?”

“Oh, I'm practically a pro driver. Definitely don't have to worry about that.”

“How old were you when you started driving?”

“Mmm... 14? I think?”

“Huh. Well, I technically know how to drive, but I really don't have that much experience…” Mostly because buying a car would be a waste of money for me and my dad. I only learned in the case of some really weird emergency. “Was it your decision to learn that early on?”

“Yeah, I wanted to learn as early as possible. And technically I wasn't supposed to learn until I was 16, but some of the guards taught me earlier than that.”

The guards. “What else did the guards teach you?”

“Just about everything practical. How to ride a bike, how to shave, how to fight... lots of stuff.”

“They must have really liked you then.” I smiled at the thought of them teaching a smaller Dom all of those little things, then as a joke, I quickly traced a finger over his jawline and added, “And shave what exactly Dominoes?” He could maybe grow some peach fuzz, but a beard sounded like a big stretch.

“Shave everything you don't see.” He winked. “They taught me well.”

I wrinkled my nose in disgust before rolling my eyes. Oh please, no. “Did the guards also teach you how to flirt? Because they could use a few pointers on that.” I smirked, unimpressed.

“Nope. My flirting is all natural.” He sounded proud and I hated to burst his bubble, but not all girls would fall for that.

“Hmm, you could use a few pointers, but it's not that bad.”

I was about to nominee myself for the Selected with best skills to make Dom roll his eyes when he replied with: “Just because you don't appreciate it doesn't mean it hasn't worked on other girls here. Maybe you're just the one with a weird taste.”

Laughing with a scoff, I suggested, “Or maybe you're realizing your flirting doesn't work with everyone.” Also, maybe I just have class, you know? Ironic coming from a Five.

“It only doesn't work with disagreeable people.” He stated. I almost laughed again.

“Is that so? Define disagreeable.”

“Not willing to try new things.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. First of all because disagreeable meant unpleasant, but second of all, because he clearly didn’t know what he was talking about. “Let's see... I flew on a plane for the first time in my life. I left my province, and my only family member, for the first time in my life. I'm going to pick up swimming soon. I'm actually having an argument with a royal right now, and....oh yes, I'm about to go on a date in an abandoned theater, in a city I barely know, with a guy I'm still getting to know, on his father's stolen Lamborghini...which just happens to be a car I've never been in before.” I smirked satisfied with my reply. “That's only the past few weeks and I can list more.”

“Seems like you should be up for opening yourself up to my flirting then, huh?”

“Ah, but flirting is a game for two Dominoes. You play your move…” I smiled coyly, leaning closer to him to whisper the last part, “and I play mine. You can't always know what the outcome will be, but you have to stay sharp.” He eyed me warily, but I pulled back before he could give any response, running down the hallway and yelling over my shoulder, “Race you to the garage!” I noticed him roll his eyes before looking back ahead. Forty points for me.

“You're so on.” I could hear his footsteps speeding up as he tried to catch up and soon enough he was next to me.

“Oh no, you don't!” I tried to get the advantage again, but he pulled ahead and kept running.

“Nice try, slowpoke.”

I laughed, watching his back as he ran. He had a funny way of swaying his arms as he sprinted and even though I picked up my pace he beat me to the garage with a “Hah!” I didn’t really mind, he could win, I was fine with just having the rush of a run and something to loosen up a bit.

I came really close to catching up to him, however, and bumped into him, staggering a bit. He only grinned back at me. That winner look of his. “Well, do I get a prize for winning?”

I smirked, catching my breath as I looked at the cars. “Of course, you get a date with the prettiest girl in this room.”

He gave me a sideways glance. “You're the only girl in this room.”

“You catch on quick now don't you?”

Dom rolled his eyes yet again. “Whatever.” Then he grabbed the keys that were hanging on the wall next to us and walked over to the car. I followed, looking at the other cars with curiosity. You couldn’t see cars like these where I lived. “So is your dad obsessed with cars for some particular reason?”

“Nope. He just thinks it's a way to show off his wealth. And power.”

Power, of course. Because a King needs cars to prove that he’s wealthy. Never mind having a castle. That proves basically nothing. “Is that not obvious by being a King?”

“I don't try to understand him.” He shrugged.

“So.. you and your dad don't get along that well.” The idea probably struck me more since back home it was just me and my dad. Not getting along with him sounded like the biggest nightmare possible.

“Not really.”

“That doesn't bother you.” I tried to make it sound more like a fact than a question. He shouldn’t feel forced to answer if he didn’t want to. Some topics could be uncomfortable to get into with new people. I always struggled to talk about my mom even though I made it sound like it was nothing. I wasn’t sure what Dominic was like in this case.

“He's never made an effort to get along with me, so I'm... over it I guess.” That was his only statement.

“Well…” I offered him a genuine smile. “The guards didn't do too bad then.”

“Yeah, they did.” We reached the car and he got in. “So ready to go?”

I could only stare at the car for a moment as the door opened like some sort of wing, hovering next to me. Dom showed his impatience again, yelling at me to get in, but I only poked my head in to try figuring why the door opened like that.

“Is there a problem?” He asked.

“Uh.. no, it's just very... fancy looking.” I got inside as he chuckled.

“It's ‘luxury’.”

Laughing a little as I got comfy on the seat, I put my seat belt on. “It feels like it'll cost me an arm if I break something.”

“Probably.”

“Always so encouraging, Dominoes.” I rolled my eyes. “All my worries are gone now.”

“Glad to hear it. Well, you ready to go?”

Nodding, I waited for him to start the ignition. “Let's hear her.”

He started up the car with a smile. Nothing flirty or mischievous, just a simple smile... Maybe even cute. Not too bad. “This is gonna be fun.”

I hope so.

We did end up parking a few blocks away from the building to avoid bystanders getting too curious, walking the rest of the way to the theater in silence. It was as huge as I expected it to be. Old, but decent enough. The old sign reading "Golden Theater" still holding some of its flare.

Trying to remember my research about the place, I led Dom to the back entrance that was supposed to be close to the dressing rooms. “Technically we're not supposed to be here, so make sure no one is watching,” I said, taking out my set of lockpicks, choosing one of the torsion wrenches and my snake rake.

