Chapter 52
Ray's POV
Ray heard a quiet knock on his bedroom door, and he looked up curiously, "Come in?" He called out, though it sounded like it had been a question. The door opened, and he was surprised to see Kara stick her head into his room. She offered a small smile, and walked in, closing the door behind her.
Ray was sitting in bed, the doctor still didn't want Ray doing too much in case he could bring on a concussion with more activity. Kara sat on the edge of his bed, and noticed a small flower that Jed had given Ray. She picked it up, and smelled it, looking at Ray.
"Look, Ray, I came in here….because I'm going to make this a hell of a lot easier for you."
Ray tilted his head, and allowed her to continue. She set down the flower, and brought both legs up, so she was sitting indian style. She sighed, "Ray, I'd like to leave the Selection."
"Kara-"
"I know you don't love me romantically. You're like the awesome brother I never had, so I don't love you romantically. Let's face it, I wouldn't be very good as queen, I'm not exactly media friendly either, and the people seem to know I stand no chance…." she paused, fiddling with the blanket. "I miss home, Ray. I do like it here, but home is home, and my mom, I want to be there for her. This has already changed our lives so much, so thank you, but it's over. I don't need to be here anymore."
Ray sighed, running a hand through his hair. Yes. He did know Kara wasn't his heart's calling, but he was still sad to see such a good friend go. He'd grown quite fond of her. "I understand," Ray said, he pointed towards his closet, "Top shelf, there's a bottle of whiskey and two glasses, can you bring it here?"
Kara's eyes sparkled, and she clucked her tongue, "Your Highness! I didn't know you had your own little alcohol stash."
Ray laughed, shaking his head, "Special occasions." Was all he said as Kara brought back the glasses, and poured them each a drink. Kara loaded hers to the rim, and only Ray's half way. Ray snorted, but didn't complain, he didn't want to get wasted, after all.
Ray lifted his glass in a toast, "To you, you certainly made this Selection interesting, and you'll be missed. Come visit someday?"
Kara smiled, "Of course." She clanked her glass against Ray's and drank the whiskey down.
There was silence, then Kara hummed, and set down her glass. "Ray, promise me something."
Ray glanced at her curiously, "I can try."
Kara sighed, but smiled, "That's all I can ask, I guess." She ran a hand through her own hair, which Ray had never seen her do before, which made him even more curious as to what she was about to say.
"Follow your heart, okay? I can't be here to root for Brendan, or tell you that Evie doesn't shut up about you, or that I know that Jed is constantly your shoulder to lean on, your safe place, but, just remember...whoever you choose is going to be there for you for the rest of your life. Whoever you choose now, will be there 5 years from now, 10 years, 20….who do you want there for all those days?"
Ray was silent as he processed her words. "How can I tell, Kara?"
Kara seemed surprised, then sighed, "I don't know. I've heard that some people can just...tell. You know? Like, some people can look at someone they love, and say that they're the one they want to spend forever with."
"I could spend forever with anyone here-"
"Could." She cut him off, "Could is the key word. You could spend forever with any one of them. But who do you want to spend forever with?"
Ray was surprised. He- he hadn't thought of it like that. He never considered the fact that he'd be settling for people, rather than actively choosing them. How could he do that to any of them? How could he do that to himself? He sighed, he needed to find out which one he wanted to choose, and fast, before he couldn't choose.
Brendan Morgan, Two, Fennley
Brendan walked outside with Kara as the servants were carrying her stuff to the limo. Brendan crossed his arms, and glared up at the castle, "I don't need to kick Ray's little royal ass do I?"
Kara laughed, shaking her head, "No, I left of my own accord."
Brendan sighed, looking to Kara, "I'm gonna miss ya. We gotta stay in touch, okay?"
Kara nodded, "Of course." She leaned in for a hug, and Brendan obliged. He really was going to miss Kara, even if this meant they only had at most a week in the castle left because Ray would have to choose before the seventh day was up.
