#wyatt schreave

[opheliagardinier]

jamboree (part ii)

Aight so as I told Bri and Ester we’ve all had a lot of life recently so it took me longer than I wanted to get this done. I was hoping to finish up on a couple backlogged fics but alas- no luck. Anyway sorry, again and I hope you enjoy.

Thank you so much to Ester @wyattschreave for the RP and making me cry and thank you to Anya @ladyvivienneloyola for putting up with my shit (and the RP). Also a huge thank you to my weather bitching buddy, Lemon @darcyduncan who always encourages me- even if she supports France.

word count: 2984

I stayed outside for a bit longer before heading back inside. There were some things I needed to think over and a ballroom mostly filled with a whole bunch of strangers just wasn’t the place to do it.

Avoiding Ben may have been in the past but I had yet to talk with Wyatt since the “incident”. I was ready to just bury the hatchet and get the whole thing over with. He may not have known it but I really did want to be on good terms with Wyatt. I thought maybe if we got past all the shit maybe we be a bit more than two people awkwardly sharing the same home.

I headed to the bar first and ordered a drink, then after spotting Wyatt, I made my way over.  He turned around seemingly surprised that I’d tapped him on the shoulder.

“Um... hello there.”

“Hi.” I gave him an awkward smile and held out the drink. “Can we talk?”

He cleared his throat as he stared down at me. At first, I was uncomfortable but then I shrugged off the feeling.

Be confident.

“Last time we had a conversation while you were drinking, it didn’t end well.”

Well, that was a bit bitter sounding… It didn’t matter. I shouldn’t let a small comment get to me.

“The drink isn't for me.” I jiggled the glass just a bit. “It's for you. And I'll be nice- or at least I'll try to be.”

He took the glass with some hesitation, seeming to inspect it. Wyatt was acting like I was going to poison him. If I wanted him dead I wasn’t going to commit the murder in a room full of his family, foreign dignitaries, and the palace guard.

“I... don’t drink unless I know what it is I’m drinking. It’s one of the important rules now.”

“It's an Old Etonian.” I let out a small but breathy laugh.

Wyatt gave the drink a better look as he took it from me. After muttering a complaint about how it was missing the orange peel he took a sip. He took a longer second drink when he was able to confirm it was the drink I’d said. I swallowed nervously.

“Whoa there... Slow down…”

“It’s my first drink, relax.” He told me, staring at me as he pulled the glass away from his lips.

“Still,” I mumbled, looking around the room.

Over the night I began to feel more and more like a zoo attraction. All of the guests that weren’t Selected or the royal family had seemingly been sizing each of us up all night. With over half the girls gone people were able to get a better sense of what they could expect from their soon-to-be princess and it showed.

“Why are you so on edge?” Wyatt asked, shifting awkwardly.

“I'm not?” I looked back at him with a frown.

“You seem unsure about that as well.” He mused, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Well, I didn't really come over here to talk about that.” I tilted my head to the side.

Moments later my eyes scanned the room for his brother. It would have been hard to miss him considering that he was surrounded by a whole bunch of stuffy looking old men- more advisors probably. When I glanced over at Wyatt I saw that his gaze had followed my own and he seemed to hesitate again.

“Um, listen, about that night and what I said...Ben told me I wasn’t entirely right nor wrong. I mean, I know there’s no real reason for me to apologize in theory, but I still feel like I should, so…” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry either way.”

I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment before opening them again. As I stared up at Wyatt I grappled with what to say next. I wasn’t over what had happened- even if I’d been trying to pretend I was around Ben.

“You're really putting me on the spot here, but I guess I'm sorry too.” I looked between the brothers once more. “Did he... tell you...?”

He gave me a slow nod. Of course, he did. I could feel the anger begin to boil up inside me.

“He explained. I guess I’m glad I was wrong. Not to say that I’m glad for what did happen. At all. I just meant—” He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Never mind.”

“Does no one in this family respect confidentiality?” I shook my head with a frown.

“He only told me because of what I‘d gathered from our conversation.” Wyatt returned the look. “ You think it was wrong of me to tell him in the first place?”

“What I think doesn't matter now, does it?” I quipped.

I’d learned that early on. What I actually thought or did didn’t matter in the long run. I had little control over the way things happened.

Wyatt’s frown deepened. I wasn’t sure he’d say anything- but then the word vomit came out.

“I don’t appreciate you getting all snarky when you didn’t even say I was wrong. If you’d told me not to tell anyone that would’ve been different. I would’ve taken the thought to my grave. But you didn’t even react...and I understood. I told Ben I was probably wrong. That I had no proof because I didn’t pry for more information than what I’d simply been given. I wasn’t going to demand an answer from you when you don’t even know me. Especially not when you were tipsy.”

He shook his head as I stood there dumbfounded, tilting my head as I clung to every word.

“I’m sorry if you don’t get that I’d want to tell my brother maybe some things were a bit more complicated than what they seemed, but I don’t need to justify myself. I wasn’t even sharing a secret someone told me. I was sharing things I noticed that seemed to add up to something else.” Wyatt quickly gulped down the rest of his drink and gave it to a passing servant. “Sorry if I ruined your night.”

“Wyatt.” I reached out to catch his elbow as he turned to leave.

I could see him look around, assessing the situation. He’s making sure this isn’t caught my the fucking media- of course, he is. Then he turned back to me with an expression I couldn’t read, causing my frown to soften.

“What's gotten into you...?” I asked, surprised at the worry in my voice.

He rolled his eyes at me, the same way he seemed to always do when he was around me.

“Nothing.” Wyatt glanced around, then looked back to me. “What did you actually want, Ophelia? You claim I invade your privacy when I don’t. But you can do it and it’s fine?”

“It doesn't seem like nothing,” I argued, pulling my hand back. “But you know what, forget it. It's not like you'd tell me if anything was wrong.”

“There doesn’t have to be something wrong. I just think you’re being unfair. I tried my best to deal with a situation and now I’m a prick that doesn’t take your feelings into consideration?” He growled. “Grow up. I actually told you I‘m particular about my personal space and you couldn’t care less. I guess since you’re a girl it’s suddenly fine.”

So I should have respected his personal space more- I’d give him that. But the rest was absolute shit. I smiled slightly, letting out a small laugh.

“Unfair? You grew up in a palace with servants and your every need catered to. You chose to tell your brother something that I wasn't ready to share with him, and certainly not you.” As a servant walked by with a tray I snatched a flute of champagne without thinking. “And as for the space- fine- I won't touch you anymore. Then at least one of us gets to have our wishes respected.”

“I told my brother something because I needed to share it with someone. Uncertainty drives me nuts. I don’t like it.” He told me in a low voice, pulling away. “And also, I’m sorry you have an inferiority complex, but always bringing up how being a prince means I can’t feel bad about shit is wrong. I was born a One as much as you were born a Three or whatever the hell you are. Am I complaining? No, I‘m aware I‘ve had privileges many don’t, but that doesn’t make me any less human. It doesn’t mean I need to always be happy because I’ve got it better than others. If everyone used that mindset to define life, then I could tell you to get over yourself.”

Get over myself…? I felt like my airway was closing and it became harder to breathe.

“That other girls have it way worse than you.” He continued on. “My mother? She was a Six. She lost both her parents when she was barely sixteen and had a little brother to take care of. She couldn’t think about dating or going to clubs or being in media drama with celebrities. You and I? Our issues? If we want to compare, neither of us knows how tough life can be.”

His words struck me hard, leaving me almost speechless. So that’s what he thought of me. I was just some spoiled diva who hadn’t had life as hard as it could have been so my opinions were shit.

My hands began to shake a little as I took a step back. I tried to take a few breaths in,

“I-” I looked down at my glass then lifted it to my lips to take a drink, but stopped short when I remembered I wasn’t drinking.

Unsure of what to do I pulled the glass away, then thrust it into his hands. Some of the champagne spilt onto him, but he didn’t react.

“I'm sorry.” I murmured, then turned to walk off.

I wanted to go back to my room so badly, have a scalding hot bath, then go the fuck to sleep. But I didn’t. Part of me felt like that would be letting Wyatt win. I may not have deserved to enjoy the rest of my night but I sure as hell wasn’t going to let it and because of some ass.

I was outside on the balcony again, facing out towards the garden. My legs dangled over the ledge, letting the cool night breeze blow my dress slightly.

“Oh, I didn't know the balcony was already booked.” I heard a voice come from behind me.

I was thankful that is sounded feminine. Had it been Ben or Wyatt I would have lost it.

“Viv?” I looked over my shoulder in confusion, then to the ledge once more, before looking back to Viv. “I can go if you want.”

She took a sip from the glass of wine she was holding and shook her head.

“No, it's okay. You took this place first.” She clicked her tongue. “Alone time I see.”

“Doesn't have to be alone time…” I hinted. “It would be nice to talk to talk to someone I'm not currently annoyed at or fighting with.”

“Sounds like you need this more than I do.” She sauntered over and let out a snort as she offered me her glass. “Took me a while to convince the bartender to give it to me though. Ass thought I was below 18.”

I eyed the glass. God, I want to. Why does this have to be so hard?

“I'm not drinking right now…” I took a deep breath, as I pulled my legs up and turned around on the railing so I was facing the doors again.

“You're ... refusing wine?” Viv side-eyed me in disbelief but then nodded. “Man, you must be having a rough night then. Who screwed you over?”

I chuckled. Life, Wyatt, Alex… Well, he screwed you over and screwed you… shit... Images flashed through my mind but I shrugged them off. This was not the time or place.

“I actually haven't been drinking for a little while.” I glanced at the ledge and gave Viv a look. You gonna sit here with me or what bitch? “And who hasn't screwed me? Besides you…”

Shit, that sounded bad… no screwing... Not that Viv isn’t amazing. Oh god, what the hell is wrong with you? No, no, nope.

Viv seemed to ignore my comment as she motioned to her dress. Still, she shook her head with a laugh and leaned back against the rail.

“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “Aight, what's wrong?”

I sighed. At least I knew Viv actually wanted to know what was going on and she had a 75% lesser chance of losing her shit on me than Wyatt. She’d also give it to me straight.

“Where to begin…?” I looked at the glass again. “I've ruined what little of a relationship I have with Wyatt for starters... and I've realised despite the fact that I've literally trusted his brother with my life it's not a two-way street.”

Viv pressed her glass to her lips, sighing as she listened to me drone on about my issues. Honestly just bless her for the shit she puts up with.

“Rough night indeed, then.” Her lips pursed. “Do you think the damage is beyond repair?”

“Well- let's see... He told me to grow up, that I have an inferiority complex, to get over myself, and that other girls have had it way worse than me so I don't have a right to bring up how privileged he is-” I stopped to consider, then turned to Viv with a tired smile. “So... what do you think?”

“I think people should definitely start recording whatever the hell is happening right now because this would make some great reality tv.” She snorted and shook her head with a laugh as she spoke. “Honestly? I don't get why all of you people have the best timing when it comes to these things? Can't we all just get along... have a nice night... celebrate a birthday... have some cake?”

“Get along? Oh, I've tried- believe me .” I let out a closed mouth scream. “And that was just one brother... don't even get me started on Benjamin "the perfect" Schreave.”

I swiped Viv’s glass from her hands, which she looked like she was going to protest but then stopped short. A million thoughts ran through my mind as I looked down at the contents of the glass. You know you’re not supposed to drink… It’s bad for-

“Fuck it,” I muttered, then downed the rest of the glass.

“His perfection getting too much for you?” She remarked, looking away from me.

“Like I said…” I flashed my eyes at her. We aren't exactly on equal footing- And I'm starting to feel like I'm just this thing he wants to fix- and yet…”

I shook my head and sighed while she considered. I realised that Viv’s experience wasn’t necessarily mine so it was possible she had to choose her words carefully.

“And yet what?”

“And yet I think something isn't quite right with him…” I confessed, causing Viv to blink in surprise. “I just can't figure out what.”

For a while I’d felt something was off with him, I could just never figure out what. And he’d never tell.

“There's something not right about him?” She asked, raising her eyebrows as she crossed her arms. A concerned look crossed her face before she relaxed slightly.

“He's holding something back- though I don't know what…” I sighed and nodded. “It can't be any worse than what I've done.”

“Everyone's hiding their own secrets. That's a surprise.” She pouted for a moment. “This is the second time I'm saying this tonight but..."

Her face scrunched up a little, seemingly in response to her own words.

“Give yourself time to figure this out.”

“Figure out my life you mean?” I asked, tilting my head to the side.

Because damn… Every single day of my life in the palace was figuring out what to do next. I was fairly certain this whole princess thing wasn’t going to pan out for me- not that I wanted it to not work out... It was just a reality.

“Apparently this ball is meant to be super cathartic for my "sister wives" tonight.” Viv reached back and ran her fingers through her ponytail, then shook her head. “But yeah, just figure out whatever stuff you've got going for you right now. Uh... I'm not really good with conflict resolution so...”

“Viv, I've had a few years to figure out my shit, don't worry.” I laughed a little and waved my hand, before noticing Viv seemed not quite uncomfortable but wasn’t exactly at ease. “You okay?”

“Doing wonderful.” She flashed me a smile. “And you can stop worrying about your life for now. You can do that tomorrow. Haven't you heard? There's a party going on inside and they're about to cut the cake. My insider has told me that it's chocolate with coffee flavoured frosting and caramel drizzled over it.”

I had decided earlier in the evening that I would be forgoing the cake, but I couldn’t say not to Viv. And if the cake had chocolate and coffee I had to have some.

“You're right.” I nodded looking back towards the doors, then glanced back to her and shook the empty glass. “And besides- I think I'm going to need a lot more of this.”

Viv chuckled a little and nodded as she locked arms with me.

“It's an open bar tonight.” She snorted, leading us back towards the doors. “So good luck.”

I shook my head. Just my luck.

“Clearly no one warned the caterers that I'd be here... Or else they'd have known an open bar was a bad idea.”

[benjaminschreave]

her

a/n: BEFORE YOU READ, I just want to thank you all for this experience. for participating, writing such amazing fics, developing your characters, and most of all, allowing me to see ben fall in love with such wonderful girls. I wish everyone could win (truly, I spent hours upon hours analyzing this decision from every possible angle) but in the end, you all put in the most amazing of efforts. this is my farewell to the oc as a participant (round four is a lot my dudes lol) and from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you. BLESS ES FOR JOINING ME ON THIS WILD RIDE, for all of you when we couldn’t write what we wanted, and for being so patient. much love, and I’ll see you all around <3

es: so Brianna deserves the recognition ™ for getting Wyatt pretty well on this. I’ve been on intense orientation all week, but she still finished this fic and iM HYPE. Hope u guys had lots of fun with the weird challenges this selection. Ik we had less people this time around, and we couldn’t write as many fics as we would’ve liked (lol maybe one day) but I had lots of fun reading yours wih brinna and writing a couple of our own and rPING. Maybe in the next few days I’ll be able to rp more with a couple of you for the other stuff and future life HEHEHE. Thank you for giving me the chance to end my participation in these with the 5th Selection— as a host! It’s been a wild ride to see how things have changed as selections came and went. Love y’all from aMERICA now. <3

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b e n

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Discussing my brother’s new girlfriend didn’t do much to take my mind off my own ‘female woes of the heart,’ as Layla so affectionately put it. Said brother and I were hit with the same idea of having another heart-to-heart, though with different intentions. His about Gabby, mine about… well, the last three.

Last three. The phrase alone gave me anxiety considering I knew I was on the brink of narrowing it down to the final girl.

I sucked in a breath, nodding to Wyatt’s question. “Now about you and your mystery girl, I presume?”

“Yeah um, I’m conflicted. What’s new?” I intoned. A short, tired laugh.

That earned a slight chuckle from him as he headed over to the sitting area and plopped down on the sofa. “So you need to figure it out soon.” Less a question and more a statement, but still mostly true.

If I chose to, the Selection could have gone on for months more. There was no pressing need to choose right away. My family, advisors, they all understood this delicate process.

But I knew in the end, I couldn’t extend this for much longer. Because I knew I was in love with Elle, Lia, or Viv. The question was with who.

So I reiterated this out loud, my feet beginning to shuffle across the floor in an anxious pace. “I want to yes. I know I... I know I love them, but like mom said I don't-I need to figure out which one I love in the way I should love her, like in love you know? Which is hard and makes my mind go nuts because they're so great, I hate thinking about hurting them and—” my sigh cut me off. My thoughts were starting to feel as scrambled as my ramble.

A quick glance at the currently more level-headed Schreave lounging on the couch revealed a raised brow, sitting up straighter. Wyatt stared at a random space on the wall, thinking for a moment. “Have you considered talking with dad?”

“I did,” I admitted, several hundred times, “But... well, I wanted to talk to you.” That was the simplest way I could put it.

He hummed and looked back to me. “Talk to me about them first. I’ve missed on a couple of things.”

My lips pressed together. Trying to sum up everything about my— no, not my girls. Not in any possessive way, at least. More like they had each wedged a little piece of my heart to carry around in their pockets, so it felt like they were mine somehow. And I was theirs too.

The words came out in a strange, jumbled rush. “I know how you feel about Ophelia, but even though she's... well, you don't always see eye to eye, she's kind and has something about her that sets her apart. Elegant. And with Danielle, God, I can't believe how far she made it, how far we made it I mean. She was so grumpy, and still kind of is, but she's so much more, you know? 

“Viv is all her own person. She's been through so much and still manages to be who she is, it blows my mind. Same goes for Lia, but in different ways. They just…” I had begun to pace again, though I stopped in front of the couch, facing Wyatt head on. My shoulders slumped. “I don’t know.”

He stared at me for a beat. A look I couldn’t decipher until he stood up and clapped his hands once.

“Let’s try an exercise.”

My brow rose. “Uh… what?”

He then proceeded to explain he would pretend to be me and I a Selected. I didn’t understand why until he dropped to one knee in front of me and looking entirely like the over dramatic, actor-in-another-life sibling I knew all too well.

“My love, my life, my everything,” he began, hands over his heart. I shot him a flat look and he snickered before sobering and clearing his throat.

“Insert romantic monologue of how much you love her, probably some crying and then down to the real, stroke-inducing moment.” He glanced around, searching. In a few seconds, he settled with using the ring on his right hand and held it up, expression sincere. /Why is he weirdly good at this?

“Your laugh…” Deep and sincere. Elle never wasted one.

“Your eyes…” How I could always read Viv, the wonderful parts she hid but revealed through her stare.

“Your smile…” Lia’s is… warm. Sweet.

“They all encompass everything I love and want to see every day for the rest of my life. First thing in the morning and last thing at night. In the end, it all comes back to you.”

There was a ringing in my ears, my breaths becoming short. It wasn’t Wyatt pretending to propose anymore, but me.

I was kneeling in front of her, saying everything she was, except the image of her was suddenly becoming clear. It all comes back to you.

That was it.

“And so, my absolute dear,” a touch of sarcasm I couldn’t quite catch, overwhelmed by the realization that my heart was yelling what my head had just begun to grasp. “Will you do me the highest of honors of marrying me…?” Wyatt’s voice trailed off in the silent question that I would fill the space with her name.

There she was.

Soft hair and the safest of hands and a pillar of peace I couldn’t even begin to describe how much I was thankful for, smiling in a way I had only ever seen her do for me.

She loves me. And… I love her.

I loved them all. I knew I did, only in different ways. I saw myself becoming good friends with the other two, comfortable in that kind of love. Even if I did pick them for some odd reason, they’d make me happy. Except… I knew I’d spend the rest of my life looking back and wondering what my life could have been if she had been my choice.

Luckily, I didn’t have to wonder. She was here, if she would have me. And I was almost giddy with the thought that I had found the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

I smiled.

“Elle. It’s… Danielle.”

[christopherschreave]

afternoon

A/N: HELLO. So this has been a rough time and legit everyone has been busy it seems, but hopefully y’all like the challenge posted later today (beware, u will be kinda left on the dark for details of this challenge, but so will your characters). also, hope you will like the next fics. there’s gonna be different perspectives u haven’t seen in the next week. here u got the king, (we present chrisobel to u) and something small at the end from someone else~

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the k i n g

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I looked down at the ball of fur in my arms and scratched his back, making my way to Isobel’s office. It was afternoon, so she was bound to be eating some lunch, pretending to take a break but actually reading over work as she did so.

Cracking the door open once I arrived, I made sure her chair was facing the other way and snuck in. It was getting harder to pull stunts like this, but it was doable. I just had to hide behind the closest couch and wait a few seconds for her to turn back to her food.

Mashed Potato wagged his tail, staring up at me like he was excited for this new game. I smirked back at him and winked, taking a look over the top cushions to make sure Isobel was distracted once more.

I prompted the pup on one of my arms and crawled over to the desk, strategically resting my back against the wood and lifting the puppy into the air. I could hear the low creak of Isobel’s chair as she turned back around to face the side of the desk I was hiding behind.

There was a clear jolt, probably at the sudden sight of a dog peeking over her desk. It didn’t take her long to lean forward and look down at me. I was met with the same smile I’d fallen for ages ago, eyes crinkling at the corners as her cheekbones rose. A hint of coyness behind her eyes just before she rolled them. “Chris, what are you doing with a dog in my office?”

Smiling back, I explained his name was Mashed Potato. She took the dog from my hands and cuddled with it. “Where'd you get him?”

I stood up, leaning with one hand on the desk like a pro. “There’s going to be around 65 dogs in the ballroom today.”

She looked up at me and blinked once. “Um, why?”

“Lady Gabriella thought it was a good way to spend time with Ben.”

