Chapter 51

Ray's POV

Ray sat on his bed, wearing his white suit, adorned with red ribbons, gold embroidery and clips, and silver buttons. He was supposed to be Prince Charming, how original. However, he had the deeper meaning of 'searching for love' stuck in his mind, and so, he chose the prince most notorious for searching for love with a shoe. Of course, he wouldn't make his Selected wear a shoe to see if they're the one.

He was simply thinking through everything. Akio had left less than a week ago, Kara was still more of a sister it seemed than a lover, Evie was there as always, Jed was sweet as ever, and Brendan was now seemingly in love with Ray, not to mention he was helping Ray keep an eye out for clues as to who could be a spy in the castle. Ever since Ray found that note the day of the concert he'd been on edge. It had warned him that another attack was coming, and he shouldn't expect to come out of it unharmed.

Ray didn't know if the rebels meant to kill him, but if that stopped their actions, was it really so bad? At least everyone else would be safe...No. He had to stop them, and live through this. He'd come too far to die now, and especially when the end of his Selection was so near. He was so close to happiness, or at least security, and he wouldn't let it be taken from him now. Ray glanced up to the mirror across the room, and sighed at the sight of himself.

He was pale, as it was winter, any tan he'd previously had was gone. He was thin, from the stress of everything, and had bags under his eyes from a lack of sleep. He wouldn't be surprised if his blood pressure was higher, or a part of his brain was wired differently until he could get more sleep. He just wanted this whole thing to be over. He took a deep breath, stood, wiped an invisible speck of dust off his jacket, and walked out of his room after nodding to his mirror-self.

He made his way downstairs, and opened the large doors, walking into a set up of fake trees, hanging fairy lights, animal statues, and large script of fairy tales all over. The theme was fairy tale, and everyone seemed to dress like it. Maids and guards alike were dressed up, and already dancing on the floor, while music played from the corner. It was electric, and people could go up to request songs. Ray had found it pretty cool that his mother had thought that up, rather than getting an orchestra or something.

Ray looked around for any of his Selected, and found Evie first. She was dressed as Belle, with a seemingly modern version of Belle's golden dress. It suited her olive skin and dark hair and eyes well. She always loved Beauty and the Beast, so it was no surprise she dressed as Belle.

"Evie, how are you?"

"Oh, I'm good, I'm glad your mom decided to throw you a party. You seemed really stressed out lately, I think this'll be good for you." Evie said, smiling softly at him. She handed him a cup, identical to the one she was holding, "It's lime-aide."

"Ah, thank you." Ray said, but didn't take a drink. Right now he didn't know who he could trust, and drinking an unmarked drink was not something he'd be doing tonight.

Evie nodded, though, unaware of his real worries, and smiled, "So, having fun yet?"

Ray shrugged, "I just got in, so, I guess? I'm talking to you, so it's not all bad."

Evie laughed, a small tint of pink coming to her cheeks, "Thanks, I'm having fun talking to you too."

They chatted for a while more, before Ray caught sight of Jed. "Oh, excuse me, Evie. I have other guests to chat up."

Evie seemed disappointed, but nodded, "Of course."

Ray slipped away, and headed in Jed's direction. He was dressed in green tights and shorts, and had a green shirt covered in leaves. It was quite the cool sight, since the leaves were real plant leaves Jed must have trimmed. "Hey!"

Jed turned, and smiled as Ray approached, "Ray, it's good to see you. I knew your mom wanted this to be your party, but I honestly wasn't sure you'd make it. I thought even this might be too much right now, after everything."

Ray sighed, "I almost didn't want to come down here, but I figured, I'd rather spend more time with you guys, especially since it's almost the end of my Selection."

Jed smiled again, even softer than before, "And...how do we all compare?" His eyes searched Ray's and Ray felt a small blush coming on.

"Well, I'd say that you, in particular, are doing very well." He paused, and sighed, "I can't promise anything though."

Jed seemed a little disappointed, but not surprised, "I get it." He took Ray's chin in his hand, and turned his head slightly so he could kiss Ray's cheek. "You have others competing for your heart. I can't expect you to drop everyone else and choose me on the spot."

Ray smiled appreciatively, "Thanks for understanding." Ray smirked then, "Soo….let me guess…..Robin Hood?"

Jed seemed offended, gasping, "No! Peter Pan! The heart of gold boy forever."

