Hey guys! Here's the next chapter! focused on the girls' worries about the Report and the Report itself!

Man this was a long, long chapter and it changed way more than I thought it would

I hinted at something that's going to be revealed in the next Chapter, can you guess what it is? HINT: It's the scene between Anderson and Payton.

Don't forget to leave a review! Tell me what you think! I need feedback to see what you guys like and what you think I can improve!

Laine and Elodie were created by Cookiedoodles168

Selene was created by Angeley

Guest appearances by some other of the selected.


And I know this may seem soon but I want you to start sending me suggestions on who you want to be the Elite. I at least want ONE girl from each of the people who sent in OC's for Payton's Selection. PLEASE VOTE ON WHO YOU WANT IN THE ELITE. THERE ARE SIX SPOTS LEFT.

The Elites already chosen (Payton):

1. Eirelyn Leger created by MichaelXClaire1996 (me)

2. Vera Martinez created by Anastasia the Goddess of Drama

3. Catherine Zussledorf created by Smiley111

4. Alexandra Redmond by Fairytoto1

The Elites already chosen (Sara):

1. Victor created by Anastasia the Goddess of drama

2. Greyson Marcus Goldberg created by Fairytoto1

These girls and boys were chosen because they are the only girls created by their respective authors. The six remaining slots for the Payton's Elite are open game for any of the OC girls. Just message me or leave a review on who you think should be an Elite, the same rules apply for Sara.

If there is a particular girl you like and you think she should be in the Elite just message me or leave a review. Remember, look over ALL the girls, not just the ones from the newest chapters so you can meet them all before deciding who you want in the Elite.


Chapter 24- Report Anxieties

Sara POV

Sara let out a frustrated sigh, it had been a long week and the Selection was already driving her crazy. It hadn't been a week and already she had eliminated five boys after meeting them and then just yesterday after dinner, she had eliminated another six because they had gotten into a huge brawl over the Report. Two of the men had ganged up on two of the poorer and younger men and finally, they had snapped and started a fight; the two instigators joining happily. The last two had been pulled in when a stray fist or foot hit them.

Why did boys have to be so stupid? Now she had eliminated a total of eleven men, that was two more than Payton! She knew that he had girls that he planned to eliminate in a few weeks, but that wasn't going to happen until at least two weeks after this first Report. She also knew that he had a good number of girls that he still had to date too.

If there was anything that Sara had to applaud, it was the fact that Payton seemed to be taking everything in stride despite all the work he had to get done for their country and the fact that he was dating twenty-something girls along the way. Why couldn't she do what he was doing? She didn't have to rule the country but she hadn't done as many dates as Payton had, despite being free most of the time. Was she hesitant because of Colton? Were her past feelings for the English Prince causing her to unconsciously keep the boys at arm's length? God, she hoped not. She was doing this because she was trying to move on! Not stay stuck!

She couldn't use money that they could use elsewhere and anger other countries for having her own Selection for no reason! That's right, Payton had told her how unhappy the other countries were that she was having a Selection instead of marrying one of their noblemen. She really hoped that she wouldn't accidentally cause other problems….

She was still deep in her thoughts when the door to her room was flung completely wide open and without care. Her head shot up and she frowned when she saw Evelyn walk in, a small frown on her face. "Why are you so grumpy? Actually, why are you in my room?" Sara demanded, her family and Evelyn had been barging in as if they owned the place recently and she couldn't stand it? What if she was indecent?

"I just happened to be looking at your schedule," Evelyn said, her English accent seemed a bit sharper as she looked at the younger girl with clear disapproval. "You've only been on dates with a handful of your selected men and you have no dates today." The look on Evelyn's face was so disapproving that it made Sara want to shrink. "Why are you slacking? You wanted this Selection, Sara."

"I know, I know…. It's just…" She trailed off, how was she supposed to explain herself to Colton's sister of all people? What would she think of her? Talking to Evelyn about her boy problems when her brother was the cause didn't seem like a good idea, but in the end, she just blurted out everything. "I don't know what to do. I'm trying to move on from Colt but I can't stop thinking about him and if I made the right decision or not. When the boy is blonde, I think that the shade is almost the same shade as Colton's and if they have brown eyes, I think that they glow like his. Even one of my selectee's smile reminds me of Colton! Sometimes I think I made a horrible mistake, Evie. I question if I even know what love is. How can you love my brother so much? How'd you tame that playboy, prankster Prince?"

She watched as Evelyn's face tightened and soured at the mention of Liam and for a moment, she wondered what that was about? Were the perfect couple fighting? The thought was so bizarre that she dismissed it completely. If they were fighting, either Liam or Evelyn would have mentioned it by now.

"I can't answer if you know what love is," Evelyn started slowly. "With Liam and I…. It's like we have an understanding of what we each need. We'll always be there for each other… even if it's not in the way we think or in the way we need." Evelyn said slowly. "And I didn't exactly tame your brother, he's not as crazy when Alaric isn't here. My oldest brother and Liam are two peas in a pod. I can't believe he's going to be King."

Sara rose her brows skeptically, "Did you forget when he bleached then dyed my hair bubblegum pink? Alaric wasn't even here!"

Evelyn laughed at the memory. There had been a lot of high-pitched screaming and tears that day. Liam even had a blown-up picture of Sara with a head full of pink hair at the back of his closet with many other items which he deemed as 'blackmail material' for every member of his family "Yes, I do. But, back on track, Sara, I do believe that you can do so much better than Colton. He's my brother and I love him, but he's also an idiot for cheating on you in the first place."

"And as for the features," Evelyn's smile grew, "If you're missing his features, you can just look at me. I have the same hair and eyes as him after all. I'm just a bit prettier."

Sara laughed at that, "You're way prettier Evie," She sighed, "I do have to go on more dates but after the Report. I want this day to myself. After the fight that happened last night… I want to avoid the boys for as much as I can today."

There was a pause but Evelyn nodded, the "That makes sense. Did you at least enjoy the dates that you have been on?"

Sara smiled, "I had a lot of fun talking to John and then I had a breakfast date with Nathanial yesterday before grabbing lunch with Anthony. It's been going okay, I guess. I also had a date with Brody last night and he showed me clips of snowboarding tournaments and people doing tricks. All the dates I've had have been great. I just need a break since the Report is usually its own chaos."

"I guess you're right," Evelyn said, she settled herself on Sara's bed much to her annoyance, it didn't seem that the British Princess would be leaving her alone any time soon. "What do you think of the girls?"

"Payton's girls?" Sara asked, brow rising slightly. "I don't know. Honestly, I've been trying to stay away from them until there's a smaller number."

"Until the Elite?" Evelyn asked, surprise coloring her voice. "How do you plan to do that Sara? The girls already think you don't like them as it is."

"That's not my intention." Sara protested, feeling the need to defend herself. "There's just too many, I don't want to get really close to them and watch them leave. I won't wait until the Elite to socialize, I'll probably wait until Payton does his second round of eliminations."

Evelyn looked like she was going to say something that was against that idea when Julia burst into her room, causing Sara to sigh. Really. Did no one know the meaning of knocking nowadays? "What do you need Jellybean?" Evelyn asked, a smile already forming on her face. It was no secret that she completely adored Julia and Evelyn was the only person besides Liam that Julia let call her Jellybean.

"Lady Raleigh is going to start teaching me ballet today. Do you want to come to watch?" Julia asked, practically jumping in the spot, voice full of excitement.

Evelyn rose to her feet, the soft lilac skirt of her dress swishing as she stood, "Of course I'll be there." She looked At Sara. "Do you want to come? I heard that Lady Raleigh is a good dancer," The hidden meaning was clear. It was a good chance for her to know one of the girls.

Sara shook her head, "No thanks, I think I'm just going to relax before the Report."

Evelyn looked a bit disappointed but didn't push the subject. "I'll see you tonight then,"

"See you," Sara said back before grabbing a book from her shelf called, A Castle in the Clouds, it was a book by one of her favorite writers, K.T Roman and about a teenage girl somehow finding her way into a castle in the clouds and falling in love with a Prince. It wasn't a happy ending though since the girl didn't end up getting the Prince. The Earth-girl learned that while the Prince loved her, he loved another girl more. A girl he couldn't have since she'd been under a curse until the end of the story. The girl from Earth returned to her home and her so-called Prince married the girl he truly loved someone else; someone who belonged in his world. The girl and the Prince only reunited when she was on her deathbed years later; her as an old woman and him, still as young and beautiful as he was when they had first met. The girl's last words being, 'it was never meant to be. I know that now. Be happy. "If this is my favorite novel, I must hate happy endings," Sara muttered to herself, settling herself at her desk as she began to read.

Maybe it was an omen of what to come? Maybe none of the guys in her Selection were supposed to be her husband? Was that why she was subconsciously keeping herself away from them? Because she knew that none of them was her one? Or that she wasn't supposed to find love?

Sara shook her head harshly. She really shouldn't let her head run wild. A Castle in the Clouds was a fantasy story, nothing more. There was no hidden meaning in the words. And she shouldn't let her own paranoia ruin her favorite book.

She'd find her true love through this Selection. She knew she would. If she didn't… then what was the point? What was it all for? She just hoped her "One" was someone she hadn't already eliminated.


Payton POV

Payton liked the feeling of the air rushing against his face and through his hair as he rode his horse, Misty along the palace grounds, Celia or rather "Laine" Knowles rode right alongside him as they galloped around, the wind whipping across her face and through her hair, making is tangled but she didn't seem to mind at all. Actually, she seemed to be having the time of her life.

Laine slowed her horse down and looked back at him, a smile across her pale face, her emerald green eyes sparkling as she took in his wind-ruffled hair. "You look good, your Highness," She said, laughing.

"Do I?" Payton asked, a smile of his own forming as he tried desperately to brush down his hair. "I'm glad you're enjoying this Lady Laine,"

Laine gave an unladylike snort at that and Payton winced slightly. It was a good thing that there were no cameras around. "Just call me Laine Payton, it's only fair since you don't want me to call you Prince."

"Okay, Laine," Payton said, pulling Misty up to her horse so they could trot along side-by-side. As he studied Laine, he had to say that she resembled Eirelyn a bit with her red hair and emerald green eyes. In fact, every time Laine would look at him Payton would sometimes think it was Eirey before realizing that her hair was more auburn and her emerald eyes were a bit darker than Eirelyn's.

Thinking of Eirelyn also made him feel guilty about the kiss that he had practically rejected last night. She looked so hurt by him not kissing back that he had almost been tempted to pull her back to him and kiss her, but he had resisted. He had meant what he said to her last night: She had to decide what she wanted before they went deeper into their relationship. At least romantically.

"-ayton, are you listening?" He was snapped back to reality when he realized Laine look at him, a slightly annoyed look on her face.

Payton shook his head, "I'm sorry, what did you say, Laine?"

"I asked you if you're nervous about the Report tonight? Are any of the girls getting interviewed?" Laine repeated.