Brendan slipped a grin into place to cover his train of thought, the worry that he'd leave here empty handed and heart broken. "Hey, maybe when things settle down we could collab on a song?"
Kara smiled, "Maybe, we'll see how things go."
Brendan nodded as Kara stepped into the limo. She looked up at him from the seat, "Hey," she said, keeping Brendan' focus from wandering again. "I hope you win, Brendan, I really do. I may not have known you long, but, you deserve this, this happiness."
Brendan was surprised, he'd told her about Le Fay, his ex, and how he liked Ray, but he didn't expect her to get all sappy and wish him the royal titles, duties, and most importantly husband. Brendan felt his face grow into a small, sincere smile though, and he nodded, "Thanks, and I hope you and your mom get everything good you deserve."
Kara nodded once, and closed the door, but rolled down the window as the limo started up. "Oh, and call me next time Ray wants a drinking partner, okay?"
Brendan laughed, "Only if I don't beat you to it."
Kara stuck out her tongue as the limo pulled away. Brendan already missed her salty goofiness. Brendan turned around, and walked up the palace steps, only to find Ray waiting for him. Brendan was surprised, and he immediately tried to cover it.
"Little prince, to what do I owe the honor?"
Ray cleared his throat, "Well, I wanted to take my remaining Selected on one final date before my decision, and you're first?"
Brendan's mind began to reel as he wondered why he was first. Was it because he was Ray's current favorite? Or could it be because he was the least favorite? Did Ray want to secure his feelings, either good or bad? Was he going to be the first off the list as a No?
Brendan only shrugged though, "Sure, where are we going?"
Ray shrugged as well, "I was hoping you could tell me."
Brendan tilted his head, but thought for a moment, considering the options. What they'd already done, compared to what they both liked to do, and what other Selected had already done. He finally decided on a date, and spoke confidently, "I wanna go to the Cicada Club."
Ray seemed surprised, "W-what's that?"
Brendan sighed, and rolled his eyes, "Just dress like you're from the 1920's and get your dancing shoes on."
Ray's face was hilarious, but Brendan was totally serious, and Ray nodded. "Okay, I'll be ready in an hour." Brendan nodded, and went to his own room to get ready.
Brendan ran his hands through his hair, it was pretty loose, as he didn't like when it was slicked back. He was wearing a grey pin-striped suit, and black shiny shoes. Brendan straightened his jacket, and turned to see Ray walking towards him.
Ray was wearing a white zoot suit with gold accents, and his hair was slicked back to perfection. He looked like something straight out of the Great Gatsby, and Brendan felt his face heat ever so slightly, but he pushed the blush down, and nodded to Ray as he approached.
Ray nodded back, and smiled, "Hey, not bad daddy-o."
Brendan cringed, "Don't- don't say that. Just don't."
Ray laughed, louder than Brendan had heard him laugh before, and Brendan couldn't help but smile at it. Ray nodded, "Fine, okay, I won't. So, are we ready to go?" Brendan nodded, and they both stepped out of the palace, making their way down the stairs to the limo below.
They arrived at the Cicada Club in LA in a surprisingly short time, and Brendan hopped out of the limo. "Little Prince, may I introduce you to your ancestor's fun times."
Ray scoffed, and shook his head at Brendan as he led the way into the club. Inside jazz music was playing, and the red and black aesthetic was overwhelming. There was smoke, artificial Ray assumed, and people were walking around in 1920s wear. The drinks were all 1920s themed, especially the 'giggle water', which was just champagne.
Ray ordered a "Beez Kneez" which was an orange and lime drink, while Brendan ordered a "Bearcat", which was basically a Fireball. The two talked for a while as the Jazz played on in the background. Finally, a slow song played, and Brendan stood, offering a hand to Ray. Ray stared up at Brendan for a moment, and for a brief, horrifying moment, Brendan thought he'd get rejected.
