Chapter 35

At ten o'clock sharp, Monday morning, the two awaited guests arrived at the Angeles Palace. Prince Kamran Gharbani and Prince Arash Gharbani, both half-brothers and sons to the Iranian Emperor, walked in the great hall, where everyone was waiting for them. The King, the Queen, Millie, and Eliza with her twenty-one suitors.

"Welcome to Illéa, Your Royal Highnesses," King Oliver said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," they replied in unison, bowing. They had made the effort to wear eastern clothes, and their suits were crisp and perfectly tailored.

Emilia was standing to the side, trying to make herself as little as possible. She still couldn't believe her father was marrying her off. But she was ready to wreak havoc as much as she could before leaving. And then what? She would be married to the second in line to the throne of an Emperor. If something would happen to the Heir – say he died tragically – she would be Empress. And Eliza would have to bow to her. She snorted. Clearly, daddy Oliver hadn't thought this through.

But for now, she was still waiting for her three guys – the agents she had hired – to send her their reply. She had asked them to give whatever they had found, ASAP.

"Prince Kamran, Prince Arash," Oliver say. "This is my daughter, princess Elisabeth," he said, presenting the Heir, first.

Eliza came up to the princes, and curtsied. Kamran bowed respectfully, but Arash took her hand and kissed it.

"My wife, Queen Elinor," he continued, to which both Princes bowed, "and my other daughter, Princess Emilia."

For the very first time, Emilia looked at Kamran. She had refused to look at any picture of the man, until now. But when she saw him, even she had to admit that her stomach made a summersault. But she hid her emotions, like she always did.

"Your Highness," she said coldly, holding out her hand.

Instead of shaking her hand like she had intended it, he took it in his, and gently pressed his lips to her knuckles, trying to hide a smirk.

Arash tried not to roll his eyes. And that's when he saw Rama. He smiled and nodded at his long-time-no-see friend. Oliver invited Prince Kamran and his brother to get some drinks with everyone in the gardens.

As soon as they could, Arash and Rama walked up to each other. Rama held out his hand to the Iranian Prince.

"Are you kidding me?" Arash said with a light accent. Instead, he hugged Rama. "It's been so long since the last time I saw you, my friend!" he said.

"You two know each other?" Eliza asked, coming over.

"Oh, yeah," Rama said. "We kind of grew up together, until we were then years old."

"That's interesting," she said, smiling.

"Your Highness-"

"Just call her Eliza," Rafe said. "She hates it when we call her Your Highnessand all."

"Uh, okay?" he said, looking at Eliza for confirmation. She nodded and chuckled. "Okay, then. Eliza." He felt a little embarrassed about this. "Uh, I just wanted to let you know that I would have wanted to join your Selection. But Hashem, our Military leader, didn't let me."

"Oh, well…" Eliza started saying.

"But I'm very curious to know how all this will end."

"You can join the competition if you want," Quin said. "I mean, what's one more guy in the middle of us all, right?"

"Yeah!" Rafe said. "You'll see, it's like a big summer camp." He laughed. "But we're taking bets on who will win Eliza's heart."

Eliza snorted. "You're taking bets, now?"

Rafe grimaced. "You weren't supposed to know that. Can we keep him? Please?" Rafe wrapped his arm around the new prince's shoulders. "I can vouch for him, he's really nice and all," he added. Rafe had mentioned meeting the Iranian princes once or twice to Millie…

"I guess as long as he's here with his brother…"

"Yes!" Rafe said.

Rama punched Arash in the arm. "Welcome to Crazyland, Arash."

Arash chuckled nervously. "As long as you don't mind, Your Hi- Eliza."

She shrugged. "Why not? I'm almost done with the first round of first dates. I can squeeze you in my schedule."

"Are you serious?" Raphael said. "That's against the rules. He wasn't here from the start."

"What did we tell you, Raph?" Alek said, nudging him in the ribs.