“Unique batch of girls.” She let out a small laugh, making me smile as she stood with our potato dog and walked around the desk.

“I figured you would like to join a bit of the fun.”

She stared at the dog for a moment, taking a step closer to me and looking up with hopeful eyes. I’d known she would want to keep it, but I’d brought him along anyway. When I hummed and leaned down to meet the dog’s eye level, he licked my nose in response. “You sure you want to keep him?”

“You can’t deny a dog named Mashed Potato,” she kissed the top of the dog’s head and I stood up straighter, ready to complain.

“Hey, I want a kiss too. He wouldn’t be here if not for me.”

She narrowed her eyes at me and then at the pooch. “Hmm, should I do it Mashed Potato?” M.P simply licked her mouth back and she chuckled, moving her face away from the wild tongue of our guest. “I don’t think you’d want to anymore.”

I made a face at the comment but reached for a tissue to wipe her mouth instead of giving up. She placed a hand on my chest when I was done cleaning dog saliva residue. It was a brief kiss and she parted away with a “thanks.” I smiled down at her, tangling my fingers into her hair and pulled her carefully into a longer kiss. That was until Mashed Potato decided to lick my chin and join the fun.

He clearly didn’t know boundaries.

I laughed, but didn’t pull away fully, our noses still grazing each other. “First it was the children and now it’ll be the dog?” The struggles of a parent.

Her laugh echoed mine and she pet the dog lightly as if that would keep the ball of fur satisfied. “We can give him to the kids every once in a while,” she mumbled, her lips brushing mine before she kissed me again. “Show them what it’s like.”

Sometimes I wished we could just stay in this bubble. Pretend we were nothing but a married couple with normal worries. That wasn’t possible, but we could pretend.

I wrapped an arm around her waist, my thumb tracing circles on the small strands of hair that left her ponytail. “I don’t think he’ll ask them for piggyback rides...or to watch staged plays with sword fights. Seems a little unfair.”

“They’ll have to feed him, walk him, clean up his messes... It’s a start,” one last kiss before we parted. “You can give him a piggyback ride if you really want to.”

I let go of her with a laugh, taking the dog back and walking off to the sofa with him. “I doubt it'll be the same.” Plopping down on the old furniture, I placed M.P on my chest. He wasted no time and tried to climb up my chest to reach my face for more dog kisses, but he wasn’t getting too much progress done and I focused on the ceiling instead.

65 dogs coming to the palace because of the Selection.

Wild things had happened during my Selection. Nothing quite like dogs invading… but thinking about it reminded me these type of things would slowly lead to something.

There’s a very clear drift when you realize one of your kids might be married in the next few years and your youngest might start asking permission to date soon. Suddenly you realize part of your job, that job you got so accustomed to, is coming to an end and you can’t really stop it.

“They turned out okay, right?”

Isobel knew what I was talking about without further explanation, joining me on the couch and crossing a leg over the other as she leaned against me, “I’d say we did a decent job.” Her hand squeezed my arm. “Worried?”

“I just--” I had no real way to end that sentence, so I kissed her hair and took a deep breath. I’d seen Ben rushing around meeting after meeting, but he never approached me with anything. “I wish he'd talk to me about how things are going. I know he's old enough to deal with this, that's why I waited a bit longer for his Selection...but I also know he must struggle with it. I certainly did. It's a weird experience and no one really gets what it's like.” Giving her a knowing look, I added, “You know my dad had nothing good to say when I was confused, but I still asked.”

Her agreement on dad was evident on her scoff, yet she didn’t dwell too much on it this time, thinking more about our eldest. “You know how he is, wanting to handle everything himself. Especially after, well…” Kissing a random girl before this all started? I thought, but waited for her to shake her head and continue. “I’m sure he’ll come to you soon. He always does, in the end.”

I wanted to believe her, but a part of me knew that wasn’t entirely true. It was wishful thinking. Ben always struggled to come to me for help on certain things. Maybe he thought I’d see him as less for it, I still hadn’t figured it out, but a reason he must’ve had.

People say that once your children are adults you have to let them go out into the world and make their own mistakes. I could agree with that, but I didn’t believe that meant you needed to erase yourself from the picture forever. No one is too old or too young for advice. No matter how knowledgeable you believe you are, experience from someone that has lived longer will always add on. Even when the advice is bad... advice it is what it is: A calculated suggestion. A nudge into a certain direction.

You don’t have to follow it, but it gives a new perspective. If lucky, it might even be good.

My father knew that and he wasn’t the greatest person. Some might even say an awful parent—’some’ being myself sometimes—but there were moments, scarce ones, when he would say something that would leave me completely floored for the right reasons. He knew what it was like to be a parent. He just had terrible views half the time.  

I didn’t say anything, scratching the dog’s ear. She pressed a kiss on my cheek, raising both eyebrows and asking if I trusted her. I grumbled that it wasn’t a fair question. Of course I did. She knew that, but she also knew I wasn’t convinced of this, so she went on. “You know him. You know how much he values your opinion. So yes, very fair question.”

It was silent for a while. She already sensed something was wrong with me, but she didn’t push. She waited patiently. I wasn’t too forthcoming.

“Anyway,” I mumbled, looking down at her petting the dog. “Mashed Potato is our newest family member then?”

“Our fifth and last child.”

“For sure.” I linked my fingers with hers and squeezed. “We’ve got enough kids to take over in case I die.”

“Wyatt would run away and join the circus if that ever happened. Layla with her guitar.” She paused for a beat. “Is Hazel our most sensible child?”

“I think she is,” I laughed, thinking of our little gang of rascals. “And people say the youngest is the hardest to keep up with…”

—————

j a m e s

—————

It wasn’t that it was completely unbelievable, but rather that it was unexpected.

Like getting a flash from the past. A girl spinning around in the gardens with a simple and careless smile. Just a different time and place. She danced in circles with guards and maids around her, other girls her age amongst the group. She wasn’t awkwardly glancing away from people. She was meeting them head on. Not flustered or nervous. Not the simple observer she’d been when I hung out with her and the other Schreaves. She was almost laughing, her hair dancing in circles with her movements.

She wasn’t holding back.

The Hazel I’d known all my life stood before me for the first time in years. She wasn’t quiet or someone you could simply forget being in a room with. She was the girl dragging guards and maids into the cluster of people.

I could feel my heart racing, the overwhelming feeling to join her filling me as it always did when we were kids. When neither of us had to ask if we should do something, we just did it… but I hesitated. My feet didn’t move. I was stuck watching the girl that was once my closest friend, a blush creeping its way up my cheeks because she looked stunning. There was no other way to put it.

Do something James, come on.

I couldn’t walk into the servant quarters just like that. Especially not to talk with her. What would I say? Either something stupid would come out—that was bound to make her uncomfortable—or my brain would suddenly become a jumble of random letters and screaming.

For better or for worse, I never got the chance to debate what to do in my head. Hazel’s eyes had caught mine in the middle of a twirl. They were wide and unguarded.

Before I could stop myself, I was already taking a step forward.

[laylaschreave]

unagi

a/n: hello!! this fic is literally so overdue I cry, like,,,pre ball overdue. yikes. *goes to hide in my shell* but I honestly haven’t had a single ounce of motivation until yesterday where I churned more than half of this out. HOPEFULLY I get the remaining two fics out this week that I need to: another wesla and a brief james one. wish me luck my oc brethren. anywhoooo hope you enjoy this, twas a lot of fun to rp with my sustenance of life water. word count: 3919

—————

l a y l a

—————

One.

“...Hazel was being surprisingly ridiculous, saying if I didn’t stop playing the same song she’d hide all my sheet music and cut the strings on my guitar to boot.”

Two.

“Which is a horrible threat! It’s a beautiful song and hard, why shouldn’t I practice it so much?”

Three.

“But sure, when the wonderful Prince of New Asia practices the same song over and over no one has a bad word to say about him.”

Four.

“Not that he’s a bad guy, he’s actually pretty decent. Little serious but that’s off topic. All I’m saying is that I deserve my rightful playing time without fear of anyone destroying my instruments.”

Fi—

“Hey!” My eyes zeroed in on the smug stable hand currently offering my horse a fifth sugar cube. “I see that! You know she already has too many.”

Wes smirked without even looking at me. “Has too many what? Sugar cubes? Is she collecting them now?” He looked up at Cleo. “You shouldn't be doing that girl. Don't become a hoarder.”

Smartass.

My expression fell flat, batting his hand away from her mouth. “You know what I mean.”

He chuckled. “I actually don't. Please enlighten me.” Translation: please indulge me. I humored him.

“Has too many. Eats too many in a day. Spoiled.” I patted Cleo’s side for emphasis, making the horse snort and shake her head as if protesting.

Wes bore an amused look I saw often whenever I joked or bothered him too long. I couldn’t figure out if it was a good or a bad thing. Did it matter?

“She’s not that spoiled,” he continued, looking over at Wyatt’s horse. “If anything Altivo is the most spoiled. The prince caves in more than I’d expect.” Altivo looked at us, almost as if he knew we were talking about him, chewing his food and huffing through his nose. “You need to stop,” Wes added, assuming he would get it. Instead Altivo neighed and Wes shook his head before giving Cleo another sugar cube.

I, on the other hand, eyed Altivo warily. “It's eerie how similar him and Wyatt are.”

“Does he also neigh a lot?” He patted Cleo’s nose.

I spared him a side glance. “Would it be surprising if I said yes?”

That earned a laugh. “You two argue too much. I’m not trusting you on this”

“He's the instigator,” I countered, lifting a shoulder. “And you should most definitely trust me.”

“Instigator, huh?” He flashed me one of his crooked grins. “It’s funny how you’re all very dramatic.” Our unspoken but agreed upon middle names.

I began to walk along a crack in the cement away from Wes, holding my arms out as if I was balancing on a tightrope. If I had turned around I would’ve seen a smile tugging at Wes’ lips in my direction before he turned back to the horse. “I'm not dramatic. That's Wyatt's area of expertise.”

“Yesterday you were complaining about how he ate the last cookie without asking anyone if they wanted it first.”

I reached the stable directly across Wes, turning around and resuming my balancing. “A very justifiable upset.”

“It was a cookie.” He gave me a serious glance, like his next addition would be a game changer. “Did you claim the cookie as yours?”

I paused then mumbled with a frown. “No. He should've politely offered regardless.” We were all surprisingly possessive of our desserts. Except maybe Hazel, though she seemed to be immune to most Schreave related traits.

Meanwhile Wes tried and failed to suppress a smile as he threw and caught an apple with his hand—amused by my denial. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I eat cookies with someone else next time.”

“An excellent takeaway,” I smirked, making my way back over to him.

He shook his head, moving onto the next stable and remarking what a journey having siblings would be. I asked if he ever wanted a brother or sister to which he readily replied yes, though wasn’t made possible due to his parents separating. Hearing more about the situation of his parent’s divorce and how it impeded upon him ever having any siblings... well, it made me more appreciative of mine. Technically, a divorce wasn’t exactly legal, but somehow he trusted me enough to tell the story of his family.

His mother’s family was of Twos. His father’s of Fours. Apparently, when his mother realized she wasn’t too satisfied with the different lifestyle her husband could give her as a Four, her parents acted quickly. Discreetly, they utilized power and money to help her end the unfortunate marriage they never quite agreed with.

I was quiet as I considered his story, touched he’d confided in me before stepping after him at a loose follow. “When did it all happen?” I quickly added in a fumble, “You—well, you don't have to say anything if I'm... being nosy.”

He smiled awkwardly as he fed the horse. “No, it’s alright. It was years ago.” A pause. “I was... ten. Or maybe eleven? I don’t really know since years tend to blend in with each other around that time.

“Part of me hoped things would never actually end on divorce—even when she claimed for the first time that she could actually do it. A year after it happened, I realized maybe I should be grateful for not having a sibling.” Wiping a hand on his stained jeans, he continued to bring out more hay for the horse. “It would’ve been a lot harder if I’d had a little kid with me during all that.”

I picked up a piece of hay, spinning it between two fingers. “Maybe it would've been a little nice too. Not necessarily easier, but someone going through the same thing.”

He frowned a bit to himself. “No because he would’ve been younger than me. It was hard enough at my age. I can’t imagine if I’d been younger. It might’ve been more confusing.” Turning to face me, he gave a sheepish smile. “I didn’t really mean to take our conversation down this road, I’m sorry. It’s really not that big a deal.”

I smiled a bit, sensing his need to change the subject and a feeling I was all too familiar with. I poked his shoulder with the hay. “Back to cookies and overdramatic siblings? Or the Selected's uncanny skills to be everywhere all at once?”

His smile turned soft at my words, looking half relieved and amused by them. A change from his crooked smile. I liked it.

The thought was ruined when he snatched the hay from my hand and stuck it between his teeth, reminding me of a picture perfect country boy surrounded by horses and stables. “How uncanny are these skills?”

I sighed simply. “Very. They're nice and all but they're so... present.” Scrunching my nose up, I reached down to a crate and handed him a couple apples to continue his feeding.

“Well they can’t be past.” His expression immediately revealed that he knew his joke was kind of the actual worst.

I blinked. “You're lucky you're good with horses.” Still, a smile tugged at my lips while he only sighed.

“Yes, they can’t tell how awful I am.” The white horse put his snout against Wes’s palm, silently asking for another carrot. His smile was relaxed as he obliged the horse, a typical feature when I took the time to really study him. There was something that seemed to put him at ease while he worked, no matter what it was. Peaceful. “They’d probably run away if they could understand all my sentences, however.”

“Why, do you reveal your deeply dark and personal secrets? A coveted stamp collection maybe?”

He snorted. “I don’t even know what coveted means.”

“Long desired, yearned for. Wanted.” My brows rose. “Do you have a stamp collection?”

“Stamps are expensive.”

I picked up another piece of hay, sticking it behind my ear. “Sad. I was hoping for some juicy gossip.” I stepped right up to—Bella? Ella?—and scratched her neck. “What has he told you, hm?”

It only took a moment’s glance to see his eyes roll. “Just so you know, I said run away because of my terrible jokes. Not anything else.”

“Which is exactly why I'm concerned for the animals. They can't take any more.”

He shot me a glare. “Luckily, they don’t get what we’re saying.”

I smirked. “Luckily.” Walking over to a large crate, I sat down and let my legs swing, adjusting the skirt of my dress around my legs. I brought my attention back up to him only to see he was watching me. He blinked.

“Your dress is going to get dirty.” Did it matter that much to him?

I looked down at the pale pink fabric once more before shrugging slightly. There were already dirt stains at the hem, what would a couple more do? “I don’t mind. I’ve done worse.”

“Oh, please do tell me one of your wild stories, Princess.”

“Fell into the pool sneaking back in, spilled melted chocolate at dinner, had wine poured all over me when I went out... The list goes on.”

His shock was admirably fake. “You‘ve snuck out of the palace before? What a rebel.”

“Aren’t I?” I intoned with a feigned proud smile, earning a laugh from him. Nice laugh too.

“What do you even do?” His dark eyebrows wiggled in his own goofy way. “Do you have a secret stamp collection?”

I nodded soberly, trying to recall my severely limited knowledge on stamps, of all things. “My first edition 1951 President Truman is my crowning jewel.”

“Uh... well, that’s nice?” Apparently I pulled it off well since he couldn’t tell if I meant it or not.

I laughed, swinging my feet. “I’m not a closet stamp collector, don’t worry.”

His hands raised in surrender. “I wouldn’t put it past you to get excited about stamps.” He had the oddest ideas about me.

“Seriously?” My brow rose, skeptical.

His eyes widened at my expression and he moved to hide behind the horse. “Maybe.”

“How on earth do I look like a closet stamp collector?” I stood and followed him, peeking over behind the horse with both my brows quirked up now. A smirk appeared as much as I could tell he tried to hide it, scurrying behind—Bella!—this time.

“Because you’re fancy like that.”

I kept up my pursuit after him, narrowing my eyes and only mildly offended. Did I really look that stuffy? “My fancy is not stamp collecting.”

He chuckled, feet quickening in his pursuit to get away from me. He knew me well enough by now. “How am I supposed to know?”

“It should be obvious.” I rounded the horse only to see he had rushed into the next stall.

“I don’t know about that,” he called back, “I kind of picture people that say “coveted” as stamp lovers.”

I scoffed to myself and stepped over to the wall separating us, gripping the top to glance over at him. “Then maybe I should start expanding your vocabulary.”

Another snort. “How would you suggest doing that exactly?”

“Today I teach you coveted. Next time I come it’ll be another word.” I lowered my face, allowing only my eyes and brows to be seen over the wall as I mirrored his previous action, wiggling my brows. “Exciting prospect, right?”

His eyes found their way over to me in the moment, narrowing as he stepped over to place some hay on my head. “Oh yeah, I can’t wait.”

I didn’t move for a moment, instead rolling my eyes. Although that small movement made one small strand fall onto my nose, triggering an excessively strong sneeze. A sneeze that made the rest of the hay fall around my face while I tried to bat it away, stumbling backwards into Bella’s side. In turn it made her bump me roughly back into the wall, my hand twisting at the sudden movement. I groaned and glared at Wes.

There I went again, embarrassing myself in front of him. “Thank you for all of that.”

What I failed to notice was that somewhere in my fumbling around the stall, Wes had moved closer to the wall to watch me in half amusement and slight concern. Except when my glare met his gaze, our faces were much closer than either of us realized. I watched as his breath caught, my stomach flipping that he was even more handsome up close. It only took a moment for him to snap out of whatever had happened, pulling away. I blinked.

“You sneeze too easily.” Pretending it didn’t happen? Encouraging. Though I couldn’t help a scowl at his comment.

“Because that’s something I can control.” I bent and gathered a fistful of hay, coming up to throw it all over him. Fine, we can both pretend we obviously weren’t looking at each other for a little too long.

His sharp gaze found mine again for a few seconds before smiling smugly. “See? No sneeze. It’s all about being aware and,” he pointed at his forehead, “Unagi.”

I could only stare in bewilderment. Did he seriously just… I hopped up on the wall stealthily—for once—the upper half of my body hanging off as I leaned over to smack his shoulder with a huff. “Wes!”

His laughter filled the stall as he took a step away. “What?!”

“You obviously watch way too much Friends,” I observed, climbing off and walking over to his stall.

“My dad “accidentally kept” some of mom’s inherited copies before she left. If she ever noticed, I have no idea.” A pause. “You should probably not pass that information to anyone.”

I stepped through the doorway, with the beginnings of a smile playing on my lips. “That you use Unagi on a regular basis?”

“I don’t use it on a regular basis. It just fit the situation.”

“Mm.” A pause of my own. “Then I guess you should start calling me Princess Consuela Banana Hammock.”

Wes didn’t hesitate as he burst out laughing, deep and hearty that I couldn’t help a soft chuckle of my own. “Yes, I’m the only one that watches Friends too often.”

“Hard not to.” I stepped up to the horse. Not just a horse. Altivo. Boo. “What about you? Crap Bag your new name?”

He raised both eyebrows. “Harsh words from Princess Consuela.”

I laughed. “Only going by the script. But I’ll forego that nickname in place of another, if you really can’t appreciate masterpiece that is Crap Bag.”

“I think the horse doesn’t appreciate being called that.”

I let out a small, feigned gasp of offense and went right up to Altivo’s face, looking him in the eye. “Never.”

Glancing back at Wes I saw his eyes roll, picking up some hay to feed Wyatt’s prized animal. “I’m done. Are you going to trail me as I go do my other chores or are you actually going to remember you have a meeting with the Queen and Mr. Hiddleston in…” He glanced at the clock I knew was behind me, smirking, “twenty minutes.”

My eyes widened. He hates when I’m late. “Shoot, I still need to change.” I began to rush out the stall before I remembered one very important thing. “Thank you,” I said with a wide smile, pointing at him. Turning around I continued my haste out of the stall, but not quick enough to miss the smile tugging at Wes’s lips as he watched me go.

“You’re welcome…”

I wondered what he meant when I heard a residual “shut up,” from him, though by then I was already halfway out the stables.

I’ll ask him tomorrow.

—————

several wes-filled days later

—————

My favorite stable hand didn’t see me coming.

From behind, the picture of him patting the horse’s neck and riding off into the horizon was downright tranquil. I perfectly imagined what I’d come to call Wes’s-perfect-relaxed-horse-smile he probably wore.

He, of course, didn’t expect me to come riding hard and fast on Cleo, a wide grin splitting across my face.

“On your left!”

He jumped as I sped past him, likely uttering a snide comment to his horse. I slowed down eventually, tugging on the reins to circle back towards him and call out, “Beautiful day isn’t it?” An innocent smile as I tucked a loose strand from my braid behind my ear.

He glared and called back. “You ruined it, princess.”

Cleo and I trotted to his side, a scoff from me. “Oh please, you probably needed the wake up call.”

He tsked. “You mean a heart attack? I think I would’ve lived without it.”

“Deny all you want but I bring such excitement to your life.”

“Oh joy, did you bring the dictionary today?” I chose to ignore his fake excitement.

“As a matter of fact I did,” I argued with a slight lift of my chin. “Word of the day: masquerade.” Some excitement broke through my expression, a small smile that he mirrored with a shake of his head.

“Have a mask yet?”

“Almost. Finishing touches.” Clicking my tongue at Cleo, I tugged the reins to face the same direction as Wes, calmly walking the palace grounds alongside him.

“Finishing touches? Such as?”

“Finding the right shade of ribbon. Plus the gold sparkles keep coming off and I’m afraid one of them is going to get in my eye and scratch my cornea.” I made a face, imagining wearing an eye patch instead of a beautiful mask for Ben’s birthday. Not a pretty picture.