"Oh," Payton paused, "I'm not sure. Usually, they aren't interviewed during the first Report that their on, but I think we might have changed that since Sara's having a Selection too. I think the girls are interviewed today and then the boys next week."

Laine rolled her eyes, "So the boys are spared while the girls are humiliated?"

Payton shook his head, a small smile on his face, "Think of it this way, at least you won't have to stress and wait for another week. You'll be left alone for a whole week on the Report before being interviewed again."

Laine looked thoughtful, "I guess you're right," She said, her green eyes growing remorseful as they took in the stables, the place that they were heading to. "Do we really have to end our riding session now?"

"Yes," Payton said, himself a bit regretful, he had liked talking to Laine and her 'whatever happens, happens' attitude. Laine didn't care about what she said or how she said it and it was refreshing since everyone who lives and worked at the palace always held their tongues while around him. "I have some documents I have to look through,"

Laine looked him in the eyes and asked him squarely, "Is that code for you have another date that you have to do?"

Payton felt slightly guilty but shook his head, while everyone in the country knew he was dating twenty-something girls and the girls themselves knew it, he didn't want to rub the fact he was dating others in their face, especially after what Sara had said to him. "No, I do have some work I have to do, the government doesn't stop just because I have to find a wife."

"That's a shame," Laine said, dismounting her horse and handing the reins to a stable boy. Payton hopped off Misty a second later and handed his reins to the other worker, thanking them for their work. "So, what's worse? Dating twenty-something girls or having to run the country?"

"Definitely dating all you girls," Payton said, causing Laine to smile at him in amusement. "I always feel like I'm doing something wrong and I expect to have something thrown at me soon."

Laine laughed, "Well, we girls are vicious," She said as they reached the palace. "I guess this is where we part ways."

Payton nodded, taking Laine's hand and pulling it to his lips so he could kiss the back of her hand. "It was a pleasure to spend today with you, Lady Laine. I hope we can ride again soon."

Laine's face blushed red but she nodded, a small smile of her own forming on her face. "I'd like that. I'll see you tonight Prince Payton."

He watched as Laine made her way up the stairs to the room and he couldn't help but smile. This date had gone better than expected, it was worth his back and butt being sore from riding the way he had.

He glanced at his watch, feeling relief when he realized he had an hour or a bit more before his next date with Lady Elodie. He planned to take her through a stroll in the gardens. He thought it would be nice to get a perspective from a true working-class girl and he was excited because he was trying to craft laws that would help them. And then he'd have a private dinner with Lady Selene before the Report.

With some time to pass Payton thought about going to his room and take a nap, however, those thoughts flew from his head when he saw Eirey come down the stairs in a dark blue, lacy yet classical slash neck dress, a blue satin ribbon tied around her waist and the skirt of the dress stopping right above her knees in the front and ending just above her calves in the back. He also noticed that she wore creamy heels and her dark red curls were gathered into a low bun on the back of her head.

While he stood there, gaping like an idiot, Eirey finally noticed him, her steps faltering as a small frown formed on her face. "Your Highness," She greeted softly, giving him, a curtsey and he couldn't help but notice how flawless the execution was. She learned quickly he noted.

"Payton," He gently reminded her, giving her a soft smile. He hoped that he hadn't already messed up their recovered relationship by his refusal to kiss her. He really hoped he didn't. "I told you to call me Payton."

"Right," Eirey said nervously, looking anywhere but at him. "I don't think we can go on a date tonight,"

Payton's eyes widened at that statement. "What? Why?" He asked, realizing how dumb he sounded but he couldn't help it.

"Some of the girls and I are going to relax after the Report. We plan on getting into comfy clothes and stuffing ourselves with comfort food because we're sure we'll screw up on national TV. In short, I guess it's a pajama party. Alyssa and Ebony are cooking, they got permission from the Queen this morning in the Women's room and from the Head Chef."

Payton faintly remembered Ebony mentioning something about a cooking contest between her and Alyssa during their first date, but he never knew they had actually scheduled it. Wasn't he supposed to be there? He gave Eirey a teasing look. "Am I invited?"

"I doubt anyone would object to you being there, especially the girls who haven't got dates yet," Eirelyn said, crossing her arms. "I guess you can come."

"Thanks," He said sarcastically, and Eirelyn giggled. "Have a date you're going to?"

"Just finished one actually," Payton said, a blush on his face. "I have another in an hour or so. Where are you going Eirey?"

"I'm meeting Catherine and Jules out by the gazebo in the gardens. Jules likes fashion we've been comparing sketches of dresses." Eirelyn said.

That's when Payton noticed the sketchpad in Eirelyn's hands and the case that held her charcoal. "Mind if I tag along? I haven't spent any time with Lady Catherine or Lady Julianne yet."

Eirelyn's brows rose at that, "And yet, you've gone on a date with a crazy blonde who doesn't know how to cover herself."

"You know me, a glutton for punishment," Payton teased back, offering her his arm which she took with some hesitation. They walked in silence for the next few minutes, both giving each other discreet glances before Payton finally sighed.

"About last night-" He was immediately cut off by Eirelyn whose face had turned completely red.

"I'd rather not talk about it," She interrupted. "Of course, you don't want to kiss me after I slapped you."

Now Payton wanted to slap himself. Of course, Eirelyn would misinterpret his actions and words. "It's not that Eirey. I do want to kiss you but-" He was cut off when he heard a voice call out Eirelyn's name and he saw that they reached the garden, Jules and Catherine looking at them.

They had reached the round, wooden gazebo that was in the middle of the garden, the pointed roof being extremely good to shield them from the sun. There was a small table in the center of the gazebo and benches around it where Catherine and Jules had been sitting before they stood up on spotting Payton.

"Your Highness," Payton shook his head as both Catherine and Jules dipped into curtseys. He really didn't want to be greeted like that by his potential wife. He'd have to clarify that to them after the Report.

"How are you, Lady Catherine? Lady Julianne?" He asked, smiling at them. Catherine's dress was styled like a swing dress and was off-the-shoulders like Eirelyn's. The body of Catherine's dress was black and the light pink skirt fanned out in ruffles and there was a design of butterflies that went out. He notices that her chestnut hair was once again pulled back into a bun and her make-up accented how deep and beautiful her brown eyes were.

Lady Julianne, on the other hand, allowed her dark brown hair to cascade over her left shoulder in thick waves and the pretty aqua green heart-shaped corset dress she wore hugged her curves nicely, the skirt going all the way down to the grass. The dress also made her tanned skin seem richer and the make-up she applied made her mossy green eyes pop.

"We're well Payton," Julianne said, a smile on her face. "But please call me Jules and don't call me Lady, it's a bit too formal for me."

Payton nodded, "Of course," He settled onto one of the stone benches pulling Eirelyn along with him. The other two girls settling themselves back on the benches as well but he noticed that both looked a bit jealous at how close he was to Eirelyn. She also seemed uncomfortable under their jealous looks.

"So, I heard you guys were going to talk about fashion?" Payton asked, trying to clear the air.

That snapped the other girls out of their daze and Jules smiled, excitement clear in her eyes and Payton swore she even bounced in her seat a bit. "Yeah! I work as a seamstress, making things for twos and threes but I love to sew. I really want to try making one of my own dresses." She pulled out her own sketchbook which Payton didn't even know she had and flipped through the pages. "What do you think?" She turned the sketchpad so that it faced Payton.

He looked at the sketches and couldn't help but be impressed. The dresses looked extremely elegant, reaching about floor-level and extremely designed. Some of the dresses had a swooping piece of fabric that draped over the shoulder, another had a long skirt elegantly covered in sequins. His favorite dress though was a lacy dress that had the front of the skirt stopping just above the knees and the back sweeping back dramatically and ending at the floor.

"You're extremely talented," Payton said flipping through the pages. "Have you ever shown your boss back at home?"

"Of course not," Jules said as if he was crazy. "I work as a seamstress at a dress shop. I can't just present this to the owner."

"Why not?" Payton asked, looking closer to the sketches of the dress and catching the smallest of details, which he was sure some others would have missed. "These dresses are beautiful and you're clearly talented."

"I'm a six," Jules said meekly.

"You're a three now," Catherine butted in, "You can open your own dress shop when all of this is over."

"She's right," Eirelyn said, admiring the dress as well. Payton wondered what she saw that he might have missed with her artist's eyes. "You're talented Jules. Only an idiot would reject your work."

"If you guys think so, I'll make a shop that is at least four stories high and that goes into every type of fashion and that can fit anyone. It'll be beautiful and big and white with more dresses than you can imagine." Jules said, a smile starting to form on her face and Payton felt a small blush form on his cheeks at her smile. Jules really was pretty and with her genuine smile, it seemed to change her whole face.

"What about you Catherine?" Payton asked, turning his attention to the quiet brunette. He saw her blush at his attention and smirked to himself. "Anything you're interested in?"

"Well, I like theatre, I actually like the technical parts of it more actually, like the sound machine and the mics, plus the lights. I like handling it all." She said softly, not exactly meeting his eyes.

"Really?" Payton asked, looking at the small girl. She was smaller than Jules and she seemed somewhat fragile. He also had seen the equipment that they used for the Report and it looked heavy.

"Really," Catherine said, sounding somewhat snappish and confusing Payton. Had he done something to upset her? "I know that what I like to do is the work of fives, but I can't help what I like."

"I think it's amazing what you do," Payton quickly said, "I mean, without the tech crew, there'd be no shows are Reports." He said quickly to appease her. "Besides, who cares if you're a six? You should do what you love."

"It's kinda hard to do within the caste system," Catherine said, blushing, clearly embarrassed by how she snapped at him.

"Doesn't seem to have stopped you," Payton said kindly. "We should never let things stop us from doing what we love. Besides now you're a three too, so that should help."

"But as a three, I'd be looked down upon for trying to do a fives job," Catherine reasoned. "As a six I'm scolded because I'm trying to do the job of a caste that's higher than me. It's really a no-win situation."

"It's because the caste system sucks," Eirelyn said, speaking up, her bright emerald green eyes meeting his completely as she spoke. "It's hard for people to get jobs that they really want because it's not in their caste. It's a suppressive system that should have been done with."

"You're looking at me like I don't agree with you," Payton said, suddenly feeling very nervous for himself.

"Do you agree with me?" Eirelyn asked, a challenging look entering her eyes and Payton looked around for help, but Jules wasn't really looking at him, the expression on her face was torn between wanting to laugh at his predicament and something like unease. Catherine on the other hand…. Was writing in a notebook?

"What are you doing?" He asked, trying to look away from Eirelyn brilliant eyes.

"Sorry," Catherine said, looking sheepish that she was caught. "I write down things that interest me. I also love to write, so does Jules here actually. I wouldn't mind being a writer either." She paused looking thoughtful a dreamy look in her eyes, "At least that's in the field of a three." She hummed before glancing between Payton and Eirelyn, a smile on her face, "But don't let me interrupt you, continue your conversation." She was poised to continue writing what they said when Payton's watch started to beep.

"Small mercies," Payton muttered, pushing himself up to his feet. "Excuse me ladies, but I have somewhere to be."