"Rules are meant to be broken," he and Tomlin said at the same time.

Raphael made a face. "Very funny."

"Aw, stop being such a pouting boy," Eliza said, wrapping her arm around Raphael's. "They're right. Somerules are meant to be broken. And since Arash will be here for a few days, why not welcome him in the Selection? MySelection. So I can do what I want." She winked.

Raphael raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. He had the girl of his dreams holding on to him, right now, and he didn't want to blow it.

"See him?" Rafe said to Arash, pointing at Raphael and Eliza who headed outside to go get some drinks, followed by some of the guys. "He's pretty high on the betting list."

Arash nodded. "You people are crazy."

"I told you this was Crazyland," Rama said.

Arash laughed. "Okay, tell me about the others? Who are the runner ups in the bets?"

"Tom and Alek, Seb and Caspian. They're also pretty much at the top," Rafe said. "I haven't had a date yet, so I'm pretty low. But once I do, I'm going right in first place."

"Then they're the gays," Rama said. "They weren't all gay before coming here, but I guess everyone discovers something new about themselves all the time."

The trio then went outside and stayed on the steps. Rafe and Rama – usually not really friendly towards each other, found common ground over Arash – pointed out the guys and told a little about them to Arash. After a little while, Rafe got bored of this game and went to get himself a drink.

"You knew Rafe?" Rama asked Arash.

"Met him once. A long time ago." Arash chuckled. "It's really good to see you, Rama."

"Yeah, you too." They stood there, silent, for a long moment, until they decided to also get some drinks.

-x-x-x-

After lunch, Eliza went back to her room to get ready for her date, but she still had some time before Otávio came to get her. Not knowing really what to expect of their date, since he hadn't told her where they would be going or what they would do, she opted for a comfortable outfit, with sneakers, and of course, pockets to put her phone in.

She sat on the couch, and there was a knock on the door. If was way earlier than what he had told her. But when she opened the door, it was Rafe. With Draco in his arms.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked.

"Uhm, remember when Draco ate bath salts?"

"Yeah…?" she said, cringing, since it kind of had been her fault.

"Well, Draco's not getting any better. You uh," he trailed off. "You said you knew a good vet?"

Eliza nodded. "Yeah. Come in," she said, inviting Rafe inside. She took out her phone and looked for Kora's number.

"Hello?"

"Kora? Hi. It's me, Eliza."

"Your Highness- I mean, Eliza. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Uh, one of the animals here ate something pretty bad a couple days ago, and he's not getting any better."

"Oh. You want me to give you Kyle's number?" Kora asked.

"Or you could come along with him?"

"Now? I mean, today?"

Eliza looked at Rafe and Draco, who really didn't look well. "As soon as possible. If not today, then tomorrow first thing in the morning?"

Rafe shook his head. "I don't think he's gonna hold on until tomorrow, he said."

"Kora, uh, ASAP. The ferret is really unwell."

"Okay," Kora said. "We'll come in as fast as we can."

"Thanks. You can come in through the servant's door, like always. I'll tell them you're coming."

She ended the call and patted Draco's soft head. "I'm really sorry about the bath salts," Eliza said.

Rafe shrugged helplessly. "I really didn't think he would get this sick. I mean he did eat some weirder stuff before."

"It's gonna be okay," she said.

Rafe nodded. It was the first time she saw him this unsure. He was always loud and confident, but not anymore.

A few minutes later, Otávio came knocking, surprised to see Rafe there.

"Are you ready?" he asked Eliza.

"Yeah." She smiled, and Rafe left the room at the same time, cradling poor Draco in his arms.

"What's the matter with him?" Otávio asked.

"His ferret is sick. He ate bath salts the other day, and he's not getting better. I called a vet I know."

"Oh. I hope he gets better. Because that little thing is really cute."

Eliza chuckled and they headed outside, where the black car was waiting for them. Linus drove for twenty minutes before climbing on a nearby hill.