“You know how to pick a lock?” He asked as I started working.

A grin spread across my face at his slight surprise. I’d learned to do it from Mr. Scott, an old locksmith that lived near our house. He decided to teach me when I was twelve, after my dad’s fifteenth time locking us out for rushing around before a gig. I didn't blame him though. The place he regularly played at had closed abruptly, so he started taking as many one time performances as possible to compensate. Maybe I would leave that story for later though.

“You'd be surprised by what I know,” I teased, looking over my shoulder. “Are you impressed?”

He grinned back, “I'm wondering what else you can do with those... nimble fingers.” Raised eyebrows and a suggestive smirk were added for better effect and I tried not laugh before playfully rolling my eyes and looking back at the lock.

“Wouldn't you like to know... but you'll have to do better than that to get me blushing, Dom.” I’d prefer you calling my brain nimble over my fingers.

“Oh, I'm just getting started.”

“Well, good luck,” I smirked as the lock gave in. The distinctive click signaling me to open the door. I gestured at him to get in. “Theater for two?”

“Amazing..” I whispered, staring at the seats from the stage in awe. It wasn’t hard to admire the big space even through the decay. Dom walked up next to me as I smiled.

“Yeah, it's pretty cool.”

A small laugh escaped me. “Is that all you have to say? Think of all the nights this was filled with people, all the performances that happened on this very stage.” All those people to impress, to share their passion with, it was a dream that I sometimes doubted would be able to come true for me. Sometimes I wasn’t even sure if it was what was best for me either... but it was a dream nonetheless. To have other people enjoy my singing. If falling in love didn’t work out I still had that ahead of me. Difficult challenges would await me no matter what path was taken, but I was ready to meet them head on.

“Yeah, I remember coming here when I was really little...before it closed down obviously.” He added at the end.

“So you saw it in all its glory... I'm guessing it looked even better.”

“I guess. I don't remember it that much, to be honest. I couldn't even tell you what show we saw.”

I smiled. “Did they have to drag little Dominoes to come?”

“Probably. I was a pretty stubborn kid.”

Walking over to forgotten props, I teased, “Was?”

The sixth eye roll happened. “Ha ha. Very funny.”

“I'm hilarious, but that's beside the point.” I grinned, reaching for a fake sword between the dusty things and raising it in his direction, “On guard?”

One more eye roll made me reach seventy points, but he grabbed another sword from the pile and took a stance after it. “Fine.”

I swung the prop at his chest, “You roll your eyes a lot, you know?”

“Do you have a problem with that?”

This time it was my turn to roll my eyes and I did so over dramatically. “No, it was just a question.”

“Didn't seem like a question. More... rhetorical.”

I tried swinging again. “Well, it only becomes rhetorical if you don't answer it.”

He blocked the swing, staring right at me. “Well, I guess it's rhetorical.” Then he set the sword down. “So what else do you want to do?”

I ignored the question, giving him a thoughtful look. “You're not really into answering questions, are you? That's not rhetorical by the way.”

“You weren't really asking questions, were you? That's not rhetorical either.”

Narrowing my eyes, I smirked and placed the sword on my shoulder. “I meant in general. You seem to...avoid it sometimes.”

“Maybe.”

Was it a felony to throw a fake sword at a Prince? I rolled my eyes for real that time and headed back stage. “Right.”

“Now what?” He followed but stopped when I went inside a dressing room without giving him an answer. I vaguely heard him mumble, “Alright then.”

Finding a closet with old costumes, I grabbed what I needed after dusting it off and came out with the two pieces of clothing over my shoulder. When I walked by next Dom I took his hand and dragged him back to the stage.

“Okay, what are we doing?”

“Well, if you're not going to talk much I'll just have my fun then.” I handed him the top half of a medieval prince costume. “Put this on.”

He looked at it in confusion. “Why?”

I could've replied, but there was no fun in that, so instead, I crossed my arms and said, “I'm making your question rhetorical.” Two can play at that game, Dom.

“That's not how "rhetorical" works.”

“I guess that makes me a rule breaker too.” I took off my blouse, not worrying since I had an undershirt anyway and began putting on the medieval dress I'd picked out for myself. “Just put it on, you won't die.”

Ten more points. Just two eye rolls away from winning 100. “Whatever.” He started changing and I focused on slipping on my dress, looking down at it once it was on and dusting the skirt a bit more with my hands. “Alright then, not as pretty, but not too bad,” I mumbled, comparing it to the masterpiece Eliza and Peggy had done for the ball. When I looked back at Dom I had to bite my lip to hold back a laugh.

“You should wear this all the time. True class.” I joked, touching the puffy sleeves.

“Yeah, definitely not.”

“What a shame, but anyway, you owe me a dance.”

“I do?”

“Well, you left before we could get a chance to dance, so I count it as a missed one.”

“Okay.”

“We have the clothes and a stage... now we just need music… I doubt my humming will suffice.”

“Who needs music to dance?”

“Lots of people usually do. Are you not one of them?” I smiled a little. “Not rhetorical.”

He pulled me closer to him, his hand on my lower back as he offered another simple smile. “No, I don't need music to dance. Do you?”

I smirked, raising an eyebrow. “That's what imagination is for.”

“Exactly.” He took my hand in his and began to sway. I stared at him silently for a moment before he spoke up again. “So..”

“You're quite an enigma, Dom.”

“I'll take that as a compliment.”

I laughed a little. “It depends. My dad always says some people are like a red light and a green light turned on at the same time. You're kind of like that.” It felt like I could go by freely and just say or do whatever I wanted, but also like I shouldn't move. Like I should be careful with all I said.

“Interesting.” He seemed to consider it for a second.

“What would you say I'm like?” I asked, too curious as always.

Dom answered quickly. “A thorny rose. Kinda prickly and annoying, but there's beauty and niceness there too.”

That made me smile, but not in the teasing, amused or coy way I'd mostly used with him. This time what he'd said just made me want to smile because of how it sounded. “That's better than flirting, just so you know.”

“What is?”