Ray's brow furrowed, "He did not have a heart of gold, but either way, great costume, I love the leaves." Jed smiled, and out of the corner of his eye Ray happened to notice Brendan and Kara walk by, and looked back to Jed. "I have to go talk to the others, but can I have a dance later?"

Jed smiled brightly, and nodded, "Of course." Ray smiled too, and turned, going after Kara and Brendan.

To Ray's surprise, Brendan and Kara had complimentary outfits. Kara had on a black, knee length dress, with a red cape that only went down to her waist. Brendan was currently wearing a ripped up, faux fur cape (with not shirt, Ray might add), and ripped up black jeans. Ray didn't have to think twice that they were Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

Ray approached them, smiling smugly. "So, who dragged who into the couples costumes?"

Kara snorted as Brendan groaned, Brendan replied, "She convinced me to be the Big Bad Wolf."

Ray laughed, but it sounded more like a cackle, "Well, it suits you."

Brendan stuck his tongue out, in what was supposed to be a retort, but Ray just found it endearing. Kara laughed too, poking Brendan in the belly. Brendan smacked her hand away, as she said, "Yeah, he had the condition he could choose what to look like."

Ray nodded, "Seems fair." He couldn't help but admire Brendan's abs, though he wasn't ripped muscular, he definitely kept in shape for the shows he performed. Ray suddenly felt ashamed from his own lack of training recently. But he shrugged it off as Kara asked how he was.

Ray sighed, shrugging, "As well as I can be. Stress, you know? Have- have you guys found anything?"

Kara sighed, shoulders slumping as she looked to Brendan. "Not yet. We're still looking. But it's like any sign of rebels here disappeared."

Ray nodded, he'd figured. They hadn't seen any signs themselves in a couple days. It was strange, after such a brutal attack, and several warnings, to just disappear….it wasn't right. Something was coming, it had to be. "Thanks anyway, but keep an eye out, okay?"

Kara and Brendan both nodded, and Ray walked away in a half-daze. His vision seemed blurry, and his mind was wandering. He took a seat, and sighed, running his hands through his hair. Why couldn't he figure this out? Why was he so close, but so far? Someone here was betraying them, and still on the loose. They could be anywhere by now, saying anything.

Ivy and Christian approached as Ray looked up. They were dressed as Aurora and Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty. Ivy gave Ray a quick hug, and kissed Ray on the cheek, while Chrsitian simply rested a hand on Ray's shoulder.

"I can't thank you enough for letting me stay, Ray." Ivy said, holding Christian's other hand.

"Oh, it's no problem." Ray said, trying to muster a smile for her. Ivy kissed Christian's cheek as he spoke.

"Know I'm always here for you, Ray. Stressed or not, I'm here to talk."

Ray smiled softly this time, "Thanks."

Ivy pulled Christian away to the dance floor, through the crowd, and Ray lost sight of them. Music was playing louder it seemed, and there were more people on the dance floor and around the snack tables. Ray stood, suddenly feeling claustrophobic, and made for the doors, when the ground began shaking, and smoke filled the room.

Ray was coughing, and he faintly heard people screaming, but his ears were ringing horribly. He turned, and saw a wall of flames by the DJ booth, and the snack tables. Ray felt a tidal wave of fear and anger run through him. This was it. This was the attack the rebels had promised. Every royal and Selected and staff member in one place, off guard. How could Ray have allowed his mother to convince him this was a good idea?

People were running past Ray out of the room, pushing him with them, as guards ran into the room. People were calling emergency numbers, as servants ran with buckets to put out the fire. Ray looked around, the ringing in his ears finally dying down a little, and heard even more screaming. Crying. Panic. People were talking to each other, making sure they weren't hurt, and fanning over those who were.

An earth shattering scream came from the crowd, and Ray followed it, desperate to see what had caused it. There, laying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding, was Christian. Ray felt the world stop. He was pretty sure he even stopped breathing.

Ray pushed forward, leaning next to Christian, and trying to wake him up, while trying to find anywhere he was bleeding, and covering it. He felt nothing, just blank, as he desperately tried to find a way to help his brother.

Ivy was sobbing as the medical wing nurse came over to investigate Christian. Ray faintly heard the 'he's alive' she announced, before people were being called over to help carry Christian away to the medical wing.