"Where are we going?" Eliza asked.

"Hiking. But don't worry, from what I read, it's not a hard trail. Just a couple hours."

Linus stopped the car in a parking lot where there were other cars already. Otávio took a bag from the trunk, where there were two bottles, and some snacks in case they needed any.

They started on the trail, Linus and Ruby following behind, far enough to give them privacy.

"You often come out here?" she asked. "I mean, not herehere, but like on forest trails, back in the Brazilian Districts?"

He nodded. "Yes. I like to wander on my own in God's creation. But I'm never alone, you know?"

"How so?"

"God's always with me. I can see him in every tree, in every flower, in everything, actually."

Eliza smiled. She wished it could be this simple. "You really believe it," she said, stating a fact.

"Yes, I do."

They were silent for a moment, with only the bird songs and the leaves crushing under their feet. There was a welcome light breeze and sun rays were passing through the tree leaves.

"I have to admit that this is very peaceful," she said softly, afraid to break the silence. "Away from everything, and the noise."

Otávio smiled and nodded. "Yes. When I walk in the forest, I usually try to find a nice spot. I sit there, sometimes for a long time, and just talk to God."

"He talks back?"

"Of course, he does."

"How?"

"Through His Word," he said, patting his pocket where his worn Bible was. "I pray, and I listen. Sometimes I have a verse or a bible story that comes to mind, and I look for it. And I read it. And sometimes, it's exactly what I needed to hear."

They walked some more and then found a nice big rock to sit on. It was big enough for Eliza to actually lie down, with her feet dangling on the side. She laced her fingers over her belly and closed her eyes, letting the cool breeze blow her hair away. She smiled.

Otávio sat there, watching the Princess. If she was showing no signs of nervousness around him, he was definitely nervous. It was his first date with someone. He had never really taken the time for relationships before now.

"What is God telling you, now?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Otávio chuckled. "I don't know yet." He closed his eyes and listened to the wind.

"Well, does he speak to you every time?"

"No. He speaks when he wants to. And if I listen. Sometimes he speaks and I don't listen."

"Why not?"

"Pride, I guess. Sometimes I don't want him to speak to me, because I know exactly what he's going to say." He chuckled, and they were silent for another moment. But it didn't feel like an awkward silence. More like a reverential silence.

Eliza heard him leafing through the pages of his bible. Pausing. Leafing again.

"You want me to read something?" he suddenly asked.

"Yeah." She grinned and sat up on her elbows. "Wait, in Portuguese?"

He chuckled. "No, I downloaded a Bible App on my phone. In English."

"Sure."

"You probably already heard this text, but I love to read it when I'm in the middle of nature."

Eliza nodded and leaned back down, closing her eyes to listen.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

For his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

For you are with me;

Your rod and your staff,

They comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

In the presence of my enemies:

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever."

Silence surrounded them for a moment, both meditating on the words.

"Psalm 23, right?" Eliza finally asked.

"Yes, it is."

"Can I ask you something?" she said, and when he nodded, she continued. "How did you know you were going to be a Pastor? Was it because your father was one? or because you had a calling?"

Otávio didn't answer right away, looking for the right words to explain. "My father taught me about God, and the Bible, and how to understand it. He taught me and my sisters to fear God." He paused. "He taught me many other things, and by the time I was old enough, I had a strong knowledge of the Bible. And thanks to my education, the Head Pastor of my District heard of me and asked me to become his Assistant."

"Your dad seems to be like a really cool dad."

"He was," Otávio corrected. "He died several years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said.

"You couldn't have known," he said softly. "He, uh, hanged himself. I was the one who found him."

"Oh, my goodness," Eliza said. "That must have been terrifying. I'm so sorry."

"It was. Only me and my mother know about this. The rest of the world, my little sisters included, think it was a heart attack."

Again, both were silent. The dancing tree branches and bird songs filled the air.