“When you're... just honest. I like it.” I looked over his shoulder to avoid his gaze. “Not that I expect you to do what I say obviously, but it's good.”

“What are you looking at?”

“Uh..” I finally focused on the spot for real. It was just the chairs. “Just the imaginary crowd.”

“Right. Are you enjoying the imaginary applause?”

I grinned. “Yes, of course. It's very gratifying. Also, in my imaginary music, you should make me spin right about now.”

“Can't argue with imaginary music.” He agreed, spinning me around as I smiled again.

We just kept swaying in silence for a while, or at least that's how it was until my old habits kicked in and I started humming to myself, focusing on my steps.

“What happened to only needing imaginary music?”

“Huh? Oh..” I cleared my throat once I realized what I'd done. “Sorry about that…”

“No, it's fine.”

“Sometimes I get distracted and that happens.” I laughed awkwardly before looking at the rest of the theater, still finding it stunning. “It's just very quiet and peaceful.”

“It is.”

“I wish I had theaters like these back home. They would be fun to explore every now and then.”

“Just explore? Wouldn't you want to actually see it open? See a show?”

I glanced at him briefly, staring back at the seats when I realized it was a serious question. He probably didn't realize I wouldn't be able to afford a place like this. That would be money better spent on other things. “You mean if it weren't abandoned? Yes, I guess I could always work as a staff member then. I would get to see performances all the time and even get glimpses backstage.”

“Yeah, that sounds pretty fun.”

“Does that mean that if you were asked to go see a performance now, your family wouldn't have to drag you there anymore?”

“Depends on the performance, and depends on who I'm with. But also, I think I'd like seeing the backstage better than the on stage. I like... knowing everything that's going on with things.”

Nodding, I softly mumbled to myself, “The more facts, the better…” I always preferred it that way. Looking back at him I added, “I like being a part of things... that way you're living the experience and making others live it with you. In the backstage, you become a part of the art, one of the brushes behind the masterpiece. You know what I mean?”

Oh, what am I doing asking him this… To my surprise, he seemed to understand.

“Yeah, exactly. Or at least... I like being in on secrets. I don't like seeing a show and not knowing how something is done, I would want to be able to look at it and say I know exactly how that works because I was a part of the show.”

I laughed. “So no cliffhangers for you?”

“No definitely not.”

“Binge-watcher?”

“I don't know, maybe.”

“Interesting...that explains why you asked me who I didn't believe to be nice back in our interview.”

“Actually I remember you saying if you survived the interviews you would give me hints on the "not so nice" girls…” He raised an eyebrow expectantly.

Good job, Jyn. “Yes, well, I also said they were first impressions. Most of them seem to be wrong for now.”

“Well, since they've changed anyway, wanna tell me what some of your first impressions were? Not even what you think of them now.”

“Curiosity killed the cat, Dom.”

“Who cares about the cat? It hasn't killed me so far.” Because she has a crush on your cousin...

“Okay, in this case, I'll be the cat.” Sorry, stealing your identity for a moment, Kat. “Your curiosity will kill me. I'd like to stay alive. I've heard it's more fun than the other option.”

Saying anything negative about others when I didn’t know if it was true was always a big no for me. Both because it wasn't my place to say and because it could bring problems.

“Whatever.”

I pursed my lips at his response. “Don't get all grumpy now... How about this: I'll give you an answer, but you have to tell me what your first impressions were too. They're the first ones so it doesn't really matter.”

“Sure. It's a deal.”

“Alright then. Sera was pretty much the only one on point. You wouldn't want to cross her, but since she's gone, we're safe from her poison fetish. Besides her, I'll have to admit the Bitch squad was unsettling. Mostly because they went to all the trouble of implying they might be a certain way. I wasn't expecting them to be horrible precisely... just prideful.” I shrugged, staring at my feet. Thinking about it was always weird, but I was happy I had been wrong. “It's a common thing in higher castes, so I kind of prepared for the worse. Not that I care what other think...it's just... you know... Being looked as inferior isn't precisely fun, so you learn to be cautious.”

“Well, I kind of had the opposite first impression. All the girls of the Bitch Squad gave me first impressions that made me want to see more of them. A lot of others were just boring.”

“It's not that surprising I guess…” The pretty, the famous, the confident, the powerful. A lot of people already knew most of them because they were in the media before the Selection even started. I was surprised I’d managed to stand out at all, even if on a smaller scale. “Hopefully I wasn't one of the boring ones though.”

“Eh, I'm not sure. I think you were somewhere in the middle.”

Well, out of 35 girls… “Not bad. Am I a little less boring now or still middle ground?”

He squinted as if considering the question. “Depends on my mood.”

Your mood? I tried not to laugh as I pointed out that sounded like a period. He scrunched up his nose like a bad smell had flooded his senses and I shrugged. “Hey, you're the one saying my boring levels depend on your mood. I might as well joke about it.”

“Well, it's true. Sometimes I find your brash sense of humor entertaining and sometimes I don't.”

“Because of the humor itself or because of your mood?”

“Both.”

“Well... what should I do then?”

“You don't have to do anything.” He assured and I approved of his answer if it meant he wasn't expecting me to change.

“I guess I'll just be the thorny rose.”

“Yep.”

“Do you mind dating a thorny rose?”

“Probably not.”

“Then I guess it's still worth a try.” I smiled. “Is our imaginary song over yet?”

“You tell me.”

“Hmm, one last spin?

“Sure.” And so he spun me around one last time.

“Thanks for taking me to an abandoned theater... I doubted you would agree to it,” I said as he parked the car in the garage again.

“I think there's very little I would've said no to for these dates.”

“Even if you didn't like the idea?”

“Yep. These dates aren't really about me or my opinions; they're about me learning more about everyone. If I don't like someone's idea for a date, that tells me that we might have differing opinions on other things too, and I should, therefore, eliminate that person.”

I stared at him for a moment. Did he expect to find someone that agreed with him on everything? “Just for having different opinions?”

Dom shrugged. “I have to narrow this thing down somehow. And some opinions are more important than others. I mean if we have different opinions on favorite color, that doesn't really matter, but if we have different opinions on how to run the country, that could pose a problem.”