He chuckled. “Seems like a lot of work to cover up your face when it doesn’t need it.”

I lifted a shoulder, the compliment completely going over my head. “I like getting dressed up from time to time. Plus it being Ben’s 21st makes it more fun.”

Wes mumbled something under his breath I couldn’t understand, the hint of a smile on his face before returning to his normal tone. “His Highness is getting old.”

A small laugh from me. “You aren’t too far off yourself.”

“Ah, but there’s a difference when you pass the 20’s. Ask him and he’ll tell you.”

“Because he’s so old and wise now.”

“You mock me now, but one day you’ll see I’m right and when you do, you will rue the day.”

I laughed shortly. “Dramatic, Unagi.”

“I don’t even remember what show that ones from... but it’s old.” Wes apparently was fond of old things.

“Rue the day? iCarly. Emmy worthy masterpiece.”

“I guess I’m just cursed to quote old comedies for the rest of my life.”

“Then maybe you’re actually the old one.” I spared him a side glance. An almost 20 year old isn’t that much older than me. Luckily.

Not that it mattered. In any significant, date worthy way. Not at all.

“Old soul. My dad’s fault.”

“I like it,” I stated honestly, focusing on the tree line ahead and smiling a bit to myself.

From the corner of my eye I saw him glimpse quickly in my direction before shaking his head, gaze also on the path in front. “So, do you think you’ll finally be too busy to come around here? Because of preparations.”

I frowned slightly. “I don’t think so. My mom’s taken most of it over, wanting it to be more special.” I looked at him with a wry smile. “Why, getting tired of me?”

I had been coming around the stables a lot more frequently since that fateful fall, but I never thought he minded. At least until now.

Wes laughed, though that didn’t do much to reassure me.  “No, not at all. I just meant…” He shook his head. “Nothing, it was just a joke.”

I paused, fiddling with the reins. I’d had too many experiences where people—including my own family—had only said what I wanted to hear to leave them in peace. I didn’t want the same from Wes if it came from some odd sense of duty for the royal family.

“If I really do interrupt your chores too much, I- well, I don’t have to come around as much.”

As much as the suggestion made my stomach turn, it was true nonetheless. I didn’t want any more pity friendships, especially from someone who seemed to be one of the most genuine people I’d ever met.

“What? No! I—” Wes stopped himself, focusing on his reins and only increasing my curiosity for what he wanted to say but didn’t. “I... I think it’s nice to have some company.”

I let out a barely audible sigh. Well, I guess that’s good enough for now. I nodded my agreement. “Even if your company includes princesses who talk too much and throw hay at you?”

His laugh was a bit nervous at that. “Oh, but those are the best kind of princesses.” Oh how I wished such a small phrase didn’t make me all giddy inside.

I chuckled softly, keeping my cool. “You might need to up your princess standards then.” Because putting myself down was the key to keeping my cool, apparently.

“I like my standards…” he said, a puzzled look in my direction before resuming his usual humor. “Funny, unagi-less, understands my references, terrible at lying—except when it’s a lie for herself—”

“Um, excuse me.” My eyes narrowed, forgetting any previous awareness of my growing crush on the stable hand. “I’m an excellent liar in all situations.” Ten seconds ago being a prime example.

“Oh yeah, totally. 100%.” He nodded, clearly not meaning it. I huffed out a breath, reaching across our horses to shove his shoulder.

“Hey! No pushing while on a horse. It’s dangerous.” An annoyingly smug look. “Rules apply to you too.”

“I think you can handle a shove from me,” I intoned dryly, resuming my grip on the reins.

Shaking his head with a chuckle, he pulled on the horse’s reins to gallop back into the stables we had come full circle back to. I followed him inside, dismounting Cleo once we came to a stop.

“What’s next on the ‘Wes, get to work’ list?”

“That’s an awful list name. It sounds like you’re nagging at me.”

“‘Wes please finish your chores with a Friends episode on top?’”

A click of his tongue. “That’s not catchy enough.” Turning on his heel to face me, he smirked. “And I have to bathe some of the horses with the rest. I don’t think you’ll want to stay around.”

My nose wrinkled at my least favorite part of tending to the horses, one I never was fond of sticking around for. “Not particularly. I’ll clean Cleo up and be out of your hair.”

He laughed a bit then paused. “I’ll be done with that in a couple of hours if you want to come bug me again.” His tone was teasing, but I couldn’t help an encore of the flutter in my stomach that he actually liked having me around.

Still, I wasn’t going to let up my teasing any time soon, pursing my lips. “I’ll see what I can do.” I began to guide Cleo away by her reins, calling over my shoulder. “Be careful what you ask for!”

“Well, I asked for nothing!” he called back with a scoff, though I could hear a smile in his voice. A cute, crooked smile.

I simply wiggled my fingers in a wave and disappeared into Cleo’s stable, already planning the headache I would fake to sneak my way back here.

[gabriellapatterson-blog]

Side fic: STRESS 

A/N: Thanks for the RP @benjaminschreave

I laid in bed agonizing. What was wrong with me lately? At breakfast small talk with Wyatt was making me more nervous. I had a feeling hazel thought something was up so I made a period joke to try and brush it off. Wyatt had overhead and made a face like in the dad disappointed vine.  That won’t work for too long but at least it gives me a week to figure things out.

After running into Wyatt this morning I was starting to feel calmer. I had total control of the situation. I was the only one who knew what had gone down so if I could just focus on Ben and forget about it I could smoothly move past this weird dream thing.

I sighed and stood up from my bed, deciding I should go see Ben to see if that helps. I made my way up to his room and stood in front of the door. I took a deep breath in before realizing I had no reason to come and see him. What am I supposed to say if he asks why I’m here? Would saying just to see him sound suspicious?

I looked down at my feet as I thought. Got it, I’m here to show off my walking. I knocked on the door before speaking up, “Hey Benny boy! it's gabby!” I announced.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” I heard him reply back from inside the room as he walked over to the door.

“Nope. I have /renewed skills/.”

Soon he opened the door with a raised eyebrow which caused my own to twitch as I thought about Wyatt, “Are you a superhero now or something?” Common Gabby just focus. Ben. Ben. Ben.

I grinned as I looked up at him, “I thought we long since covered that I already am a superhero because of my amazing guns.” I joked and leaned against the doorframe.

“But nope. I'm here because I have remastered walking.” I added to clarify the real reason.

“Annnnd you’ve come to show off your walking?” He asked as the corner of his mouth lifted a bit.

“Yup. I'm very proud. I was able to stay in bed the whole time, more or less. No rule breaking. But my ankle is now fully functioning- well fully functioning for walking still can't do sports- but still. Pretty averagely working and has made it so I can't wear heels.”

He looked down at me seeming amused at the recent height development, “Hm, I think I like the no heels look.” He said and took my hand closing the door behind him as we start walking somewhere.

“It's for sure more casual for me. Granted I do miss the feeling of superiority that having heels made me feel. Do you mind if we stop by my room I forgot to bring your birthday gift which I still haven't given you.” I hadn’t gotten around to the gift giving with all the attack and bed rest stuff.

“Not at all. Residual gifts are always a must.” He replied with a chuckle, “I don’t think those heels offered you much superiority though.” He added.

“Still they made me feel more superior to myself at my non enhanced height. You don't know the agonies of being a little bit below average.”

“When I was ten yes. That was the year Wyatt had a growth spurt and was taller than me for a while. Not a happy camper.”

I chuckled a bit and grinned at the idea of the unhappy camper Ben. “Is that why you like to loom over him now? Get revenge for your childhood trauma?” I joked.

“That and it boosts my horrible self esteem.” He replied with a smirk.

“What is wrong with you Schreave boys and your self esteem? I talk to Wyatt and hes like "I'm a horrible rude human" talk to you and its like "I bully my brother to make up for my lack of self esteem."

He burst out laughing at my question and talked through it, “I’m /kidding/.”

“Oh.” I chuckled a bit at myself for having taken it seriously, “Well, that's good at least. So I assume then that your self esteem is perfect. Though not as perfect as mine because no one else is.” I added.

He laughed a bit more, “Incomparable.” He then paused, “I honestly can’t speak for Wyatt though. He’s very contrasting.”

“I wouldn't expect you to. If I were asked about my sisters self esteem the only one I would know is Elli because she's 8 and an open book. Riley I'd just have to make a wild guess at.” I then gave a dramatic gasp, “Am I an open book?” I asked. Yeah right. You have to be at least somewhat closed or else everyone would know about the dream.

Should I tell Ben? Was I cheating by dreaming about kissing wyatt? I mean it’s not like I want to kiss him, ew. But still it was there? Is it unethical if I don’t tell him?

“I’d say so. Very very open.” He replied with a slight chuckle.

“Oh no. There's no mystery. I'm not a suspenseful character. Or maybe that's just a front? I could have some super secret wild side business that no one would suspect me of because they assume im an open book.” I joked rambling a bit with my side business comment to try and cover up any awkwardness from thinking about the dream.

“You’re starting to accumulate many side businesses.” He said and gave me a side glance.

“Oh right there's already the side business of managing your cheering up, plus i have my alter ego of a superhero, now I have a shady undercover business. No idea how I'll manage it all.”

He squeezed my hand, “I think you’ll be able to come up with something.” I felt bad but the hand squeeze just made me want to pull away. Was this what it was like to fall out of something? Mostly normally but just a small thing here and there that you want to run from.

“Need an agenda or something. Lists are always very helpful. They were probably the only way I made Bs in high school. Lists of what to study.” I replied actually pretty proud of my Bs.

“My methods probably wouldn’t help. Random sticky notes stuck everywhere instead of an actual organized list.”

We kept talking until we made it to my room. I walked over to my desk and opened a drawer on the bottom and pulled my gift for him and help it close behind my back. “So first for context, this is supposed to be a reference not a threat.” I warned.

He tried to look over my shoulder, “Okay sure.”

“Don't use your height to cheat.” I said and stepped back closer to my desk, “Close your eyes.” I added. Now he had to wait even longer to see it because of that cheating.

He grinned while closing his eyes and crossing his arms, “It’s not cheating. I’m using my skills to my advantage.”

”Uh huh, whatever you say. Cheater.” I said before stepping forward and uncrossing his arms to put a chamomile scented candle in his hands. Referencing him telling me he was allergic to chamomile but not the scent so I was free to get him all the candles I wanted. I had said that would be threatening but decided to anyways.  I then took a few steps back, “You can open now.”

He looked down at the candle and laughed, “I really do think this is threatening.”

I chuckled, “Well, you're the one who suggested it so I feel no remorse on the threatening. But you see now when I could not have given it to you at the ball though it also could have been useful during the attack since a candle is pretty hard.”

“I prefer it to relax than a weapon.” He said and leaned down to kiss me. That didn’t feel weird. What’s up brain. Squeezing hand it weird, cheek kiss isn’t? Do you want Ben to become my gay best friend or something? “Thank you.” He added.

“You're welcome. It should be useful for relaxing. Speaking of which how has your sleep been lately?” I asked.

He lifted a shoulder, “As good as it can be. I’m pretty busy.”

“Just try to get as much in as you can. More than 6 hours a night at the very minimum. Aim for 8.” I sighed. I sounded like my mom, ew.

“I’ll try.” He said with a small smile, “You’re right, your walking is much improved.”

We talked for a bit longer before I decided I should test the waters again. Flirt just a bit and see how that feels. I waited until an opportunity presented itself. We somehow ended up on the topic of if I had studied him which shockingly I had, though it wasn’t like I paid attention it was in like first grade.

“Maybe I should study you. I mean I've already got your weaknesses down. Strengths are looks, obviously.” I added after having just again called him out on his lack of self care.

“/Obviously./ But what about my charm? Intellect? Uncanny ability to lose my glasses every five seconds?” I laughed at him losing his glasses so frequently but suddenly got an idea for flirting.

“Charm? You have /that?/ I had no idea.” I replied stepping a bit closer to him and rising to my tiptoes so our faces were closer. I jokingly examined his face, “You do have a pretty cute nose. That's probably underrated.” See this doesn’t feel weird. It feels fine.

He wrinkled his nose, “It adds to my charm right?”

I chuckled, “Such a Prince Charming.” I replied before leaning in and going for a kiss.

On the impact of our lips it felt different. I liked it for a second, then it felt weird, almost forced, I was clearly too in my head. As we were about to pull away I panicked for a moment as the horrific thought came to my head that I almost wished I would pull away to see Wyatt.

I chuckled a bit to myself trying to act normal, “Prince charming.” I repeated the nickname trying to push back the thoughts in my head.

We talked for a bit longer but my head wasn’t in it at all. My chest was pounding and I just kept thinking about Wyatt. I don’t have a crush on Wyatt. He’s rude and does that stupid eyebrow thing and he’s a dork. I /do not/ date or even have crushes on dorks. I’m a super cool fly cheerleader, or I was one. I should be focusing on Ben. He’s much more my taste. He’s funny and nice and sweet. He’s a good boy and I should focus on him not be having dream affairs with his brother.

Once he left I flopped down onto my bed and took a nap. I hated all of this. The thinking and stress. The fading of my relationship with Ben which I was trying desperately to hold onto. I was here for Ben. I liked Ben. I don’t care what my stupid brain says. That’s just hormones. I need to think and follow my logic.

[inkstainedfanfics]

Reply to this or send an ask: Who’s your favorite character from any media??

Below the cut are my answers in case anyone’s curious lol

1. Jefferson (OUAT)

2. Aubrey (Bones)

3. Wendell Bray (Bones)

4. Maxon Schreave (The Selection)

5. Glenn Rhee (TWD)

6. Remus Lupin (Marauders)

7. Cedric Diggory (HP)

8. Dean Winchester (Spn)

9. Minho (TMR)

10. Clint Barton (The Avengers)

11. Fenris (DA:2)

12. Dorian Havilliard (Throne of Glass)

13. Newt (FBAWTFT)

14. Gansey (The Raven Cycle)

15. Spencer Reid (Criminal Minds)

16. Aaron Hotchner (Criminal Minds)

17. Shima Renzou (Blue Exorcist)

18. Sadao Maou (The Devil is a Part-timer)

19. Killian Jones (OUAT)

20. Ben Wyatt (Parks and Rec)

In no particular order, and there’s still so many I could list without even getting to the list of awesome female characters I adore (*Ahem* Ginny Weasley, Celaena Sardothien, Emma Swan, Matilda, Emily Prentiss, + so much more)

[farfarawayfromhere]

Moodboard: The Kings and Queens from HH.

[opheliagardinier]

peep peep cheerio (part i)

This is only part one because I have a lot of fics to write at the moment and wanted to get at least part of it up.

Thank you so much to Brianna @benjaminschreave and Ester @wyattschreave the for the rp EVEN IF YOU CONSPIRED AGAINST ME. I had a fun time writing this and hopefully, part two will be up soon(ish).

peace out cub scouts

word count: 3013

Happy Birthday to Fee

Some pigeons in a tree

Happpppy Birthdayyyyy to Fee

Though it was feathery

I stood in front of the mirror in my room looking myself up and down. My hair was pulled back a bit and my makeup is simple. The flowers on my dress were just enough to make a statement but not too much so that they would draw attention. Ladylike was the word my grandmother would have used if she was with me. Maybe even perfection if she was in an extra good mood. But neither of those words described the way I felt.

It was a strange routine I’d fallen into. I’d learned to tiptoe on the line between “I’m here!” and “look at me!”. It was something that had consumed my life for too long- but had become my normal.

I divided my life into two parts- The Before and The After. It was all I really could do. I had been deep in The After for over half a decade and not a day could go by without worry. But I was careful to never let it consume me.

I was used to the flashes of cameras and the off the cuff questions from reporters when they find me. In a way, I resented them a bit- because if it hadn’t been for the constant attention I could have avoided this limbo. But still- I would never let it stop me from living my life, which was exactly what I was going to do.

I traced the faint wrinkles that have started to appear on my forehead when I frowned. They frustrate me to no end. I hated frowning with the way it made your muscles feel heavy and the looks people gave you for it. It always opened you up for judgement.

But when you smiled there were no double takes or questions asked. You’re happy and nothing is wrong. And that’s how you get them- and yourself. You pretend most moments of the day that everything in your life is perfect and you get them to believe it. The only problem is if you aren’t careful you start to believe it too. You forget the struggle and you lose yourself.

Today is a happy day. Be happy. So I was. Or at least I resign myself to be.

After leaving my room I made a quick stop in the kitchens. When I went to open the fridge I saw an open bottle of white wine that had been left. For a moment I contemplated opening it- staring at it intently, but then I closed the door with a sigh and shook off the feeling of longing. I acquired a basket, a blanket, and the necessary provisions for what I was about to do, then was on my way.

I was practically grinning as I made my way through the halls. I’d perked up a bit and was looking forward what was ahead. About an hour before I’d sent Wyatt a note telling him to get ready-so all that was left to do was retrieve Ben.

It seemed to be a pattern with the two princes not being easy to track down. For the past twenty-five minutes I’d been searching high and low for Ben, with no one being able to- or willing- to tell me where he was. Granted the palace was huge, which didn’t exactly help when it came to finding someone. Though it must have been epic to use for hide and go seek.

“Aha! There you are.” I exclaimed, finally spotting Ben as I wandered into the library. “I've been looking everywhere for you.”

Ben stopped rummaging through the papers and books scattered over the table as he looked up at me. He squinted at me as I walked over to him.

“Lia?”

I was still trying to get used to the nickname. Initially, when he’d proposed it I’d been surprised and part of me had wanted to tell him no. But now- it was growing on me. It had a nice ring to it and it almost was beginning to feel special.

“Hey, I hope you aren't too busy. I brought lunch.” I smiled, holding up the basket I was carrying.

He blinked the basket, then squinted again, letting out a sigh.

“That’s nice of you. If only I could find my glasses.” Ben grumbled, beginning to go through the papers around him.

I laughed as I set the basket down. I then reached forward and pulled them off his head, where they’d been the entire time. Ben wore a surprised expression as I pulled back.

“Here you go, silly,” I told him.

He let out another sigh. Ben told me it happened way too often as he rubbed his eyes.

“I think maybe you should get one of those glasses chains and wear them as a necklace.” I chuckled.

“I’d look just like a grandma.” Ben groaned, reaching out and blindly trying to find the glasses I still held.

“A very cute grandma though.” I tilted my head.

It was moments like these where I forgot The After. I was just me- and hell if I could get someone to laugh I’d take it. I shrugged the feeling off once more.

“I doubt I fit into that category.” He frowned, squinting at me.

You’re going to have a good time.

“Adorable?”

That was one of the things I liked about Ben. He was handsome and seemed to have a sense of awareness, but it was something he tried to use to his advantage. Although that could have been because he couldn’t have been more fortunate when it came to his social standing- not that he seemed the type to particularly care.

He raised an eyebrow at me- the same way I’d seen him do so many times before. His mannerisms never failed to amuse me.

“Someone’s in a good mood today.” Ben sighed with a resigned laugh. “Are you purposefully holding my glasses hostage from me?”

“Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to.” I reached over and put them on his face with a laugh. “There. Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?”

“It’s just surprising when you throw words like adorable into the mix.” Ben adjusted his glasses. He blinked a few times, finally able to see clearly, then smiled down at me.

So he had caught that. Shit. Well, it didn’t matter. Too late to take it back.

“You mentioned lunch?” He chuckled, glancing at the basket I held.

Ben reached out with one hand and tried to open the top.

“I did, in fact, mention lunch,” I told him with a smirk as I pulled the basket out of his reach.

“Riiiiight.” He raised an eyebrow at me and reached for the basket again.

I held the basket even further away and told him not in the library with a shake of my head. He gave me a pouty look.

“Where do we have to go then? I’m starved.” Ben patted his stomach.

I gave him a sweet smile and told him we were going out to the gardens. To my surprise, Ben grinned at me then grabbed my hand.

“Well come on then.” Ben tugged me towards the doors of the library.

“And I thought I was supposed to be the excited one,” I commented.

I’d been expecting more resistance from Ben. But it seemed I had caught him at a perfect time. Little did he know that in less than fifteen minutes he’d likely hate my guts.

“I’m a hungry guy.” Ben glanced at me. “Why should you be excited though? General good mood?”

“Well, my dearest Jam on this day many years ago I made my debut to the world.” I chuckled.

Some debut at that… I shook off the thought. No. You are going to enjoy this.

He stopped in his tracks and looked at me in disbelief.

“And you didn’t tell me?.”

“Well, you didn't ask until just now.” I jokingly rolled my eyes at him.

Ben gave me a flat look. Well, you didn’t. It was in the files Mr Prince Man. In Ben's defence, he did have thirty-five different girls whose names he had had to learn, so a birthday should have been the least of his worries.

“That is the most overused answer.” He shook his head. Ben tugged at my hand again as he started walking once more. “No matter, we just have to make this a very great lunch.”

“Great lunch”.....

We continued walking, eventually making our way outside. It was a nice clear day out. I heard the joyous chirping of birds accompanied by the sound of a light breeze.

“I’ll give you something else later.” He added with a side glance.

“You don't need to get me anything,” I smirked a little, though not at the thought of a gift. This “lunch would be spectacular” and that was a gift enough.

“Yes, I do. It’s your birthday.” Ben scoffed. As we reached the entrance of the gardens he looked around then pointed out towards a spot near the edge. “How’s there?”

I had never been big into gifts. I knew that the intention behind them was nearly always good but somehow ending up with some meaningless junk you’d chuck before the next birthday came around just didn’t do it for me.

“I was given the gift of life for my birthday already- I don't think gifts a necessary.” I chuckled, looking to where he had pointed. “How about that tree over there?”