"What about you?" Otávio said, changing the subject. "You always wanted to be Queen?"

She snorted. "As if I had a choice in the matter." She sat up. "I didn't choose to be born first, to be honest."

"Maybe not, but you were born for it. And a damn good Queen you're going to be too."

"You just say that."

He looked at her. "It's true. You know, I like sitting on the side of an event and observing. And what I saw tells me you're making an excellent job."

"Maybe that's why it's so hard," she said. "I ama Princess, and one day a Queen. But I take it as a job. When it's supposed to be what I am."

"No, you're much more than that," he said. "Queens don't necessarily take the time to visit hospital or sign autographs, or take selfies with people."

"So that makes me, what? A celebrity?"

"It makes you the perfect Queen, Eliza. And trust me when I say no one can do it better than you."

"Speaking of selfies, let's take one."

He nodded. After that, they talked some more, but then it was time to head back home.

-x-x-x-

When they arrived at the palace, the boys were nowhere to be found. The gardens or the Men's Parlor were their usual hanging out spots, but the palace seemed deserted.

"Where is everyone?" Eliza asked a maid walking by with a tray.

"In the infirmary, Milady."

"Oh, my God! Is someone hurt?" she asked, worried.

"No, I don't believe so," the maid replied. "It was for an animal."

"Draco," Eliza said, heading to the infirmary.

"Rafe's ferret?" Otávio asked, following her.

"Yeah. He wasn't well, earlier this afternoon, remember?"

"Right."

The two of them finally walked into the crowned infirmary room. Every single one of the Selected was here, including Arash, and two others: Kora and Kyle, her vet brother.

"How is he?" Eliza asked, elbowing her way through the boys to the bed where everyone had huddled around.

"Fine, I think," Rafe said. "But it wasn't the bath salts."

"What was it?" she asked.

"Rat Poison."

"What?! Where on earth would he find something like that in the Palace?"

Kyle Miller lifted his head from bending over the small body of Draco. "I don't know, Your Highness," he said coldly. "But unless there are rats in the Palace, which I doubt, I'm guessing someone was targeting the animals."

"Kyle, watch your tongue," Kora hissed.

Her brother shrugged, continuing his work on the little white furry animal. There was a tube going down its throat, and he seemed to be sleeping.

"What are you doing to him?" Eliza said. "Is he dead?"

Kyle sighed and looked up. "You know, I work much better when I don't have twenty pairs-"

"Twenty-four pairs of eyes," Kwasi corrected him.

Kyle glared at him. "Twenty-odd pairs of eyes watching me."

"Okay. Everyone, get out," Rafe said.

"No, you can stay," he said to Rafe. "It's your animal."

Rafe nodded his thanks and pushed everyone outside. Including Kora.

Eliza took Kora to the side. "All ferret drama aside," the princess whispered, "how did your brother act around the Selected?"

Kora snorted. "You should have seen his face when I told him you wanted his services as a vet. He was happy at first, thinking he'd see you and take care of your new cat. But when he found out it was to resurrect one of the Selected's ferret, he… how do I put this…" she trailed off, thinking. "He closed off and talked to them very coldly. I don't think he snapped, but I feel if one of them said something about how he did his work, he would snap."

"Shoot. I said something about his work."

"Yeah," Kora shrugged. "But thank goodness it was you. Had it been one of them," she said, jerking her chin in their direction," he would have lashed out and walked away." She paused, eyeing the selected talking in groups. "That one's pretty hot, I have to say," she added.

"You're going to have to be more specific, Kora."

"Uh, what's his name again… The English guy?"

Eliza laughed. "Tomlin?"

"Yeah. Him. The one you went to the Music Festival with."

Eliza tried not to laugh more, but she smirkd. She leaned close to Kora's ear. "He's a really good kisser, by the way."

Kora's jaw dropped. "I can't believe you just said that," she hissed, grinning. "How many did you kiss?"