"Have fun on your date," Eirelyn said looking slightly put out by his lack of response.

Payton nodded without realizing what she said and immediately saw the jealous looks on both Jules and Catherine's faces. He'd have to ask them both out on individual dates soon, he really liked talking to them. "I'll see you ladies after the Report."

"You're coming to the pajama party?" Jules asked excitedly and Payton nodded, a smile on his own face. "Yeah, I'm coming but I really have to go."

"And we have to go back to the Women's room before Lady Natalie kills us," Eirelyn said, speaking about the Selection coordinator and one of his Mom's closest friends.

"I thought you girls were supposed to stay in the Women's room?" Payton asked.

"We have a few hours to leave if we want," Catherine explained, standing up and smoothening out her skirt. "We'll see you at dinner?"

Payton winced, "No, you won't. But I'll see you at the Report."

To his surprise and slight delight, Eirelyn looked disappointed this time along with Jules and Catherine. That had to mean she at least felt something close to romance for him and wouldn't kiss him out of obligation next time.

"See you at the Report then," Eirelyn said, leading the two other girls back in the palace as Payton looked at his watch. He had to get Lady Elodie and thankfully, the garden wouldn't have any other girls in it. He didn't want to be glared at on his date.

He quickly entered the palace and went up to the Selected wing, heading for Lady Elodie's room. He told her he'd pick her up at four and was glad to see that he was making good time.

He took a deep breath before knocking on the door and to his surprise, Lady Elodie opened it herself. She was wearing a simple pale blue dress with an empire waist-line and white flats. Her light golden blonde hair was curled in loose ringlets that barely brushed her shoulders and her light blue eyes seemed to pop due to the eyeshadow that she wore.

"You look lovely Lady Elodie," Payton said offering her his arm and leading her back out to the gardens where they strolled along the path. He really was glad that the three other girls were back inside. "How have you liked the palace?"

"It's amazing," Elodie said looking at him with awed blue eyes, and Payton couldn't help but notice the similarities that she had with Everly, they were both blonde and blue-eyed, but there was something more hardened about Everly behind that sweet exterior that drew him to her while Elodie seemed graceful and more soft-spoken despite her background. "I really the banana pudding and apple tarts. I don't think I've ever eaten anything that good before."

Payton smiled, "Well we do have some of the best chefs in the country," He noted. "Anything else besides the food?"

"Well the girls are okay," Elodie said carefully, "I mean some are much more vicious than others and some are mean, but I think a lot of the girls are extremely kind. It also helps that the palace is beautiful," She said.

Payton nodded, noting the Tammins accent in her voice, it was more accented than the other girls he had dated before and he wondered why. It wasn't that the drawl was bad, just…. Out of place?

"I've also looked at your library," Elodie said, a happy glow in her blue eyes as she looked at him, "I like reading about history, all kinds of it. I found one this afternoon that covered World War Four and how the United States of America transitioned into Illéa."

"What do you think of the change?" Payton asked, looking at her carefully, he wondered if he should let the girls read through Gregory Illéa's journals if they were interested. Now that was history. A horrible twisted history that was created by his selfish great-great-great-great-great Grandfather. Payton was sure that Marid Illéa took after him.

"I'm not sure," Elodie said after a moment, "We can only read what people write, but we weren't there. We don't know how the United States really was. Maybe it didn't have all the freedoms the history books talk about. Maybe it did. I'd have to read deeper into it. But I think it would have been a nice place to live, with freedoms and no caste."

"I think so too," Payton said as they did the fourth lap around the gardens. He looked towards the sun and saw that it was starting to set. Maybe it was time to wrap this date up?

"Did you know that America had no King? In fact, they fought tooth and nail to be free of Britain's monarchy." Elodie said thoughtful, surprising him with the fact. He knew, he just wasn't expecting her to suddenly say it. "Ironic isn't it? That after centuries of being its own nation and governed by democracy, America went back to be a monarchy."

"And isn't even America anymore," Payton agreed, wondering where she was going with this, "But that's history, isn't it? Everything is always changing, and we won't know if it's for the best or not until later."

"I was going to say that it's cyclical," Elodie said, "Centuries may pass by but if you really look at the history books, you can see that things always go back to the way they once were." Elodie looked at him with wise eyes, intelligent blue eyes and Payton couldn't help but be surprised by how much she knew.

"You're right again, Elodie," Payton said, leading her back to her room, "I'll see you at the Report tonight." He leaned down, leaving a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

"Do you think I'll be interviewed?" Elodie asked, suddenly looking extremely nervous. In the blink of the eye, she had transformed from a wise woman to a nervous girl who was trying to bite her nails in nervousness.

Payton gave her a small smile as he thought a moment, "Honestly, I think they'll be interviewing all the girls I've gone on a date with, including the girls today, so yes."

"I see…" Elodie said, looking anxious, "Well I hope I don't embarrass myself or you."

Payton chuckled slightly. "Elodie, you'll do fine with the Report. Just take a deep breath. I'll see you tonight," He said again before walking away. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was 5:15. He had a bit of time on his own before his dinner date with Lady Selene.

"How were your dates?" Anderson asked, looking at the Prince as soon as he walked into his room.

"Long." Payton sighed, rubbing his sore back, "I rode with Lady Laine for what felt like hours. We ran the horses more than I thought we would but I think it was worth it. After that, I talked to Ladies Eirelyn, Catherine and Julianne for a bit. Lady Elodie was trying to give me an impromptu history lesson on our date in the gardens."

As he talked, he saw Anderson purse his lips uncertainly. He knew that look and he dreaded that look. Every time Anderson had that look on his face, Payton just knew he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear. "What is it, Anderson? You have something you want to say."

"Lady Eirelyn again? Do the other girls know you've talked to her more than the others? And you have another date with her tonight. It seems like you're ready to marry her Payton." Anderson said cautiously and Payton felt his defenses go up.

"I'm going on other dates, aren't I? Besides, I didn't mean to bump into her this afternoon, it just happened around their break. I thought you liked her anyway, you wouldn't have given me her letter if you didn't approve of her," Payton paused, feeling slightly rejected as he continued. "And she canceled the date with me tonight anyway."

Anderson's blue eyes widened at that, but Payton could tell from the way he was biting his lips that he was trying to not laugh. "Sh-she canceled a date with you? Why? What did you do?"

"Nothing!" Payton said, a bit too defensively, feeling his face go red, why did Anderson have to immediately assume he did something wrong anyways? "It's just that Eirelyn and some of the other girls want to relax and eat comfort food after the Report. I'm invited by the way and you're going too."

Now it was Anderson's turn to choke up, his blue eyes wide as he looked at his charge to see him try not to laugh. "Why must I go?"

"Because I don't know how many of the girls are going to be there," Payton said, the idea of being swarmed by many girls when it was only him completely terrified him. "I won't go alone, they'll tear me to pieces and there is no way I want the Selected boys near them either."

"They eat every meal together and I've seen them interact," Anderson said, raising a brow. "How is this post-Report gathering any different?"

"Because my parents won't be there and it'll be less rigid for them." Payton said, "And there's just still so many boys around that I don't want the girls to feel tempted by them and vice-versa."

Anderson did laugh then, "I never knew you to be insecure,"

Payton glared at his valet. "You know better than anyone what happens to people in Selections that are caught with someone other than the Prince."

That got Anderson's attention, and he glared at Payton, it was probably one of the only moments where Payton saw genuine anger directed at him and he immediately felt remorse.

"If that's how you feel, then maybe I shouldn't go to this post-Report party," Anderson said harshly, "Because you're right, I know first hand how it is for Selected women who are caught with another man during the Selection. My parents still bare the marks."

"Calm down, of course, I want you there," Payton said, "You're not just my valet Ander, you're one of my best friends. And I'm sorry for what I said."

Anderson sighed, trying to calm himself, "And you're one of mine too, even if you are helpless sometimes." He gave Payton a small smile, "Is it right after the Report?"

"I think the girls are changing into pajamas or something comfier first," Payton said uncertainly. "That's also why I need you there. Who knows what some of them will wear? I think I'll invite Liam too. Why don't you drag Clay with you?"

"Clay is showing a new guard around the palace and helping him on guard rotations," Anderson said. "And good luck with convincing your brother to come."

"Isn't Clay a part of the Air Force?" Payton asked in confusion. Not that they had a big Air Force. At most they had eight hundred or a bit more working jets or combat planes, most of their military force was the Army, ground forces. The same could be said about the Navy. While Illéa had a Navy, they had even fewer ships. They needed more ships and planes, eight hundred combat jets couldn't match countries that had thousands of combat jets and battleships.

Payton was drawn from his thoughts about how lacking the Illéan military was when Anderson spoke again. "Yeah, but you know how some of those Air Force guys rotate in guard positions," Anderson said, "Mom and dad are thrilled to have him home."

Payton grinned, thinking of Anderson's younger brother, he always was the one who caused his parents to worry. "They'll be less thrilled once he starts causing trouble. You know him."

"I do," Anderson sighed, his shoulders sagging as if he already knew how much trouble his younger brother would cause him. He brought himself out of his self-pity soon however because he glanced at Payton, a frown on his face. "What do you want to wear for dinner? You have a dinner date, don't you?"

"I do, but I don't plan to change for dinner," Payton said, looking at the clock, he had been talking to Anderson for more than he thought because it was now 5:40 and he had to get Lady Selene before six. "I mean, the Report is tonight and I have to change for the report anyways. I don't see the need to change again for one meal."

"What do you plan to wear to this post-Report party?" Anderson asked. "I don't think it's appropriate for the future King of Illéa to go around the palace in a pair of sweatpants."

"I'll figure it out," Payton shrugged, "Just make sure you're dressed for the occasion and don't wear your uniform," He said, looking pointedly at Anderson's all-black valet uniform, the only hint of color it had was on the gold accents on his collar and pockets. "Maybe you should wear pink. You know, it would be a big upgrade from all the black you wear." He joked.

"Yes Sir, I'll look to see if I have pink after you leave." Anderson said sarcastically, rolling his eyes, "You better hurry if you don't want to be late for your date."

That jolted Payton into action, his eyes flying to the clock once again and seeing that it was now 5: 45 and he had to grab Lady Selene now if he wanted to be on time to dinner. Report nights were always a tighter schedule and with less forgiveness for being late to events.

"See you tonight Ander," Payton said, hurrying out of his room and practically jogging back to the Selected wing of the palace. He made sure that his breath was under control before he knocked on her door.

He heard fabric inside the room swish around and after a minute the door swung open, almost hitting him across the face.

"Oh," He saw the exact moment the maid recognize who she almost hit when her face grew pale and her pretty blue eyes widened to almost comical size, horror filling them. "I am so sorry your Highness," She said, her voice squeaky as she quickly curtseyed to him, her head bowed.

"It's alright," Payton said, trying to sound calm, he had felt the door literally brush against the tip of his nose as it opened. How did he get so close to the door anyways? "Is Lady Selene ready for our date?"