But Ray stood, placing his hand in Brendan's and allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor. Brendan placed one hand behind Ray's neck, and the other on Ray's side, while Ray situated his arms almost similar, but to where his arms rested easiest.
The music continued, and they began to step along to it. It was rather romantic, and unlike anything Brendan had ever done before. He wasn't much of a romantic, or, at least he'd never had the chance to be. But he found he quite liked it.
Brendan broke the silence between them, "Sorry this is such a basic date, in a simple place, but, I liked the idea of something simple and quiet together."
Ray shook his head, "No, I get it. I like it, it's nice. Certainly unlike any other place I've ever been."
Brendan chuckled, and they fell into silence again. The song came to a close, and Brendan leaned forward, initiating a kiss between the two of them. Ray kissed back, pulling Brendan closer. Eventually they pulled apart, and Brendan smiled.
"I'll be right back," He told Ray, who nodded, and went back to sit at the bar.
Brendan went to the band, and requested a song. Give Me a Kiss to Build a Dream On, by Louis Armstrong. He made his way back to Ray, and nodded to the band, "This song is for you, Little Prince."
Ray turned to watch the band, and Brendan sat there, admiring the way Ray watched the band, and listened with such a genuine intense curiosity. How Ray barely breathed, afraid to miss a single note. How great Ray looked in the dim lights and foggy room. Eventually the song stopped, and Ray turned back to Brendan, smiling widely.
"Thank you, Brendan."
Brendan nodded, and hesitated, before saying, "Ray?"
Ray looked back to Brendan, after taking a sip of his new drink. "Yes?"
Brendan sighed, "I want to trade in my favor." Ray seemed surprised, but nodded. Brendan himself had almost forgotten he'd had this favor from his winning bet. "My favor-" His voice almost cracked, so he took a breath, "My favor is that you tell me if I lost the Selection before you announce the winner on television. So I can prepare myself emotionally."
Ray's eyes flashed, and he looked down into his drink, stirring it with the little stick. He glanced to Brendan again, and nodded slowly. "I- I'll try, Brendan."
Brendan nodded, "Okay." He downed the rest of his own drink, and turned back to Ray, "But hey, for now, let's enjoy the night, okay?" Ray nodded in agreement, and Brendan offered his hand again, nodding towards the dance floor. Ray took it, but didn't forget the favor he owed Brendan. If only Ray knew what his choice would be before he made it.
Evie Charconay, Two, Angeles
Evie was excited, her date with Ray was today, this morning he'd sent her a letter telling her to get ready for a sailboat ride. The royal family didn't own one, but they decided to rent one for the day. Evie wore a pink bathing suit with a white cover up, and giant sunhat. She smiled as she saw Ray in swim trunks, an obnoxious Hawaiian shirt, and palm tree sunglasses.
He was so funny, she shook her head. "Lookin' great!"
He stuck his tongue out, "Not as great as you." He replied, spinning her around, and kissing her cheek.
Evie giggled, and they made their way to a limo, taking them to a beach. There, they found a dock, and a sailboat, which was actually quite large and luxurious, was docked. They boarded the ship, and along with one bodyguard, set sail. They laughed and talked, and Ray actually steered the ship while Evie lay next to his feet, sunbathing.
About an hour later, Ray dropped a small anchor, and grabbed a basket filled with food, and a bottle of champagne. After giving Evie a small sandwich, plenty of chocolate covered strawberries, and a glass of champagne, they sat and talked.
Since it was starting to move to winter, it was quite chilly out on the water as the breeze washed over them, but they didn't mind. They were going to enjoy their date, weather be damned.
"So, Ray, what do you think? A future of this? Us, together, a family?" Evie asked, "I know we already know a lot about each other, so for now there's not much to say except for the future. I know, and you know, that I love you Ray. I do want to win the Selection, but, I also want you to be happy."