“Hmm, seems like something hard to do from just one date, but I guess you have to work with what you have... Mine is gold by the way… or silver.”

“Well I don't have just one date to figure it all out, but everything plays into my decisions. And mine is red.”

“A color for the bold,” I grinned, not really surprised.  “Makes sense.” After that, I got out of the car. When he didn’t move I looked back inside and fluttered my eyes dramatically at him. “Will you be the ever so kind gentleman and take me to my room?”

He rolled his eyes at my overdramatic-ness with an, “Of course.”

I smirked, satisfied with his ninth eye roll and walked away. “Well, hurry up then.”

“Today was.... good.” I admitted, knowing we were almost to my room.

I was a little surprised by the statement myself since I hadn’t been sure I could pull off a decent date. Contrary to what Annette believed, I didn’t have that much experience on actual dates.

“Yeah, it was.”

“I wouldn't mind doing it again. Hopefully, you wouldn't either.”

“Yeah, no, that would be cool. Maybe not the exact same thing again, but you know... something similar.

I laughed, wondering if mine had been one of the date ideas he’d only agreed to so he could learn something about me. “Was the theater not a good enough idea?”

“No, it's fine. But would you really want to break into the same abandoned theater a second time?”

“Oh.. no, not anytime soon at least. I thought you meant the idea of the theater wasn't your favorite, but I get what you mean now.” When we stopped in front of my room, I added, “Maybe, if there's a next time, we can find a new place to break into.” Then after a chuckle, “Or maybe we can carry on with our plans for katvan.”

“Yes, definitely.”

I smiled, leaning to kiss his cheek quickly, expecting it to earn me the tenth eye roll, but not really caring about it. “Thanks for the ride then.”

He nodded and my smile widened in slight surprise.

There was no tenth time.

[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.

[ruby-stones-blog1]

A/N: The Video is kind of her outer an inner storyline, but due to my programm hating me i couldn’t elaborate it as much as i wished to (it killed half of my clips). I chose the song for a particular reason, not only because I love heather, but because it shows her emotions and her anxiety really well and Alex pls don’t kill me for this long af fic. ___ Strict parents create sneaky children.

“And the lovely Lady from Dakota who will join the rest of the selected is (…) Ruby Stones” A picture of my bare face pops up on the screen infront of me. A short silence floods the room just before a piercing “Ruby Stones” causes the walls to shiver. “Why did you enter the selection even though your father has forbidden it.” I look down at my blue knees and close my eyes. Why was I that stupid to believe my parents would let me get away with something once in my life. “But mom..” “No but’s young lady. You are ruining your future and breaking this family apart! Me and your father have worked so hard for your career, you are not going to throw your future away for tiaras and princess dresses.” My father supports her statement silently slowly shaking his head in disappointment. “Mom, when I am a Princess no-one will be more beloved than me. This would be your dream come true, your daughter a princess and future Queen of Illea. Everyone will know her name and that’s all you’ve ever cared about…. If people know the name Ruby Stones.” I look up and immediately break away from the intimating glare and let my gaze wander across the big living room. My eyes linger on dozen of throphes embellishing the shelves. Gosh how much I hate this golden trash. “Don’t you dare pretend we don’t care for your well-being. If not, you would have been already dead.” My heart sinks to stomach, a common felling caused by my mother. My legs start shaking, causing my kneecaps to collide making an awful hollow sound. “Martha…”, my dad interrupts her with a daring glare. “Never mind”, she continues, “but don’t you dare come back home with empty pockets and no husband bye your side.”

“Arabesque, plie ladies!” Ms Kazimierski’s tender voice halls through the long dance hall, girls in tight leotards are adjusting their posture and holding their heads high. “Dona, I said over 90 degree, not 45”, she continues to correct us. I straighten my back a bit and let my glance wander trough the room. So many petite girls are gracing the room, with sleek buns crowding their heads, white pointé shoes adorning their feet. Then there’s me, the literal raven inside of a crowd full of beautiful swans, the loner, the greedy one. That’s at least what they say. I turn to my left with a chassé en tournant, catching a glimpse of my slim body in the mirror, a fake smile is plastered on my grey looking face. With a turning on my supporting right leg and my other leg stretched to the side as straight as possible and my foot pointing upwards, I finish my last lesson, for now. Gracefully my body sinks onto the cold floor and my head rests on my boney shoulder. My eyes close slowly, I can feel my heart beating fast against my ribs, pumping blood through my veins. My lungs are aching for air and I quietly pant, trying to calm my body down. My eyes flatter open as I hear light steps approaching me. With a confused expression and a small nod I greet the brunett standing infront of me. “Oh, so you’re one of those selected huh?”,she says, arms crossed while looking down onto me. Gosh, I am so sick of these backstabbing comments, that’s all I’ve been hearing the past few days. “You’ve got a problem with that?”, I ask a bit louder and sit up straighter. Her eyes widen and she stammers a “Ohh, no I didn’t mean-” before I cut her of. “Seriously I am so sick of you pretentious little nobody’s judging me for being selected. I’m more than just that, so if you’re hoping for an autograph or even a second of my time you can wait for a while because you’re not getting them”, I utter before I stand up and stalk out of the room, but not before adding: “and maybe next time think about how you approach a “may be” future Queen.“