"I am," A soft voice replied and Payton allowed a smile to form on his face as Lady Selene appeared at the door. She wore a pale coral pink dress that brushed the floor and the sleeves were lacy, going all the way down from her shoulders to her wrist. Her dark hair was piled up on her head with a few strands falling to frame her face. It was her eyes that really caught his attention though, they were a beautiful brown, the color of melted dark chocolate.

"You look beautiful Lady Selene," Payton said offering her his arm and leading her to where they would eat. He knew the girls would note his absence along with Selene's during dinner and he really hoped they wouldn't be throwing glares during the Report. "How have you liked the palace so far?" He asked, trying to keep the other girls out of his mind.

"It's nice. One of the biggest and prettiest places that I've ever seen." Selene said and Payton noticed that she seemed to be gliding down the hall, her gate flawless and smooth as if she really had grown up as a Princess. Her tone was also soft-spoken, giving her an air of innocence.

"What do you think of the other girls?" Payton prompted when she didn't continue.

"They're nice," Selene said softly a small smile tugging on her pink lips as she looked at him. "I mostly talk to Alina, Carys, and Risa. They're all so sweet. Staying in the Women's room all day is boring though, especially the lessons, I've already learned everything that Lady Natalie is teaching us."

Payton nodded, he remembered being stuck in lessons with a dull teacher when he was younger, but he thought Lady Natalie would have been better, "Watch your step Lady Selene," Payton said, leading her to a door and opening it, revealing a curving flight of stairs. He carefully led her up the stairs, making sure that she didn't accidentally step on the hem of her dress and fall.

"Where are we going?" Selene asked, lifting the hem of her skirt up slightly so that it wouldn't get dirty.

"There's a small rooftop garden," Payton explained, "I thought we could eat dinner up there." As soon as he spoke, he saw the door that led to the garden and opened it revealing beautiful green scenery.

He saw her mouth drop open slightly and couldn't help but feel pleased with himself. Who wouldn't be taken away? There were fairy lights dangling from beautifully designed iron bars and a smooth, polished redwood benches and tables set up in a way that made the space look more spacious. At one of those tables was a dinner set-up for two.

As Lady Selene looked around the garden in awe Payton easily led her to the table, soundlessly pulling out her chair. "Lady Selene," He said, grinning at her and she gave him a small smile back.

"This place is beautiful," Selene said, she seemed to relax slightly and he couldn't help but feel relieved.

"My Mom added this a few years after she became Queen," Payton explained as he settled himself. He had barely sat down when one of the Waiters that usually worked in the dining rooms appeared. He immediately poured them glasses of water.

"Anything else for you to drink Your Highness? Lady Selene?" He asked turning dark eyes on each of them.

"No, water for me please," Selene said simply barely able to meet his eyes and Payton noted that she was extremely shy and quiet.

"I'll just have water too," Payton decided, no need to drink before the first Report with his Selected.

The waiter nodded before leaving them for a moment before returning with dishes covered by cloches. "The first course is a cold strawberry soup with strawberry and mint gelatin." The waiter said, uncovering their cloches to reveal a soup bowl with a small square of strawberry and mint gelatin in the middle.

Payton watched silently as the Waiter then proceeded to pour the cold strawberry soup into their bowls with a small stainless silver pitcher. The waiter then receded so that Payton could continue his conversation with Lady Selene.

"Don't you have a break from lessons?" Payton asked, before tasting the soup. It was cold and refreshing and the hint of mint accented the flavor of the strawberry nicely.

Selene stirred around her soup, "Yes, and lessons aren't all day. It's just for most of the way we're expected to stay in our rooms or the Women's room. We can only go to other places in the hour and a half break we get each day." She tentatively took a sip of the soup, a small smile on her face. "I've been here a week and I can't help but be impressed by how talented your chefs are."

Payton laughed lightly, "I've been here my whole life and I feel exactly the same way." They ate the rest of their first course in near silence and it seemed to him as if Selene was trying extremely hard to be perfect. He saw it in her mannerisms and the way she held herself as well as her silverware. At the moment, she looked like the perfect Princess in poise, even more, perfect than Sara and she was an actual Princess.

"What do you like to do in your free time when you're not trapped in the Women's room?" Payton asked as the Waiter took away their soup bowls before placing their entrees in front of them.

"The main course is lemon pepper chicken with a side of rice pilaf and sautéed green beans," The Waiter said, a delicious smell immediately wafting into the air the second he took the cloches off their main dishes.

"Well, I like to knit," Selene said, picking at the green beans before cutting them to make them into bite-sized pieces. "Even in the Women's room. It's one thing that I have time for and my Mom approves of that hobby."

"Does your Mom have to approve everything you do?" Payton asked.

"She just thinks that I should do what proper ladies are supposed to. She wants what's best for me," Selene said, she sounded almost emotionless as she spoke that part, almost robotic and Payton frowned, the answer sounded rehearsed and as if she'd given the same answer multiple times before.

Payton ate in silence for a bit thinking, "Any good parent would want what's best for their child," He agreed, watching as she picked at her food. "Not a fan of chicken?" He asked.

Selene gave him a slightly embarrassed look, "No, it's just that I'm nervous. The first Report with us is on tonight and I don't know what I'm going to say if I'm interviewed."

"Just be honest and be yourself," Payton said, "What are you going to wear?"

"That's a surprise," Selene suddenly looking uncertain herself, "I love my maids and all, but even they won't show me the dress until I put it on."

"I'm sure you'll look beautiful no matter what," Payton reassured her as dessert was served.

"French chocolate mousse," The Waiter said, placing beautiful glasses in front of them that held the chocolate mousse and some berries.

"Tell me about yourself," Selene said, surprising Payton who was about to speak. He didn't think she'd try to initiate conversation.

Payton paused, "What do you want to know," He asked curiously.

Selene bit her lip looking nervous, "How has this Selection been for you? I mean you haven't even been twenty for a month," She said.

Payton leaned back in his chair thinking, what Selene had said was true. The applications had gone out on April 9th and he had announced the girls on April 30th, a few days before his Birthday. His one request was that they not start the Selection until after his birthday, he didn't want things to be crazier than they usually were on his birthday, which was a national holiday; so during the week that it took the government to reach the girls, he celebrated his 20th birthday on May 2nd without girls competing for his hand. He met his selected on May 10th and now a week later it was time for his first Report with them on May 17th. He really hadn't been twenty for a month yet, but it felt like a lifetime already.

"I feel like I've aged decades with all this," Payton said, laughing dryly. "But I think in the end it'll be worth it. The Selection worked for my Dad and my Grandfather, so I'm confident that it'll work for me." He said smoothly. "I know I'll find my Queen."

They ate their desserts in silence and Payton felt content with the way his day had gone. His Dad had given him the day off of politics so that he could focus on dates, and he was happy to say that it was a complete success.

"Do you want to marry for love?" The sudden question caused Payton to choke on his mousse, but after he cleared his throat, he looked at Selene with confusion. "I do want to marry for love. Isn't it what it's all about?"

Selene nodded, gently dabbing at her lips, "It's just… I wonder if all the other Selections were genuine, pardon me for speaking my mind, but it seems odd that with four Selections in a row, that all of them are love matches,"

They aren't. Payton thought, thinking back to some of the first Illéas and Schreaves, he was sure that the first two were not love matches, actually, he was positive that the second one wasn't since there was murder involved. But With his Grandfather's and his Dad's, he knew that they both loved their Queens without question so it was about 50/50.

"Don't apologize," Payton said, looking at Selene, he had thought she was a quiet and shy girl, but she was ladylike and graceful and it seemed, wasn't afraid to speak her mind about relationships. "It is odd to think about, but I assure you, they were all love matches. And I know I'll find my Queen too." His watch beeped then and he looked at the time, it was almost seven. Time to get ready for the report.

Wordlessly he stood up and walked over to Selene's chair, helping her stand and leading her back down the stairs and towards her room. "It's almost time for the Report," He said, giving her a confident smile, "Just remember to breathe and be yourself, everything will be fine."

Selene gave him a small smile back, "Thank you, your Highness, I will." They parted ways at her door and Payton quickly made his way back to his room. He had to change and he really couldn't wait to hear what the girls had to say about him on the Report. He just hoped it was good things.


Eirelyn POV

"Ow…" Eirelyn said, wincing a little as she felt the iron curler get a bit too close to her scalp.

"I apologize Lady Eirelyn," The blonde-haired, gray eyes maid said immediately, she sounded extremely nervous.

"it's fine Hanna," She said to the youngest maid, she was the sweetest of all three and more willing to talk to her than Alice, her head maid and Caylee who seemed to be naturally quiet.

"You better hurry Hanna, Lady Eirelyn should be down to the Report in the next few minutes," Alice but in, she was finishing up her nails, redoing the French tips that she had first gotten when she came to the palace.

"I'm trying," Hanna said, sounding slightly desperate as she tried to curl Eirelyn's hair and for the first time in her life, Eirelyn felt slightly bad that her hair was so thick. "Oh, Caylee, I think that's a bit too dark on the eyes," She said a moment later to Caylee who was doing her make-up.

"I don't think so," Caylee said, shaking her head, "The eyeshadow will accent her eyes, they're already such a pretty shade of green, it'll make them pop even more. Especially with her dress."

"Okay, I'm done," Hanna said, pulling away and allowing Eirelyn to look at her reflection and it left her breathless.

Her brows were perfectly arced and her lashes made to look longer and darker. Her face was contoured in a way that made her cheekbones look higher and there was barely any blush on her cheeks. Her lips were done with a medium rosy pink that made them look fuller and accented the heart-shape form of her lips. It was her eyes that really stood out to her though, the eyeshadow was smoky with hints of blue and brushed on gold glitter or dust, and there was eyeliner that made her eyes look larger. The dark color of the eyeshadow also made her bright emerald green eyes pop, almost as if they were glowing.

Her dark red strands had been pulled over her left shoulder and curled into perfect ringlets that went down to her chest and they were pinned to stay in place by a glittery hairpiece that was designed to look like a butterfly, topaz and emerald jewels sparkling off the silver metal hairpiece. There were also a few excess curls that framed her face.

"I look…." Eirelyn didn't even recognize herself. She didn't know what to say.

"You look like a Princess," Alice said matter-of-factly, a large smile on her face. "Now let's get you into your dress." She nodded at Caylee who brought over a dress bag.

Eirelyn watched curiously as her maids carefully unzipped the bag to reveal a dazzling emerald green gown. "That's for me to wear?" She asked nervously, it looked far too pretty for her.

"Yes," Alice nodded, "Now come on, we're running out of time and you do not want to be the last girl at the Report."

Her maids instructed Eirelyn to take off the white robe she'd been wearing and she did so without question. She then carefully stepped into the dress, careful not to ruin their hard work. She felt the soft silky fabric gently rub against her skin as her maids pulled the dress up.

"Put your arms through the sleeves miss," Hanna instructed and Eirelyn did, slipping her arms through the armholes and allowing her maid to fully zip up her dress. Once they were done, Eirelyn looked at the dress again and couldn't help but smile.