Ray felt sick as the image of Christian's bloody face kept popping up into his mind, and looked down at his hands, stained red. Ray turned to the nearest object, a plant, and threw up into the pot. It was too much. He felt someone come up to him, and rub his back as his entire day's meals left him. When Ray's stomach stopped betraying him, and his ears stopped ringing completely, he turned around, and was surprised to see Brendan was the one rubbing his back.

Brendan spoke before Ray could, "I've helped many drunk band members through vomiting. Don't worry, no one else noticed. They're all too busy coping with this too."

Ray sighed, his entire body going limp, and nodded. "Thanks." Brendan only nodded, staying silent so Ray could think things through. Ray suddenly felt another panic rise. "Where's my parents? Endra?"

Brendan grimaced, "Your parents are in the hospital wing. They uh, they didn't look too good. Endra….nobody knows where she is. Some are guessing the worst."

Ray felt like he was going to be sick again, but nothing was left for him to expel. Instead he felt tears start rolling down his face as he stood. "I need to go. I need to find her."

"Ray wait-"

"Please, go check on my parents."

"Ray!" Ray started running as Brendan called after him, but Ray was desperate to find his sister. There was no way he'd let the rebels have her, or leave her for dead.


Ray walked carefully down the halls, unsure about any corner, peeking around, and tiptoe-ing down each hallway. He checked Endra's room, and found no sign of her. He checked her office, again nothing. He sighed, and walked down the hall, stopping in front of his own office door. It was open, and Ray's brow furrowed as he pushed it open. He saw Endra sitting at his desk, looking on the computer intently.

"Endra?" Ray asked, watching her carefully.

She jumped, and turned her eyes away from the computer. "Oh! Ray! You're alright?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." Ray replied as she came forward to hug him. He paused, tilting his head, "Endra where were you? I couldn't find you at the party, or after."

"I left to make room for everyone coming out. I lost everyone in the chaos, and I went searching for you. You weren't at the hospital wing, or your room or anything," Endra replied.

"No, you weren't at the party, I swear. Brendan didn't see you either."

"Oh?" Endra asked, "I was there, Ray. You must have gotten a concussion or something from that damned explosion. You're lucky it didn't kill you."

Ray pulled away from the hug, and looked down at Endra. He watched her carefully. "I wasn't near the explosion…."

Endra paused, something flashing in her eyes, "Well, thank goodness for that! I couldn't imagine if you'd ended up like Christian."

"Wait, if you weren't there, how do you know about Christian?"

Endra shook her head, "Ray, he's in the hospital wing, covered in bandages, I'm pretty sure I'd figure out eventually."

Ray silently stared at Endra. She had seemed so busy, and surprised when Ray had come into the office. But why? What could she have been looking at on the computer? Maybe...maybe the security cameras. But for what? He thought back to all the moments Endra had picked the lock to his office, or his room, and all the times she'd asked about the rebels. All the times she's known more about the castle and it's secrets than Ray ever could….How she'd been missing every time a rebel attack….occurred….

Ray's eyes widened, and he saw Endra smile. She laughed, "There it is. You've finally figured it out. Took you long enough." She walked around Ray and shut the office door, flipping the lock.

"Endra...what? Why?!" Ray was so confused, how could his own sister be a rebel ally? Supporting them, letting them in, giving them information?

"Why? Ray, you ought to know why." She went back to his desk, circling him, and looking through papers she finds on the desk. "Honestly, it can't be that surprising."

"But, how did you keep this secret? You talk to anyone about anything." Ray retorted, trying to deny it.

Endra scoffed, flipping her hair, "Okay, just because I'm talkative, doesn't mean I don't know how to keep a secret. Secondly, I'm a little hurt you think me incapable."

"Wait, but, what do you gain from joining the rebels? Don't they want to kill you too? Plus, I thought you didn't like the lower castes…" Ray asked, shaking his head. He knew his sister, there had to be other reasons.

"Ray," she tsked, and sat on his desk. "Let me tell you something. When you're 3rd in line for the throne, things get boring. I had no options for my life. I wasn't trained to do anything but look pretty and be a media influencer. I wanted power, and I had the means, and the drive, to do it. The rebels were going to help me get that."

"But how do they help you?"

Endra sighed like he was a child who couldn't count to three. "They were going to get me the support of the lower castes, and in turn, I was going to be their equal. I would have married a rebel, and that way our bloodlines would be true again. We'd undoubtedly be the heirs. I know you found out we weren't the heirs. What a shock you had, but I used it to my advantage. I would give them power, and I would get my own too." She paused, looking at Ray carefully.

