ANNOUNCEMENT: I just published a new story for the Selection series. The story is called "A Light in the Darkness" check it out and SYOC is OPEN until 5/14/20. I plan to accept 15 girls at the least and 25 at the max.

Here's the next chapter! I hope you like it!

NOTE: If there are any characters you'd like to see on a date with either Payton or Sara, just leave a review or PM me and I'll have them in that chapter.

Don't forget to leave a review! Let me know what you think! I'd be grateful for the feedback!

Alyssa and Reese were created by Fanficmonster123

Aubrey was created by Cookiedoodles168

Vera was created by Anastasia the Goddess of Drama

Start sending in who you want for 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 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.

Chapter 26- Rebel Rising

Payton POV

May 20, 2260

"So," Payton began, watching Alyssa nibble on some herb scrambled eggs and a blueberry muffin, "I've been meaning to ask this but, what do you think of the palaces cooking?"

Alyssa gave him a smile, "No offense your Highness, but I kinda like mine more,"

Payton chuckled, "I like yours more too." He admitted, they were eating breakfast in the courtyard, and Payton was glad that it was just them, it gave him time to know Alyssa better besides without the other girls crowding him.

"I have to ask though, where'd you learn to cook. You don't work in a hotel like Ebony. Is it just a hobby? Because if it is, I think you should think about turning it into a profession."

Alyssa looked pleased but she shook her head, "I'm a student in real estate in the University of Calgary."

"Is that what you want to do?" Payton asked, remembering his conversations with Jules and Catherine, they both dreamed of jobs that were outside of their caste and he couldn't' t help but think that Alyssa was in the same situation.

Alyssa thought about it, and Payton studied what she was wearing. Today she had on a light blue dress that was a light blue A-line summer dress that just went past her knees and embroidered with gems at the waist and she wore white kitten heel sandals. Half of her chestnut brown waves were pulled up into a braid while the bottom half had been curled into loose ringlets.

"I think I like real estate," Alyssa finally said, meeting his eyes again, but she looked a bit embarrassed. "But if I could, I think I'd like to go into the fashion industry. I really like fashion and I love experimenting with make-up. I've tried to make my own jewelry too, just to give friends."

"Like Jules?" Payton asked remembering the notebook Jules had with many sketches of dresses.

Alyssa nodded an excited smile on her face, "Have you seen her sketches?" At his nod she went on excitedly, though there was a wistful note, "I think she's so talented in what she does, but then again, she is a dress-maker, she gets to experiment with so much fabric I'm jealous."

"Do you have any sketches?" Payton asked.

Alyssa shook her head, "I don't," She shook her head, "I mean, I'm not an artist like Jules so I don't know how I would be able to draw my designs… besides the small pieces of jewelry I've made my friends, I haven't done much else."

"You said something about make-up," Payton said, setting his silverware down and a Waiter immediately cleared their plates, Alyssa having finished her breakfast before him. He looked sheepish, "Being a guy I don't know much about make-up, what do you with it?"

"Well, I mix colors sometimes, trying to see what goes best," Alyssa explained. "I usually practice applying make-up on my friends or sisters, they let me and I love it. Being able to be with them is great!" She added a bit sheepish. "And... they may let me experiment on their faces since I pay them in food."

Payton chuckled, "Since you're the cook, it's probably better than being paid with money."

Alyssa opened her mouth to respond but instead of words coming out, a large yawn escaped her mouth; causing Alyssa's face to turn beet red as she quickly covered her mouth, blue eyes wide as she looked Payton who looked like he was trying to stifle his laughter.

"Do I bore you that much?" Payton teased, a large grin on his face.

"Alyssa smiled back at him sheepish, "When I was back home in Calgary, I slept in all the time. I love sleeping in. But ever since I got to the palace, we've had our meal schedules and breakfast is at eight. The first week was horrible. It took me fifteen minutes to get me out of bed."