With shivering legs and shaking fingers I stand infront of my full length mirror and carefully view my silhouette. Purple and dark blue spots peak out underneath my black leotard and make me wonder if the galaxy really looks like that. Dark freckles on my body complete the night sky on my bare flesh. Slightly I let my fingers brush against the bruises forming on my hips and collarbones, stroking the nebulas on my dark skin. Slowly I step out of my leotard, trying not to smudge the little makeup which mother applied earlier or get my ring caught on the lace, and make my way towards my big princess bed, where mother had already laid out the outfit I shall wear. A glance at the clock tells me that I’ve got a little under ten minutes left befor I am leaving to the town hall. A bit in a hurry, I step into my black silky and flowy pants and button up my top, before I grab a comb and put my hair up into a strict ballet bun. With trembling fingers I try to smooth out the none existing creases in my white blouse. I give my reflection a weak smile, turn away from the mirror, grab Zuzu’s cage and step towards the door. My suitcase was already downstairs and everything I wanted to bring with me, found a cozy place in there. With one last longing glance at my room I turn the doorknob and step outside my room, walking down the stairs, while dizziness is clouding my head and my thoughts are heavily spinning around in a ever so slightly faster going Merry-go-round. Will I ever come back to this place which I’ve called home for over 18 years now? Or will I see these walls again in less than a week and be drowning in shame? Mother and father are waiting for me downstairs, both still looking very displeased. Mom clicks with her tongue as I walk down the flight of stairs and starts fumbling with my clothes. “Couldn’t you even bother to make your hair look decent for at least one day?” she comments as she crosses her arms and scans me with her piercing look from head to toe. “Never mind”, with an eye roll she turns her attention towards the huge pack of papers in her hand. “So this stack includes your entire diet and training plan. I want you to hand the first part to the chef and the second part to your maids, you are going to be on your best behavior young lady and don’t you dare try to eat chocolate cake(…)”

At this point I stop listening and let my eyes wander across the hallway, checking if I forgot anything. I’ve got food for Lola and Zuzu, my diary and a few school books, mother insisted on them, but also a couple of books for my pleasure. Father also included some of our finest jewellery, but only so I can show off his newest work. I sigh deeply and tapp along with my foot as mother continues her moral lecture. The ringing of the doorbell gives me the sweet relief I’ve been longing for all day long. My mother opens the heavy frontdoor and politely asks the chauffeur to give me a couple of seconds to collect my luggage. With a loud whistle of mine, Luna comes tapping down the hallway. I grab her collar from the clothsrail next to me and attach it around her neck, with a slight snap the collar closes and she walks next to me with her tiny feet tapping against the wooden floor, leaving the small house. An old looking man with a big beer belly, greyish short hair and a pleasant smile on his face greets me with a “Good day, Lady Ruby” as he accommodates my luggage, including Zuzu’s cage, into his white shiny car. I let the cardoor swing open as Lola hops into the car and settles down on the spacey footwell. Still holding the pack of notes from my mother, I climb into the vehicle myself and buckle up my seatbelt. The drive to the townhall wasn’t that long and considering the fact that I occupied myself by flipping through the stack of papers, time flew by. Mother even included a large training plan for the following next month, attached to a list of upcoming competitions and a comprehensive diet and etiquette plan. I roll my eyes as I flipp trough it and reassure myself that I am definitely not going to keep this crap. Okay, maybe I can convince myself to keep up with the training plan but that’s it, nothing more than a few workouts here and there.

Bright white and yellow lighting strikes are clouding my vision, little children are approaching me and angry mothers are screaming my name in a hateful manner. My driver, who’s name is Bob and has a nice moustache, accompanies me towards the large set of stairs leading up to the stage infront of our glamours townhall, which is positioned right next to the nice smelling rosegarden. I hop up the stairs as I try to process the huge crowd starring up at me with dark green envy, blood red anger and bright yellow joy colouring their minds. My eyes are lingering on the see of equal colourful minds and bodies, staring at them with empty eyes and a twitching smile. “Today we want to welcome the astonishing gymnast, selected of Prince Dominic’s selection and representative of our lovely province Dakota: Lady Ruby Stones, daughter of our finest jewelers Martha and Davarius Stones”, the major welcomes me with a big hug and presents me to the folks of Dakota with expensive and liberated hand gestures. My fake grin widens as I wave towards the divided and semi bitter crowd, as our Major approaches me. “Do you want to talk a bit about yourself and your aspirations for the selection? Maybe it will ease the crowd”, he pleas in a silent and tactful manner, trying not to overwhelm me. I simply nod and take the microphone he is handing me, before I step into the middle of the stage and try my best to present the cheering children a genuine smile. “Hello fellow citizens of Dakota”, gosh Ruby, mother taught you better than that, “I want to thank you for greeting me on this special day. I was asked to talk a bit about myself, but most of you probably already know me so I am not going to bother you with that. But what I wanted to say is that whatever cast you may belong to or how low you sunk in life, never forget that hard work pays off. Maybe not for everyone, but you can achieve a lot with the right mindset and attitude. Just look at me, only seven years ago I was a four, like the most of you, and now I am a well known two. Life can change, you just have to believe in it. Okay maybe not for all of you, I mean look at you people, obviously not, but… Yeah. Just believe.” I just smile at the confused and angry faces looking up in front of me, after I talked utter crap in a wanna be inspirational speech, (…) I hope Mom is proud of me.

My heels leave a clicking sound behind while hitting the wooden floor, which can still be heared in the first few rows, as I step down the stairs to greet the lovely dishonest people who came to say their farewells. Surprisingly a lot of little girls were waiting in line, told me I was their inspiration and asked for pictures and a hug. I never thought I could be someone special to a little eight year old girl with tiny ballet shoes in her hand and a warm smile gracing their cubby face. These kids aren’t internally rotten, at least not yet. After a wave of joyful children, a group of fellow ballet dancers and gymnasts, which were forced by their parents to stand infront of TV Cameras with me, are happily chatting along and are wishing me the best of luck with despise leaking out of their throat. This is gonna be a lot of fun being around 34 pretentious girls for the next couple of weeks. I sigh deeply and roll my eyes without looking at the cameras. The last person to say their farewell is Stacey, a fellow gymnast who I last meet a bit over a week ago at a competition in Angeles. Mentally I already prepare myself for some invidious and nasty backstabbing comments and twisted compliments full of red burning hatred. With a sickfully sweet smile and her blonde long hair flying in the wind, she approaches me with steady steps and pulls me into a big hug right infront of the cameras, while whispering in my ear: “Just because I am pretending to be nice to you, doesn’t mean I am and don’t even consider that I could actually like you, (…) although you are my favorite stuck up bitch.” As suddenly as she hugged me she pulls away and asks me with her high pitched voice how my day has been. After a few couple of minutes of small talk, due to the presence of cameras which were practically being shoved into our faces, I was freed of her presence. With a snickered “Good luck becoming the bitchiest Queen, with the biggest trust issues, Illéa has ever seen”, she stalks away and leaves me standing alone on the cold asphalt, a fire of hatred burning deep inside of my skin.