"I never meant to hurt you, but the rest of our family had to go." She added. Before Ray could even ask, she continued on. "You weren't a threat, you were falling in love with males, and then you couldn't have an heir, which means that my children would rule. But only if Christian was dead. Of course, mom and dad had to go, so you could get the throne, and perhaps abdicate from the stress….don't give me that look, I know what being Crown Prince does to your mental state. You fight with yourself Ray. You have no confidence, nor do you understand the world. Yes, it would have fallen to me, and my kids to rule. The balance restored between the rebel royal blood, and ours.

The rebels know you're an easy target, that it wouldn't be hard for us to slowly eliminate all the females in the Selection before you choose one. I tried to have Kara killed, but poor Camilla drank the juice instead. Kara is a favorite of yours, I know, but now I see she doesn't want the throne, so I've decided she's no threat anymore."

Ray was horrified at the way his sister was speaking, she smiled then, an eerie, sly smile. "You know, Ray, I'm surprised you're not more excited at the idea of dad no longer being around. After all, you're constantly scared of what he'll say about you and your ruling, and your spouse choices….Come on, Ray! Just accept it. You know this is how things will end. This is the only way for peace to come."

"No." Ray shouted, breaking in the small word before she scoffed, and snarled at him.

"No? Ray, I don't want to hurt you. I'm already mad Christian made it out of that explosion, it was supposed to kill him, and now you. You've been trouble this whole Selection. I must say a couple times you almost caught me! I was so surprised, I thought you knew, but every time you wandered from the obvious."

Ray felt tears sting in his eyes, "How...how long have you been planning this?" His voice was shaking, and Endra only offered a cruel, gentle smile.

"About 2 years."

2 years. 2.

"How could you think that this could possibly work out for you?!" Ray yelled, suddenly outraged that Endra would dare do this to their family. This whole Selection has been tearing them apart, but maybe she planned that.

"Why wouldn't I? If Christian had been over a few feet, he wouldn't even be alive right now! If Dad doesn't make it through his emergency surgery, then he'll be gone too. And Mom, well, if she wakes I'll be surprised, besides, she can't rule, she's a consort."

Endra jumped off the desk, as Ray watched her carefully, tears falling down his face now. She'd betrayed them. She'd betrayed all of them in the worst way.

"Don't worry, I'll tell everyone you're resting in your room, and don't want to be distrubed." Endra said gently, moving towards the office door, and flipping the lock to open it.

"I'm not though…."

Endra smirked, "Maybe, but let's keep that between you and me, huh?" Endra opened the door, and nodded to someone. A tall, muscular man came in, with a rope. Endra sighed, "You should have listened to Mimi more, Ray. She was onto me. She just didn't connect the final dots." Endra looked over her shoulder, and her wicked smile was the last thing Ray saw before the man punched him, and his head cracked against the floor. Everything went dark….


Brendan Morgan, Two, Fennley

Brendan sighed as he sat in the hospital wing. He was sitting next to Ivy, who was staring intensely at Christian, looking for any sign of movement from him. He was currently in a medically induced coma to help with the pain. They'd removed his eye, it was far too damaged to repair, and now Chrsitian's entire right side of his face was covered in bandages. Brendan heard a door open, and looked up, it was King Stewart. They'd been able to repair his leg, or at least made it look like they had. So the surgery had been a success; the doctors had been worried about cutting a major artery.

The king was placed on a bed, and the attendants left. Brendan glanced to Ivy, and patted her shoulder before standing, and going to King Stewart. "Your Majesty." Brendan greeted, grinding his teeth while doing so. As much as he hated the king, Ray had asked him to check on his parents.

"What do you want?" Stewart scowled, glaring at Brendan. "I didn't ask you to come over here, did I?"

Brendan bit his cheek, and counted to three before replying. He couldn't lose it right here, right now and risk getting kicked out. "Your son asked me to check on you, so here I am. Are you gonna live?"

Stewart's look softened ever so slightly, as though in thought, and nodded, "Didn't kill me today."

Brendan nodded, and turned away. He was going back to Ivy when the medical wing doors opened, and Endra came in, sobbing. She ran to her father, and Brendan heard small snippets. Ray, stressed and locked in his room, her, scared out of her mind for her father, brother, and mother, her father being kind to her, reassuring her.

