A/N: Next chapter! No date, but still fun times (and a bit of a twist at the end - gasp!) Also, you may be (but probably are not) wondering about the fast update times. That's because I'm actively avoiding my work and upcoming three exams, because, you know, that's healthy, and as a future pharmacist I would know all about that *cue sarcasm and manic laughter* But anyway, Congrats Paige for getting your permit! Both you and Anj hang in there with school - you'll crush it! Thanks Shades for all the compliments - I'm pretty proud of that board too! That reminds me, if anyone still needs to/wants to follow me on Pinterest I changed my username to RCFanFic and there is lots of Selection related - and non-Selection related - stuff on there to check out if you so desire! I love you all to bits and pieces!


Chapter 50

By the time Kaden woke up, the entire palace had learned about what happened in the gardens. No one said anything directly to him, but it was in the way that they his manservant didn't ask questions about the date, or how the maid who brought him coffee said that all five of the ladies would be busy today and therefore wouldn't be available to him. Of course, the visible proof was there as well; the Selected's side of the hall was littered with Lady Rose's luggage and personal belongings. Kaden felt a pang of sadness at the sight of the boxes all piled on top of one another. Someone else was leaving him. One less person to fill the far-too-empty house.

When he opened the doors to the dining hall, he saw five ladies seated around the long table, but they were not the five he was expecting. Ladies Azalea, Finnley Heather, and Serena were all seated at their usual spots, but Lady Rose was there as well and Lady Angelina was absent from the group.

"Good morning ladies," Kaden greeted them as he made his way to the head of the table. Osten was absent from breakfast, but that wasn't particularly surprising. They hadn't spoken much since their argument at the trial, and today didn't seem like they were going to make any headway.

The servers moved about, piling up the dirty plates and bringing out fresh new helpings of eggs and pancakes. Before long, everyone was focused on their breakfast, barely a word spoken, even between the ladies. Usually they were full of conversation and laughter, but today there was a kind of tension in the air, and Kaden didn't know why. He wouldn't be the one to break it though. Whatever was going on must be between the ladies, and hopefully they would sort it out soon.

"Why is everyone so quiet? It's like a mausoleum in here. I'm leaving, not dying," Lady Rose joked, finally ending the silence.

A few of the girls laughed, the tension easing away now that the elephant in the room had been addressed.

"What are you all going to do without me, I swear," Lady Rose continued, sighing dramatically.

"Definitely not swear," Lady Finnley replied, and the laughter grew.

"I would expect as much from you, Miss Goody Two Shoes. Someone has to remain pure in all this," Lady Rose shot back, and Lady Finnley took it in stride, smiling along with her. "Unfortunately I've already tainted Serena and Azalea. Heather was already a bad bitch before I came here."

"You're fucking right," Heather agreed.

The laughter was interrupted by the doors to the dining hall flying open, revealing Lady Angelina. True to form, she was wearing another eye catching dress - this one lined with fur around the wrists and collar like giant muff. It was designed for winter wear, but not for an Angeles winter. If she took one step outside, she would die of heat stroke, but that didn't stop her from modeling the knee length black dress, her glossy black stilettos clacking along the floor as she made her way to her seat. Everyone was watching her as she slid into her chair, flipping her pin straight blonde hair over her shoulder without so much as an acknowledgement of the ladies around her. She fixed herself the smallest plate containing only a few pieces of fruit and a single scoop of egg, eyeing her choices with disdain and poking at them with her fork.

"I heard that the chubby bunny is gone," Lady Angelina said offhandedly, taking a bite of strawberry off her fork and twirling the utensil between her fingers. "What a pity. I always loved having her around; no matter what I wore I always looked thin in comparison to her."

Everyone was taken aback by the audacity of Lady Angelina's statement. The dining hall turned so silent that one could hear a pin drop. No one dared breathe, all eyes darting between Lady Angelina who was casually picking at her plate and Lady Rose, who had placed her utensils down and balled her hands into fists.

"I'm sitting right here," Lady Rose spat harshly, her face red with anger and embarrassment.

"Well you might as well be gone. It's not like you have a place here anymore," Lady Angelina replied flippantly, shrugging one shoulder, not even bothering to look Lady Rose's way. "Don't you want to put some of those rolls in your bag for later? It's quite a long trip back home, and I know you can't go an hour without a snack."

"That's it!" Lady Rose, shouted, bolting up out of her seat and leaning over the table to get close up into Lady Angelina's face. "I've had it with you and your nasty attitude! You think you're better than me because you're a model and you're rich and you've got a pretty face? You think you're better than me because you're sitting at this table? Well news flash sweetheart: all of us are here with you! I'm sick and tired of you cutting us all down and making us feel like shit all the time! So what if you're pretty? Serena may not be a model but she has lightyears on all that synthetic shit you plaster all over your face! And guess what! In ten years all that 'beauty' you prize so much will fade and you're going to have frown lines and crows feet, and no man is gonna wanna wrap his arm around some wrinkly old twig. You're gonna die old and alone and ugly, because that's what you are: an ugly person. And me? I'll be old and fat and happy with some old, fat, and happy man living out the rest of my years sitting on the front porch of my big-ass house surrounded my friends and family because I wasn't an asshole to every single person I met. So you can me fat all you want, at least I have a chance at happiness in my life."