I turn around on my heels to face my parents as I give them an honest discouraged smile. “I hope you can forgive me father, for what I have done”, I gulp as I play with the hem of my blouse, regret is distorting my face into an ugly mask. “Not yet Ruby, maybe one day, but not today. You have broken my trust as you went behind my back, and I don’t want to accept that just yet. So no Ruby, for now I won’t forgive you.” Tears spring into my eyes as he walks towards the car my parents came in, without a last hug or even a fleeting goodbye. With a deep breath I try to collect myself and shily wipe away a tear before I face my mother. She taps her feet and shakes her head as she studies my expression. “I am just going to say it once, so you better listen”, my mother expresses in a strict tone while looking me deeply into my eyes, sending a shiver down my spine, “I want you to know that although I am aware of your father’s feelings towards the selection, I, myself, am completely neutral on this topic. I don’t care if you win or not, I just want you to make a good expression and come home with a husband.” Wait, who should I marry if it’s not Dom? “You know, Prince Dominic has two very handsome cousins, so this will luckily triple your chances at finding a good match”, she continues as I stare at her in utter confusion, “Go now. Be on your best behavior and don’t you dare disappoint me young lady.” With a sharp and short semi embrace she waves we off and strolls towards the car without any regret clouding her actions.

After a half an hour car drive and a lot of intense cogitating on my part, we arrive at the stunning airport in denbeigh. I’ve never been to Denbeigh before, but from what I’ve seen while driving trough the endless cities, it’s a beautiful province with fairytale landscapes and tons of mysterious dark-green forests. The chauffeur drives us through the huge landing strip with bright yellow marks down the road and pulls up right next to a ginormous white airplane. My mouth is hanging open in a O-like figure as I study the plane through the toned window. Gracefully I step out of the car and immediately catch sight of two objective beautiful young ladies waiting next to a plane. They must be one of the selected, that would explain their unnatural beauty. Lola companionably follows me as I approach the two girls happily chatting with each other. Before giving their conversation my full attention, I hand Bob Lola’s leash and politely thank him for his work and ask him to take good care of her and Zuzu. “Oh.. Hi”, a timid girl with long black hair and asian features gracefully greets me. A “You must be Ruby” follows by the brunette who beams at me with a genuine smile. “Yeah that’s me”, I politely answer, surpressing the urge to roll my eyes, “and you are Nina and Jyn, (…) am I right?” They both kindly confirm my assumption and are staring awkwardly at their feets. Well now what? “Eughh..  So did you have a good trip?”, I try to ease the silence while testing my social skills. “Thrilling”, Jyn sarcastically replies. Wow, this is getting more and more awkward. After a few seconds Nina answers with a simple “It was fine.” I turn around and study the gorgeous vehicle infront of us, gently brushing my finger tips against it white wings. “So do you think we can just board the plane on our own or do we have to wait for someone else?” I think out loud and patiently wait for the girls reactions. “I think a girl named Florence was on our plane too?”, Jyn silently comments as Nina nods in agreement. “Yeah I heard about that”, I exclaim before adding: “To be honest, I thought I was already way to late and I would miss the flight”, while awkwardly grinning. Jyn smiles at my apparently hilarious expression and comments: “Well, I’ve been here for a while so…” After a few more minutes of awkward glances and empty silence, we decide to wait a couple of minutes more for the last selected to arrive. Nina starts off a soothing discussion about our age which is abrupt interrupted by a petite brunette running towards our little group, gretting us while heavily panting. “Hello, I’m Annette”, she introduces herself. Nina and I greet her with a simple “Hello”. Wait, wasn’t the missing selected’s name Florence and not Anette? Jyn voices my concern by asking her: “Wait, if you’re not Florence then we had a fifth person on our plane?” Annette just stares me into the eyes like a scared deer and and immediately runs of. “Well that was… Interesting”, I comment a bit dumbfounded and loudly suck in air between my teeths, creating a strangely calming sound. Jyn slightly tilts her head as she watches her leave while whispering a simple “Indeed”. Shortly after, we continue our conversation and talk about our home provinces, although Jyn’s comments about Denbeigh weren’t all that positive, I can’t help myself but wonder how she can’t see the beauty of this province. I get that it probably isn’t the most exciting province to live in but it’s natural beauty adds it’s own uniques to this place and makes my heart beat a bit faster everytime I close my eyes and see it’s gorgeous landscapes passing bye.