As she spoke, Payton chuckled to himself, the palace did have a rather strict meal schedule. At 8-9 am was breakfast and lunch was served from 12-1. Dinner Monday-Thursday was served at 7 pm, unless it was a Friday, a Report night, then dinner would be served from 6-7, giving people an hour to get themselves ready for the Report. But there were always snacks between mealtimes if you wanted them.

Honestly, Payton wouldn't be surprised if he gained a few pounds throughout these dates, it seemed like he'd been eating way more sweets and snacks than normal, all so he could have something to do on his dates.

"I've never really slept in." Payton finally said, grinning as he thought about it. "Even on Sundays which are technically our one break day. I just can't unless I'm exhausted. I'm just used to waking up early."

Alyssa gave him a pitying look, "That sucks, I hate getting out of bed. Before now, I've never imagined not sleeping in."

"And I can't imagine sleeping in," Payton smiled lightly at her, rising from his seat before going over to her and helping her stand up. Breakfast was over and he had work to do, but after talking to Alyssa, he really wanted to keep talking to her.

He found that he enjoyed being in her company. She was sweet and able to make him laugh, but she was also mature. He also found that he was relaxed around her. As he thought all of this, he was already leading her back into the palace, but right before they entered, he stopped, pulling her against his chest, arm gently wrapped around her waist.

He had to suppress a grin when he saw the look of surprise on her face, her mouth forming a little 'o' at his actions. He allowed himself a small chuckle meeting her pretty blue eyes as he leaned down, gently capturing her lips with his own.

He felt her stiffen before she leaned in against his chest, a sigh escaping her lips. As her arms went around his neck, tugging him a bit closer.

She pulled away a second later and smiled up at him, happiness in her eyes and he couldn't help but smile back. The kiss had been sweet, but different than when he had kissed Everly and Eirey, but there was something there.

"What was that for?" Alyssa asked a large smile on her face, blue eyes glowing.

"Do I need a reason?" Payton asked, giving her a cheeky grin before they continued into the palace, their feet leading them towards the Women's room, "But if you need a reason, then I kissed you because I think you're great."

Alyssa blushed as they reached the hall where the Women's room, Payton stopping at the end of the hall. He didn't want to exactly be seen leaving her right at the door where the other girls could see him. "Thank you for today, it was wonderful."

Payton grinned, "It was great. I can't wait to see you again Alyssa." He gave her one more kiss on the back of her knuckles before she turned and entered the Women's room with Payton watching her the entire way.

He felt good. The date had gone better than he expected and, in his mind, she was one of his top dates so far; along with Eirey, Everly, and Raleigh. He just hoped that the rest of his dates were on the dame level.

Payton made sure to straighten his jacket as he walked towards the room of his next date, it wouldn't end well if he arrived with wrinkled clothes that showed he may have been more intimate with another girl.

He knocked on the door to the room and a maid nervously answered it, curtseying smoothly to him. "Your Highness," the maid said calmly.

"Hi," Payton gave her a kind smile, "Is Lady Vera ready?"

The Maid didn't get a chance to answer because Vera appeared a second later, dressed elegantly in a floor-length day dress that was cream colored with a floral print, her white-blonde hair pulled into a tight updo.

Payton tried not to be nervous as Vera looked at him with narrowed blue eyes, a small frown on her face. "I thought you'd be dressed more appropriately," She said, her voice cool and calm.

"Excuse me?" Payton asked confused, personally, he thought that she was dressed a bit too formal. She was the most formally dressed girl he had taken out on a date and he didn't know how he felt about that.

"I was expecting that you were dressed in a nicer suit," Vera sniffed, not looking apologetic by her bluntness. "You are the Prince, you should look top form every single day, where's your crown?"

Payton frowned, but he couldn't help but feel intrigued by Lady Vera, she was so formal and unlike Elle and Rebecca who were throwing themselves at him because they wanted his attention. Vera commanded his attention in a wholly different way by the way she spoke and dressed. She was the perfect version of an elegant lady of the court. She was also the only one of his selected who asked to be called Lady Vera and she called him Prince Payton or Your Highness no matter how many times he told her to call him just Payton.