I tried to see if I could spot Wyatt, but no such luck. He has been right when he said the leaves would hide him. I was just going to have to hope he was waiting for us- or else this would be a very awkward “lunch date”.

“Sure sure.” Without waiting Ben was already walking towards the tree. “It’s completely natural to get gifts on your birthday. I can contribute a little.”

Oh, you’ll contribute all right….

“Fine, if you say so,” I said in defeat.

“Now you’re getting it.” Ben grinned at me. We reached the tree, walking into the cool shade its leaves provided. He looked at me again- brows raised. “Here?”

“Here is perfect.” I nodded, looking around.  

I reached into the basket and pulled out a blanket. Ben reached over and took one end to help me spread it out on the ground. As always, he’s the perfect gentleman. When he helped like this is didn’t mind. However, the constant opening of doors and other such things was just too much. I had two hands and I was more than capable.

“Aren’t you fancy?” Ben asked with a smirk.

“I try to be.” I smiled back, jokingly batting my eyes a few times.

Once the blanket was out Ben plopped down onto it. I knelt down beside him then smoothed the skirt of my dress so I could sit down. Just like Lady Lorelai had been sure to remind us to do. There were so many rules to remember and follow so I suppose I should have been at least a little proud that I’d managed to have not forgotten one rule.

“Now can we eat o generous birthday Lia?” Ben eyed the basket.

“Yes, we can eat now.” I nodded, and reached into the basket to retrieve the bread I’d packed.”

His gaze went to the bread as his eyebrows furrowed. Ben looked back at me with a confused expression.

“Bread?”

“Oh sorry, I have another kind if you don't like that one.” I reached back into the basket and pulled out another loaf.

A few moments later bread crumbs began raining down on us causing him to jump. I looked up slightly but continued to focus on Ben. The pigeons descended upon us almost instantly. Ben was quickly on his feet yelling and swatting the birds away as they swarmed.

“WHAT THE HELL GET AWAY FROM ME,” Ben yelled, turning around to run away.

I let out a screech as the bird surrounded us. None of it was what I’d been expecting. As I tried to shoo the pigeons away I looked to see where Ben was just in time to see him sprint forward and into the tree, before he fell backwards into the grass. Ben groaned and shut his eyes and he held his forehead in pain.

“Oh shit,” I muttered, rushing over to kneel beside Ben. “Are you okay?”

I gently touched his shoulder. Wyatt yelled down asking if Ben was okay, then burst out laughing. Before he could answer either of us a yelp came from above and Wyatt hit the ground beside his brother with a thud.

“Wyatt?” I looked over at him in surprise, while Wyatt began groaning.

“What just happened?” Ben’s eyes opened slightly, but his brows stayed furrowed in pain. His head turned towards his brother before he looked back at me in confusion. “Why did he just fall out of a tree?”

“I’m just an illusion.” Wyatt winced as he opened one eye.

I touched Ben’s forehead as if I were taking his temperature but then pulled my hand back.

“It’s a long story.” I looked at the both of them with worry. “Should I go get help?”

Wyatt began to sit up, wincing as he held hugged his arm close to his side. He told us he was fine and had never been better- not that I believed him given the fact he’d just fallen ten feet out of a tree. He let out a grunt as he slowly stood up.

“I’ll leave you two… love pigeons to continue with your picnic.” Wyatt smirked, still noticeably wincing in between his words. He looked up at the tree with a slight frown, before shaking his head and returning his attention to me and Ben. “You owe me, Ophelia.”

Wyatt waved his hand in dismissal then turned to leave. I reluctantly let him leave, knowing he wasn’t actually fine.

“Jam?" I looked back to Ben who had been glaring at Wyatt up until he had left.

“I think I’m okay.” His focus returned to me. Ben grimaced as he sat up, then gave me a wary look. “Can you explain why a bunch of pigeons just attacked me? And why Wyatt fell out of the tree?”

Oh boy, where do I begin? I only conspired with your brother.

“I am so sorry, that wasn't how that was supposed to go at all.” I gave Ben an apologetic look as I rubbed his shoulder and shook my head. “ We were trying to be funny.”

An expression of understanding crossed his face as he sighed and closed his eyes for a long moment. Then without warning, Ben burst out laughing.

“You set up a prank to freak me out with birds?” He looked up at me, laughing harder as his hand pressed against his forehead. “Oh my god, that’s insane.”

“Yeah, we did.” I let out a breath and nodded, soothingly rubbing his back.

He laughed a bit more. I was glad he was mostly all right but it didn’t stop me from feeling a mild amount of regret.

“Almost went off without a hitch too.” He glanced back at me as a smile tugged at his lips.

“Everything went wrong.” I groaned and put my face in my hands.

“You managed to freak me out.” Ben lifted up a shoulder, half smiling at me. “Minus a headache and a broken brother I’d call it a success.”

“And a few scrapes.” I giggled softly.

I looked down at my hand as I began to notice a stinging sensation. On the back of my hand was a scratch that was a few inches long. It must have happened in the frenzy. Ben’s gaze followed mine and he took my hands in his own, looking them over.

“Shouldn’t hurt too much, I’m guessing?”

“It's not too bad.” I shook my head, looking up at him. I reminded him that I hadn’t been the one to run into the tree before widening my eyes a little as I added, “Unless you don't remember.”

“I remember. Vividly.” Ben gave me a short laugh before reaching into the basket to retrieve a napkin and some water. After wetting the napkin he dabbed the cut to clean it while I grit my teeth in pain. Once he was done he looked up at me with a smile. “There. Just to make sure.”

“Ouch.” I held up my hand to examine his word, then added with a chuckle, “Hopefully it isn't like a werewolf bite. I don't think I'd want to have to change into a pigeon.”

“You’d be a weird mix with that toucan beak of yours.” Ben snorted, before beginning to clean up a little. He eyed the bread and raised a brow at me. “So was this prank birthday worthy?”

I let out a breathy laugh. Worth it? I wasn’t sure. But I’d certainly had a decent laugh. I just wasn’t sure all the injuries helped justify the scheme.

“I only did it today in case you protested having lunch with me, because who can say no to the birthday girl?”

“I wouldn’t have protested regardless of your birthday.” Ben gave me a small laugh, shaking his head.

“I would say that's good to know for future reference, but I think you may not want to have lunch with me after all of this.” I motioned to the disaster that surrounded us.

Ben glanced around. I studied him a moment. I couldn’t believe how relaxed he was about the whole thing. It was truly admirable.

“Maybe just... lunch where no pigeons can get me.” He looked back at me with a slight smile.

“Deal.” I held out my hand, laughing as I shook my head. “No pigeons.”

“I’m holding you to that.” Ben took my hand and gave it a firm shake.

I held back a laugh.

“'l’ll even throw in the added bonus of not inviting any other kind of birds as well.”

“Then I think we understand one another perfectly.” He grinned.

[opheliagardinier]

grape expectations

Heyo, here’s my fic of a side RP with Wyatt. This fic is the prequel to my challenge two point five fic which I should have done soon.

Anyway, thank you so much to Ester @wyattschreave for the wonderful RP- it was a wild ride. But I had a great time!

Word count: 3032

I'll be there with the sulfuric acid. Don't forget the body.

Wyatt Schreave was a difficult man to find. After looking nearly everywhere I could think of I ended up sending a note to his room, asking him to meet me in the stables. I wasn’t sure whether or not he’d come but I hoped he’d set a little bit of time aside for some random girl he’d never met.

After a quick stop in the kitchens, I made my way to the stables, showing up right on time. I clicked my tongue at the horses as I entered.

“Hello, babies.” I cooed at them, not seeing any sign of Wyatt.

Unexpectedly his head poked out of one of the stalls. Thankfully it didn’t startle me the way it normally would have.

“Well, hello to you too.”

“That wasn't meant for you.” I laughed slightly, giving him a curtsy. Wyatt was definitely Ben’s brother. “But hello, Prince Wyatt.”

Wyatt walked a little closer to the entrance of the stall that way he could see me better. His hands brushed against his pants before he reached up to pet the horse.

“Are you Lady Ophelia or another Selected I’m bumping into?”

“I'm Fee.” I nodded, getting close enough that I was in the shadow of the horse. “But sorry to inform you that I may have forgotten the body.”

“May I?”

Wyatt looked between the two of us as if he were debating whether or not to say yes.

“What do you say, Altivo?” He pet the horse's neck. “Want to let our guest pet you?”

Altivo moved his nose near to Wyatt’s head and exhaled loudly. Wyatt tsked at the horse, rolling up one of his sleeves, before disappearing for a moment.

“How about now?” Wyatt asked, coming back with an apple.

Without hesitating, Altivo took the apple and gobbled it up. Wyatt to rolled his eyes at the horse then gave me the go ahead. With a chuckle, I reached up and began stroking Altivo.

“Hey there, you're quite the handsome boy, aren't you?” I clicked my tongue at him.

Altivo continued munching on his apple as I pet him. When he had finished he began sniffing around Wyatt, who pushed his snout away. Wyatt explained to Altivo there were no more apples.

“Hey!” Wyatt exclaimed as Altivo tapped his head with his snout. He let out a grunt but then retrieved another.

“We should walk off before he asks for more,” Wyatt told me, shoving his hands into his pockets after he’d given Altivo the second apple.

“All right.” I nodded, giving him a smile. Before following Wyatt out of the stall I reached into my dress pocket and pulled a few grapes out to feed to Altivo.

“You carry those with you all the time??” Wyatt’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the grapes.

I looked at Wyatt like he was insane, but realised it must have looked funny to him.

“No, who does that?” I shook my head with a chuckle. “I knew I was coming to the stables so I came prepared.”

He momentarily gave me a look of surprise but then let out a sigh of relief, telling me he’d been worried for a second. Wyatt spun on his heels, heading out of the stall.

“As much as Ben loves grapes, I’d be creeped out if you were that obsessed with them.” He pretended to whisper over his shoulder.

I mean I was obsessed with grapes. My entire life had kind of revolved around them up until the Selection.

“I'm pretty sure everyone loves grapes,” I replied, following him. “But don't worry, the only mammals I enjoy feeding them to is horses- and guinea pigs... Fine any animal that'll eat them.”

His eyebrows went up as he repeated the word “mammals�� back to me.

“Yes, mammals.” I rolled my eyes, causing Wyatt to scoff.

“Alright. If I may ask now, why did you request to meet me? And why here? You sure we're not hiding a body?”

“Like I said, I had trouble acquiring the body, but I asked to meet here because it was the only place I could think of where we might not run into your brother.” I looked around as if to make sure Ben wasn’t with us. “I need your help with getting back at your brother.”

“Really, is that so?” Wyatt asked, looking intrigued.

“Okay so "get make at him" might be taking it too far. But the other day he scared me and I want to scare him back.” I smiled, nodding at him. “And your mother may have told me you could help.”

“My mom suggested you come to me?” Wyatt asked, with a grin spreading across his face.

Queen Isobel had been the one to give me my idea surprisingly. I’d told her about how Ben had scared me in the wine cellar a few nights previously and she’d unexpectedly revealed that like me her son also scared easily.

“She did,” I smirked. “Although she said there may be a price for your help.”

Wyatt removed his hands from his pockets to adjust his cuffs. With a smirk, he told me he was listening. It sort of felt a bit like a business proposal- only we were in the stables rather than an office somewhere.

“I'm thinking pigeons,” I told him- then expectantly waited for his reaction.

“Care to elaborate?” Wyatt asked, raising his eyebrows.

I could see the shared family traits between him and his brother. Both boys seemed perpetually in a good mood between their smirks, chuckles, and senses of humour.

“So your brother hates birds- somehow more than I do- And I was hoping that there could somehow be about a dozen or so pigeons in the garden while he happens to be there one day. With lots of bread of course.” I explained, giving Wyatt a sweet smile, as I continued following him.

“His hatred of birds...yeah,” Wyatt said with a smug grin.

He stopped walking as we made our way out of the stables. One of his arms crossed over his chest while he positioned his elbow on top of his forearm in a way that he was able to reach up and pensively rub his chin with his hand.

“Any particular reason you want to go with pigeons? Is it a gag I’m not getting?”

“His hatred is justified.” I shuddered. “But I figured pigeons because they're fairly common and who's to say they couldn't wander into the garden on their own?”

Wyatt thoughtfully tapped his chin another moment.

“Good thinking. This is what I ask in return. When you finally reveal yourself, you must act surprised by all the pigeons and say “Look at all those chickens!” There was a shift in his tone as his voice went higher to capture the essence of what he wanted me to say.

Wyatt dramatically pointed to a spot in the garden before turning back to me with an aura of seriousness. “Can you do that?”

Well shit. This was like a negotiation. Of course what he wanted me to say wasn’t too ridiculous but it also wasn’t something I was especially keen on. To “get back” at Ben I was willing to say some silly line about chickens, but I couldn’t let Wyatt know that right off the bat. He had to work for it a little at least and convince me to say yes.

“I'm fairly certain your sister would do this without that little addition.” I narrowed my eyes at Wyatt, slightly biting my lip. “What do you get out of having me say that?”

“But Hazel isn't here right now offering help, is she?” He smirked. “And I get the pleasure of knowing vines are being spread as they should be. Plus, it'll be hilarious.”

“I asked you for help, remember. And who's to say your sister wouldn't help me- minus the condition you have?” I tilted my head to the side and raised an eyebrow.

It was true that I would likely be able to get his sister to help me, but if she was anywhere near as hard to track down as Wyatt that would be problematic. There was also the added issue of another person knowing my plan, which was much more important than the risk I ran of not finding Hazel.

“But you must agree my condition will make it a much better experience,” Wyatt argued.

“Better for which party?”

“Uh…?” He said, before adding with some reluctance. “Both?”

He had a point there, I’d give him that. In the chaos of what I planned me yelling about chickens would only add to the fun. But I couldn’t concede yet.

“And you're determined to have me scream about "chickens"?” I asked, making air quotes with my fingers.

“Yes! The pigeons are the chickens.” He exclaimed, before narrowing his eyes at me. “Wait, do you not know what I'm referencing?”

“I do in fact know what you're talking about, but I'm just asking if you're really sure out entire arrangement should be dependent on me making a reference.” I sighed, then shook my head. “And just for the record, I'm pretty sure those are geese in the video.”

A look of disgust crossed my face at the mention of geese. I couldn’t stand the creatures with their chasing and hissing and general bitchiness as an animal. Besides, I was more partial towards mammals- and marsupials- basically anything that didn’t honk and have a name that rhymed with moose.

“They were geese, but we agreed on pigeons already.” Wyatt reminded me as he seemed to notice my reaction. “We could make them geese, but it doesn't look like you're too fond of them.”

“No geese!” I blurted out, before continuing in a more level tone. “Anyway, fine, I agree.”

I held out my hand but he didn’t take it.

“Oh no, now I want to know the geese trauma story.” Wyatt grinned.

“They hiss and they're angry and mean.” I told him, waving my hand around a bit because I just wanted him to agree “So do we have a deal?”

Wyatt raised an eyebrow at my vague explanation as he glanced down at my hand. Sensing that I wouldn’t tell him more he sighed and took my hand.

“Fine, don't tell me.” He said, with a mischevious glint in his eyes. “I know where to get the pigeons.”

Excellent! I smiled at him. Those had been the exact words I’d been waiting to hear. Things were coming along nicely.

“So I'll leave the pigeons up to you. But I think I'll need your help getting Jam into the garden without him getting suspicious”

“Why would he get suspicious?” Wyatt inquired, tilting his head. “I mean, in theory, you asking to meet him wouldn't be that weird. Unlike asking me when we hadn't even met.”

“And yet... You still came.” I smirked. “What's that about? Shouldn't you have been more suspicious?”

With a chuckle, he began walking again. Why does he keep walking away? Doesn’t he know I have shorter legs and it’s not exactly easy to keep up with him, especially in these shoes?

“Why? I doubted I was going to be the buried body. “ He glanced at me in amusement. “Besides, what was I supposed to say?”

How about no? No is a relatively simple word. Hell, even a toddler can say it.

“'Oh so deeply sorry Lady Ophelia, but you're being creepy so no thank you. I will not meet you at the stables.’” Wyatt said in a dramatic English accent, taking a bow. He then cleared his throat and switched back to his regular voice. “And yes, I turned into a British Prince to make it sound somewhat nice. That wouldn't have translated well on paper though.”

“Well, you know what they say.” I shook my head at him. “Curiosity killed the cat. And if you weren't going to be the buried body then do I even want to ask what lucky person was going to get to play that role?”

“I don't know, you were the one who sent such a vague note first. And the full sentence is actually: 'curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back'.” He paused awkwardly. “That's the satisfaction of figuring out what made him curious in the first place of course.”

“I'm pretty sure "satisfaction" wouldn't have brought you back if I had murdered you in the stables…” I squinted at Wyatt. “Just saying.”

“Are you confessing to plotting against the monarchy?” He asked, giving me a falsely serious look.

“Sureeeeee,” I told him in a sarcastic tone, rolling my eyes. “Of course. I won't even kill a bug, but clearly, I'm only I'm the Selection it strategically off each one of the Schreaves.”

“Have you never killed a mosquito?.”

I shook my head. Killing bugs wasn’t exactly my style. I was more of a catch and release person. Bugs were important parts of the ecosystem, and besides, why should it have to die because someone found its very existence offensive?

“I've never intentionally killed anything.”

“Wait, wait, you're seriously telling me if a mosquito stands right on your arm, sucking blood out of you, you just watch her do that and let her be?” Wyatt chuckled.

I uncomfortably rubbed my arm at the thought. I liked mosquito bites about just as much as the next person.

“Well no,” I answered. “I'd try and brush her off.”

“She'd...probably keep trying though.” He shook his head in disapproval. “Anyway, we got sidetracked. Getting Ben to the gardens. I think you can be in charge of that.”

“Yes, well- it's not her fault she drinks blood, is it?” I told him with a tilt of my head, before nodding. “But you're right. I'll find a way to get him to the gardens and you deal with the pigeons. Will they be on standby or do you need advance warning?”

Wyatt went silent for a moment as he considered. He turned away from me to look around the garden.

“This might be complicated…” He said.

Eventually, he turned back around to face me. He pointed off into the distance and asked if I saw an oak tree. I nodded in response, telling him I knew which tree he meant. Wyatt looked back towards the tree.

“I can't believe I'm doing this…” He mumbled under his breath, turning to face me once more. I'll need you to bring him under that tree. Do you think you can handle that?”

“Why that tree in particular?” I asked, giving him a curious look.

His gaze returned to the tree, only this time he seemed to look at it with an expression of fondness.

“Nothing really, but I'm pretty used to climbing it…” Wyatt sighed. “And I know without a doubt that the leaves hide you well. Ben won't even notice I'm there waiting.”

“Oh, so you'll be there?” I smirked.

Of course, he would be. Why on earth wouldn’t he want to witness all his hard work first hand?

“Oh, I’m sorry, if you want this to be a private encounter....” Wyatt chuckled, teasingly raising his eyebrows at me, before adding. “It’s fine if it is. I don’t have to be there. I can figure something else out. If there’s something I’ve got when it comes to this stuff, it’s creativity.”

“How is it that you turned something so innocent into something so dirty sounding?” I laughed, shaking my head.

“I mean,” He began, with the raise of his eyebrows, lifting his hands in fake surrender. “It was just a question.”

“Don't worry, I think it will be very G-rated, so no need for the privacy.” I rolled my eyes.

The most risque it had gotten with Ben was me holding onto his arm. Wyatt had absolutely nothing to be worried about.

“If you say so…” Wyatt smiled, looking back to the tree. “Then we’ve got a plan.”

“It seems we do.” I laughed softly, thinking of his unfounded worry. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

Wyatt nodded and looked back at me.

“And remember, I’ll be there.” He pointed to the foliage of the tree. “Hidden between a bunch of tree branches. I expect you to keep your end of the bargain.”

“Got it. I'll do my best.” I nodded, then giggled slightly. “But if I forget it's probably because I'm caught in the moment.”

“Of course.” He let out a laugh with a huff. “I'll consider forgiving you if that happens. Anything else you need me for?”

“Forgiveness is all a girl could ask for.” I winked at him and clicked my tongue, then looked back towards the stables. “Unless you want to give some horses grapes then I think that was everything.”

I wasn’t sure if he knew, but I’d actually been going to the stables the past few days. Being around all the horses made me feel a bit more comfortable than relaxing in the Women’s Room or being cooped up alone in my bedroom. Being outdoors reminded me of home.

“I should actually get those pigeons ready.” His head cocked to the side as he looked towards the stables and cracked a smile. “But don't give Altivo more food. I kind of already spoil him enough.”

“That sounds like a good plan.” I beamed at him. “Don't worry, there are other horses I can spoil with grapes. I'll just spoil yours with petting.”

“I... guess that's fair.” Wyatt nodded with some reluctance. “I'll send you a note so we can agree on a date for our pigeon fest later this week.”

I already had an idea which day would be perfect for our little operation. What better way to spend my birthday than watching Ben freak out over pigeons? It was like a little gift from me to me.

“Sounds good. Thanks for trusting me.” I smirked. “I'll see you later.”

I turned and walked back towards the stables. I was proud of me- proud of us. If everything went according to plan this could very well be one of the greatest things I’d ever witness.

[benjaminschreave]

pressure

a/n: note at the bottom once you’ve read!!

— — — —

w y a t t

— — — —

It had been two days since Gabby had appeared at my doorway drunk.

Those two days had been filled with awkward glances at breakfast.