Brendan sighed, and left the medical wing, heading towards Ray's room. He wanted to make sure the little prince was handling everything okay. Lord knows if something were to happen to him the country would go berserk. Besides, Brendan couldn't handle it if Ray hurt himself, he really did love the stupid boy, despite all his efforts to fight the feelings of adoration and pure happiness he felt around Ray. Brendan had tried to find reasons not to like Ray, but there seemed to be none, at least, none he couldn't handle.

Brendan knocked on the bedroom door, "Ray? Ray! Come on, open up."

There was no reply. Brendan sighed, "Come on, I need you to answer. I came to check on you."

Still no reply.

Brendan tried the handle, and to his surprise it was open. For a moment, Brendan was absolutely terrified of what that meant, but when he saw nothing, not a single hint Ray had been in this room lately, he turned and left. So much for Ray being locked in his room. He walked by Ray's office, and paused briefly.

Brendan groaned, "I swear if he's doing work right now-"

He tried the handle, but it was locked. Brendan tried again, trying to pry it open. It didn't budge. Brendan looked around, and noticed a small rock in a potted plant. He picked up the rock, and held it against the handle. He raised it up, then slammed the rock several times against the handle. He figured he'd buy a new one if the palace would scold him.

When Brendan walked in though, he forgot all about the handle. "Oh my god, Ray!" He saw Ray tied to a chair, his head bleeding from the temple. Brendan rushed over, trying to wake Ray. He hit his face gently, then harder to try and wake him. Ray opened his eyes for a brief moment, then closed them. At least he was alive. Brendan moved behind the chair, and untied Ray's hands and feet.

Ray slumped forward, and Brendan caught him before he hit the ground. Brendan wrestled him up, and sighed, looking around. How was he supposed to get Ray to the hospital wing? Brendan groaned, and half-dragged Ray out of the office, and down the halls. He made it to the hospital wing, and threw open the doors with one hand. The doors banged against the wall, and gasps were heard around the room as doctors and nurses rushed to gather Ray. They all cornered Brendan, asking what happened, but he was able to give them nothing. All he knew is that whoever did this was going to pay.

Endra and Stewart were still talking, and Endra rushed over to Brendan, "What happened? Where did you find him?"

Brendan felt himself growing hot with anger, "In his office, tied up. I don't know what happened, or how. But I wish I had been there, I guarantee it wouldn't have happened."

Endra was staring at Brendan, and he looked to her, "What?"

She shook her head, "Nothing." She replied, but she seemed off-put by him. If even a little angry herself. But why would she be directing that anger at him? Brendan remembered Ray had mentioned not knowing where Endra was….how he went off to look for her….

"What did you do?" Brendan growled, glaring at Endra.

Endra seemed to panic for a moment, and Brendan knew he had her. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb! I know you did this to him!" Brendan's voice was raised, and the entire room went silent. People were staring, and Endra looked around.

"I don't know what you're implying! I would never hurt my brother-"

"Bull shit!" Brendan yelled, face growing red. "You did this! All of this! That's why you're never around, isn't it? That's why the rebels were getting fed inside information!"

The room was deathly silent.

"I-" Endra squeaked. By now guards had come over, they tried to grab Brendan's arms, but he shook them off, still accusing Endra.

"You did this! Admit it! You're a selfish, wicked, power hungry rat!"

Endra was going to retort, but Brendan beat her to it. "You tried to kill your own family! All of them! All for what? Power? Fear?!"

Endra shook her head, "NO!"

"Then why?!"

"Because my brothers don't deserve the throne!"

Silence. The guards stopped wrestling Brendan. They looked to Endra, shocked at what they'd heard.

Endra was glaring so hard at Brendan that tears started down her face. "Are you happy? You fucking psycho, you got me to admit."

Brendan shook his head, disgusted, "No. I'm appalled that Ray is stuck with you as a sister. A malicious, backstabbing, little rotten apple."

Guards slowly gathered Endra in their arms, and brought her to her father. Not long after, Endra was being dragged out of the hospital wing; down to the 'dungeon' she went. Brendan felt his entire body shaking, and turned. No one would look at him, but at least he'd outed Endra. Even if he was sent home.

He went back to Ivy, who was crying. "Thank you, she always seemed off to me."