"We're only going to the library," Payton mumbled sheepishly, offering her his arm which she gingerly took. "How have you been Lady Vera? Did you enjoy the pajama party on Saturday night?"

Vera's frown deepened, "While I went because I thought it would be impolite to decline, I thought it was completely inappropriate to hold a pajama party in the palace with you and your siblings."

Payton blinked, caught off guard. "Didn't you have fun?"

"It was okay. The food was excellent, that's the only positive comment I have." Vera replied. "Honestly, you're the Crown Prince of Illéa, you should behave better. The people of Illéa look to you to lead them, not to throw a party with girls in thin clothing."

Payton wasn't sure if he should be insulted or not. Vera was openly disagreeing with what he had allowed, but at the same time, he liked how honest she was. She spoke her mind and he appreciated a girl like that.

"Well it was something fun that we all could do," Payton reasoned, "I don't want you all cooped up in your rooms or the Women's room every single day and it's good to see you all interacting and be able to interact with you,"

Vera still looked a bit disapproving but she sighed and "I suppose," She hummed, gliding into the library after some guards opened the door for her. She looked around quietly, her blue eyes landing on a portrait on the far wall and she walked to it curiously.

Payton followed her with his eyes, "That's a portrait of Gregory Illéa with the first Great Officers of the State. Of course, back then, they were more titles than anything. The Great Officers had practically no power because Gregory wanted it all for himself."

Payton frowned as he looked at the picture, it wasn't pretty at all. All the men in it looked stern and unforgiving; their faces drawn out and full of lines. The only one who looked polished at all was Gregory Illéa himself in his form-fitting dark suit, his dark hair combed back and gray eyes staring at the photographer with no emotion. How had such a man ruled a country?

"That changed though when your Dad became King." Vera noted. "He didn't make the monarchy a true constitutional monarchy, but he did take some ideas from the British right? He gave the Great Officers of state more power and Lady Brice became the first-ever Prime Minister."

Payton blinked, surprised that she knew those facts. "Yes, and our Great Officers her in Illéa, well their title may be the same as the ones in Britain, but they have different job positions."

Vera frowned, settling into a seat at one of the tables, and Payton followed suit, taking the seat across from her. "So, what do they do?"

Were they really going to have this discussion? Payton had hoped to do something else for his date with Vera, but the fact that she was interested in politics and how the nation was run was at least a good thing. "Well a King has two councils, one that's larger and that contains the King's advisors and senators of each province; they're invited to come to meetings all they want. However, the King also has his privy council and that council only consist of the Prime Minister and the Great Officers of State." Payton began. "The Prime Minister arguably has the most power right after the King, then the Lord High Chancellor follows right after that. They both work closely to the King."

"So, they'd know what's going on the most in the country?" Vera asked.

Payton nodded, "They're right there in the decision-making process. The Lord Great Chamberlain has direct access to the royal family and usually is never barred from seeing them. The Lord President of the Council is technically the head of the council and makes sure that everything is in order, but he or she doesn't have nearly as much power as the Lord High Chancellor or the Prime Minister. The Lord Privy Seal is in charge of the affairs and makes sure that everyone has everything. He or she is usually the one that plans state events, like a glorified secretary, so whoever it is usually works pretty closely with the Lord President of the Council. Following so far?" Payton asked glancing at his date.

Vera nodded and there was a serious look in her eyes and it was clear she was listening to every single word that he said. "So, If the Lord President of the Council doesn't have the same power as the Lord High Chancellor or Prime Minister, why does he run the council?"

"Because sometimes the other two aren't there," Payton explained, "They're running things with the King." He paused, giving her a chance to ask another question but when she didn't, he continued on. "The next Officer is Lord High Treasurer, and that person oversees the royal treasury. Then you have Lord High Advocate who deals with everything press related and Lord High Justice who deals with everything that is related to the laws of this country. Those round up the political side of things."