Lady Rose was red in the face by the time she was done. No one said anything, just letting the words sink in. The rest of the ladies looked amazed, if not awed at the performance. Kaden didn't know what to think, trying to reconcile the lady he knew versus the one showing herself at the table. Lady Angelina, however, had gone wide-eyed and open-mouthed in shock.

"Are you hearing this?" Lady Angelina asked, her voice shrill and full of anger. She focused her gaze directly on Kaden, and after a few moments, looked at the other Elite for support.

"I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you Angie," Heather commented, spearing a piece of melon with her fork. "I heard that fruit contains a lot of unprocessed sugar, and you know where that goes."

Heather took a large bite of the fruit, glanced down to her own stomach, and rubbed it gently, making a pouty face at Lady Angelina who was currently scowling. The offended lady placed down her fork and shoved her plate away, getting up from the table and leaving the dining hall altogether. The double doors slammed shut, and once she was gone the entire room broke out into applause, everyone cheering for Lady Rose. Even Kaden joined in, surprised but also proud at Lady Rose for being so fierce and standing up for herself. It was impressive to say the least. He chanced a glance over to where the cameras were still rolling; they would have one hell of a show to play on Friday, that was for sure.

"I'm sure as hell not going to miss her," Lady Rose said snidely, sitting back down and flipping her middle finger to Lady Angelina's empty spot at the table.

"Why is she still here?" Lady Finnley asked, staring after where Lady Angelina had stormed out. "She's so awful."

"Honestly," Heather agreed, shaking her head. "I've never met someone so bitchy in my entire life, and I've met a lot of people."

"Do you know something about her that we don't?" Lady Serena asked Kaden, drawing him into the conversation.

"Perhaps she's different when she's with you all, but I've never known her to be mean."

"That's because she's baiting you - buttering you up so she can slither her way into your heart," Heather replied.

"I have to agree with Heather," Lady Rose said, nodding along. "She must be some kind of actress to have you thinking she's an angel."

"I never said she was an angel. Forceful, yes. Assertive, definitely. But cruel? I've never seen that side of her, not until now that is."

"Maybe you should install some cameras in the Women's Room. That'll enlighten you," Heather suggested, and Lady Azalea nearly snorted out her milk.

"On that note, I think it's time I hit the road," Lady Rose said, standing up, the rest of the ladies following suit.

"Do you really have to go?" Lady Serena asked, looking upset.

"Yeah. Apparently I'm not cut out for the whole 'queen' thing. It's a shame. I bet I'd look boss in a crown."

"I'll have one sent to you. Think of it as a memento from your time here," Kaden said, a wry smile on his lips. He knew that she would look good with a crown, especially one made of gold to match her hair. It would be a fitting farewell gift. She'd made it this far after all; if she couldn't be the queen because of politics, then she could be the queen of her own little corner of Hansport.

"Does it come with a title too?" she asked playfully.

"My power can only reach so far."

"Bullshit," she said, but there was a smile on her face where there wasn't one before, so Kaden figured that he did something good after all. "But I'll take it."

"Let me walk you to your car," Kaden suggested, nudging her arm with his elbow. And whether it was because she really wanted to or it was her last chance to do so, she took the offered elbow.

"I want to go too!" Lady Serena insisted, running up to take Rose's other elbow. "It'll be a proper send off."

Lady Rose's face broke out in a wide smile as the rest of the ladies linked arms. Together, they walked out of the dining hall and all the way down the steps of the palace to the driveway. It was a beautiful sunny day outside, the sun shining as brightly as the yellow of Lady Rose's dress. Kaden was going to miss all that yellow; he found that he never really cared for it before, but now was used to having it as a staple around the palace.

A car was already waiting and full of her luggage, ready to take her back home. There was hugging and promises of letters. Thankfully, there were no tears. She climbed in waved out the window all the way down the drive until she was just a speck on the horizon. It was strange to watch her go. It didn't feel real, like she would be back any second. But the car kept rolling into the mid-morning sun, and there were only four ladies behind him. In that moment, he knew that these were the Final Four ladies he wanted to stay in the competition. He couldn't tell how or why, but the feeling was there, and it was strong.

With that feeling, however, came a sharp feeling of terror. Things were moving so quickly. He was only two months in with four ladies left. If he cut down to the Final Four now, he would be expected to get engaged with in a number of days. Though his feelings may have matured quickly, being in a relationship and being in a marriage were two completely separate things, and he was in no way prepared for that kind of commitment. Not yet, at least. He still wanted time, still wanted to get to know these ladies inside and out before he made his decision.