The dress was a rich emerald green that matched her eyes, with gold sequins that expanded from her waist to a bit below her chest and to her skirt. The corset of the dress also had a slightly ruffled pattern and it had off-shoulder sleeves. The skirt flared out in poofs of chiffon and silk.

"Wow," Eirelyn said softly, no wonder they had given her gold heels. She had questioned them before but now it made sense.

"You're ready to go, Miss,' Alice said, looking extremely proud.

"If you say so," Eirelyn said softly, suddenly not wanting to move. The whole nation would be looking at her. What would they think? Would they think she was trying too hard? Or not hard enough.

"Miss," She looked to see Hanna and Alice give her slightly impatient looks while Caylee just smiled, "Go," Alice said, giving her a shooing signal.

"Right," Eirelyn said, walking to her door and taking the first step out when Caylee opened it. "I'll see you guys after the Report."

She made her way down the stairs and towards the Report which took place in the basement of the palace, which was their studio.

"Eirey!" Eirelyn turned to see Asteria hurrying after her, her hair pulled up behind her head in an extremely loose high ponytail, allowing her butterscotch colored curls to thickly cascade down her shoulders. The dress she wore was sapphire blue and had accents of silver on it and Eirelyn noted the layers of ruffles on her dress and how thick her skirt seemed to be. "You look so beautiful!"

"So, do you!" Eirelyn said, feeling herself relax now that she had a friend at her side. She noticed that Asteria's make-up was darker than her own and that her lips were a bright red. If Eirelyn had to describe Asteria in one word, it would be: Striking.

"Ready for this?" Asteria asked as they continued to make their way to the Report studio.

"Not at all," Eirelyn said, giving her friend a small smile as they descended the last of the stairs to the Report. They had to push through a pair of double doors and then what they saw was near chaos.

There were crew members rushing away, trying to set up cameras and lights and adjust make-up if they had to. Eirelyn saw Raquelle Fadaye do soundchecks to make sure that the mic was working and another work make sure that the spotlight was aimed perfectly to where the podium was set up for the King. She also noticed a sitting area that held one small round coffee table between a soft cushion chair and futon that was able to seat two and that's where Eirelyn imagined Raquelle would interview the Selected girls who had dates.

"Ladies," Eirelyn turned to see the Selection Coordinator, Lady Natalie Luca approach them looking stressed. "The Selected are supposed to sit there," She nodded to an area of chairs. There were five rows of chairs, each row elevated slightly so that the audience would be able to get a good view of each of the Selected. Actually, there were six chairs in the very front and Eirelyn could only guess that it was because there were twenty-six girls left and not twenty-five.

"Do we get to choose where we sit?" Asteria asked.

"Yes, now you don't have to sit down now, but I suggest that you do soon, especially if you want to be in the front." Lady Natalie said before going off to talk to another girl who just entered.

"We should sit in the front," Asteria said, causing Eirelyn's head to whip to the left to look at her. "What? Why? Are you crazy? Let's sit in the back."

"But the front is so much more fun Lady Eirelyn," A voice teased and Eirelyn turned to see Payton standing behind her, an amused look on his face.

However, she watched his amusement slip off his face as he got a really good look at her and she tried not to laugh when his mouth slightly opened.

"You look beautiful Eirey," He said and she liked the way he said her name, gently and how his voice seemed to caress the last part of her nickname. It also didn't hurt that she saw he had to visibly swallow or that his eyes seemed to roam her body.

"What about me?" Asteria asked teasingly, stepping in front of Payton and posing dramatically, causing him to chuckle. "Don't I look beautiful?"

"You look amazing Lady Asteria," Payton said, grinning as he looked at the two girls. But he mostly looked at Eirelyn, causing a blush to spread across her face as he took a step closer. "Your dress matches your eyes." He said softly, his eyes tender as they met her green ones.

"You don't look too bad yourself," Eirelyn said, trying to shake off the warmth that engulfed her at his look.

It was true, Payton wore an extremely form-fitting dark charcoal suit with a navy-blue undershirt, black, nice fitting vest and a silver tie that popped out of his darker clothing choices. His hair was also neatly combed and gelled.

Now it wasn't Eirelyn that couldn't look away and she blushed when Asteria laughed at her. "Stop ogling, Eirey, it's obvious."

Eirelyn blushed, her eyes immediately living him but she could tell that he was really struggling to stop himself from laughing. "Let's just take out seats," She grumbled, looking at Payton one more time before pulling Asteria towards the seats.

"Maybe we should save the tech crew. It looks like Catherine is about to cause them to have a panic attack." Asteria said in amusement, for a girl who wanted to have the front seats, it didn't seem like she wanted to sit down, pulling Eirelyn's attention towards the cameras and lights where Catherine was practically jumping up and down as she chatted with the crew that was trying to make last-minute adjustments.

"Cat," Eirelyn hurried over to her friend with Asteria on her heels. "I think you're stressing them out." She said. She took note of Catherine's dress, liking the design of the pale coral pink that had an A-line style dress and a sweetheart-neckline. There were also purple appliques that covered the entire bodice of her dress and top of her skirt, there was also a silky light purple ribbon around her waist with a transition of color on the skirt of her dress, it went from the pale coral pink to a soft rose pink near the hem of her dress skirt.

Her chestnut hair was pulled up into a classy bun, with a thick, loose fish braid going across her head as well with a few strands framing her face. Her make-up was natural, making her brown eyes look deeper and larger.

"I just want to learn what they're doing. I've never been in a television studio before, I only worked on stages." Catherine said a glow in her eyes that Eirelyn hadn't seen before. "It's amazing how much they have to do."

"Do you have to do it while we're trying to set up?" One of the workers asked snappily, looking extremely stressed.

"I'm just asking how things work, "Catherine said back, looking taken aback by his tone.

"You're getting in the way of our work," The worker snapped back, he looked like he was going to say something else when a voice interrupted.

"There's no need to snap at such a beautiful girl," All of them turned to look as a handsome young man with dirty blonde hair and gleaming light blue eyes approached dressed in a nice fitting, rich burgundy colored suit with a light gray dress shirt and dark blue tie. "She's just curious," He said, giving Catherine an amused smile.

"We need to get ready for the Report. We have less than ten minutes." The worker explained.

"She's a lady of Illéa now Mack," Another more familiar voice said, and they all looked as Raquelle Fadaye made her way over to them, a frown. She wasn't wearing a dress like all the other girls, instead, she wore a vibrant red pantsuit that accented her curves and made her olive skin glow. Her dark hair was piled on her head into an elegant, high ponytail and her red lipstick matched her pantsuit perfectly. The golden hoop earrings and necklaces were also a nice touch. "She can end up being your future Queen so I'd watch your tone."

Mack or whatever his name looked like he wanted to snap back but held his tongue and Raquelle looked at all four of them, a note of distaste in her dark brown eyes as she looked at the blonde guy who Eirelyn recognized as Ben Taylor, the comedian, and Dyllan's cousin.

"But you should go take your seats, the Report will be starting at any moment." She looked at the girls, "Lady Eirelyn, Lady Asteria, I hope you're ready for your interviews." She then turned to Ben, frowning, "You're lucky I can't interview you today."

"Don't I know it, Miss Fadaye," Ben said, grinning, "I wish I was being interviewed too, it may raise your popularity. I mean, what was the last pole about favorite TV hosts? Didn't I beat you out?" joked Ben.

Raquelle glared sharply at him but took a deep breath, "I'm pretty sure that was a fluke,"

"Two minutes!" A call from the producer made all of them jump and Raquelle sighed, shaking her head.

"Lady Catherine, if you would like a tour of the studio, I can give you one tomorrow," Raquelle said, giving her a kind smile.

"Really?" Catherine, she should be excited, but now she looked uncertain because of the worker who snapped at her. "I'd like that,"

"Can I come too?" Ben asked, surprising Raquelle who blinked at him for a moment.

"Sure," She said rolling her eyes before she made her way to the set.

Catherine looked at her two friends, a small smile on her face as they made their way to their seats. "Do you guys want to come?"

"I'll pass," Asteria said, her sapphire blue eyes going to the selected girls' section and she frowned when she noticed that the front row was taken up by the other girls who didn't loiter. "We missed our chance for the front."

"You wanted the front?" Catherine asked, paling at the thought. "Being here is bad enough, there's a reason why I prefer the tech side of things."

"You'll be fine," Asteria said, a smile appearing on her face. "Looks like Raleigh and Everly saved us seats."

Eirelyn looked and it was true. Raleigh and Everly were sitting three seats apart on the second row and looking at their three other friends expectantly. She also noted that Dyllan and Jules were sitting a row behind them.

"You look beautiful Everly," Eirelyn said, giving the blonde a smile as she settled next to her. It was true, Everly was wearing a beautiful white gown with elegant spaghetti straps and drooping sleeves and there was light embroidery and sparkles that designed her dress. Her light blonde hair was also done up into an elegant up-do with curls framing her face.

Eirelyn also noticed that Everly's make-up was extremely natural, giving her an extremely innocent and angelic look, made even more apparent when Eirelyn compared her to the tight, showy dresses of Rebecca, Elle, Alexandra, and Angel. Even Vera wore a dress that accented her curves. How was that even allowed?

"You look really pretty too," Everly said before the Illéan national anthem began to play, signaling the start of the Report.

Eirelyn watched silently as the cameras started to roll, the lights dimming and Raquelle literally sashayed onto the stage, a smile on her lips and her eyes never leaving the cameras once she stepped onto the platform.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen of Illéa, welcome back to your weekly Report," Raquelle said smiling happily. "Now I know that you all can't wait to meet our new Ladies of Illéa but you'll have to hold onto your seats for a few more minutes. First, we have some Reports that our King would like to share with you,"

Raquelle nodded to the King and Eirelyn watched as King Maxon stood up from where he sat and walked over to his podium. The first thing that Eirelyn noticed was that the King walked with a tall, strong posture and radiated a calm authority. His black suit was form-fitting and his honey blonde hair that he had inherited was neatly combed, with not a hair out of place. The very presence of the King demanded attention and for a moment, Eirelyn couldn't help but wonder if Payton would eventually be that way as well.

Without thinking, Eirelyn looked at Payton, but he was completely focused on his Father. But he must have felt her gaze because he met her eyes for a brief moment, his brows furrowing worriedly before he went back to watching his Father. Eirelyn blinked it was like he was suddenly worried about how she'd react. Maybe she shouldn't think about it too much? She focused on King Maxon's reports, she didn't want to miss out on the beginning of the interviews.

"-The relationship between New Asia and Illéa is going very strong," King Maxon was saying. "Our trade agreement that we started years ago is in the phase of renegotiations and I have a strong belief that with this new contract, relationship with New Asia will strengthen." There was a pause as King Maxon flip through papers and she could see him visibly stiffen as if bracing himself for something.