"What do you mean?" Vera asked.

"Well, those ones focus mainly on politics. The rest of the Great Officers of the State are more focused on military," Payton explained. "Lord High Constable is in charge of the Army, Lord High Secretary is in charge of Homeland Defense, so that would be the guards and officers around the palace. Lord High Admiral is in charge of the Navy and lastly, Lord Earl Marshall is in charge of the Air Force." Payton finished.

Vera nodded slowly, looking thoughtful and when she looked at him next, he didn't know if he liked the look in her eyes or not. "How long is each position held?"

"Usually for the entire reign of the King who appoints them. The thing about the Great Officers of State is that they only are Great Officers of the state under the King who swears them into that role and once he gives his crown to the next Ruler, that King has his own Great Officers of state already formed or forming." Payton explained.

"Meaning that the Great Officers of State that we have now, won't be the same for you. You'll have your own that you formed." Vera surmised and Payton nodded. "Do you have anyone chosen as one of your Great Officers of State? The people who are going to be in your privy council?" Vera asked sounded curious and interested.

Payton shook his head, "No I don't." It was a lie, he did have a few ideas of who he wanted on his privy council but Vera didn't have any right to know at the moment. The decision-making process of that only belonged to him and the only people who should know about his progress were his Dad and his Great Officers of State.

Vera frowned at his answer and he had a feeling that she knew he had lied to her, but she didn't call him out on it.

The two of them just sat there in silence and every time that Payton tried to make conversation with her afterward, she would give little back, it was as if she was no longer interested since the topics that he was trying to talk about weren't professional or serious. But he had seen a glow in her eyes when he had talked about the Great Officers of State.

"I think it's time that I went back to my room," Vera said, speaking up when the silence stretched between them again.

"Of course," Payton said slightly surprised. He pushed himself to his feet and offered her his arm so that he could escort her back to her room. "I enjoyed talking to you today." Even if the topic had not been one, he had been expecting, Payton had still found it enjoyable and if nothing else, at least he proved to himself at least that he knew what all the positions for the Great Officers of State were.

"I enjoyed talking to you too," Vera said and Payton didn't know if she meant it or not and it intrigued him. None of the other girls were like her; even the quiet ones like Selene and Risa.

He walked her to her room, bowing at the waist slightly when they were outside her door. "It was a pleasure, Lady Vera." He said again.

"I'll see you soon, Your Highness," Vera said, and he thought he saw the smallest hint of a smile on her face before she slipped into her room.

Payton sighed, that date really hadn't gone as planned, but he didn't think he wanted Lady Vera to leave yet. She interested him by how formal and serious he was and he wanted to see if she would let her walls down.

With nothing else to do, Payton made his way to his room, groaning when he saw that Clay was hanging out in his room again with Anderson, "Shouldn't you be on guard duty somewhere Lieutenant Woodwork?"

Clay rolled his eyes, "Not really. I mean I guess I could, but I'm not needed right now. Especially since they've just made me your personal guard."

"What?!" Payton looked at him like he was crazy. "You're with the Air Force though! Shouldn't you be in either Waverly or Midston? You're one of our best pilots Clay." Payton said. He didn't understand it. Usually, guards at the palace were from the Army branch only and if they were really good then they'd be put on guard rotations that surrounded the royal family. But having someone from either the Air Force or Navy was rare, especially because of their low numbers.

Clay chuckled, "Thanks, at least someone thinks so," He leaned back on the chair he was sitting on, folding his hands behind his head. "They say they need me here instead of up in the air, I can't tell them no. And it's not that weird. I always have a few months as a palace guard each year."

"But you've never been put on my guard rotation." Payton noted it didn't sit well with him. His Dad had always taught him to read between the lines of each situation and Clay being made his guard meant that his Dad thought something was going to happen. Something bad.