Ray sighed, staring at the waves coming to gently rock the boat. "Well, I have a lot to think about Ev. I- I can't let the past run our current relationship, you know? I have to think about the boys, and how my future could look with them. With you? I think it will look a lot like the past, but with kids of our own, and a country full of differing opinions. Some may love our fairy-tale they came back together story; others may think this whole thing was rigged."
"So, what can I do to ensure you pick me?" Evie asked, she didn't want to lose Ray. Not after all they've been through, they were so close to having their long deserved Happily Ever After.
"Give me a reason, any reason you think is good enough." Ray shrugged.
Evie sighed, and gently turned Ray's head towards her, "Ray, I know you better than those two, maybe better than anyone else ever could. I love you, for you, and I know what I'm getting into when I say I want to be your wife. The public, the media, the royal duties, all of it."
Something flickered in Ray's eyes, and Evie smiled softly, "I know, Ray, and I still want to be here for you."
Ray sighed, pulling Evie into a tight hug. "Thank you, that means a lot." He whispered. Evie snuggled up into his arms and chest, smiling. This was something she could get used to.
As Ray let her go, he smiled, "You know, I bet there's some things you don't know about me."
Evie raised a brow, "Oh, really? I know your favorite color, your favorite food, your favorite movie, your favorite song, your favorite-"
"Okay, okay, so maybe you know a lot, but not everything." Ray mused, smirking.
Evie scoffed, "Ray, you're not very good at keeping secrets, and besides, I know everything from your middle name, to what you imagined making out was like when we first started dating, and you explained - horribly- what a french kiss was."
Ray laughed, doubling over, "Okay, hey- that, that did not need to be brought up." Evie chuckled, and poked Ray in the stomach.
"But it is so much fun to torment you with!"
Ray rolled his eyes, and started to tickle Evie. She laughed, and actually snorted once or twice as she tried to catch her breath between tickle fits. They were both laughing uncontrollably the whole time, as they enjoyed their last official date before Ray chose his future.
Jed Maddox, Four, Kent
When Ray had asked Jed where he wanted to go for their date, Jed had immediately said the beach. Ray seemed surprised it wasn't the gardens, but Jed wanted to go somewhere calm, away from the palace where Ray could relax. Jed wanted to make sure Ray had a nice time, and you can't do that when you're in a stressful place.
Ray walked down the front steps towards Jed. He was wearing khaki pants, and a blue polo, with tennis shoes so they wouldn't ruin nice shoes in the sand. Jed was wearing something similar, but he was wearing a green turtleneck, and grey pants. Jed smiled at Ray, and opened the limo door for him, smiling. Ray chuckled, and bowed to Jed, stepping into the limo. Jed followed, and the limo started almost immediately after the door closed.
The limo pulled up to the beach walk, and Jed climbed out, waiting for Ray. "Sooo, what do you wanna do?" Ray asked.
Jed shrugged, smiling, "Just walk and talk."
Ray tilted his head, curious, and his curls bounced. Today they seemed extra curly, not just waves like usual. "Just walk and talk? That's your big date idea?"
Jed bumped Ray with his shoulder, as he started walking, "Yeah, I figured it would be a nice break for you. Something calm, so we can just get to know each other without doing anything."
Ray smiled, and took Jed's hand in his, Jed felt a small blush creep up his neck, "That's so sweet of you, Jed."
Jed shrugged, "It's nothing."
There was a pleasant silence as they walked along the beach together, hand in hand. Jed was trying not to focus too much on the feel of Ray's surprisingly calloused hands in his own. Jed sincerely hoped that he would get used to the feel of Ray's hand in his. Of course he wanted to win this Selection, but Jed couldn't help but feel like he had some real competition. Not to mention, his family was currently in pieces, as was Ray's. How would that affect them? Could Jed and Ray ignore the trouble they were facing if they had each other? Should they? Did Jed even want the royal life? He could help a lot of people, but, maybe it would be too much. Sure, he could handle Ray and his stress, but what about Jed's duties as royal consort?