"Now on to a more pressing topic," King Maxon stated, "As you know, the movements of the rebels have been increasing these past years. The number of rebel attacks went down when the Northern rebels led by August Illéa joined forces with our own Illéan military and all we had to deal with was the southern rebels. After years of fewer attacks, the attacks have seemingly picked up again, the last known rebel attack being at the palace a month ago, as you know."

Eirelyn felt herself stiffen, barely registering the comforting hand that Asteria but on hers. She suddenly had a sickening realization of what would be coming next. Please don't be what she thought it was. She already felt sick.

"During the attack that took place on March 6th, many of our staff and officers died during the attack. Most notably, Illéa lost one of its most beloved and well-known Generals in General Aspen Leger. He devoted his life to protecting my family and the people of Illéa. I know for a fact that he will be missed by his colleagues and his family, who he always made sure to take care of. We also lost an up and coming Lieutenant of the military and the young protégé of general Leger himself, James Glass. James left behind a grieving mother and younger sister." Maxon finished.

And girlfriend. Eirelyn thought, her heart beating fast in her chest as she felt tears prick her eyes, but she would not cry. She couldn't cry. She was supposed to be strong for James and her Dad. She didn't think crying her eyes out on national TV would impress them but it was hard. Her fingers curled into fists and she could feel her nails dig deep into the skin of her palms. She was surprised that she wasn't bleeding. Please leave it at that, Eirelyn thought desperately, staring at the King. Don't talk about that attack anymore. Please. But of course, King Maxon wasn't done talking about the attack. He was missing a big part of it after all.

"Now I know that many of you must be questioning why I'm mentioning this again after more than a month, and that reason is that we still have a deserter out there somewhere in Illéa. His name is Tristan Morrison, you heard right, the man who saved the lives of my daughters during the rebel attack that took the lives of both my parents deserted us during the attack that took the lives of General Leger and Lieutenant Glass. I know many of you consider Officer Morrison a hero because of his actions that saved the lives of Princess Sara and Princess Leandra, I considered him a hero and I cannot express how stunned I was when I learned he abandoned his post during the attack of March 6th."

At this point, the screen behind King Maxon lit up and an image of Tristan Morrison appeared, causing Eirelyn's breath to hitch, tears blearing her vision, her shoulders shaking as she attempted to keep herself in control, but knowing that she was failing miserably. But still, she forced herself to look at the picture of Tristan, even though she didn't have to. She knew what he looked like by heart. Tousled black hair and bright blue eyes. The picture of the man who caused the deaths of her Dad and her boyfriend. Tristan Morrison was no hero. He was a traitor and coward. And Eirelyn hated him more than anything. He took away two sources of light in her life. He was the reason why she was broken. True, Tristan may not have pulled the trigger that ended her Dad and James' life, but he might as well have. If he hadn't ran…. things could have been different.

"I also have it on good word that if Officer Morrison hadn't left his post and ran when he did, then General Leger and Lieutenant Glass would still be alive. Even though he was considered a hero, everyone in Illéa must remember that he is now a deserter of the military and such a crime is punishable by death, and if you are discovered helping him avoid authorities, you will be charged with a criminal offense," King Maxon continued, but it was clear that he didn't like the words that left his mouth. "If you see Officer Morrison then I strongly urge you to report his sighting so that he can be detained and have a trial." He took a brief breath, "That's all I have to report to you tonight and now, I believe that it's time for an event that you've all been waiting for."

The interviews. Eirelyn thought bitterly. How could the King switch from talking about something so morbid to his son's love life? She tried to calm herself down but it was near too late at this point, her breath was hitching and she was sure that she was hyperventilating, it was a miracle that she wasn't downright sobbing into her hands. But she was crying silently, tears sliding down her cheeks as King Maxon had talked and despite Asteria's discreet attempt to help her wipe the tears, she was sure that her make-up was smudged, all the work of her maids ruined.

"Thank you, King Maxon," Raquelle said, back on her platform, "We'll be taking a ten-minute break and then after that, you finally get to meet our girls!" Raquelle said.

Break? Eirelyn was confused enough to calm down a bit as she watched the cameras stop filming. Was there supposed to be a break?

"Eirelyn are you okay?" A blonde girl with light green eyes asked concerned, "You're crying."

"Of course, she isn't Aubrey," Reese said, giving the air-headed girl a light glare, they had taken one of the chairs out of the front row and rolled her wheelchair into its place. "Weren't you listening to what King Maxon was saying? The General that died was probably related to her since his name was Leger."

"He was our Dad," A new voice spoke up. A familiar voice. A comforting voice. A voice she hadn't been expecting to hear for a few more days at the latest, but the voice immediately calmed her down and she took a deep breath.

"Lyndon," She looked to her right, surprise ripping through her, even though she had said his name. Standing at the end of the row where she sat was her twin brother, completely decked out in the palace uniform, his dark brown hair neatly combed and his green eyes, so much like her own looking back at her with concern. "Lyndon!" She shot to her feet and pushed her way past Everly so that she could throw herself into her brother's arms. She immediately felt comforted. She always felt so much better when her brother was around.

"Hey there," Lyndon said, squeezing her tightly, "You okay?" He asked softly in her ear, conscious of all the eyes on them. Something that Eirelyn had forgotten about in her rush to hug him.

"I'm fine," Eirelyn said, feeling embarrassed by how she had acted and there was also the fact that her make-up was probably smudged from her tears. She pulled away and noticed how well the uniform seemed to fit him. It was as if he was born to be in the military and maybe it was just her imagination, but he seemed to stand straighter and there was no denying the hint of pride in his bright emerald green eyes. "I overreacted, didn't I?"

"I don't think so," Lyndon said giving her a sad smile. He missed their Dad too. Their Dad had been his personal hero. "It's only been a month, and you weren't done grieving before we pushed you into this circus," he glanced at the other girls, blushing slightly. "You look pretty by the way."

"Thanks, but you don't break down at a picture," Eirelyn muttered, hating that she had thrown off the whole Report just because of the mention of Tristan Morrison, her Dad, and James. "You've always been stronger than me."

"Just because I don't doesn't mean I don't want to break down," Lyndon said softly, pulling her away from the others. "And you are strong Eirelyn, you're probably the strongest girl that I know. Dad would be proud of you for sticking through this."

"But not James," She said softly, thinking of her boyfriend. She wondered how he would have felt if he knew she was at the Selection only a month after his death. Would he have been disgusted that she was trying to move on so fast? Or relieved?

"Not James," Lyndon agreed. He sighed, "And you have every right to hate Tristan Morrison," There was cold anger in Lyndon's eyes then that actually scared Eirelyn. "No one wants to see him brought back to the palace in chains. If I could, I would hunt him down myself."

"Do you think they'll ever find him?" Eirelyn asked quietly.

"They will," Lyndon said his face still dark. "That traitor will be caught eventually." He promised, he then glanced over Eirelyn's shoulder. "I think you're about to go back on."

Eirelyn stiffened and glanced behind her to see Raquelle looking at her with kind eyes. 'I'm sorry I stopped the Report." She sniffed.

"It's fine Sweetie," Raquelle said and the funny thing was that Eirelyn honestly believed her. "How are you feeling? Do you want to do the interviews or would you rather retire to your room?"

"I…." Eirelyn trailed off, she wanted to go back and hide in her room, so that she could cry and grieve freely for her lost loved ones and especially now that she realized that the break only happened so that she could regain some sense of control. She also didn't want to talk about Payton at the moment. Couldn't he have warned her about the topics of this Report so she was better prepared? She couldn't help but feel upset at him for not telling her. It would be so easy to say yes to going back in her room but what would her Dad and James want her to do? They'd both encourage her to go for the decision that she didn't want to do. "I think I'll be okay for interviews, but I'm pretty sure I look like a mess."

"Not at all," Raquelle said, giving her a small smile, "Your make-up is smudged we can wipe those smudges off easily and you still look a lot better than some others," She looked at Elle and Rebecca's dresses in distaste. "Way better."

Eirelyn laughed lightly and after a gesture from Raquelle, one of the maids who helped with make-up at the studio came over with a wet napkin and gently wiped the black smudges off her face without disturbing the other colors. "You like fine Miss, your eyes are just a bit red."

"Of course," Eirelyn said tiredly, she faced Lyndon who was studying her with a strange look on his face. "What?" She asked, hating how she was still sniffling a bit and how her voice hitched.

"I was just thinking that even though Asteria practically snuck your name into this Selection, I think it was a good idea. I haven't seen you in a week, and already there's something different about you."

"Is it a good difference or a bad one?" Eirelyn asked.

"Good, I think in the short run, I don't know about the long run." Lyndon said he looked again at the Report studio, "You have to get back on and I have to get back to work."

"Will I see you again?" Eirelyn asked, sudden panic seizing her at the thought of her brother leaving.

Lyndon laughed, "Yeah. We're literally at the same place Eirey and I'll always be here now if you need me. But since I just got here yesterday, I have a twenty-four-hour first shift. I'm off tomorrow night though. The only reason I'm here is because my guide wanted me to see the Report live during my break. You should meet him tomorrow, his name is Clay."

"I'd love to meet him," Eirelyn said, she gave her brother one more tight hug that ended far too soon in her opinion. "Stay safe, Lynd, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," Lyndon repeated, giving her a bow, even though she could tell he thought it was ridiculous. The last she saw of her brother that night was him leaving the studio with a blonde-haired officer.

As she made her way back to her seat, Eirelyn caught Payton staring at her, a worried look on his face but she pointedly ignored him and went back to her seat, trying to act as if nothing was wrong.

"Everything okay?" Asteria asked, worry in her pretty sapphire blue eyes.

"Now that my brother's here, I think it will be," Eirelyn said truthfully, she had really missed her twin. "Not the first conversation I thought I'd be having after seeing him again though."

Asteria gave her a light smile, noting that everything was not okay with Eirelyn by the way she wouldn't look her in the eyes and how her hands seemed to be shaking. "Your brother looks good in uniform though. Better than I thought he would." She said that instead of grilling her friend on how she really felt. She knew that would make her shut down.

"That's gross," Eirelyn said automatically before sending an apologetic look towards Alyssa and Ebony who were also sitting behind them next to Dyllan. "I don't think I'll be at the pajama party tonight."

Alyssa gave her a small smile, "We moved it to tomorrow night actually."

"What? Why? Please tell me that it wasn't because of me," Eirelyn said, already feeling guilty. Did she have to ruin everything tonight?

"It wasn't because of you," Ebony said quickly, but from her quick response, Eirelyn could tell that it was partially because of her. "The Prince came over when you were talking to your brother, he wanted to see if you were okay and what happened and Asteria told him to leave you alone."

At that Eirelyn gave her best friend a surprised look but she just shrugged. "Then what happened?"

"He started to ask about our pajama party, causing some girls we didn't invite to hear about it and some guys heard too." Ebony looked at Rebecca and Elle, a sheepish look on her face, "and they started to complain about a lack of invitation so Payton came up with a solution. Ebony and I still cook, but it will be with more people and a mix of boys and girls. Like a chill dinner party."