Hazel was starting to give me suspicious glances for it even if we still joked around with our seats being so close. Sometimes I simply noticed her smile too much and had to snap out of it.

As I stared at the picture Gabby’s little sister had taken of us, I couldn’t help but smile a bit myself. She’d forced Gabby to hold the most uncomfortable of poses and to keep books steady on the top of her head. The picture had come spot on with Gabby focused on balancing everything, using my hand as support as I grinning at the sight over my shoulder.

I’d told Gabby I liked candids because they gave no one the chance to hide anything, and it was true. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t be a hypocrite and try to fool myself just a tad.

I placed the picture with the other revealed photographs I’d taken that day at the library. I’d also added in the one from the balcony. She was laughing loudly, completely ignoring the fact that it was way too late for her to make such noise. I figured her dad would appreciate that picture as well. I was still debating if I would send the pictures to Gabby’s address as her dad had asked, or if I would give them directly to her and have her keep them until she “inevitably left” as she said.

I didn’t really trust her not to burn them to keep her dad from having more things to blackmail her with though, so I decided to save the box on my drawer for later and continue with my next task.

————

It only takes a single moment for things to spiral down into a crisis every week.

The single moment was Ben’s birthday being interrupted.

Dozens of guests were injured or worse during the attack. Selected had to be hospitalized and treated. A couple of advisers were lost...good people that had families. Ambassador Yuan was also one of the casualties. It felt wrong to call him that, but it was easier than thinking too much about it. We needed to figure things out first.

New Asia reacted as expected to the loss of their representative in Illéa, but as rumors spread of the attack and they found out their second prince was poisoned by someone Illéan monarchy claimed to trust, our usual begrudges started making people suspicious.

If Clemenza hadn’t been such a closed book things might’ve been better, but he said nothing during interrogations. The general investigations weren’t being any easier with our options running out and people, at least in New Asia, getting impatient.

It was bad on its own, but if you added on the fact that such pressure would force dad to focus resources on finding a different angle to the situation—an angle that wasn’t suggested by a sixteen-year-old girl—we could lose our edge.

Hazel had turned out to be even more observant than I’d ever given her credit for and I knew she had no doubt in her mind of what she saw. Dad trusted her as well, but with everyone watching, there was only so much he could do.

Thankfully and unfortunately, some of Illéa’s attention was taken away from the attack as other, more interesting headlines came out. It was a blessing and a curse.

It turned out one of Vivienne’s side jobs was being an escort which was...of course not well received by everyone. Rumors about who she’d been involved with kept floating about. People kept waiting for Ben to eliminate her.

He didn’t.

People then decided that was another show of character, an addition to what had already been shown when he kissed Rosie at the bar. They thought Ben lacked better judgement. Which meant they were saying he was not fit to rule the country. I’d tried talking with him, knowing how that would make him feel, especially with all the additional pressure we’d been dealing with lately, but he’d only shown slight frustration before diving into work. The first sign that he wasn’t heading into the best of places.

I hoped I wasn’t too late and opened the door to his room slowly. As always, I tried to come in with a joke. That tended to get Ben out of his thoughts. Something to remind him it was time to step back and loosen up.

Nothing really creative came to mind tragically, but in my defense, I hadn’t been getting much sleep since everything that happened, just like Ben probably hadn’t either.

I snuck in and spun his chair around so he would face me, smiling even if I didn't really feel like it. It was fine, he wouldn’t be able to tell right now. I was better at surviving with no sleep than he was, which made it easier to pretend I wasn’t tired.

Standing up straighter, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Well, you look radiant, brother.”

He wasted none of his time with me and sighed in frustration, spinning back around as he tried to focus on some paperwork in front of him. “Shut up Wyatt.”

My smile faltered, knowing his snapping back wasn’t good. I swallowed and stared at him for a moment, shoulders slumping. I couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been like this, but I knew I wasn’t going to let him do this to himself if I could help it. I’d drag him out of his room if needed.

I let out a small sigh of my own before leaning on the desk with one hand, a new smile on my face. “Someone's grumpy…” I stared at the papers briefly, not really reading them. I knew what they were. “Maybe you need to get your face away from paperwork for a bit—”

I stepped aside when he stood up abruptly, snatching his papers up as he towered over me stiffly. “What I need you to do is let me work in peace.” Spinning on his heel, he grabbed another folder from his bed along with a pen and made his way towards the door. I blinked at him in surprise.

Not good.

When too many things pile up and you don’t have enough time to process—that’s when you break. When stress kicks in. All Schreaves react to stress in different ways.

Layla gets frustrated to the point where she can’t think clearly. She loses her ability to focus. Her sentences ramble out of logic because even in her head, she’s not making sense.

Hazel, maybe the smartest of us, takes a moment to step back. She goes to her room or the gardens. She distracts herself until she’s ready to go over things slowly.

I shut down. Like a computer. Give it too much information and it’ll block you out eventually.

Ben? He lashes out.  

“Ben, come on…” I frowned, hoping I could stop him before he got to the door. “There's a lot going on right now. Just take one thing off your plate for a bit.”

“No. I need to work.” His tone was dismissive. I knew he was trying to get me to leave him alone, but I only watched him yank the door open and followed after him down the halls as he stormed off.

This was the reason why I usually made Ben go out of the palace occasionally. Or reminded him to hang out with me, Hazel and Layla. It had always been Ben’s issue when dealing with things. He crashed if no one steered him away from the building every now and then. It was usually my job to steer him away, but even I couldn’t see the walls coming sometimes.

“Seriously, I bet you haven’t slept enough the past week. A small break won't kill you.”

“And what would you have me do?” He muttered to himself. “Waste some time in a bar and let people question my judgement even more?”

I set my jaw. “That's not how the night should've gone, but my point still stands. We don't need to go out, just—”

He whirled around, face screwed in anger. “Just what? I need to fix yet another problem and you’re not letting me do that. I don’t need a stupid break, let me do my job.”

He wasn’t going to fix anything like this but he wasn’t going to realize it if I backed down. So foolishly I followed him down to the first floor.

— — — —

b e n

— — — —

His persistent voice followed me down the stairs. “Fine, what's your plan then? Tell me. Why are you in your room dealing with this alone? People are always going to judge us, Ben. You know that.” The one time I need him to leave me be he doesn’t listen.

“I don’t know, but if you left me alone I might be able to actually figure something out.” I huffed out a breath, pressing my lips together before I added, “They’re questioning every ability I have to be king someday. It’s more than just being judged.”

When the verbal criticism shifted from Viv to me, I didn’t know what to do. Or ever, apparently. This lost feeling I loathed continued to well up inside me and talking about it to Wyatt only made it worse, but he didn’t shut up.

“Well, I'm not going to act like I know what you're feeling like, you know I don't, but that doesn't mean I can't try to give some decent advice.”

His hand went to my shoulder as we reached an odd part of the first floor. I flinched away from his touch, the door behind me already half-opened.

“You're not ruling the country yet,” he continued. “Running around with papers in your hands isn't going to fix things or help anyone. Not even yourself.” He flashed a slight smile that only fueled my irritation, as if everything I was going through could be placated through a simple talk with him. “Take a moment to clear your head. Just take something off your plate.”

Clear my head? My eyes narrowed, gaze sharp at the idiotic and somehow genius suggestion. I was done. I didn’t want to deal with any more countless pressure.

“You want me to take something off my plate? Fine How about this stupid Selection, hm? Would that satisfy you?”

Was I being irrational?

Probably.

Did I care?

No.

— — — —

w y a t t

— — — —

He was entering the Women’s Room.  

My eyes widened and I stopped walking. I wasn’t taking the argument in there, and either way, we weren’t allowed in without permission. “Ben, let's be reasonable here…” I said, keeping my voice low. He was going to say the wrong thing. I could already see it in his eyes. The way he breathed in angrily. The defiance in his face like I was trying to beat him at something. I took another step but didn’t go inside. “That's not what you want to do. Close the door.”

“Don’t tell me what I want or don’t want, Wyatt!” He yelled, catching the attention of any girl inside hat wasn’t already looking. “What’s even the point of keeping this going when clearly no one wants to? Danielle said herself she barely liked me, that I was fake and annoying and—” he winced and I frowned. It was one of the countless things he hadn’t brought up yet. It was an opening to get him to calm down, but he continued before I could take it.

“I’m obviously not enough to keep the girls around. Or keep them safe.” His tone was harsh. I wasn’t surprised as he let out a humorless laugh. “Half of them left me for other people they met in the palace.”

Aran was the first to come to mind. We’d noticed his close friendship with Zara. It didn’t seem like much, but with how reserved Aran was with anyone he didn’t know well, it was strange. There were others. Girls already gone.

I realized, however, that wasn’t the only name crossing Ben’s mind. I couldn’t help but clench my fists at his staring, shocked disbelief taking over his features as something registered in his mind. Suddenly, I was too scared to really say anything back. He noticed.

“And one of them wants you,” he stated. Not in question. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you and Gabriella. How do you think that makes me feel?”

It felt like he’d just punched me. I hadn’t meant for anything to happen. Nothing had happened. I made sure nothing did. How could I ever ask him to forgive me for something like that? I wasn’t going to risk it. The accusation couldn’t be taken back though and I staggered back at his words.

There wasn’t anything between me and Gabby. I’d made that very clear with myself. There couldn’t be anything between us. I didn’t like her. I couldn’t. She was a Selected. We were friends.

Anika was also just a friend, Wyatt.

No.

It wasn’t the same. Or so I told myself despite the confusion I’d felt for the past two days.

I wanted to leave. I could feel everyone staring. Ben was staring. Like I was guilty of something. He was hurt. I knew that. Too many things were going on and something like that didn’t help.

“You don't know what you're talking about,” I mumbled. “I didn't— you know I—” I wouldn’t...

Gabby came to mind. Curled with my blanket and taking over my room with her deluded Twilight reviews.

Would she think I told Ben about her confession? Clenching my jaw, I made the mistake of looking at the girls gathered in the room. Six pairs of eyes looked back at me, half of them girls I didn’t know or trust if I was being honest. More than one hadn’t talked with me for more than out of politeness.

The tension on my shoulders got worse and Gabby’s eyes found mine for a brief second. I broke eye contact without a second thought. I’d never wanted to disappear from a room so quickly.

I tried to reach for Ben again, a last attempt to pull him out. “Please, just—”

“NO,” he took another step, further into the room as he crumpled the papers in his hand. “No just anything! God the one time in your life you do something for yourself it’s with this? The only thing that’ll truly matter besides my coronation during my reign?”

The one time in your life you do something for yourself.

The one time…

A lump formed in my throat, but Ben didn’t stop. “If every obstacle is telling me to end the Selection then maybe I should listen. Go be happy. Take your stupid photos and be with anyone you want. I don’t care anymore. Just leave me alone.”

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out.

Take your stupid photos.

Leave me alone.

Useless. Annoying. You're just bothering him. What makes you think you can help anyone?

Usually in the situation I would’ve snapped back at someone for saying something like that. Tell them why they were wrong even if I had doubts of it myself… but this was Ben. I couldn’t believe he’d actually said something like that—even if it’s exactly what I knew he did when he was like this—but my mind failed to come up with a reason not to believe his words despite the moment.

I shrunk back again. My eyes darted to the girls once more. Maybe they waited for some sort of reaction on my part, I wasn’t really taking their expressions in as I forced myself to look back at Ben before I’d freeze.

My eyes fell on his chest, unable to really look at him anymore. Part of me still wished I could talk some sense into him, but there was no point. Who was I kidding? I could only mumble, “okay…” and turn around to leave.

— — — —

b e n

— — — —

I stared at the space he had left, the shock of what I’d done slowly sinking in. My face screwed up as a heavy weight settled on my chest and I had to lean on the doorframe to keep my legs from buckling. Stupid stupid stupid. Why couldn’t I have just calmed down? I knew how I got under pressure. I tried to prevent it. And I still—

Horrible. You’re horrible and cruel.

I should’ve listened. I should’ve let him drag me away like he always did. I should’ve been a better brother.

Turning around to retreat into whatever room I had walked into, I stared into six pairs of shocked eyes.

Selected eyes. Oh God.

The horror deepened and I stumbled backwards into the hallway, yelling after the best friend I had hurt more than I ever thought I’d be able to. “Wyatt, wait!”

He was still rushing down the hall, not looking back as his pace quickened and entering the first unlocked room he could find. The door slammed behind him and I skidded to a stop in front it, trying the handle with no luck. My fists pounded desperately against what felt like the only obstacle between him and I, when in reality it was every phrase I uttered to make him break down right in front of me.

“Wyatt open up! Please, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” Not in the way he thought. I pounded again, voice cracking. “I’m so sorry, I-I was just angry angry and I took it out on you, I didn’t mean any of it.”

Please please please forgive me.

His voice came shaky from behind the door. “You always mean what you say. Everyone means what they say!”

“No I’m just tired and frustrated and-and you know I don’t handle things well, please Wyatt, just open the door.” Every word sounded more pleading as my fingernails dug into door frame, head hanging low. Out of anything I could have said to make him leave, this was it. But now I hated myself for letting myself ever get that far.

What do I do?

— — — —

w y a t t

— — — —

Taking slow breaths, I managed to calm down and tried to straighten my thoughts. Why did everything have to be a mess? Why did Gabriella even like me? Oh God, she thought I didn’t even know about her confession. I’d forgotten completely. She’d been so drunk she didn’t even remember any of our conversation from that night the next morning. I figured I would spare us both the embarrassment by not being it up… I should’ve stayed away from the girls altogether.

What hurt most was the vivid reminder I really wasn’t doing anything with my life. Maybe I was just bound to fall for girls I couldn’t be with.

Stop being absurd.

Was it really absurd if even Ben thought it was true though? My siblings knew me better than anyone. Were my photographs that bad? It was just a dumb hobby.

My vision blurred as stupid tears tried to take over but I wasn’t going to cry. Not for something I already knew.

“You were right. A part of you knows it. We speak what we think, Ben.” My shoulders slumped as I sat on the floor, back to the door. Running a hand through my hair, letting the strands get caught between my fingers and pulling at them slightly to focus on something else.

You might think I was being difficult with him. That I wanted him to feel bad for what he’d said, but I didn’t. Ben wasn’t a bad person. It almost physically pained him to hurt someone without meaning to, so of course he’d feel bad for what he said to me. He really didn’t need to put up with me because I was his brother though. It wasn’t his responsibility. I knew eventually he’d realize that. I feared it. My voice didn’t waver when I said at last, “You can leave.”

— — — —

b e n

— — — —

I didn’t want to leave. Not when his voice sounded so eerily calm that I knew it meant he was shutting down. I wanted to break down the door and shake him until he understood that my stupid temper came out at the worst moments, that he shouldn’t listen to me.

But I couldn’t.

Anyone could have told me he didn’t even want to look at me right now, and while I couldn’t deny the insecurities that came with the Selection, everything I said about him was wrong. I just wanted him to leave me alone, not reveal his deepest fears in front of girls he barely knew.

You knew what you were doing. And you did it anyway.

The guilt of hurting him crawled its way into my throat, coming out as a strangled cry as I squeezed my eyes shut and tried not to let any tears fall. Wyatt was my brother and I hurt him in the most painful way possible. How do I fix this?

Another problem I couldn’t solve. Another person I hurt on top of the girls who had come to mean the most to me, who trusted me. Another choked gasp at the realization I had probably ruined everything.

“I’m sorry. I’ll go,” I barely managed to utter at the closed door, letting go of the doorframe and waiting for a moment. A sad, pitiful moment that he might actually come out even though I knew he wouldn’t.

So I left.

Left to let the sinking feeling in my stomach swallow me whole.

— — — —

a/n: HERE IT IS. we’ve been building up to this for a while, also adding some context for the attack at the ball. lots of character drama now hopefully, lol. so as the second part to this challenge, ben will obviously need to have a conversation with each selected after this,,, scene. which is why we required a side rp this week ™ bless ester for being the most magical writer, my parts are meh but it’s fine lol I’ve accepted my fATE. THANK U ES FOR BEING GREAT: I’VE GOT THE POWER OF ESTER AND ANIME ON MY SIDE *screams* and hope you guys enjoy this fic <3 It’s 5:40am y’all better appreciate my trash fic writing—ester. word count: 3663

[benjaminschreave]

Summarize the ball and everything after

ben got lit with his selected ladies

everyone was having a grand ole time until the rebels fire nation atTACKED

before that, wyatt and hazel snuck wes into the ball as a special ~surprise~ for layla

they danced and wes snuck them away to talk where they had their fiRST KISS ™ and wesla was born 

“because you’re… weirdly funny in a good way, kind, put up with me trailing you around. And you have this smile, like it’s permanently crooked”

*sHOOK* “are you flirting with me, princess?” 

“it’s possible. are you going to flirt back?” 

“is that a risk you want me to take?” 

“try me.” 

k i s s 

layla and wes were going back into the ball just as king chris was about to give the toast. wes got two drinks for themselves when suddenly hazel yells out “nO” 

she saw a servant slip something in prince aran’s drink, but twas too late 

he drank the drink 

and passed out 

as well as many other guests, including selected 

panic ensued, chaos broke out, people were shot or injured 

bc of hazel, wyatt sprinted after the servant to try and catch him 

ben, ofc, went after wyatt 

wyatt and the servant end up in a scuffle in a secret passageway and when the servant whips out a knife he sLASHES HIM

wyatt gets a little cheek scar TM

then w knocks the knife out of his hand “haHA U LITTLE HOE”

but the servant hits him to the ground

ben catches up, sees wyatt passed out and a t t a c k s (believing his bro is deceased) (also how he gets his bruises for those who remember in rps)

“we all die u either kill yourself or get killed whATCHA GONNA DO”

manages to knock servant out, wyatt gets up alive and well ™ and they take the guard to a cell 

they meet up with the rest of the fam and try to figure out why they were attacked since no one from the royal family was injured 

*insert time skip* everyone recovers eventually, etc. 

aran returns home to go to the funeral of his mentor/ambassador before returning to the palace 

turns out, rebels attacked to try and take out aran 

a small faction of illéans are still distrustful of the new alliance with new asia and illéa 

very tragic and sad ™ bc of other deaths (for real, it affected everyone in a lot of different, serious ways) 

butit did not deter aran 

AT ALL 

strong soft boi 

he remains in the palace indefinitely, further strengthening relationship with ben and the royal family 

(also, in the background, hazel and james, childhood best friends till the end, have their own sweet blossoming romance that I never wrote bc I suck and i’m sorry BUT THEYRE SWEET AND CUTE NKJSOWEIJG) 

*six and seven year old jazel* 

“I want to dance in the rain like the movies” 

“I can’t make it rain, but I can dance with you. which one this time?” 

“nutcracker, pas de deux.” 

“got it.” *he smiles and bows, and they d a n c e*

spoiler alert 

they dance together for the rest of their lives

on the following episode of keeping with the schreaves, ben and wyatt have their fight, which I will refer you to here since it’s not that long and gives good context 

(in the midst of all this, wyatt and gabriella have supah cute moments (he even dreams of kiSSING HER AGH)

(also aran and zara, omg purest of beans like HOLY COW)

they’re pretty awkward for a bit (ben & wyatt), barely talking 

until inspiration strikes ben (some help from selected) and with the help of his trusty not sidekicks/sidekicks (sisters), he puts together a gift for his favorite bro 

a gallery of thirty of wyatt’s pictures that he’s taken, which I will show below 

(essentially a collection of his candids that ben specifically chose when hazel secretly stole some of his film, and a couple ben or hazel took)

(layla helped set up the gallery)

(twas a room filled with all the pictures blown up to different sizes, hanging or on stands, all with their own spotlight)

(they’re beAUTIFUL PICTURES TAKEN BY WYATT AND FAM OKAY)

wyatt is t o u c h e d and they make up a bit, after ben also apologizes and explains himself ofc 

along with some more female guidance *cough* hazel/layla sisterly duo *cough* 

they’re finally on the mend 

all is well 

that is until ben needs to make his final decision… 

to be coNTINUED

[benjaminschreave]

Challenge 2: First Dates

To introduce first dates, we have a little ficlet for y’all to enjoy! All important information can be found at the end of the fic.

—————

w y a t t 

—————

Layla had the honors to burst into Ben’s room first, Hazel and I on her heels as Ben spun on his chair to give us a puzzled look. Layla placed a hand on her hip and simply stated, “We know you have no clue what to do for first dates.“

Ben was quick to defend himself. “You don’t know that.“

“So you do know what you’re going to do?” 

“...No.”

I walked over to Ben’s desk and stole a notebook with a pen, ignoring his attempts to convince Layla he had this under control. “Alright, so first you need a list of date ideas.” Opening a clean page, I walked over to his sitting area and plopped down on one of the chair’s arms, letting my back fall on the seat and reading aloud as I scribbled, “Ways Ben can embarrass himself with other girls.” Ignoring Ben’s offended eye roll, I aimed my question at Hazel and Layla. “Any thoughts?”

—————

I stared at the piece of paper on the coffee table, tapping my fingers on my arm. Twenty-eight dates. It had taken us more than an hour to come up with only twenty-eight dates. I looked up and found the rest of my siblings staring at the paper with the same loathing.

Hazel was the first to break the silence again, mumbling, “You should’ve eliminated more girls.”

Ben sighed, resting his forehead against his hand. 

I leaned forward on my knees, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Come on, we’re almost at thirty. There are no dumb ideas.” 

My brother was bent on proving me wrong though by suggesting they go fishing. Ah yes, our ladies man. I blinked at him and then turned to our sisters. “Okay, so there are some bad ideas.”

“What if you,” Hazel waved a hand in the air, trying to think of something and then settling with, “do something in the gardens?”