“Shall we get going?”, I suggest while nodding towards the plane. “Let’s go”, Nina says and takes the lead. She walks up the stairs towards the plane with a amount of confidence I can only dream of and still politely greets the pilot, before letting herself fall down onto one of the seats in the back of the plane. I make myself comfortable in a cozy seat near the front next to a huge window with a beautiful view and grab a biscuit from a plate decorating the tabel. Florence sits next to Nina and Jyn takes a seat opposite of me and grabs a cookie as well. I just hope she isn’t as interested in talking the entire flight as Florence seems to be. The conversation at the airport already ovestrained my social skills and energy and probably has been the longest one I had in over a year. I am pretty sure that says a lot about my social life. With a deep sight I turn my attention towards the view outside my large window, we just took off and so I can get a pretty good picture about the whole province from my position. Denbeigh seems even more beautifull from above and I definitely can’t hide my love for this state anymore as a small smile creeps up my face. Apparently Jyn is just as mesmerized by the view as I am. Her genuine smile and her whispering: “It’s breathtaking… ”, gives the selected away. “It definitely is”, I whisper loud enough for Jyn to hear. “Sorry, I was thinking out loud”, she explains herself. “Ohh no, I am sorry. I thought you were talking to me”, I cough awkwardly without trying to laugh. Wupps. “Uh”, she clears her throat and stares down at Cassian, her ferret, in her lap for a moment, “my mistake… have you been on a plane before?” Before I can answer she already continues to babble again: “Oh, what am I saying?”, she awkwardly laughs, “of course you have. Best gymnast in all of Illea.” I laugh a bit as well before answering: “Maybe I am the best gymnast of Illéa but I still haven’t been on a plane before. We always went by car or took the train for long distances.” Jyn tilts her head a bit confused and states: “Really? Unexpected”, after a short pause she continues her question, “Why’s that?” “My mother hates flying and she always insist on coming with me, so no flying for me”, I honestly answer while starring out of the window. “A shame really…”, she exclaims while looking out the window as well, “I’ve always wished to fly on a plane… uh, or in any other way to be.” With a chuckle of mine I joke about her nearly being an as marvelous bird as Zuzu. We continue to talk about my pets and try to figure out which breed my dog is, due to me admitting that I actually forgot what breed Lola is. “I guess getting pets like that on a plane is harder than getting a ferret in”, she laughs a bit after I explained to her that Bob the chauffeur is taking care of my little friends. “So, did you have a nice farewell? I heard some provinces went overboard. To be honest the farewell at my town and with my friends was more enthusiastic.” What exactly does she mean by “overboard”? “I don’t have any friends so I can’t really relate to that”, I laugh a bit bitter “but I had quite a lot of people greet me at my farewell, ask for pictures and hugs. It was nice, especially seeing the little children beaming of joy. But I guess you do you. And to be honest, with a lower caste and actual friends I would have enjoyed that as well”, I state, fumbling with the hem of my blouse while grinning at her. “My enjoyment of the farewell had nothing to do with my caste mind you.” As she very obviously clenches her jar, my smile falls a bit. “Euhh yeah sure.” Why do I always mess up? Jyn’s eyes narrow a bit, before she turns her gaze back towards the window, while crossing her arms. “Whatever. At least people where honest in one of my farewells.” Oh yeah sure. “If you knew (…)”, I mumble and pluck my headphones in, blasting loud music.

The following hours just fly by in a big blur. My mind keeps spinning around different scenarios of the past, present and future. Words of my mother keep reentering my mind, her advertising treason, Prince Dominic’s smile keeps popping up and Jyn’s disappointed face makes an appearance as well. I nervously gulp as I reach for the sleeping mask on my face, craving to touch the soft fur of my tiny puppy. My stomach is hurting and dissyness is clouding my brain. In not even 24 hours my mind became a total mess, although my journey just started. I genuinely don’t know how I’ll survive this.

Just after being greeted by hundreds of excited faces at the airport, starring at us with a sparkle in their eyes and arriving at the palace, we got dragged to a surprise makeover by our supervisor, whose name I already forgot, without even getting a glimpse at the stunning and impressively huge castle. From a big crowd of stunningly different loking people running around, a friendly looking man comes over to me and takes a “before” picture for the upcoming report, before escorting me towards an empty seat. While waiting for a stylist team to devote themselves to me and my makeover, I let my glance wander across the room full of stunning girls getting new haircuts and flattering makeup. A dark beauty right next to me catches my eye due to her sitting infront of a shattered mirror, looking angry at her distorted complexion. She is starring at it as if the mirror is showing her a new reality, a different dimension, cursing her current life. I don’t even know if I want to find out what exactly caused that mirror to break. Softly I shake my head and catch a glimpse of a beauty team of three making their way towards my seat. A young maid with curly red hair smiles at me and asks if I had a name. “Yep, and it’s Ruby”, I answer a bit exhausted while looking in the mirror. “So Ruby, tell me, what are your favorite features about yourself”, a young blonde man asks me while studying my complexion. A bit taken aback, I take some time to think about that question. What are my favourite features about myself, do I even have any? “Mhhm, probably my curly hair and my toned, long legs?”, I list with a fairly high pitched voice. The second maid starts taking of any makeup residues from earlier this morning, meanwhile the blonde guy still eyes my appearances and examines my frizzy hair while a redhead shapes my now fake fingernails into almond like figures. She carefully paints my nails with a blood red mat nailpolish and exfoliates my skin with moisturizing lotion. I close my eyes to give the brunette a better access to my now clean face and finally get some time for me to calm down a bit.

My lungs deeply inhale the scented air around me, going as slow as they possibly can, while I am trying to blend out all the noise around me, just focusing on my breathing. I can hear my pulse beating behind my ear, calming down and picking up a new and slower rhythm. When I pick up a strange plea to open up my eyes again, I can barely recognize myself. I blink a few times before realising all the tiny details about my new complexion. My hair is strategically placed along my back in fine defined curls, with a lot of volume at the top, in contrast to the dramatic hair, my eye makeup is kept relatively simple compared to the girl’s surrounding me. Just a bit of a gold shimmer is gracing my eyelids, which is definitely more flattering than the lilac eyeshadow I usually wear to competitions. A light berry red lipstick is gracing my suddenly full lips and my eyebrows have gained an interie new shape. “Are you ready to see your first day dress?”, one of the maids asks with a small smile gracing her rosey lips. I simply nod as an answer, not fully trusting my voice just yet, as I follow her to a small changing room with a short metallic clothing rail inside. The redhead picks out a tight black dress with a three quarter sleeves and gold detailing on the side and asks me to turn around. “Although Ram decided just a few minutes ago that he wanted you in pretty little girl dresses, to soften your imagine apparently”,wait what, I wonder as I step out of my robe and into the dress the maid is holding out for me, “We already had this one picked out for you. So, enjoy this elegant dress for the rest of the day before you have to get used to the bright, colourful dresses you’ll be wearing”, she states while zipping up the back of my dress. After gazing a bit to long into the full length mirror and definitely to much weird posing infront of a complete stranger, I suddenly get dragged out of the changing room by our supervisor without even accessorising and stuck into a group of over 30 girls, excitingly waiting to finally see the castle and getting a full length tour of exiting stories and inside jokes.