"He's technically only your guard when you leave the palace," Anderson spoke up, "The rest of them are taking care of you while you're in the palace."

"I know that it's still weird." Payton sighed, settling at his desk and looking glumly at the files that were there. They had been delivered to his room right before his breakfast with Alyssa and he hated to do them. At least they weren't budget reports. "If you guys have to stay here, then be quiet. I have work to do before lunch with Aubrey."

He had just flipped open one of the folders when Anderson spoke up. "I don't understand why you don't just do them in your office. You do have one."

Payton turned to glare at his valet, "I like doing my work in here, it's comfortable and I feel more relaxed." It was true that he should probably do it in his office though, it was more secure and his documents and files would probably stop getting mixed up with his journals and other papers not related to work.

"No need to get defensive." Anderson said, raising his hands and pulling Clay to a further corner so that they could talk and not disturb their Prince which Payton appreciated.

Payton focused his attention back on the file in front of him and saw that it was a document and invite to the opening of the new art wing of the Royal Illéan Museum. The new wing was going to be fully dedicated to the artist of Europe from the medieval and Renaissance period. His Dad was asking him to attend in his stead since he was busy with work. His brows furrowed in thought as he re-read the invite. It said that it was this Wednesday at 2 pm. It gave him a thought.

He rifled through the pile of files on his desk and grinned when he found the one he was looking for, he was meeting with a board of doctors from the University of Waverly on Thursday for his Dad and as he looked through what each Doctor studied he couldn't help but be pleased with himself. He really counted himself lucky since he had just solved two dating problems.

"What are you so happy about?" Anderson asked, glancing over at him in time to see him smile.

"I just figured out some dates," Payton said proudly, pulling envelopes out of his desk and quickly writing down messages for the girls he was hoping to see. If things went smoothly, then he would have finally dated all the remaining girls by the next Report.

He quickly wrote down the names of the girls he planned to take out on the envelopes, Dyllan and Jules on Wednesday. Alina, Lindsay, Michelle, and Carys on Thursday. He had already sent out notes for his dates on Tuesday with Ladies Rebecca and Alexandra respectively, so he didn't have to worry about tomorrow. As he let the names of the selected girls dry in the envelopes he then jotted down his newly formed dates into his schedule, suppressing a groan when he saw all he had to do that week. At least it was better than the first week of the Selection.

"Clay," He turned, frowning when he saw Clay laying on his bed and Anderson not doing anything about it. "Clay!" He said, glaring at his friend, causing him to jerk up.

"What is it?" Clay asked, looking like he wasn't trying to rub sleep from his eyes, and Payton sighed in exasperation. When had his room become the place, they could all hang out in?

Payton waved the letters in his hands, causing both brothers to look up at it. "Make yourself useful, deliver these to the girls."

"Anderson's your valet," Clay complained. "Can't you make him do it?"

Payton frowned, but he was used to Clay and he was always like this. "Anderson needs to clean this desk." He looked at the older Woodwork, "There are way too many files in here, take it all to my office."

Anderson rose his brow at that, "The office you never use?" He asked skeptically.

"Yes," Payton hissed getting frustrated that neither of the brothers were moving. "Now," He said, pushing himself up to his feet and forcefully handing the letters to Clay who reluctantly took them. "I'm going to get Lady Aubrey for lunch. Make sure that you guys deliver those letters to the girls' maids."

"Yes, Your Highness," Clay said, rolling his eyes while giving him an exaggerated bow before leaving.

Anderson waited a moment before turning towards Payton, doubt still on his face. "You're sure that you want me to take all your folders and files to your office?"

"Of course, I'm sure," Payton said.

"And you won't forget that I brought them there and ask where they are?" Anderson continued, causing Payton to growl.

"Of course, I'll remember!" Payton exclaimed exasperated, throwing his hands up in the air. "You're acting like I'm a child or something. Besides, you Woodworks have practically turned my room into your hang out space. I'll never get any work done if I stay here."