Brendan didn't say anything, but squeezed her hand in comfort. After all, Ivy was also caught in the middle of this mess now, the least he could do was offer support.


Ray's POV

Ray woke up to a splitting headache. The room was too bright, and the smells too strong. He cringed, and tried to look around. He saw people walking around, while others lay in beds, or sat next to them. To his surprise, Jed was sitting next to his bed.

Jed hadn't noticed yet that Ray had woken up, so Ray cleared his throat. Jed jumped, and looked to Ray. "Oh! Thank god, Ray! I was so scared. They brought you in, and my heart stopped, I swear, I'd never been more scared in my life."

Ray chuckled, "Well, I'll try not to do it again." Ray tried to sit up, but needed Jed's assistance with moving slowly.

Jed sighed, shaking his head, and kissed Ray on the cheek, "I'm just sorry we haven't figured out what happened yet."

Ray remembered what Endra did then, and his blood began to boil. "It was Endra, she-"

"We know it was her. Brendan got her to admit…" Ray looked at Jed in astonishment, and Jed continued, "He was actually the one who found you."

Ray fought the urge to look around for Brendan, and instead, focused on Jed. Jed, who was right here, waiting for Ray to wake up. Ray smiled, "Well, thank goodness for that."

Jed smiled, and took hold of Ray's hand, "Ray, she's been arrested, she's in the cells below. They haven't been able to get any information out of her though."

Ray's eyes instinctively wandered to the wall across from him, losing focus as he thought. Everything that happened. Endra, the rebels, the explosion, his family...His family!

Ray looked at Jed, terrified, "Jed, what about my parents? Christian?"

Jed looked uneasy, biting his lip. "Your dad's okay. His leg is going to be a little messed up for the rest of his life, though. Your brother, well….his eye wasn't able to be saved."

Ray gasped, and covered his mouth. Christian, his eye….it was gone? Just gone now? How is that something he could ever get used to? Christian lived to read. He relied on his eyes. Ray had faith he'd be okay, but the road to 'okay' would be long and hard on him.

Ray realized Jed hadn't mentioned his mother, he turned to look at Jed, already knowing the answer. Tears started flowing before Ray could stop them. "What about my mother?"

Jed started tearing up too, and he shook his head. "She- her brain was bleeding too much. They lost her before they could even try to fix it."

Ray was sobbing now. How many tears could one body have? It felt like he was being torn apart, and he felt sick again. His mother. The one who was always sweet, caring, there for him. The only sanity he'd really had during this whole Selection. She was supposed to be there for the wedding, for the grandkids, for his coronation, for everything! Why did it have to be her? His body was shaking, and Jed pulled him into a hug, climbing on the hospital bed with Ray.

Jed had always been a shoulder to cry on, but nothing had ever compared to this. He was grateful to Jed, but he was more focused on the raw pain eating away at his heart. His mother….mother….mom.


24 hours.

24 hours since his mother had died, and Ray was finally well enough to speak to his father. He made his way to his father's hospital bed. He was wearing a cast, and Ray looked down at it, no emotion left in his body now. He'd been as sad as sad could be, as angry, as desperate, as hopeless.

"Ray-"

"Dad, I'm sorry. It's my fault, I should have told her the ball was a bad idea."

"Ray, no, it's not your fault. She wanted to see you happy, and she was able to give that to you, if only for a little while."

Ray felt his eyes sting to cry, but he had no more tears left. They were both silent. Stewart spoke again, "If anything, I didn't appreciate her enough. She was always there, and I was so caught up in everything, I forgot we were supposed to be partners…." Ray remained silent, wondering where his father was going next. "Ray, marry whoever you want. You need a partner, not a queen. Love them the way I should have loved your mother every day."

Ray glanced up to his father. Was he serious? A sudden change of heart because of his mom? Ray glanced around the hospital room, eyes landing on Jed, Brendan, Kara and Evie. He smiled sadly. He had an idea of who he wanted to marry, but for now, it was time to spend a few deep conversations with his father….


Heyyyyyyyy *hides* so uh, what do ya think? I got a long chapter. Hopefully y'all are thoroughly shook. I told you this chapter would be a ride. Sooo we're reaching the end guys. Queen Mom is dead, Endra was arrested, Christian lost an eye, and Ray can marry whoever he wants when he gets over his emotional trauma. Hehe. 2 chapters left, and an epilogue! Get excited people~!

See ya in the next chapter!