I raised an eyebrow, unable to picture it. “Like...planting something?” 

She nodded. 

Ben scoffed. “I know nothing about gardening.” 

I’d forgotten about that. Picking up the notebook, I added the new idea with a smirk. “Gardening it is.” We were now at twenty-nine.

Ben protested, of course, and Layla and Hazel defended the idea so we could just be done with it. The bickering was interrupted when I threw the notebook back on the table. “We’re missing one.”

Everyone groaned.

—————

“Okay, I’ll read them again—”

“NO,” Hazel lunged at me and took the notebook, scribbling something on it and then shoving it in my direction. 

I let out an “oomph” as the notebook hit my chest and chuckled as I read over her rushed handwriting. Stargazing. “This seems too Nicholas Sparks for me.”

She crossed her arms. “Its fine. It’s a date. It can be cute.”

“Well... I actually agree with Wyatt,” Ben mumbled, but as soon as he met Layla and Hazel’s glare he cleared his throat and added, “but you know, some girls like those books. I can work with that.”

“I guess now we just need to assign the girls to a date. I’ve got a very efficiant way to do this.”

Ben watched my amused look and rolled his eyes. “What’s your idea.”

I stood up from my chair. “We need a jar.”

—————

Hazel folded another piece of paper with the name of a Selected, but paused before placing it in the jar. She unfolded it again and read over the name with a frown. “Who put ‘Lizzie’s hunk from Pride and Prejudice’ on this one?”

I took the paper from her. “I don’t know, Ben said something about Darcy.”

Ben’s expression fell flat. “Darcy is the name of a Selected. In ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ Darcy is Fitzwilliam’s last name.”

“Don’t get all trivia master on me, I’ve read Jane Austen too.”

Layla snatched the jar and paper from my hands, “Anyway.” Then picking up the last folded pieces of paper from the table, she put them in the jar. “I do the picking.”

I snatched the notebook from the table before Hazel could and mumbled, “too slow,” as I waited for Layla to start reading out names from the jar. The names would be written down in the order they came out in, placed next to an activity from the list.

Layla shook the jar, plucking out the first piece of paper. “Alright, first up...”

—————

r a v e n — baking favorite desserts

n a t a l i e — pier date by the beach

z a r a — tour around the palace

a h m a r a — scavenger hunt

g a b r i e l l a — baseball lesson

d a r c y — painting class

s t e l l a — picnic in the garden

a m a l i a — hike to waterfall

c e l a e n a — horseback ride to cove

c a n d y — ice skating

n a t a l y a — getty museum

v i v i e n n e — aquarium date

o p h e l i a — drive in movie

f a r a h — bonfire on the beach

t o r y — dessert taste testing

d a n i e l l e — gardening favorite flowers

b r i a n n a — stargazing

—————

Welcome to first dates with Ben! Hope you enjoyed the intro with our favorite Schreaves. As for the picking of first dates, Ester and I actually did choose names randomly out of a jar on a call (because we’re all about the aesthetic ™). 

Anyway, for this challenge and future ones, you won’t be signing up for an rp time. Simply message me when you would like to begin our date and we can discuss from there. If I don’t receive a message from you by next Sunday I’ll be contacting you, and if you don’t rp a date with Ben, you will most likely be eliminated.

RPS AND FICS ARE MANDATORY THIS CHALLENGE

Try to include these in your fics:

What did you do on your date?

What do you think of Prince Ben?

You have two weeks to complete this challenge, it will close on Sunday, May 27th. 

Next week, we will be having our first report with Ellen Degreat, so be on the lookout for a message from her sometime next weekend!

Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions, and keep up those side rps with royals and other Selected!

[gabriellapatterson-blog]

Challenge 5: The ball part 1

A/N: Thanks to @benjaminschreave and @wyattschreave ALSO I am so sorry that Ben looks like a woman. I hate drawing men but I was like “I WANNA TRY IT” so i did and now Gabby has a lesbian lover who slightly resembles a male. 

My eyes scanned the ballroom with strong intent looking for Ben. He shouldn’t be too hard to recognize. Like me he had a pretty simple mask on. Though, my maids hadn’t planned for me to be in a plain mask. They had crafted a very detailed and beautiful baby blue mask to match my dress with some black accents to go with my choker. However, bad things happen when you don’t look where you sit and unfortunately I sat right where the mask had ended up under the covers.

My maids had gone into utter panic mode and managed to find a mask cut out and some leftover fabric from my dress. Sewed the fabric onto the cut out and called it a night. The simple mask made it decently easy for others to recognize me, but I guess their point wasn't really supposed to be a disguise. Finally I caught my eyes on Ben and made my way over to him.

“Hey, lanky giant, wanna dance with me?” I offered wanting to show off my improvement.

He blinked a bit in surprise at my arrival and looked down at me, “No chairs needed?” He asked with a chuckle.

“Darn you figured out who I was way too fast.” I said and tried to bitterly snap, but the gloves stopped anything from actually having audio from my fingers. I looked at my hand sadly for a moment and shook my head before turning my attention back up to him. “And no. Unless you would like me to twirl you, in which case we can probably find one.” I added.

“We can stick with some Gabby gal twirls just for tonight.” He said with a half smile and offered his hand to me.

I took his hand, “You know, I once threw a party. It was 100 times more fancy than this.” I bragged. Yeah right gabby, you were wasted for 90% of that party you have no idea if it was fancy.

We started to dance, “I believe it. Was it also your royal 21st birthday?”

“I can guarantee it was. We had Cheetos for one. And unfortunately no, I'm still 18, though in almost exactly one month that changes. What does this make you, a gemini?” Woo July 29th, keep your eyes out peeps.

He nodded, “Right on the cutoff. One day more and we’d have the same sign.” You really must know nothing of Zodiac signs. End of july is Leo.

“Incorrect, Schreave. We'd almost have the same sign. Similar to you I'm right at the cut off for cancer, but I missed it so I'm a leo. Aren't gemini's supposed to be the 'mean girls' of the zodiacs?”

He let out a short laugh, “Would you really call me a mean girl?”

“Depends, do you have a burn book? Also you did steal me seashell, that was pretty mean. So maybe you are a mean girl.” I chuckled a bit being fully aware of how weird calling him a mean girl sounded.

“If I had a burn book then I couldn’t very well tell you,” He paused to give a pointed smile, “You might be in it.”

I let out a dramatic gasp, “You wouldn't? What could you even write? I'm flawless, even my bawking is better.”

“Lots of things. Juicy secret things.”

I shook my head disapprovingly, “Gemini really are the mean girls. Guess I don't have to google our compatibility tonight since I already know you're a harsh tall mean girl. I hadn't really believed in zodiacs before but considering how spot on yours is I might have to reconsider.”

“Aww, you’d really call me a mean girl on my birthday?”

I chuckled a bit, “Fine you're not a mean girl, you're a problematic girl. Also that just made me think of the "so you just gone bring me a birthday gift on my birthday to my birthday party on my birthday with a birthday gift" vine.”

He laughed at my recital, “I wouldn’t be upset if you brought me a gift. Not in the slightest.”

“Well, I'm glad for that. I did actually make you something. Too weird to take with me to a ball though so I have to give it to you later. To warn you my family only does homemade gifts. It's a very strong rule. Ian, my older sister's fiance, gave my parents a set of oven mitts and such that weren't handmade...he was almost removed from the house. Exaggeration of course, but its handmade incase you aren't a fan of handmade gifts like some are.”

“Any gift from you I’d like.” He smiled a bit. “You sure you don’t want to grab it real quick? I wouldn’t mind having it now.” I chuckled a bit at the image. It was definitely not something you could just give at a ball. Not something that can easily be carried around.

“It really would be very awkward to carry around at a ball. I'll go ahead and tell you what it is so you can understand why if you'd rather understand then keep a surprise. The choice is yours though since it is your gift and if you'd rather it stay secret that's up to you.”

He pursed his lips together, “Let’s say surprise. I like a mystery sometimes.” He answered and gave me a twirl.

“hmm, I'll take that as an excuse to scare you sometime. I haven't seen your horrified face since our study night.”

He gave me a flat look, “I think I can deal without a few heart attacks from now on.”

“Are you sure about that? Maybe just a little heart attack?” Like a little one is any better.

“What’s wrong with keeping my heart at a normal 80 beats per minute?”

“Your face isn't as funny at 80 beats per minute. It's alright though it also wouldn't be funny if it were too frequent.” I’ll have to work with Wyatt on a good scare. I’m sure he’d be thrilled. Just as soon as I make up the shoe theft to him.

“And I’d probably die too. Something else to consider.” He suggested.

“Pshhh that isn't as much of my concern as it losing its humour.” I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes. “you don't seem like too much of a fan of doing pranks yourself though, is it all of the trauma from being on the receiving end?”

“Unfortunately. All fun and games when we were kids until all of you Selected started to conspire against me too.”

“To be fair I have yet to prank you. The only time I scared you I was scared myself and just trying to hide and avoid being a rule breaker. It's not my fault you were startled by a small girl.” I explained having a pretty solid defense.

He opened his mouth to retort but found him stuck and closed it again, then let out a quick sigh, “I’ve got nothing. I scare easy, plain and simple.”

I chuckled, “It's alright. I'm a tough tough 5'2 gal, if there's ever something that goes bump in the night I can handle it.”

He laughed a bit, “You don’t need a lanky giant to help you out?”

“Nah, you'd just get in my way, scaredy cat. You're like the BFG.”

“Hey, I can be an excellent sidekick. I’ve slayed more than a few monsters in my day.”

“Monsters?” I asked with a scoff, “Were they tiny spiders?”

“I... don’t like spiders.” He mumbled before clearing his throat, “And not the kind of monsters I was referring to.” Oh no. Please don’t tell me his ‘edgy and not a normal person’ please don’t. I won’t be able to take it if he starts quoting some teen angst show for thirteen year olds.

I chuckled trying to move on and not think about my new fear, “You're cute. And it's alright I'm not a fan of spiders either. They fall into the insect phobia. Which monsters did you mean?” I asked.

“The ones hiding in my little sister’s closet. I was the very brave older brother a few times.” He answered with a small smile. Thank goodness.

“Ooh. When Riley went off to college I had to be the big old sister for Ellie so I can respect that. It's a tough battle crawling on the ground to check under a bed. Someday Ellie will have to be the brave big sister for Mae too. Once she insisted that it was real and I had to bring a poker into the closet to duel.” I answered proudly. I was a pretty awesome big sister. Though I can also remember going into Riley’s room when I was little and crying that there was a big monster in the curtains.

He laughed, “You’re right, you don’t need me.”

I chuckled, “Nah, if I'm being fair and not acting like I'm absolutely perfect I kinda suck at arguing, well, debating. I get way too into it.” I said being a bit too honest.

“I heard you were a little passionate at the acting lesson.” He said with a small laugh causing my face to flush.

I rolled my eyes to try and play it off, “I apologized to Natalya and we even played a prank on Wyatt together so at least I was able to smooth it over.”

“Don’t worry, I appreciated it. Sounded like you.”

“What's your position on it? Do you think we should flirt with creepy people for connections or run to a bathroom and ask for help?” I asked.

“Well, it’s not always that simple. I wouldn’t ask you to flirt with anyone who made you uncomfortable, but sometimes depending on their position you have to at least be friendly.” His expression sobered a bit, “However if they ever cross a line then you definitely should get someone.”

“Hmm it makes sense in perspective I guess. Later we talked and I kinda understood it more. I used to be 'friends' with a girl named Nina who was on the cheer team. I didn't like her at all but for the sake of the team I put up with her so I guess it's a little like that. She was pretty vile.” I shared.

“Exactly. Some advisors are…” He glanced and looked around, “not the most kind. But we still have to put up with them.”

“Are they the old people who won't let dubstep at the ball? That would make them pretty unkind.”

He chuckled, “Worse. That’s me being discreet.”

“Did you have to invite some of the not as positive people to your birthday ball?”

“Unfortunately. Keep up the good relationship and what not.” We used to have to invite over some distasteful family members on my dads side when we had birthdays, then we would celebrate on our own on the day or a few days after. Maybe I could do something like that for ben.

“Hmmm, gives me an idea. Though, it's for me to know and you to eventually find out. And to calm any fears it's not intended to horrify you.” I said adding in the last part since he might be a bit scared after our previous discussion.

He let out a short laugh, “I’m holding you to that. When can I expect this idea of yours to happen?”

“Soon. Very soon. Otherwise it would be super late. Not tonight though, it requires....scheming. Probably with Wyatt though Hazel is my favourite of your siblings so far. She ate 90% of the white chocolates from the beach which is why there were less of them than the others. But Wyatt has a skill set that I need.” I’ll have to make up the shoe problem.

“Hazel is probably all of our favorite sibling.” He said with a small chuckle, “But yes, anything with a particularly secret skill set, Wyatt will be best at.”

“I wonder if he'll forgive me for stealing all of his shoes for the sake of doing some unknown thing for you.” I thought aloud with a small chuckle.

“Mmm, well lanky giant, I have pleas to now make with your brother on a tight schedule and I'm sure you have old dubstep haters to negotiate with. So we should probably part ways for now. But, before I'd like you to compliment my wicked dance improvement. Because I've done pretty awesome, no foot crushing, no tripping, and most importantly no twerking.” I added.

He laughed a bit, “No one compares to your wicked dance moves, oh majestic dance queen.” He said and gave me another quick twirl, “One more for good luck with Wyatt.”

I chuckled a bit as he twirled me, “Thank you for the luck. I'll need it, Benny boy.” I said once it had finished, gave some quick finger guns as an exit and made my way to find the brother.

Soon I found him and walked up and poked his arm lightly to get his attention, he gave another hard gaze. Jesus he needed to learn how to control that if I were someone important I would have thought the prince of Illea was trying to assassinate me with glaring daggers. His expression softened as he realized it was me, “I need my shoes back.”

“You have one pair.” I answered with a small chuckle. “I'm glad you had to take a moment to figure out it was me. I was bummed when Benny boy guessed it off the bat.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Guessed what?”

“Oh that I'm me. You had to look at me for a moment. You did your scary glare at a stranger touching you.”

He scoffed a laugh, “That’s not a thing, just—” He shook his head and sighed, “What do you want, Gabby?”

“It's happened to me twice now, let me just say it is terrifying. Makes me wish I wasn't alive. And I want your help with something for your brother.” I looked around since I wanted to explain my plan to him but couldn’t without explaining that some of the advisors sucked, so I looked around for a moment before realizing that I don’t know what any of the advisors look like.

“wait I don't even know what they look like.” I mumbled to myself before getting the idea to lean up and whisper in his ear.

“I have to be quiet about it in case there are any old important people around so I don't offend them. It has to do with them sucking.” I explained.

He looked confused and wary as I stood on my tiptoes but burst into laughter at my statement before realizing he had and covered his mouth and sobered up, “yeah... I don’t think they’d appreciate being called that.” He pulled back, “But I’m not doing you any favors. A bunch of left shoes are useless. They’re supposed to be a pair. They’re getting lonely.”

You drive a hard bargain, Wyatt. “Fine, I'll negotiate with Natalya to get some of your shoes back. It'll be a tough fight though. Will you help me now?” Didn’t say a matching right shoe but maybe he won’t notice.

He grumbled a bit, “Depends. You still haven’t told me what you want.”

“Oh, I need help kidnapping your brother and sneaking him out of the palace for like a surprise birthday celebration, since he had to have a bunch of-” I paused and lowered my voice, “old people who he doesn't like-” I raised it back to my normal level, “come.”

He looked amused, “Kidnapping, huh? Well, it is one of my side jobs. Next to smuggling and raiding.”

“Don't forget wall evaluation. I still have no idea where we would take him since I don't know this part of Angeles but I can google it later. We should talk methods for kidnapping.”

“I can help you pick something later. As for methods” He paused to think for a moment.

“I could tell him to go out as we usually do. I’ll just be vague as to what we’re doing and then we’ll surprise him with your presence.”

“Thank you wyatt. Soon you will have right shoes added to your left. We should probably do it soon though so it isn't like years after his birthday. Obviously, not tonight but soon.” I added.

He snorted, “I’ll try to figure out when’s the closest day we can do it. Inviting a bunch of people we might not want around is a common thing for our birthdays though.” It is for most people too.

“Hmmm must be a pain. Though I imagine it's similar to having to invite a racist aunt or grandparents.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Harsh. Our grand dad thought he was better than lower castes, but we actually had to live with him.”

“Yup, I get that. My folks on my dads side are similar. Unfortunate for us they're the ones who live in Angeles and the chill ones in Clermont. Really makes holidays a stress.”

He looked amused, “you just need someone to kidnap you after the holidays.”

I chuckled, “Clearly. So what did you get your brother? When I was distracting you while Natalya did the dirty work I asked but you seemed to be very against sharing until he had it.”

He smiled proudly, “I have no good reason to tell you after what you did.”

“I'm fixing it plus I'm curious. Not to mention who knows what I'd do while trying to distract from my curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, someone could end up with only bow ties instead of normal ties.”

He hummed as he considered, “I look really good in ties...but I guess I could tell you. It’s not as exciting as you might think.”

“Hmm I have pretty low expectations and pretty high curiosity so even if it's not super exciting I will be satisfied by knowing.”

He stared at the crowd for a moment, “It’s an unfinished album.” album?

“Wait- like you're making him an album or is it like a playlist of songs?”

He nearly choked on a drink he had taken from a waiter, “I meant a photo album.”

I let out a small laugh I had been holding in now that the confusion was cleared up, “Thank goodness. I was picturing Wyatt the rapper laying down some beats.” I laughed a bit more before composing myself, “Do you take a lot of pictures?” I asked.

He nodded, “You're in some of them.” He then thought for a moment before making an aha face. “There's this one where you're looking at your eating utensils with the greatest dread ever. It's pretty amazing.”

My face flushed for a moment, “Why?! It's not my fault that someone decided to trap the utensils in napkin bondage. Why would someone even do that? They're like "oh oh? You think you're ready to eat now that you're seated and have food?" Wrong. Time to learn, origami.”

He laughed again, “I’m sure they do it to trick people like you. No respect.”

“Really cruel. Why not just put the utensils on top of the napkin? Why do they need to fold them? Honestly, I'd like a reasonable explanation.”

“I’ll ask the napkin staff whenever I get the chance. And I’ll tell Ben about that horror we’ve never considered before. I’m sure when he’s King, he’ll ban the art of napkin folding forever.”

I rolled my eyes with a slight scoff, “You can hardly call it an art.”

He smirked as he looked down at me, “What would you call it, oh great, wise Gabriella?”

“A slight annoyance. Similar to how I would refer to you, of wise and great Wyatt.”

He raised an eyebrow and tipped an invisible hat, “Touché.”

[opheliagardinier]

tequila mockingbird

Imma just tell ya’ll right now tequila is bad.

Thank you so much to Bri @benjaminschreave and Ester @wyattschreave for putting up with my BS and suffering through this. Also kudos to Ester for her detective work, I’m still impressed.

This fic is in combination with the challenge, which happens the evening after the majority of the fic takes place. And like I said in close encounters of the bird kind this fic comes after that- despite it being my official challenge three.

The girls in Fee’s acting group noticed something was off- and if you read Darcy’s challenge three fic she talks about this. Well, this is where you get your answers my friends. I’ll warn you that it may seem a bit uncharacteristic of Fee but she’s got some stuff going on as you’ll see.

Thank you to Anya @ladyvivienneloyola , Simone @darcyduncan , Luna @zara-flores , and Brianna @laylaschreave for the group rp!

word count: 9708

As we all shuffled out of the Great Room following dinner I looked around to see if I could spot Wyatt. When I saw him headed the opposite direction I broke into a little jog.

“Hey, Wyatt,” I said, catching up to him.

Wyatt looked over his shoulder. He lifted an eyebrow as a smirk formed on his face when he saw it was me. And of course being an ass he began walking faster.

Son of a b- fuck. Queen Isobel isn’t a bitch.

“Don’t make me chase you.” I huffed, trying to keep up with him. “I’m wearing heels.”

“What do you want Ophelia?” Wyatt laughed. He finally stopped and turned to face me.

“Ophelia?” I scrunched my nose up but then shook off my annoyance. “I wanted to make up for what happened the other day.”

Wyatt looked down at the splint that covered his wrist. It had been a few weeks yet he still wore it- maybe as a reminder to me...

“This old thing? It’s got some style to it.” He gave me a pointed look, staring back. “I won’t forgive you for not keeping your end of the bargain though.”

So that’s why he’d run. Wyatt was seriously hung up on me not yelling about chickens. Of course, he is.

“I'm sorry I was too busy making sure you and your brother were okay after you fell out of a tree.” I rolled my eyes at him.

Wyatt dramatically waved the hand with the splint. I swear to god Wyatt.

“That was nothing.” He accusingly pointed at me. “We had a deal.”

“Well, don't you worry. I'm sure you'll cash in the favour I now owe you.” I raised my eyebrows at him.

Jesus. He falls out of a tree and suddenly he turns into a diva. If only I had a Snickers...

“I don’t know, I could also just ignore you from now on.” Wyatt crossed his arms and gave me a crooked smile.

I squinted at him. Right then I became all the more grateful that I was an only child. Because something told me that if there had been an Ophelia 2.0 he or she would have been like Wyatt. Not that he wasn’t amazing- amazingly infuriating.

“Somehow I feel like that just isn't your style.” I took a step towards him and lightly tapped his splint. “And like I said- I have some making up to do.”