Once we got introduced to the basic rules and etiquette, explored half of the huge castle and listened to interesting and scary stories of ghosts and hilarious mishaps, I gingerly knock at a door leading towards to my alleged room. A brunet with a nearly as deep skintone as mine, opens the door and calls out for two other girls with a shocked expression gracing her soft features. “Ohh Lady Ruby, we didn’t await you so soon”, a blonde girl in a simple dark grey dress with a white pinafore knotted around her waist, exclaims. “But that’s totally fine, come in and settle down you must be very tired”, a redhead which resembles the girl from earlier, interrupts the blonde and pulls out a chair, “here sit down.” A bit awkwardly I take place and look up to the three girls surrounding me. “Ohh yes”, the redhead speaks up again, “I am so sorry Lady Ruby that I forgot to introduced ourselves. My name is Aurelia, to my left is Luna and the petite girl to my right is Radia”, she points at the blonde and brunet, “we already received your luggage and I hope you don’t mind that we packed it out already.” I gaze at the walls surrounding me, see the little trifels I brought from home gracing the shelves, jewelry and makeup are neatly placed next to a huge mirror on a light pink counter and dresses are hanging in a open wardrobe. “If you want to change anything in your room, from the colour of the walls to the curtains and the shelves beside your bed, we would happily rearrange it for you”, Aurelia shyly comments. I just shake my head and keep searching the room for a sign of other trinkets I brought from home. Next to the door a big dog bed found it’s place with a food bowl and water dish beside it. “Wait, where are my pets?”, I exclaim loudlly and jump up from the fluffy chair I’ve been sitting on. “I don’t k-know, Miss”, the petite brunette stutters.

Hectically I turn around in a half pirouette, grab the handle of the wooden for and let it fly open. I passively let my dizzy head swing from left to right and try to figure out which way I came,ohh fuck it, I think and just run down the long hallway. In the distance I hear my maids screaming my name full of worry and anguish, but my feet keep carrying me down the long felty floor, following the row of antique paintings embellishing the walls beside me. As I arrive at a fork I instinctively turn to my left and continue to shuffle down the hallway, my eyes flicker across the walls, starring at the chandeliers hanging above. Their jewels reflecting the light, making the corridor shine like a rainbow, hitting the antique frames and drowning the hallway in a mysterious atmosphere. Still surrounded by my fascinating thoughts, I don’t register a girl making their way towards me until I feel her warm body colliding against mine. “Eughh, look where you’re going”, I declare in a squeamish voice. Couldn’t she at least look where she was going? I am losing time finding my precious children. The slim girl infront of me looks very taken back and takes a moment to regain herself. “As you can SEE, I can’t see!”, Calista, at least that’s what her name tag says, speaks up. Of course, can’t she just apologize and move on? “Yeah sure, honey. You have perfectly healthy eyes, so I am pretty sure you can see. Just watch your surroundings next time,” I laugh quietly. “Ugh, you’re just ignorant as the rest. I’m blind, Lady Ruby it wasn’t a joke”, she groans while rolling her eyes. Ohh shit. That’s the second time you fucked up in the last twenty-four hours, congratulations. “Ohh whatever”, I mumble and turn around embarrassed, as I continue to walk down the endless hallway and finally end up at a huge flight of stairs. Okay, Ruby, one foot after another, you can do this. Just don’t remember every embarrassing or obviously wrong sentence that came out of your mouth today. You’ll soon be reunited with your pets, just think of Lola and Zuzu and that time you became entirely evil just for the sake of not feeling so defenseless and shit (…), I think as I fall down the flight of stairs.

At least no one saw me falling down the stairs, I sigh. Gosh what would people think of me, “Lady Ruby, best gymnast, is not only capable of making triple backflips in the air but also manages to fall down an entire set of stairs.” I slowly shake my head as I unzip my shoes and throw them across the hall, not carrying about their value and try to regain my composure as I stamp with a very displeased expression through the entrance hall. At the wings to the garden, at least that’s what I still remember from the tour earlier, I sight a nice looking guard and make my towards him while trying to scratch together my remaining dignity. “Ehmm excuse me sir”, I bluntly announce, “could you tell me where the Selected’s pets are staying at?” I present him my nicest smile I can bare and even seductively wink at him. That’s what they do in movies, right? “Ohh yeah Lady (…)”, the Guard answers while looking at my shiny silver nametag, “(…)Ruby, some of the pets were brought to garden. Princess Callie brought them there with her maids to look after them.” With a simple “thank you” I step trough the port into the loud green garden, full of little birds telling their stories through their own melodies and colourful flowers swaying in the wind. I hear a soft and simple melody, with easy tunes and notes, sung by a child. With short steps I follow the music, carried by the wind, and find a little girl in a princess dress, and two maids surrounding her, sitting in the grass. At her side my dog Lola playing fetch, laughter disrupting the lovely melody as Lola licks her tiny face. “Good day, your highness”, I approach the little girl with a small bow. She looks up to me, her tiny green-yellow eyes glowing full of life and love, shinning bright like the sun and are full of warmth. What a happy child. “Would you mind if Lola would come back to her rightful owner”, I ask the little girl with a genuine smile while pointing at myself. Maybe mother taught me well, maybe I am not as rotten as I think I am. Callie just nods and hand’s me Lola’s leash who arrives at my command as I whistle for her. God how much I missed my little sunshine. Still with a genuine smile plastered to my face I ask the maid where my bird is hiding before I get interrupted by the little child still sitting at my feet. “No, please don’t take the birdie away. I wan’t him to be mine”, she fusses, looking at me with big teary eyes. Okay, maybe she is not a brat but definitely spoiled. I sigh as I try to explain to her why she can’t keep my little music wonder Zuzu: “You don’t want that little bird to poke your eyes out, Princess Callie, do you?” Due to her appreciating her sight and not wanting to lose her little eyeballs, she agreed to let her “new favourite pet” go. With a little wave I say my goodbyes and settle down in a different part of the gardens.

What a day. I close my eyes and let my body glide onto the floor, feeling the cold grass gracing my bare legs. Lola flops herself next to me and whines softly as I message her small ears. I curl my body around her’s and deeply inhale her scent, while listening to the twittering of my lovely bird. I genuinely don’t know how I will make it through this competition without losing myself. But how can I lose myself, if I don’t really know who I am? Maybe over the course of this experience I’ll get to decide on my own who I am, with my best friends Lola and Zuzu by my side. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to fall in love. And try to be nicer.

[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.