Ray spoke, dragging Jed out of his thoughts, "So, your brother, how are you two now?"
"Oh, Charlie?" Jed replied, he smiled, "We're good. We're kind of all we have right now…."
"I-"
"It's okay, really. Me and Charlie are good, it's nice to be on good terms with him again. I've missed him. He, he made me a really good offer, but…." Jed trailed off. How was he supposed to tell Ray he had a backup plan ready for the moment he got rejected?
"It all depends on my choice, huh?" Ray asked, stopping, and staring out at the ocean. The sea was surprisingly calm, not a breeze seemed to stir it.
Jed squeezed Ray's hand, "Yes. I have a backup plan. I think we all do."
Ray nodded, "And that's a good thing, it's just-"
Ray went silent, and Jed searched his face, "It's just what? You can tell me, Ray."
Ray turned his face slowly from the sea to look at Jed, and Jed saw the sadness in Ray's eyes. "I- how can I pick any of you? You all mean so much to me."
Jed smiled softly, "Ray, I get it. We all care for you too, but deep down don't you know there's only one of us you want to be with forever?"
Ray stared out at the sea again, and Jed decided to stay silent while Ray worked through his thoughts. "I- I think so?"
Jed perked up, hoping that it could be him. "There is?"
Ray nodded, and looked to Jed, "Yes, I think so."
Jed smiled brightly, "Ray that's great!"
Ray laughed bitterly, "But, what if I make the wrong choice? What if I'm not happy 5 months from now? 2 years? 10 years?"
Jed sighed, "Ray, you can't think like that. If you really want to be with them, think about how happy you'll be for the rest of your life."
Ray sighed, plopping down on the sand. Jed gently sat next to him, setting a hand on his knee. Ray took a shaky breath, "I know you're right, I know I should think good things; but part of me can't help but think of the bad."
Jed smiled, "That's good, Ray. It means you'll never make a rash decision. That's especially good for being King; but you also need to follow what your heart tells you."
Ray slumped, his shoulders drooping so impressively low, Jed wondered how it didn't hurt Ray to sit like that. Jed rubbed Ray's back, as Ray let out a long sigh. "What does your brother have as an offer?"
Jed was surprised at the sudden change of subject onto himself, "Oh, well, he plans to travel as a speaker, to help LGBTQ+ kids discover themselves and hear that it's okay to be who they are. He offered me to go with him."
Ray looked to Jed, surprise, but happiness written all over his features. "Jed, that's great! I'm glad he's doing that, and if that's something you want, then, that's great."
Jed nodded, "I mean, it definitely is, but, if you choose me, then I can do plenty here too."
Ray smiled, and nodded, "And Brendan has his band he can go back to. Evie, she's getting her degree, she's going to work in public services."
Jed sat silent again, watching Ray try to think things through. "It's funny, you all perform such good services for the public, or want to, at least."
Jed chuckled, "Well, I guess that means any one of us will be good with consort duties?"
Ray shrugged, nodding, "That's true." There was silence once more, then Ray spoke again, "So, do you actually want this life?" Ray asked, turning to face Jed, tilting his head.
"I think I could rise to the challenge, but, to be fair, you're the best part of this deal." Jed replied.
Ray nodded, sighing, "Come on, I think we should head back to the castle." Jed nodded, and stood, helping Ray up too. Ray leaned over, and kissed Jed on the cheek, "Thanks for everything, Jed, I'm so glad I can talk to you."
Jed nodded, "Of course, anything to help you."
Hey everyone! So these are the last dates before Ray chooses his winner! Final bets as to who's gonna win? I'm curious to see who you think! I've heard a few opinions already, but maybe this shook things up a little? I don't know. Wow. Next chapter is really the end, huh. I- I don't know how I feel about that. My baby is all grown up. Wow. Anyways, at least there's the epilogue too, and the sequel. It's not forever.
See you in the next chapter, the final chapter~~!