Wyatt raised an eyebrow at me. I had yet to meet their father but I was really starting to wonder where those boys got those little quirks from. Though I was certain it wasn’t their mother.

“You think I’m not the type to ignore? I think you would be wrong there.”

“Oh come on.” I scoffed. Peering up at Wyatt I gave him a look of so help me. “Let's just go, okay? You can ignore me later.”

Wyatt debated for a moment before turning to walk away again. I bent over and removed my heels. After picking them up I began chasing after him once more.

“Wyatt Schreave you're coming out with me. I will not take no for an answer.”

He turned around slightly but continued walking away with his stupid long legs.

“Your way of making it up to me is taking me out? That won’t work.” Wyatt chuckled.

I let out a grunt of frustration. Why did he always have to be so difficult? Was it really so hard to say ‘Yes, Fee, I’d love to go out with you, especially since you’re trying to make up for me falling out of a tree’.

“Would you stop running away?!” I exclaimed trying to keep pace with him. “And yes. We're going out.”

“It's funny you're not getting any faster despite your heels being off.” Wyatt let out a chuckle as he kept moving away from me.

I looked down at the shoes I held for a moment, contemplating whether or not to chuck them at him. But decided not to because of the whole “violence is bad” thing.

“It's funny you're a prince but you can really be a dick.” I jogged after him, catching up once more.

“Wow, language. We're proper people at this palace.” His smirk widened as he raised an eyebrow at me.

I tugged at one of Wyatt’s arms, trying to pull him towards an exit.

“Come on, smartass.” I rolled my eyes.

“Why exactly do you think this will make me happy?” Wyatt paused, not letting me move him.

He must have just picked up on the fact that I was serious. I tugged him harder to no avail. Fuck. Jam isn’t this difficult.

“Because you get to spend time me.” I flashed him a smile, then pulled him again. “And because I think you need to let off some steam. Now let's go, Hamilton. We have some shots to take.”

“Last time we spent time together I fell off a tree.” He snorted. “And I don't drink shots. I don't like to throw them away...but drinking them down is a no.”

I let out a sigh. The boy was killing me.

“Well first off, you don't drink them. You take them. And second, you may not take them but I do. So chop chop, Wyatt.”

We were doing this. I needed to get out of the palace, I needed a buddy, and he was the only person I could think of.

“See, I don't even know terminology…”

“Well, you're with an expert. I can teach you.” I told him.

I began shoving him towards the door. Wyatt looked around for a moment. I could tell he wanted to make a break for it, but in the end, he simply grunted and began walking with me.

“So how do we bust out of here?” I looped my arm through his as we headed out a pair of side doors.

My plan may have been to snag Wyatt after dinner but beyond that there was zip. I had no clue how to get out of the palace.

Wyatt glared at me but then rolled his eyes.

“I need to change out of this suit first.” He started leading me down a different hallway.

“Just take the jacket off and you'll be fine,” I told him.

Wyatt Schreave I swear to god you’re not getting off this easily.

“Fine.” Wyatt sighed. “But I'm not showing you how to get out of the palace. We're leaving through the front gates.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. What the fuck? That’s exactly how we get caught.

“Where's the fun in that?”

“HA, you thought I was going to teach you how to sneak out of the palace? Nice try, but no.” Wyatt laughed.

He reached into one of his pockets and took out his phone to text someone. The reply came quickly and after responding he rolled his eyes. A few messages later he shoved the phone back into his pocket. After mumbling in defeat we headed through the gardens towards the front gates.

“What's wrong?” I asked, giving him a concerned look.

“Nothing. Just making sure we can leave the palace without guards tailing us. You chose a good day for this weird peace offering of yours. Hazel's friend is keeping guard at the gates today.”

“Well, thank you Hazel's friend,” I smirked at him. “I'm not sure this will bring you peace though.”

“No, because you're clearly the worst at making it up to people and you don't know me.”

While he did make a point that I didn’t know him he was wrong about the first part. He had no way of knowing whether or not I was good at making things up to people.

“Hence why we're going to hang out.” I waved my hand around.

“Uh huh.”

Eventually, we reached the gates which had a guard stationed on either side. The pair exchanged looks before one of them nodded and their attention turned to Wyatt, who sighed but plastered a smile on his face.

“Officer Clemenza, have I ever told you how much I love my siblings?”

Officer Clemenza smirked while his fellow officer let out a snort.

“Why no, Highness, you haven't.”

“Well, I do,” Wyatt told him. “They're my light in moments of darkness.”

The second officer burst out laughing while Officer Clemenza just chuckled. He then went to pull the gates open, telling Wyatt he’d pass that message along to his sister. Wyatt rolled his eyes in amusement as we walked through.

“Yeah, I'm sure she'll love that. You can also tell her she sucks.”

“Well, that must run in the family.” I gave Wyatt a sweet smile.

“What does?” Wyatt asked looking over.

I’d only been kidding. Of the Schreaves, I’d met so far I had yet to find one that sucked. They each had been kind and humorous. And good kissers- from the one I’d kissed.

“Don't worry about it,” I told Wyatt, giving him a light tap on the shoulder with my free hand.

“I can still run back in there and ignore you, you know?” Wyatt told me, raising an eyebrow.

“Let's just go, party pooper.” I rolled my eyes.

Wyatt took off his jacket and after staring at it for a moment he shrugged and went to wrap it around his waist.

“I don't know where you plan to take me. You don't  even know Angeles.”

With a chuckle, I pulled the jacket from his waist. Wyatt took a step back as I removed his jacket then watched me in confusion.

“Here give that to me.” I shrugged his jacket on. “And for your information, I actually do happen to know a place or two in Angeles.”

I’d been to Angeles more than once and seen my fair share. It wasn’t that far from Sonage and I had a reason to visit often.

“Right…” He mumbled. “Well, then what places are those?”

“Wouldn't you like to know,” I smirked at his naivety then as I looped my arm through his again I threw him a proud smile. “Young sir I'm going to take you to a club you never even knew existed.”

Wyatt eyed my arm as he mumbled something about how he doubted he wouldn’t know the place. He was wrong of course. Some things were such well-kept secrets that even someone as elevated in status as Wyatt wouldn’t have known.

“Trust me- you don't.” I tugged on him. “So let's get to walking.”

“You need to tell me where we're going though. I can't just walk through every street.”

I was starting to feel like I’d misjudged Wyatt. Initially, he’d been cocky and relentless… But now…? Wyatt seemed on edge.

Today at 7:44 AM

“You're a very anxious person, you know that?” I looked around as I let out a sigh. “We're going down 5th until we hit Alder Street and then we're walking a few blocks until we hit Illéa Avenue. Is that acceptable?”

I’d almost been tempted to throw in a little “Your Highness” but I decided it was probably best I didn’t push my luck. At least not like that.

“No, because I can’t be seen just walking on any street.” Wyatt gave me a flat look. “Illéa Avenue isn’t crowded enough so that means I can be recognized quickly. We’ll need a slightly different route, that’s all I meant. You don’t want to be recognized when I’m around, trust me.”

I tilted my head at him. He’s really laying on the dramatics today, isn’t he?

“You act like you're famous or something,” I smirked at him, before sighing. “And actually there's a festival going on tonight- so Illéa Avenue will be packed.”

There. Hopefully, that’ll put his little mind at ease. 

“Wyatt spared me a glance but then added with a smug smile. “If someone recognizes me I’ll just throw you at them as a distraction and run off.”

We’d finally gotten completely off palace grounds by that point and were making our way down 5th.

“Like I'd expect you to do anything else.” I rolled my eyes. “And for the record, no one will recognise you so stop worrying.”

“If you’re right about the festival, no one should. We tend to avoid going out during events though.”

I smirked at him. Poor poor boy- you have no idea, do you? A part of me wished that I’d gotten Ben to come to do this with me. But I owed Wyatt.

“Oh trust me. I'm right.” I did my best to hold back a laugh.

“Why are you so sure?” Wyatt inquired as we turned on to Alder street.

Thus far we had yet to see a soul, which was a promising sign. The last thing he needed was another mishap like what had happened in the club with Ben a few weeks prior. He’d asked why I was certain that he didn’t know where we were going and that had been why. Because had Ben and Wyatt known about where we were headed that sloppy club kiss would have never been caught.

“Just-” I fought off more laughter. “Just trust me.”

“Hmm, I’ll only do so because you trusted me with the prank. But only because of that.”

“Oh after this you'll never trust me again,” I muttered under my breath.

“What?” He asked, giving me a side glare.

I smiled at him, telling him it was nothing and to stop worrying. He complained more about how the last time he’d gone out like this it hadn’t gone as expected. Ah, yes, the infamous kiss.

“Yeah, no shit, Sherlock. It's because you didn't go to the right place.”

As we approached Illéa Avenue a smile spread across my face. My heart swelled with joy as I took in the chaos of the festival before us. I glanced over at Wyatt as I waited for him to piece things together.

“What is this festival about again…” He asked, looking as if he were about to pinch himself because this was all a dream.

“This my dear Wyatt is the first Annual Royal Lookalike Festival,” I told him with a smirk as we entered the crowd.

Just then a festival goer dressed as Wyatt walked up and looked us each up and down.

“Amazing costume man! You look like the real deal and you even got a lookalike for one of those girls.” He held up his hand.

“Thanks! We've been working on the costumes all week!” I replied in a valley-girlesque voice as I high fived the fake Wyatt.

Real Wyatt stared for a moment before smiling back. I knew he’d be able to take a little light-hearted joke. Or at least I’d hoped. But it seemed to be working out alright.

“Yours isn’t too shabby, Wyatt.” He said in a lower voice than his usual, as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

I laughed as I pulled Wyatt away and led us deeper into the crowds. Glancing back I asked if he was still worried. And of course, Wyatt being Wyatt he told me he wasn’t sure whether he should be honoured or creeped out.

“I'm leaning towards creeped out,” I said, as I pulled him out of the street and led him down the sidewalk, towards an alley.

“They’re basically cosplaying...actual people.”

“It's not that crazy you know…” I looked over at him. “Think of all the movies you've seen based on the lives of real people.”

We made our way into the alley, which was near pitch black by now since the shadows of the neighbouring buildings stole what little light was left in the sky. Wyatt seemed a bit tense as he somewhat nervously once again asked where we were going. The boy probably thought I’d lured him out to commit regicide- or whatever the equivalent was when it came to murdering a prince.

I stopped walking as we neared a single light, which was above a door at the end of the alley.

“Right here,” I told him, reaching forward to knock on the door.

“If this is a cult thing, I’m also throwing you at them and running away,” Wyatt whispered, leaning in closer to me. “For your sake, this better be a club.”

“If this is a cult then clearly I'm a member and it's too late for you.” I chuckled.

The door opened and the world’s greatest bouncer stood before us.

“Hey, Lennox- I think Kit called?”

“He did and said you were bringing a guest.” Lenn nodded, looking at Wyatt sceptically.

I turned to Wyatt and nudged him, coughing lightly. Say something for Christ’s sake. Don’t just stand there. Wyatt cleared his throat.

“Evan.” He said with a smile. “Nice to meet you.”

If I had any suspicions that Wyatt had been here before and just wasn’t letting on they were long gone by now. Lennox must have caught that because he raised his eyebrows in amusement.

“I know who you are "Evan".” Lenn took a few steps back to make some space for us to pass. As I walked by he glanced over at me and added. “Christian isn't here by the way.”

“Thanks for telling me, Lenn.” I sighed, looking back at Wyatt.  “You coming?”

Wyatt gave Lennox a sloppy salute then followed me inside. Once you got into the dark hallway you could hear the faint sound of loud music coming from above. I told Wyatt we had to go to the top floor as I moved in the direction of the stairs. He followed me with a nod.

“Ready?” I asked over the music, looking back at Wyatt as we neared the top floor.

With a lopsided grin, Wyatt told me I was making a big deal out of the whole thing and that his reaction would likely disappoint me. I rolled my eyes and told him to shush.

When we reached the top of the stairs I pushed the door open, with Wyatt trailing not too far behind me. Inside the lights flashes over the throng of people scattered around the club. Without skipping a beat Wyatt began making his way towards the bar.

“So much for you saying you don't know what to do.” I half yelled over the music as I followed him.

“I never said I didn't know what to do at a bar.” He called back as we reached the bar.

I smirked at him. Look at you playing all innocent. I should have known better. Then again Wyatt hadn’t been the one to have a club photo splashed all over the front pages.

“Well then, Wyatt, let's see what you've got.”

I waved the bartender over, while Wyatt spared me a glance as he insisted that my expectations were too high.

“Old Etonian,” Wyatt ordered without hesitation.

I bit back a laugh as my eyebrows raised. Leave it to Wyatt “Overdramatic” Schreave to order the most pretentious drink possible.

“Of course that's what you'd want. But if you're drinking gin I guess I will too.” I sighed, turning to the bartender. “And a Rosemary Blue for me please.”

“Are you feeling alright tonight, Fee?” He asked, giving me a curious look.

It was a far cry from my usual drink repertoire.

“Never better, Lou,” I answered, motioning to Wyatt. “But what His Highness wants His Highness gets.”

Wyatt responded saying that no one had asked me to drink gin. While that was true I had recently been working on a little thing called “taking one for the team” and this seemed like a time to practice just that.

“Well, the "team" is fine if you don't drink gin. What do you usually get?” He asked with a smirk. “Vodka?”

I rolled my eyes. The thought of the awful stuff was enough to make me gag. Someone had to have no taste buds to enjoy vodka.

“Vodka is for 15-year-olds with no taste and their sole motivation of drinking is getting trashed.” I leaned up on to my tiptoes and looked at the other options behind the bar. “At least tequila does the job but has taste.”

“Oh, I'll let Ben know.” Wyatt burst out laughing.

“Oh god. Tell me he doesn't drink vodka.”

My eyes widened in surprise. Dealbreaker.

“No, I'm joking, but I agree with you,” Wyatt told me when his laughter finally subsided as he took in my reaction.

“You really had me going there for a second.” I shook my head at him in disapproval.

He wore an amused expression as he turned to face the crowd.

“I wouldn't let my brother drink that.”

“Oh, how thoughtful of you. A sibling who doesn't let his brother drink gasoline.” I winked at him, touching my chest.

“So you know about this place because of that friend Kit of yours?” Wyatt asked, making a face.

I nodded as my eyes scanned the crowd. Lenn already told you he isn’t here...

“Are you.. searching for him?” His eyes narrowed at me.

“No, sorry.” I looked back at him, shaking my head as I cleared my throat.

Wyatt’s expression became more serious as he went back to looking ahead.

“I'm not blind. Is he your crush or something?”

“Crush?” It was now my turn to narrow my eyes at my companion.

“I wouldn’t expect you to be in the Selection if he was your secret boyfriend, so yeah. Crush.”

Lou walked back to where we stood and set our drinks down on the counter. Without waiting for Wyatt I picked mine up and took an enormous sip.

“He's neither,” I answered, scowling as I turned back to Wyatt.

Wyatt nodded as he took his drink, leaning his elbow against the bar. And then as Wyatt always did he went and asked what Kit was to me.

“My best friend.” I took another substantial swig. “Nothing more. Nothing less.”

“You sighed when the bodyguard brought him up.” He noted, taking a drink.

“Am I not allowed to sigh?” I asked.

“You’re allowed, but it means you’re either: sad you couldn’t see your friend... or upset he was brought up in the first place. I’m not sure which.”

In such a short span of time, it seemed that Wyatt had really thought all of this out. I did have to give him some points for that.

“I was disappointed he wasn't here. Will that answer suffice?” I took another sip and motioned around the club. “He knew I'd be here and yet- as you can see…”

“So the first. Is he avoiding you?”

“He has no reason to be.” I scowled.

Another lie. He had every reason to avoid me. If I’d declared my love for him only to be rejected I’d have probably avoided him for a while. Hell, it was a miracle he’d even answered the phone when I’d called earlier, let alone gotten me into the club with such short notice.

“That you don’t keep your deals?”

“I'm sorry, okay? I promise I didn't mean to let you down.” I glanced over before taking another mouthful of my drink. “Any anyway I now owe you whatever favour, so that should be some consolation.”

“I’m sure I’ll think of something.” He grinned, following my lead with his Old Etonian. “So this friend of yours...Is he the real reason you wanted to come here? Was I just dragged along because you needed a way out?”

“I'm sure you will.” I chuckled. “I've been itching to get out of the palace actually- and what's an adventure without company? Seeing him would have been nice though.”

Because then I could at least ask him what in the hell he thought he was doing.

I stared down at my Rosemary Blue. I heard Wyatt sighed and looked over to see him set his drink back down on to the counter.

“Do you want to dance? I can stand next to you and you can pretend I'm doing something.”

“Did you just invite me to dance- by myself?” I gave him a look of confusion.

“I'll be standing there. Moral support. I don't dance to this type of music.”

I rolled my eyes and told him that he could request something else if he wanted. Being the kind person I was I even pointed out the DJ for him. Despite the strange offer, I downed what little remained of my drink and after setting the glass onto the bar I told him I’d dance with or without the moral support, then headed out towards the dance floor.

I looked back at Wyatt and motioned for him to join me. He finished the rest of his Old Etonian and made his way to where I was in the crowd. As he shoved his uninjured hand into his pocket he began to nonchalantly survey the people that surrounded him.

“Oh come on. You know you want to.” I twirled around him, smiling just a little as I went.

“Actually, no, I don't want to-” As if to prove a point he mimicked my twirl in an overdramatic way as he plastered a big fake smile across his face, before returning to standing still. “Unless I'm trying to make Hazel laugh.”

I put my bottom lip out and pretended to pout as I asked if I wasn’t worth trying to make laugh. Wyatt gave me his usual flat look and told me he could sway.

I reached out and grabbed his hand as the song changed.

“Dance!” I exclaimed as I tried to spin him around.

Wyatt let out a sigh, staring at the people around him. But to my surprise, he twirled around once, though did little more beyond that. I pulled on his arm and shimmied back and forth, grinning at him.

“You’re lucky you’re not a stranger.” He told me, glaring slightly.

“Was that-” I feigned shock. “A compliment?”

“No.” He scoffed, before giving me a fake apologetic look as he placed his injured ar across his chest. “We’re not there yet Ophelia.”

“I can't believe you dislike me enough to call me that.” I shook my head.

Ophelia… I heard Alex’s voice say. No... Don’t think about him- not now.

“Your name? You’re right. I’m awful.”

“For Christ's sake just call me Fee, okay?” I rolled my eyes.

Wyatt threw me an amused look as he told me that Fee sounded like a nickname for close friends. I shook my head in response.

“The only person who doesn't call me that is your brother and-”

“Fee!” Someone exclaimed from behind me.

I let go of Wyatt’s hand and spun around to see who had called me. It turned out to be Ruby, a mutual friend through Kit, who promptly pulled me into a hug and told me she couldn’t believe I was there.

“It’ll be our little secret.” I laughed, pulling back.

“You must be so excited with the wedding.” Ruby smiled.

“Wedding?” I frowned in confusion.

“Christian and Ivy!” She beamed.

My face fell. Wedding…? My mind raced. What on earth did she mean wedding. He told me they had just gotten back together- and even then they’d always been touch and go. But of course, that was just Ivy for you.

“What…?” I whispered, glancing back at Wyatt, before looking back to Ruby. “I’m sorry, it’s been great seeing you but I have to go.”

Without saying anything else or waiting for Wyatt I rushed back through the crowd and put in another order with Lou.

“So…” Wyatt said, leaning against the bar when he’d caught up with me, despite the fact that I was already downing a shot.

“Hey, Lou? I'm going to need about 7 more of these.” I said, motioning to the first shot glass as I set it down on the counter.

“One of those kinds of nights?” Lou asked, with the concern visible on his face.

Yet he still got to work pouring more shots of tequila. Lou really was the best.

“You better believe it.” I nodded, then turned to Wyatt.

My hands waved around as I let out an angry sigh.

“Those aren’t actual words, you know?” Wyatt told me.

Lou set a few more shots down on the counter and without hesitation, I downed about four of them. Only then did I turn back to Wyatt.

“What do you want me to say?” I asked.

Wyatt told me that maybe I should explain why I was getting drunk because he was debating leaving me in the club.

“If your best friend didn't tell you he was getting married to a girl you don't like wouldn't you drink?”

I lifted two more shots off Lou before he could set them on the counter and took them. The alcohol taste bubbled up in the back of my throat, but I ignored it. Not tonight, tequila.

“Depends on why you don't like her,” Wyatt stated, then asked Lou for a glass of water.

“I believe the words best used to describe her would be heinous bitch. But sure tell me I should be happy for him.”

“What has she done? Is this why your friend’s avoiding you? Because you don’t like his girlfriend?” He pressed for more details, then scoffed. “What a wuss.”

Wuss indeed.

“That's not the reason he's avoiding me.” I shook my head, glowering at the crowd.

One more and then it’s dancing time.

“Then what is it?’ Wyatt asked.

I reached down and picked up another shot- only to find it wasn’t alcohol. Damn it Wyatt. He’d refilled the shot with water.

“Ask me in about 20 minutes and I'll probably tell you.” I glared at him.

I turned away from him and stalked out into the crowd. And then without a second thought, I began to dance, just in time for a bit of the Rosemary Blue to hit me. The feeling of Wyatt’s stare followed me, but I shrugged it off and focused on enjoying myself.

I moved to the music, ignoring everyone around me. As the lights swept over me and people surrounded me I got caught up in the feeling of not caring. If Kit wants Ivy then he can be my guest.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been dancing when I felt someone take my wrist. I would have yanked it back had I not seen that it was Wyatt. He yelled that it was time to go back to the palace.