"Will you guys be able to cook all that food?" Eirelyn asked.

Ebony and Alyssa exchanged smiled, "Yeah, I think we will." Ebony said, "We'll be getting the kitchen for the whole day and it's going to be around dinnertime. The chefs in the kitchen will help us. Or Payton says. He said he'll talk to them in the morning. He's going to ask his parents if we can still do pajamas too.

Eirelyn nodded silently. "That's nice of him,"

Asteria smirked, "It looked like he really didn't want to invite those selected boys though. He just did to be polite and I think he's also going to try to force Princess Sara to interact with her selected."

"That's interesting," Eirelyn said before hearing the producer say that they were back on air in thirty seconds. "Who's going first again for interviews?" She asked softly to Asteria.

Asteria looked at her like she was crazy. "You are. They're going by who the Prince dated first."

Damn it. Eirelyn thought, she was about to reply to Asteria but that's when the lights dim and the Report went back on.

"Welcome back to the Report folks!" Raquelle immediately said, back on her stage. But Eirelyn noticed that the cameras were now aimed at the set of where the chair and futon were; the interview area. "Now, it's time for the part you've all been waiting for, exclusive interviews with the Ladies of the Selected. Prince Payton, please come up here."

Eirelyn watched as Payton stood up from his seat, a smile on his face as he went over to Raquelle, sitting on the futon on the other side of the coffee table. "Good evening Raquelle,"

"Evening your Highness," Raquelle said back and Eirelyn noted that her smile seemed more genuine than before. "This was a busy week for you wasn't it?"

Payton chuckled, "You have no idea Raq, these girls all have such different and wonderful personalities. I've loved getting to know them. I don't doubt that one of these ladies can be my Queen."

"But you haven't dated them all yet," Raquelle noted.

Payton turned sheepish, "Not yet, but I hope to soon,"

"Can we interview the girls that you have gone on dates with?" Raquelle asked, and Eirelyn knew it was from the script.

Payton gave a smile, but Eirelyn could tell that it was a bit more strained, "Be my guest. I'm hoping that the people of Illéa come to like them as I do."

"Okay then, let's start." Raquelle looked at her then, and Eirelyn knew that in a moment she'd have to move. "Lady Eirelyn, would you care to join Prince Payton on the stage?"

Eirelyn blushed but stood up and made her way on shaky legs to the stage, curtseying to Payton as he stood to help her sit. Once they were both settled again Raquelle started asking her questions.

"So, Lady Eirelyn, how did you feel about being the first date of Prince Payton's selection?"

"Oh," Eirelyn said blushing, looking down at her hands before back up at Raquelle, "I was surprised that he did, I wasn't sure I had left him with the best impression the day before."

Raquelle laughed, "I find that hard to believe Lady Eirelyn, how was your first date?"

I ended up slapping him. Eirelyn thought silently but didn't say that. "It was nice…." She said glancing at Payton who was looking at her. "We rode a horse together and then had a picnic. The forest and the lake were both so beautiful. I had a really good time," She said lastly.

"What do you think about the Prince? How do you feel about him after one date?" Raquelle asked.

Eirelyn paused at that, looking at Payton, she really didn't know what to say since she was still upset with him. He didn't warn her about what his Dad was going to talk about. But was that his fault? Did he know that his Dad was going to talk about her Dad and James and Tristan? He had to, right? Since he was the Prince? She didn't think he'd purposely try to get a reaction of her. And really, was she going to say something negative while she wasn't thinking clearly.

"I think he's a good Prince who's really trying to change this country for the better. When we talked, I really believed that he wants to help the people and make their lives better. But I think he tries to take on too much and not ask for help either because he doesn't want to burden them." She blushed at the look he gave her. "It's clear he loves his family a lot and even though he's only known us for a week I also think he already cares for all of us girls, even if he doesn't really know how to interact with us. He's caring and has a good heart, he means well. I think he'll become an excellent King, probably one of the best Illéa's ever seen."

Payton looked stunned at her words, light hazel eyes wide, but the smile he sent her after he recovered melted her heart. It made her think everything would be okay even though she knew it wasn't.

"As for how I feel about him… that's a little harder. We've only just met but I…." How much should she say on national TV? "I know that I like talking to him and being around him." Eirelyn finished, hoping that there were no more questions.

Raquelle smiled at her words and Eirelyn felt like a boulder was lifted off her shoulder. It seemed like she was doing well despite her mini-breakdown. "And what are your first impressions of Lady Eirelyn your Highness?"

"I think she's great. She sees more about people than you would think. She's also extremely talented with art, you wouldn't even imagine it," Payton said giving her a soft, tender smile. "She has a big heart and loves her family so much, traits that I admire. I'm glad she chose to enter the Selection."

"Thank you Lady Eirelyn," Raquelle said, "I'm sure that we'll see more of you on the Report."

Payton stood up with Eirelyn and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckled, a smile on his face, "Thank you Lady Eirelyn."

Eirelyn nodded, giving him a small smile before returning to her seat and Asteria stood to be interviewed next but not before giving Eirelyn a smile and mouthing the words, 'good job' to her.

Eirelyn tried to focus on the interviews, she knew that she'd think about her Dad or James or even worse, Tristan Morrison if she didn't distract herself. She also couldn't risk another breakdown in front of the other selected. She knew that either Rebecca or Elle would say something horrible to her tomorrow. While she tried to focus it was hard, the interviews were mostly bland and predictable:

Asteria's went smoothly and she shamelessly teased Payton, Isolde tried to sound nonjudgmental and critical of the royal family and failed terribly, Risa seemed close to tears and shaking from nervousness as she spoke to Raquelle. Ebony's interview went smoothly as well and there wasn't anything that Eirelyn really noticed between them. Elle was trying to cling onto Payton, her more exposed body parts mashed against his arm as she spoke animatedly to Raquelle who looked like she was really trying to keep a calm and neutral expression on her face; it also didn't help that Payton's face was completely red or that he was about to pass out from embarrassment.

Everly and Raleigh's interviews really drew her attention though. For Everly's interview, Payton had an extremely tender and caring look on his face, similar to the one he gave her. For Raleigh's interview, it was clear that the two were extremely relaxed around each other, able to joke subtly and work off what each other said. Eirelyn could only assume that both dates were extremely successful for Payton and he must like them back. A hard, uncomfortable knot formed in her stomach at the thought of how close the two other girls were with Payton however and she was extremely glad when Everly left the stage for some reason. Was she sick?

The interviews continued until, "That's all we have for tonight folks," Raquelle finally said after the last interview with Selene who had been extremely quiet and shy, ending the Report. "Tune in with us again next week for interviews with Princess Sara's selected boys. Have a good night!"

The stage lights immediately turned off and Eirelyn could literally feel the room relax now that the Report was over.

"That was horrible," Raleigh muttered walking up next to her and Eirelyn could see the concern in her eyes and answered before she could even ask.

"I'm fine Rals, please don't worry." Eirelyn immediately said.

Raleigh frowned again, "Are you sure. You just started crying for no reason when King Maxon was talking about General Leger. I didn't know he was your Dad."

At her words, Eirelyn immediately felt the pain of loss stab her heart again. She'd been able to ignore it during the Report by focusing on the interviews, but now that they were done, there was nothing to distract from the fact that her Dad and first love were dead.

"He was, but I'm fine. I promise Raleigh." Eirelyn said. "I'm just tired," That was true at least, the Report had proved more tiring and stressful than she had originally thought it would be. "I think I'm going to my room and sleeping."

"Do you want me to come," Asteria immediately asked.

"No, I really am tired," Eirelyn said, leaving before anyone else could state their concern for her. She didn't think that she could take it. She hated being the object of pity and she needed time to think as much as she hated it.

She silently left the studio by herself and headed to her room. She was glad that there was no one who was trying to stop her or talk to her. She was extremely glad that there was no one in the halls as she made her way to her room. her maids greeting her as soon as she entered her room with excited looks on their faces. "Lady Eirelyn, you did wonderful on the Report," Hanna gushed.

"The Prince couldn't take his eyes off you," Alice added looking pleased.

"Thank you," Eirelyn said soft, she gave her maids an apologetic look, "I know you want to talk about it, but can you help me out of this dress? I'm really tired."

"Of course," Caylee said, working on unbuttoning and unzipping her dress, out of all her maids, she seemed to be the one most in tune with Eirelyn's feelings about the Report. "Do you need us to do anything else?"

"Not really, just can you leave for a bit? Please? I need some time on my own." Eirelyn said, wincing a bit as she felt Alice and Hanna start to unclip the pins holding up her hair and soon she felt the warm curls fall against her skin.

"Of course," Alice said, looking at her with a small frown, "Are you still going to the post-Report party?"

"It got moved to around dinner tomorrow," Eirelyn explained, once again feeling a bit guilty that they had moved the event because of her. She hadn't meant to ruin everyone's' fun.

Her maids helped her slip out of the beautiful emerald dress and into a silky pale, creamy white chemise and robe set with a lacy back. Eirelyn thought it was a bit much, but even at night, she had to wear something that looked a bit nice. She then washed all the make-up off her face and immediately felt better. She looked like herself now. Just Eirelyn. Not a Lady of Illéa.

"One of us will be back before midnight to stay with you," Alice said before she left with the other two and Eirelyn allowed herself to sag. Finally, she was alone. She felt like she could finally breathe.

She went over to the studio piano that had just been set up in her room that afternoon running her fingers gently over the polished wood before allowing her fingers to gently press a few keys of the piano, sending soft, notes to fill the air.

Eirelyn sighed again before settling herself on the piano bench and positioning her fingers over the white piano keys like her Mom had shown her before. She didn't have any sheet music to read, but she had memorized almost every single one of her pieces. A trick that she had learned at a young age.

As she stared around her room, Eirelyn finally allowed the grief and sadness that she had bottled up inside her to flow out of her in music, her fingers gently flying across the white keys and soon a sad, haunting melody engulfed the room as she thought about everything that had happened to her in the last few months.


Note: These are the songs that Eirelyn is playing on the piano, you can find them on youtube if you want to listen:

When she's thinking about her Dad: "Crying Alone" by Jurrivh

When she's thinking about James: "Losing You" by Jurrivh

When she's playing for Payton: "At the Beginning" (piano cover) from Anastasia, played by JTNortel


She remembered how it felt to hug her Dad the last time he came home to Carolina and how happy he had been to see his kids. She remembered how his black hair was starting to gray near the temples and how his smile stretched across his face as he watched her play the piano or violin in private performances just for him.

She remembered how when she was a kid, her Dad would lift her up into the air with his arms and hold her up as he ran around, just to give her the impression of her flying. And how one Christmas she had baked extremely burnt and misshapen Christmas cookies just for him and how despite how terrible and bitter they tasted, he ate every single cookie because she had made them. Her Dad did everything for his kids; her memories also spanned to when he let her sisters Francille put ribbons on his hair while letting Brittanya put make-up on his face or when he played football with Lyndon and Harris. Lastly, she remembered how he had cradled Mykel so lovingly in his arms after he was born, tears in his eyes as her Mom looked at him with so much love.