So, after leaving the driveway and delivering the ladies to Sylvia for lessons, Kaden made a beeline to the office of the one person who would know exactly how to fix things. The door to the office was already open, the man inside with greying hair bent over his desk, nose buried in paperwork. Not an unfamiliar sight in the least.

Kaden wasted no time with introductions and formalities, merely walking inside and getting straight to the point.

"I'd like to petition the Selection Committee about an extension," Kaden said without pretense, startling Sir Bloomsdale. The man put down the paper and sat up straight, giving Kaden his full attention now. It was clear from the councilman's stunned expression that he was not expecting this.

"I beg your pardon?" Sir Bloomsdale asked, confused.

"Not for the entire thing, just the clause about the Final Four."

Clearly that did nothing to help, perplexion still riddling Sir Bloomsdale's knit brows.

"Would you care to elaborate, Your Majesty?"

"Lady Rose has just been sent home, and I have a feeling that another lady will be departing soon as well. That being said, I don't feel comfortable making my choice of bride within four days as per tradition when one gets to the Final Four, so I would like an extension."

That seemed to clear things up, Sir Bloomsdale reclining back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin as he thought the proposal over.

"How long are you asking for?"

"Until the New Year, as per the original stipulation," Kaden requested, knowing he was not being unreasonable. "I promised that I would find a bride by that time, and I will, but no sooner."

There were a few moments where Sir Bloomsdale did not reply, still thinking things over. He pursed his lips, no doubt running over the same pros and cons to the extension as Kaden did on his way to there. On one hand, a longer time with the Final Four meant that he had a better chance of finding a perfect match. On the other hand, there was a higher risk of indecision and getting his heart broken by having to choose between potentially two viable options. Of course, there was the public reaction to factor in; they could either enjoy the fact that they would get more Selection to watch and fawn over, or they could take his extension as an act of weakness or indecision. But in this situation, Kaden thought it best to do what was best for him. Illéa deserved a great queen, but he wouldn't get one by rushing into things, nor by hanging onto those he was beginning to realize were not good fits.

Eventually, the pensive look on Sir Bloomsdale's face cleared up to one of approval, his head slowly nodding.

"Very well. I shall write up the formal extension and have it presented to the Committee for approval. An announcement will be made to the public soon after this impending elimination."

The answer was everything Kaden was hoping to hear.

"Thank you."

Sir Bloomsdale merely nodded once more, his focus returning to his papers.

"My pleasure, Your Majesty."

Kaden smiled politely and released Sir Bloomsdale's attention, not wanting to hold the man up from his work. That, and he was strangely distant. Usually Sir Bloomsdale was always happy to see him, but today there was not even a formal greeting or farewell. There were no usual warm smiles and gracious words. It was strangely out of character, and Kaden flinched internally when he came to the realization that the man was probably still hurt over the way Kaden had treated him after the horrible council meeting before Katrina's execution. Kaden had sent a formal apology notice and hoped that the man would just understand that the pressure he was under caused him to snap. Kaden would have to try harder to apologize. Perhaps Heather would know more about how to approach that situation...

Kaden left Sir Bloomsdale's office and headed towards his own. There was a lot of work that needed to get done, and he'd shoved off too much of it to go on dates. Just the sheer amount of reports he'd have to read by bedtime made him groan. There just weren't enough hours in a day. Perhaps if there was someone to share the workload with, it would make the workload easier. That thought was one the popped up from time to time, even more frequently since becoming king. He would watch his father or Eadlyn try to get as much as they could done but always end up falling short. It was an enormous task to manage, even with a spouse to divide the work with. Now that he had that burden placed on him, he could sympathize with their constant weariness.

The thought followed him down the hall and all the way to his office. However, as he approached the door, he was stopped by a councilwoman. She was young by the looks of it, young, polished, and very eager to make a good impression.

"Your Majesty, your three o'clock appointment is here," she said, her voice chipper and bright.

"I don't have a three o'clock appointment," Kaden replied, racking his brain for any meetings he may have set up. But to his best recollection, he had squared the day away to devote to paperwork.

"Very funny Your Majesty," the councilwoman smiled and gestured to his office. "She's waiting for you inside whenever you're ready."

Kaden nodded and dismissed the councilwoman, all the while wondering who the hell had gotten into his private office. He was nervous. Usually only members of the royal family were allowed this far in. That would leave Osten, but the councilwoman said she. He didn't have any living immediate female family left, it was not like Grandma Singer or Aunt May to show up unannounced, and Great Aunt Adele hadn't been around the palace in years.

He reached for the doorknob cautiously, twisting it slowly to prepare himself for whoever lied beyond. But when Kaden opened the door, he nearly had a heart attack.

Because there, seated behind his desk, was Lucillia.