‘Why?” My eyebrows furrowed, and I swayed a little as he began to pull me through the crowd.

“Because you're drunk and it's late and I want to go home.”

I rolled my eyes. Heaven forbid we have a little fun. Whoa… alcohol reporting for duty.

“Fine. Party pooper.” I booped his nose.

He blinked at me as he pulled himself away from my touch. Then in the typical Wyatt fashion, he told me not to do the booping, as he led me towards the stairwell.

“Don't do this?” I asked, tapping his nose again.

There was no verbal response from him- just the rolling of eyes as we entered the stairwell. The sudden decrease in the volume of the music surprised me, as did the coolness that greeted us.

‘Whoa there, Nelly. Hold your horses.” I slowed my pace as we began descending the stairs. “This isn't a race.”

Wyatt slowed down without completely stopping, muttering something about staying home under his breath. I leaned up against him and asked if I was really so bad. Wyatt made a disgusted face, pulling away from me.

“Right now? Yeah. You know even less about personal space when you're drunk.” He complained.

I rolled my eyes and let out a groan as I shoved Wyatt away from me. Without uttering a single word I dashed down the stairs towards the exit, only shouting a short goodbye at Lenn. I ran down the alley and made my way into the crowded street sans Wyatt.

I heard him yell for me to wait up, but I elected to ignore the suggestion, instead dancing and twirling my way through the throng of people. Wyatt caught my arm just as I’d made it on to the sidewalk across the street from the club.

“Don’t run off.”

“Scared?” I teased, spinning away from him.

Wyatt rolled his eyes, asking if we could go home. I let out a defeated response as I stopped walking and bent over to remove my heels. He let out a sigh of relief, glancing down at his splint for the billionth time the evening.

Damn… what a tree and ten feet can do...

“It’s been 20 minutes,” Wyatt stated. “What’s the answer?”

“The answer is 42.” I giggled, leaning down to pick up my shoes.

“No... I meant-” He groaned, seeming to pause to collect himself. “What did Christian do? Or what did you do? Or his girlfriend. I’m not really sure at this point.”

“I didn't do anything.” I scowled. “It was Kitty and his stupid feelings.”

It gave me some satisfaction to call him Kitty. Wyatt didn’t know it but the nickname bugged the shit out of Christian, and at that moment the thought made me extremely happy- even if I wasn’t.

“... is Kitty a new character in this wild telenovela you’ve got going on that I’m not aware of?”

“Christian, Kitty, Kit.” I rolled my eyes. “Same person. Just because you don't have a nickname doesn't mean other people aren't allowed to

I folded my arms around myself as we turned onto another street. Part of me was thankful that Wyatt was with me… because truth be told I didn’t have a whole lot of experience getting from downtown Angeles all the way to the palace.

“I’m sorry, it gets confusing when you call a guy I’ve never met three different names. That doesn’t mean I have anything against nicknames or that I don’t have one myself.” Wyatt shook his head. “We’re going off topic again. What feelings are you talking about?”

“Okay, so I love chocolate right?” I shrugged, continuing down the sidewalk, becoming vaguely aware of the ache in my feet.

“Um, sure.” He told me as I reached out to boop his nose again.

“I’m his chocolate.”

“He loves you.” Wyatt took my hand as my fingertip brushed against his nose, raising an eyebrow at my announcement. “And you....?”

“What kind of question is that?” I asked, looking at the way his hand held mine.

For someone who isn’t touchy he sure seems to touch me a freaking lot.

In a serious tone, Wyatt asked if Kit was my chocolate as well.

“Would I have kissed your brother if he was my chocolate?” I pulled my hand back.

“Maybe. I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.” His head tilted up.

Without answering I skipped off with a hum. But of course, Wyatt caught me, stepping directly into my path to stop me from going any further.

Oh no, you don't get to do that.” He told me.

I'm allowed to skip.” I argued, sticking my tongue out at him.

“Yes, but not if you ignore my question.”

Am I? Because I’m pretty sure I’m not.

“I already answered your question,” I told him with the frustration audible in my voice.

Wyatt told me that I’d deflected and answered a different question. Rubbing my forehead I asked what he wanted. Once more he asked if I had feelings for Christian.

“If I didn't have feelings for him he wouldn't be my best friend now would he?” I answered as I looked down at my hands then back up to Wyatt with a sad expression. “I think I left my shoes.”

I could have sworn I’d picked them up… but I must have dropped them… I really had liked those ones too. Astrid was going to murder me.

Wyatt grabbed me by the shoulder, looking at me with a pleading look. I could hear the defeat in his voice.

“Please?” His volume lowered. “Ben doesn't know what it's like to fall for someone he can't be with... And I'm not about to let him find out.”

“Because you know what that's like? Or what anything else is like?” I shot Wyatt an angry look as I shoved his hands off my shoulders. “You live in a palace with servants. I've spent years of my life having to look over my shoulder so you have no right to tell me what I can and can't do.”

“Well, first of all, I never told you what you can't or can't do. I just made questions.” He pointed out. “You know what you're getting yourself into. You know that he could fall for someone else. He has the right to know you could fall for someone else too.”

Yes, and I could be struck by lightning or mauled to death by one of the palace horses… Hamilton perhaps?

It was admirable how much Wyatt seemed to love his brother- a feeling I’d not gotten the joy of experiencing. Yet there came a point where it was just meddling. But that wasn’t what angered me the most at that moment.

“You want to tell me about love and how it hurts?” I took a step back. “Try having someone walk away because they can't handle the truth and try having them tell you how worthless and low you are. And after all, that's happened you spend every single day wondering if they'll turn you in.”

I spun on my heels- or at least as best as I could given the no shoes situation and I began stalking off towards the palace. My blood was near boiling by that point, but I tried to calm myself as I strode away.

Then Wyatt said something I wasn’t expecting to hear… from his lips or anyone else’s...

“You were... pregnant. Weren’t you?”

I whirled around to face him, standing motionless and silent for a moment.

“Wyatt...?” I whispered.

My mind raced. What on earth had Lou been telling him when he was at the bar? Do I tell the truth? Do I lie?

Instead of doing either I let Wyatt say his piece, though he seemed to speak with some reluctance.

“I don’t know if I’m right... but the bartender mentioned after you broke up with Alex you disappeared for a while…” He began, looking away from a moment as he spoke. “And with the way you’re talking it sounds like he-  Really hurt you. And knows you committed some sort of... crime that could get you in trouble with our current law.”

Wyatt talking to me about Alex seemed so wrong. He shouldn’t have even known the name, let alone had the nerve to actually bring him up to me. But at least he was uncomfortable, which I could tell by the way he awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck.

Wyatt went on, telling me about how when there had still been Eights his mother would take him and his siblings to some charity with girls who had gotten pregnant out of wedlock. As if he actually knows the reality of the situation...

“Some- some didn’t want to risk getting caught and they did what they thought was needed. Others were even forced by their own parents to do so.” He faltered slightly, shaking his head. “But then someone would turn them in anyway. Or it would not go as expected and they’d end up in the hospital where they’d have to admit what had happened…”

Was that what he was waiting for? Some confession from me? Did he want me to throw my arms around him and beg his forgiveness? Because if so- he had the wrong damn girl.

“I don't know what Lou told you but I don't owe you any explanations.” I pushed Wyatt away again. “Especially when you don't have the first clue what you're talking about.”

I turned away from him and took a few steps. I could feel his eyes on me the same way they’d been in the club, but just like before I decided to ignore it. And so I continued on towards the palace without Wyatt, not stopping to wait for him until I reached the gates.

Somehow I managed to thank the guards as they let us in but otherwise remained silent until we neared a set of doors.

“I'm sorry I yelled at you,” I whispered, glancing over.

“I’ll consider forgiving you.” Wyatt nodded, giving me a small smile.

“I think the favour I owe you got bigger.” I let out a soft giggle.

The incident with the pigeons seemed like a lifetime ago now. But in reality, it had only been a few weeks.

“Maybe.” He chuckled, using his head to gesture towards the stairs as we got inside. “Let’s take you to your room. I don’t need to be blamed for a lost Selected tomorrow.”

I nodded in agreement, taking a step closer to Wyatt.

“Can I?” I asked, motioning to his arm. “It's kind of hard to walk right now.”

“Well, would you look at that. Learning about arm consent.” Wyatt offered his arm to me. “Sure thing.”

I let out a sigh and closed my eyes at his comment. Leave it to him to be sarcastic at a time like this.

“I need to sleep,” I mumbled, taking his arm.

“Sorry, I make dumb jokes 85% of the time.” Wyatt gave me an apologetic smile as he began leading me up the stairs. “I’m picky with my personal space sometimes”

“Mmmmm I can tell.” I rubbed my face with my free hand.

“There’s nothing wrong with it.” A smile tugged at his lips.

I groaned in response, only half listening by that point. My bed called to me and my sole focus was to curl up under the sheets and sleep the whole night off.

We spent the rest of the way up the stairs in silence. As we approached the rooms of the Selected Wyatt asked if I could remember which room was mine.

“Um, Five,” I answered after thinking for a moment.

He nodded and led me to my door, asking if my maids were there as we stopped outside.

“I can handle myself.” I waved his question away.

He raised an eyebrow in slight amusement, seeming not to fully believe me. But still, he opened my bedroom door and helped me inside. I let go of Wyatt and went to throw myself on the bed.

Wyatt starred for a moment then went over to the water pitcher that was near the desk and filled a glass for me. He walked back to the bed and held it out, telling me that he’d go when I’d drunk it.

“I want to stay drunk.” I groaned, shoving my face into a pillow.

“You’ll stay drunk in your sleep. But this way, at least you‘ll be able to avoid the hangover.” He seemed to reconsider the last sentence. “Possibly.”

“I don't want it.” I lied, lifting my head up to look at him. “I don't get hungover.”

“Alright, suit yourself.” He took a deep breath. Then after a moment of hesitation, he made his way to my door. “I’ll see you around.”

As I watched him go to the door I called out for him to come back. Looking back over his shoulder he asked if I needed something. I nodded

“I’m not a mind reader,” Wyatt told me, walking back towards my bedside.

“I have a secret to tell you,” I told him as he drew nearer.

“What?” He asked with a sigh, leaning down.

“You're cute.” I giggled, booping his nose before burying my face in my pillow.

He startled a bit as my finger tapped his nose, then stared at me briefly. Wyatt looked away as he stood up straight.

“Thanks,” Wyatt mumbled, turning to leave.

“Goooooodnighttttttttt,” I called out in a sing-song voice.

It was not a good night. Or a good day for that matter.

If growing up around wine had taught me anything it was that alcohol-induced sleep was rarely ever good. And boy was that evident as I stood there surrounded by the other girls, who chatted away.

The events from the previous night stung like the pain of a band-aid being ripped off. Only this band-aid was much more of a bitch so to say. Or maybe I was the bitch… Regardless, the feeling wasn’t pleasant.

Next to me one of the girls said something, but it took me a moment to realise she was talking to me. I figured she’d probably introduced herself given that we hadn’t met, but the only response I could muster was a nod. My lack of response garnered a frown, but I was indifferent just then.

I glanced around to see if I could spot Lady Lorelai- but she had yet to make her appearance. The woman was never late, and somehow it almost seemed like a punishment being handed down by the universe.

Another one of the girls- Zara maybe- greeted her back, then turned her attention to me. She held out her hand, which I wordlessly shook as I prayed the whole thing would be over as quick as possible.

Thankfully Layla appeared moments later- which provided some relief because at least maybe we’d finally get answers. My head was throbbing and my bed called out to me.

“What we’ll be doing today is a fairly basic scenario. I’ll be a diplomatic guest at an important ball and begin talking to you Selected. What will really test you here is I’ll be insulting the royal family. “ She gestured to herself with a smile. “While I talk to you individually, the rest of you should be watching to see what they did right or wrong and we’ll discuss afterwards. Let’s see how you all hold up. Questions?”

That’s the last thing I need right now. Why can’t we just have a lesson where I sit here and pretend I’m listening and then you call on me and I make up some bullshit answer?

I spotted Wyatt on the other side of the room, seemingly explaining the whole thing to his group. That was something to be thankful for at least. I could have been put into his group but I’d somehow lucked out and was with Layla- who I’d met once before and gotten along with. And she didn’t have to drag you across town... I just hoped Wyatt hadn’t had the chance to say anything yet.

“Fee. We’ll start with you. Ready?” Layla asked.

I looked up in surprise. The universe is definitely punishing me. Or maybe it was Wyatt… A stupid idea but the headache kind of clouded my thoughts.

“Yes, sure,” I said.

This is where you put on your brave face. Pretending is second nature to you so just do it.

Layla’s demeaning changed slightly as she suddenly donned on an overly friendly smile and leaned in close. Hey there, starshine, personal space.

“Lady Ophelia! I’ve been dying to get to speak with you tonight. I’ve heard many things about you.”

I took a deep breath and put a smile on my face… That same one I always had put on with Ivy...

“Some of them good I hope.” I laughed in the fake way I sometimes did, holding out my hand.

“Yes yes, that is the hope. Have you acquainted yourself well with the royal family?” Layla pretended to look off towards her family, before returning her attention to me. “Some don’t exactly strike me as the welcoming type.”

What in the world? I raised my eyebrows for a moment but then tried to hide my surprise.

“I've gotten to know them as well as can be imagined.” I quickly glanced around, then looked back at Layla. “Perhaps it's the stress of having their home full of strangers, Prince Benjamin is the eldest and has had more time, so that's to be expected.”

No. Don’t you dare look at Wyatt again. You need to focus on what’s happening right now. He has nothing to do with this.

I rubbed my arm at the thought of Wyatt. Did Layla know? Had Wyatt told her? His parents? His brother…..?

I was distracted for a moment as Vivienne made her entrance, silently joining us. But then I told myself to stop focusing on everyone else in the room that wasn’t Layla.

They’re only apart one year. Being welcoming should be more than natural for Prince Wyatt.” Her eyes narrowed at my response, then she raised a brow as she inquired about Wyatt. “Has he proven his image wrong to you?”

My mind raced. Layla had to know. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have brought him up. You’re being paranoid. It’s just the headache.

“Prince Wyatt isn't the heir.” I let out a sigh but continued to maintain my smile. “And he has been nothing less than a gentleman to me.”

That was technically true.

“Hmm.” Layla’s expression became colder. “Surprising. You’ve been acquainted closely then? Though of course I know your focus is Prince Benjamin.”

“We've spoken, yes.” I swallowed nervously. I didn’t want to talk about Wyatt, let alone throw compliments his way. “Prince Wyatt has been nothing beyond a friend to me, which is something everyone can use in the palace.”

Images from the previous night ran through my mind. The club, the dancing, the drinking, the things I’d said.

“Really. Close friends?”

I could feel the amusement radiating from Vivienne. At least someone is enjoying all of this.

“Close? Close is pushing it.” I laughed, catching myself off guard.

“Unsurprising considering his demeanour.” She scoffed. “I find it hard to believe he’s even attempted friendship with any of you.”

Then you either have yet to meet Prince Wyatt or you don't give him enough credit.” I shrugged, glancing at him.

What the fuck? Now you’re straight up defending him. Fee, shut up.

“Awfully presumptuous for a Selected who’s only been here a short time.” She waved her hand, then nodded at me. “No matter. You’ll get to know him in time. Good evening, Lady Ophelia.”

“I'm sure I will. Good evening.” I smiled.

“Nicely done.” Layla complimented, breaking character. “Just a couple minor suggestions. Can any of you point out what those might be?”

She looked to the rest of the group for answers.

“Don't assume things about the person you're speaking to?” One of the girls suggested. Darcy, I think- she sat one place down from me during meals.

Someone should tell Wyatt. I accidentally let out a snort at the thought, which Layla looked at me for.

“That’s one.” Her attention returned to Darcy.

Layla explained that we needed to tread carefully around diplomats. They could say what they wanted about the royal family, just not to their faces. But since we weren’t members of the royal family we didn’t have that luxury and needed to remain neutral and supportive without stepping on toes.

“She kept being friendly, which was good,” Zara added. “Perhaps less showing that you were uncomfortable? Scratching your arm for example.”

You’d be uncomfortable too if you had the world’s worst headache and you were being interrogated about someone who had seen you reach a new low just the night before.

“I guess,” I said, as I instinctively rubbed my arm again.

“Exactly. Keep your composure always, no matter uncomfortable the comments make you feel. Swallowing nervously, rubbing your arm-” Layla pointedly looked at my arm. “Those are signs they’re getting to you. Never give them that advantage over you. Alright?”

I smirked for a moment. Getting to me? I think Wyatt takes that honour.

“They weren't getting-” I started shaking my head, but then just nodded. “Yes. ma'am.”

Without saying anything else to me Layla turned to Viv and told her she was next. She grinned and stepped towards her.

“Oh wish me luck, that was such a hard act to follow.” Viv took a deep breath, pretending to be nervous, but then smirked a Layla. “The stage is ours, princess.”

I chuckled. Doing better than me won’t be that hard. And it wasn’t as both Vivienne and Zara proved. I only half paid attention but I could tell they were light years ahead, Viv in particular.

A high pitched scream from Wyatt snapped me out of my bubble. I looked over at him wide-eyed and confused. Layla yelled at him to get back to work as a few girls helped him up.

Darcy was the last to go, but just like with the Vivienne and Zara I didn’t pay too much attention. I didn’t catch up until she was at the end of her turn.

“You’re supposed to stay very neutral and not pass judgement, even if it’s good. Divert the discussion to a new topic, don’t try to give your opinion on something as big as this. It gives them something to remember and pin back on you.” Layla told us.

“Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..” Darcy apologised.

“Stay neutral.” I scoffed in a hushed tone just soft enough that no one could make out what I’d said.

Like the way Wyatt stayed neutral with me?

The other girls busied themselves with trying to make Darcy feel better. Normally I would have too, but I just wasn’t in the place to do so.

“Something to add?” Layla glanced over with a raised eyebrow.

“No.” I shook my head.

“Alright.” Layla blinked at me, then looked back to the group. “Well, that’s all I have for you guys. Feel free to practice after I leave or you’re welcome to go back to your rooms. Maybe the smiling thing Wyatt and I demonstrated. Up to you.”

She nodded once then left us to our own devices. I took without so much as a goodbye I was already making my way to my room.

Astrid was waiting for me with some soup and crackers. If she had any inclination of what had happened the night before she didn’t let on. But I was sure she’d already guessed that I wasn’t sick with food poisoning like I’d claimed.

I went into the bathroom for a few minutes and sat on the floor with my knees pulled close to my chest. My breaths were nowhere near calm but they were controlled as I did my best to hold back a sob. If I started crying now I was afraid I wouldn’t stop.

I stood up and went to flush the toilet so Astrid wouldn’t worry as much. After letting the water run out of the faucet for maybe fifteen seconds I made my way out of the bathroom.

There was a knock at my bedroom door, but I couldn’t make out what they said. I vigorously shook my head at Astrid and she nodded in understanding. I thought that maybe is no one answered they’d go away but judging by the tidbits of chatter I kept hearing from outside they weren’t in any hurry to leave.

Someone was going to have to open the door, which Astrid had already decided to take upon herself. I went to stand behind the door that way I was out of site but could hear what was going on.

Hello, ladies.” Astrid greeted them as she opened the door. “What can I help you with?”

The chatter stopped.

“Hi, we were actually here for Lady Ophelia, she left the great room in a rush and we wanted to know if she was alright?”

Zara. I leaned in closer, nearly tripping because of my shoes, which I did my best to quietly kick off.

“She's currently taking a nap but I can tell her you came by if you like,” Astrid told her, pretending she didn’t hear my shuffling.

“Uh, sure. Thanks- she's doing okay, right?” Vivienne asked.

Shit. Viv’s here too?

“She's just a bit under the weather at the moment. Nothing a little rest can't fix.” Astrid pulled the door closer to her body. “But I'll be sure to tell her you came by.”

Seeming to not take Astrid’s answer Zara shoved her foot in the door. She called out for me and asked if I was all right.

“We're taking good care of her, I promise.” Astrid sighed, looking down at Zara’s foot. “Maybe try coming back later?”

“Ophelia! If you're being held hostage, yell out "MISS VANJIE"!” Viv instructed, before asking Zara if she wanted to come back later.

Zara replied saying she wasn’t in the mood to wait and called out my name again. I could feel Astrid’s annoyance. Vivienne agreed and yelled for me to give them a sign.

In a hushed voice, I told Astrid that I’d deal with it. She didn’t seem so sure, but all the same, she stepped back.

“I'm fine guys- I just don't feel well. I need to rest.” I told them, peering my head around the door.

I probably looked a mess.

“You don’t look too well indeed..” Zara frowned at me with worry as she pulled her foot back. “Why didn’t you tell us in the great room? We would’ve gotten less worried that way.”

Vivienne’s lips pursed as she gave me a lingering look of concern.

“Remember if you're not okay the safe word is 'Miss Vanjie',” Viv told me, chuckling in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Got it .” I nodded, looking back over my shoulder. “I'm going to go sleep now if you don't mind…”

“Not at all, sorry for keeping you up.” Zara shook her head then shrugged. “Just making sure. Go rest.”

Zara offered me a kind smile, then waved before walking off.

“Bye bitch.” Viv waved, taking a step back from the doorframe. “Don't die on me, I still need my dealer.”

“No dying here. I still have you covered.” I chuckled softly, then shut the door.

“You need a hot bath,” Astrid said the moment she heard the door click.

I’d learned to not argue with Astrid and I wasn’t about to start. Because a hot bath really did sound wonderful, even if I felt like I could be violently ill at any moment.