"Three," Eliza said proudly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Onlythree? Damn Eliza. If I had a group of guys like that fighting for me, I'd have all kissed them by now, if not more."

"Yeah, well, I'm a Princess. I can't really do that-"

"He's alive!" Rafe said, coming through the door, holding his precious ferret against his chest. "This guy is a genius!" he said, pointing at the infirmary with his thumb. The guys all huddled around Rafe and his pet.

Kora and Eliza headed back to see Kyle.

"Congratulations," Kora said. "I think you made yourself a friend," she said slyly.

Kyle rolled his eyes and put his things away.

"Very funny, Kora," he snorted. Then he looked at Eliza and gave her a nasty look.

"Look, I'm sorry I said anything, earlier. Clearly, you knew what you were doing…" she trailed off, and Kyle shrugged.

"It's fine," he said.

"No it's not, and I apologize." She paused. "I was worried for my cat, actually. Is Rat poison lethal for a cat?"

He sighed. "It depends on the weight of your cat, and how much she might have ingested. Why? is Mistress Pebbles not feeling well?" he asked sarcastically.

Eliza ignored the tone. "How do you know my cat's name?"

Kora laughed. "He read every single word of the Illéa WeeklySpecial."

Kyle shrugged. "You want me to make sure you cat is okay?"

"Yeah, that would be nice," Eliza said. "I don't know where she is, though."

Kyle and Kora followed her outside, but Kora stopped by the Selected to chat, and make new friends…Only Kyle followed Eliza up the stairs. Linus was waiting near her room.

"Don't mind him," Eliza said. "That's Linus, my body guard."

Linus eyed Kyle suspiciously. Eliza walked into her room and called Kyle who had stayed outside. "She's here," she said. Mistress Pebbles was curled up on a cushion, on the couch. Kyle sat next to the grey cat.

"She's even prettier than in the picture," he said, gently. He checked her mouth, her fur, her ears, and finally her belly. He smiled. "But don't worry about her. I don't think rat poison is the problem." He looked up at Eliza.

"Then what is?"

"I think she's pregnant."

"Oh my God. Are you serious?"

He laughed. "Is that a problem?"

"No, it's just… I thought she was neutered."

He laughed. "Well, apparently not. I need to make a full ultrasound to know for sure, and how far she is, but I'm like 90% sure you're going to have kittens in a few weeks."

"My mom's gonna kill me for this," she said. "She's allergic to cats."

Kyle raised an eyebrow and stood. "Well, you could give them away."

"What? No!" she laughed. "Poor Pebbles. She needs her babies." She stood, too. "Hey, uh, I know you were kinda angry about this whole Selection being international and all."

He shrugged. "Yeah, but what can I do, right?"

"Well, I wanted to apologize."

"It wasn't your fault." He cleared his throat. "But some of your suitors are a pain in the ass." He headed to the door.

"You don't say," Eliza replied, chuckling.

"But I can tell some of them really care for you. So…" he trailed off. "I hope you can find real love, in the end." He offered a smile and walked out.

"Kyle?"

"Yeah?" he stopped and turned around.

"What do you say about becoming the official Royal vet?"

He snorted. "Don't you already have one?"

"For the horses. But Pebbles will need a vet, soon."

He smiled. "Sure." He took out his business card. "I'm still in training, but you can call me if you need me."

"Thanks," she said, and he walked away.

Eliza sat next to Pebbles and pet her between the ears. "So, you're gonna be a mom, huh?"

Hi again! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I wanted to go more into depth with Kyle, but then I didn't lol. (But if someone wants to write a Companion about his time with the Selected in the Infirmary, I'm open^^)

So yeah, 4 more dates, because Arash will have one too, lmao.

Thanks for reading, reviewing, following, and for putting up with me... see you soon!

Oh, and don't forget to check the Aesthetic board, there will be FC for Arash, Kamran, and Kyle and Kora. ;D