Eirelyn especially remembered how he looked when he was with her Mom. There was a tenderness in his bright emerald green eyes that said he'd do anything and everything for America Leger. It was clear that they loved each other by how they lit up when one came into the room. Eirelyn had always believed that she'd have that with James. James.

The notes that flowed from the piano changed, turning into a gentler, sad melody that conveyed her heartbreak and sense of loss. It was a song that wondered what could have been. As Eirelyn played she could hear the subtle ache as each note floated through the air. She just wanted James back. They didn't have much time together since he was always at the palace but she loved him. She loved how James felt warm and comforting. How he made her feel safe in a warm embrace. She loved the sparkle of his soft deep sky-blue eyes and how his dark brown hair seemed to always stick up despite many attempts to comb it down. Eirelyn could also remember how sheepish and red his face had been when he had first asked her on a date, and how her Dad seemed like he was about to draw his gun on his own protégé for asking his daughter out. She could remember their first date to the fair in Carolina and how his lips had felt extremely warm at the end of the night as he kissed her.

James had been kind and giving, he always stopped on the streets to give people money or help them with boxes, even though it was clear he had never known any of them. He was just that kind of person. He was brave and heroic, he had actually gotten shot two times before the shot that ended his life; both times was because he shoved a civilian or fellow soldier away and took the shot himself. He was selfless. And now he was gone. Gone because a selfish man had abandoned his post and allowed her Dad and James to be shot.

It left an extra bitter taste in her mouth too since Tristan Morrison had been considered one of James' best friend in the military. Tristan had actually helped James set up his first date with Eirelyn. It wasn't just some random stranger that caused her Dad and James' deaths but a close friend. One that both of them had trusted. That was why Eirelyn could never forgive him.

As she thought about those three people, Eirelyn didn't notice it, but her fingers had started to shake as they moved from the piano key to piano key, but the melodies remained undisturbed. She had also started to cry, tears freely streaming down her face now that she was alone in the confines of her room, turning the beautiful bright emerald green eyes she had inherited from her Dad red and puffy. Most of all, she didn't notice the lone figure that had silently slipped into her room, watching her playing such heartbreaking melodies as she cried; standing there frozen, not knowing what to do.

"Eirey," A deep, sad voice finally pierced through her gloom and she blinked, sending a fresh trail of tears down her cheeks. She looked up, her fingers stilling on the piano as she saw Payton watching her, a tormented look on his face. "I'm so sorry."

"For what?" Eirelyn asked, bitterness in her voice, "For not telling me what was going to be on the Report? That they're dead?" She shook her head, "There's nothing you could have done. And why should you tell me anything that relates to the Report?" A few more tears slid down her face as she spoke and she dropped her face, focusing on the pristine white keys. "And it's not your fault that I can't control my actions. I'm an emotional mess."

"I don't think you did anything wrong," Payton protested, walking towards the piano, but hesitating to sit down. "I should have told you that my Dad was going to mention Officer Morrison tonight but I didn't. And from my perspective, you did the interview pretty well."

"But I made the Report go on break," Eirelyn said, "And pushed back the pajama party to tomorrow during dinner." Her sadness making her feel worse, it also made her feel selfish that people rearranged things for her.

"Both on my orders," Payton said, settling down on the bench next to her, and Eirelyn almost moved away but she didn't. "I saw how you were and told Raquelle to go on break," He ran his hand through his honey blonde hair, messing up the neatness of it. "I was going to talk to you but your brother got to you first and I thought he'd be more helpful."

"I didn't even know he was here," Eirelyn sniffed, rubbing at her eyes, feeling embarrassed that he saw her crying her eyes out.

"Me neither, I just knew that Clay was showing a new guard around." Payton said, looking at her, "Eirey, will you be okay? Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want to talk about it?" Did she want to talk about Tristan Morrison or the people she lost? Not really. Especially not with Payton.

Eirelyn silently shook her head, finally looking up at him. She noticed how his light hazel eyes seemed sad. He looked like he wanted to comfort her but didn't know how or what he was allowed to do. She should tell him to leave because she had told everyone that she wanted to be alone, but with him here, she couldn't bring herself to tell him to go. "Will you just stay with me for a bit?" She asked softly.

"Always," Payton said, giving her a smile, his eyes glowed as he looked at her and she felt warmth spread through her. It was like all he saw was her. They just sat there, staring into each other's eyes for what felt like hours until Payton snapped out of it, clearing his throat as a blush crept onto his cheeks. "You play beautifully," He said nodding to the piano.

"Thanks," Eirelyn said, "The staff just brought it in today. I wish that it was a grand piano though, but it wouldn't fit."

"There's one in the music room," Payton said, "You can go in there any time you want," Payton said, he scooted even closer to her and Eirelyn found herself leaning against his warmth instead of rejecting him and she knew that her action shocked him as well as her but he took it in stride, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer against his chest.

"Thank you for coming to check on me," Eirelyn said quietly, she was still sniffling a bit and she was sure that her eyes were still red, but the tears had stopped and she felt like a boulder had been lifted off her chest. She'd been able to cry and let all the emotions that she'd been holding in go.

Payton rested his head on top of hers, and Eirelyn felt a shiver go through her, even though she tried to fight it. "How could I not?" He asked softly, "I care about you Eirey, I never want to see you cry. And if I can't stop the tears, then I want to be here to comfort you."

Eirelyn eyes fluttered close at his words, they comforted, "How late is it?" She asked softly.

"It's 10:30," Payton said back. "I was going back to my room after discussing the interviews with Raquelle and my Dad, then I heard the music. It's beautiful."

"It's depressing," Eirelyn said bluntly causing Payton to chuckle.

"Sad but beautiful," Payton said, "It's the first time I've seen you so open. Music is your heart. I never knew that music could express emotions until I heard you play."

"I guess that's me in a nutshell," Eirelyn muttered, pulling away from Payton and immediately missing the warmth that he offered her. Part of her wanted to lean back against his chest, but she fought against that urge as she repositioned her hands on the piano. "Are you willing to listen to one more song?"

Payton smiled, a content look on his face, "I think I can listen to you play for the rest of my life,"

"Well, hopefully, this will show you that all I know isn't sad music," Eirelyn said, she took a deep breath and as she looked Payton, she let the music flow through her.

The notes that floated through the room weren't sad or tragic like before. The notes were full of hope and life. The hope for something new, a new journey or adventure. The song held promise. And she knew, a new part of her that he probably hadn't seen before. It showed the desire of her wanting to move on while keeping the precious memories of her Dad and James alive. This song revealed a broken girl who had hope for a brighter future, who craved one. It revealed the beautiful, girl beneath the broken one and what she could be again if the right people were in her life.

When the last notes died in the air between them, Eirelyn looked at Payton again the look he gave her was absolute awe. Awe and something else that she couldn't or wouldn't read. "What do you think?" She asked softly.

"I loved it," Payton said, he looked like he wanted to say something else but was mentally and physically restraining himself from doing so. "Thank you for letting me listen,"

"Your welcome," Eirelyn said, she didn't know why, maybe it was the way he was looking at her or the way the minimal light outlined his features or maybe it was because she was still emotionally unstable at the moment, but the room suddenly seemed too warm and she was really finding it hard to breathe. "Payton, I-" she started but cut off, not knowing what to say. There were no words that she could say to him at the moment that seemed right. Not after revealing to him parts of herself, others haven't seen for a long time. There were no words that she could speak, but there were actions.

She didn't know who moved first or if they both moved at the same but suddenly, she found herself against Payton's chest, his lips warm and gentle on hers. She kissed him back with equal tenderness, liking how soft and warm his lips were against her own. They parted only to take a breath and she pushed herself even closer to him when she felt his finger curl into her dark red strands.

Each kiss sent shots of warmth through her, it was warm and slow-building, like strands of lava that just got hotter, the longer it burned. She didn't want it to end. Unfortunately, it did when Payton finally pulled away, his lips red and his eyes dazed; but his arm was still holding her securely against his chest as if he didn't want to fully let her go.

"I… I said I wouldn't kiss you until you were sure about me," He finally breathed out, his fingers tightening around her back.

Eirelyn remembered that too, but if she had to find one good note about all the crying and sadness and tears, then it was that it made her realize one thing: She wanted to move on and she'd been holding herself back for months because of her grief. All her other siblings were moving on or trying to and she had absolutely resented them for that. She hated that they were all still trying to live their lives after their Dad had died, that's why she had lashed out at them all and shut them out. To her, it was as if they were trying to forget their Dad. But now, she was realizing that just because they wanted to move on with their lives, it didn't mean that they were forgetting their Dad or James. They were trying to live out their lives in honor of their Dad and James' memory; that's why Lyndon had fought hard to still come to the palace and join the military.

Now it was her time to continue to live and she was realizing that she wanted to try…. with Payton.

"I'm all in," She finally said, looking at Payton with a new sense of clarity. "I don't know if it's love, Payton or if I'll fall in love with you. But I do know that I want to give this Selection a shot. I know that I have feelings for you. I want to try." Eirelyn blushed, meeting his eyes, "What I'm trying to say is-" She was cut off again when Payton pulled her in for a much more enthusiastic, deeper kiss.

She felt like she was being engulfed by fire as he kissed her, letting out a small whimper as she allowed him to deepen their kiss, his tongue gently brushing against hers as his hands gently cautiously roaming the curves of her body and causing a shiver to go through her.

When Payton pulled away again, he had a ridiculously happy look on his face and even Eirelyn felt a giddiness that she hadn't felt for a long time. She took him in and saw that he was even more disheveled than before, his hair was a complete mess from her running her fingers through it, and his tie was crooked and loose, the material of his shirt crumpled up in certain placed from her gripping the fabric. Had she done that? This really was not how she thought her night would end especially with how the Report had started.

"I better go," Payton said after a few moments of them staring wordlessly at each other. He stood up and Eirelyn followed him to the door, a sense of loneliness already forming in her. She was quickly realizing that being with Payton made her sadness go away for a time. He chased away the shadows and made her happy. He made her better. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"You bet," Eirelyn promised as she stood at her doorframe. "Have a good night Payton."

"You too Eirey," Payton smiled at her before leaving and Eirelyn closed the door behind him, the smile slipping from her lips. She looked back toward her piano and settled back onto the bench.

The notes that floated through the air a strange mix between melancholy and happiness. She still missed her Dad and her heart still ached at the thought of James and what they had, but for the first time ever since their deaths, she really thought she could move on, but she knew it wouldn't be easy. New starts never were. She just had to hope that she came out of this Selection intact and not even more broken than before.


What do you guys think? Did you catch the undertone of Anderson and Payton's conversation?

More history was revealed about what happened to Aspen and James. What do you think of that?

The next chapter will still have dates, but no be so focused on Payton's dates.

Remember to review! I love all the feedback I get, both negative and positive! It helps make the story better!

Next Chapter: Chapter 25: Just a Normal Day