Anderson rolled his eyes, "Whatever you say, Your Highness."

Payton huffed at Anderson's dubious tone before leaving his room and making his way over to Lady Aubrey's room. They were going to have lunch out on the patio in the back of the palace, he thought that she'd like that.

He knocked on her door a moment later and Aubrey opened it herself, her smile like the sun. "Good afternoon, Payton," She said, giving him a slightly clumsy curtsey but Payton found it endearing. She was one of the girls who still seemed to shake while curtseying and he remembered her telling him that she was a klutz.

"Good afternoon," Payton said back, a smile on his own face as he took her in. Aubrey was wearing a white floral halter dress that went a bit past her mid-thighs and roman sandals that had tan leather straps that crossed around her legs before tying at the bottom half of her calves. Her light blonde strands were pulled into a loose braid over her right shoulder with a few curls left to frame her face. "Ready to go?" He asked, offering her his arm which she took after a moment's hesitation.

"So, where are we going?" Aubrey asked curiously.

"Patio outside," Payton said, turning her down a hall that was opposite of the dining hall. "The sun is out and I thought it would be nice to eat out there."

Aubrey nodded, blushing a bit when her light green eyes met his. "That sounds nice," She said softly, "How has your day been?"

Trying. Payton thought, but he didn't say that to Aubrey. "It's been great. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to talk to you before now."

Aubrey shook her head, "It's fine, I know that you have other girls to date and you probably have royal work to do." She gave him an understanding smile and he couldn't help but smile back. She really was a sweet girl.

They reached the patio and Payton felt his smile widen as he felt the summer air brush against his face as they exited the palace through the wide French doors. The sun was shining brightly and the sky was a deep blue and almost cloudless. He also saw the setup for their table and he couldn't help but feel pleased.

The table itself was made out of wrought iron and round in shape with matching chairs that stood opposite each other with light teal cushions on the seat. An umbrella was set above the table itself to block out the sun and give them some shade.

"Here Aubrey," He said, pulling out her chair for her before settling opposite of her. He didn't say anything as Waiters put plates of linguine with bacon, peaches, and gorgonzola in front of them. The Waiters didn't even ask what they wanted to drink because a second later they came back and poured cold tea into thin tall glasses for them before sprinkling two rose petals into the drinks, much to Aubrey's delight.

"Rose tea?" Aubrey asked happily, looking at Payton with glowing light green eyes. "How'd you know I love it?"

Payton grinned, pleased with himself, "Let's just say a little birdy told me," He said slyly. "I'm glad that I heard right."

Aubrey didn't respond because she took a sip of the tea, an excited smile on her face. "I just love how floral it taste."

Payton took a sip of his own drink and noticed the floral taste. It was alright. "So how have you been?"

Aubrey took a minute to think, "I've been fine. I'm really getting on with the other girls," She made a face then, "Well most of them. I spend most of my time in the Women's room with Reese, Lindsay, and Carys. Sometimes Eirelyn and Raleigh. They're all really sweet girls."

Payton nodded, before turning back the conversation to her, "That's good to hear, but I said we'd talk about the different romantic languages last time we spoke right?"

It was the right thing to say since Aubrey beamed at him, pleased that he remembered their last conversation. "You remember that? It was our first conversation."

"How could I hope to forget?" Payton asked back, "So what is your favorite romance language?"

"I think my favorite is Italian," Aubrey mused, looking thoughtful, "There's something about the dialect and the way the words roll off the tongue that intrigues me. I also think it's the language that's stayed the truest to Latin. But maybe I just think that because Italy used to be the Roman Empire and from most accounts, that's where Latin first originated."

Payton paused, "I've never really thought about that," He said, but he thought about what she said and found that she was right. Italian was probably the closest to the root of Latin, probably because Rome was the heart of Italy.

"What about you?" Aubrey asked, pulling him from his thoughts as she speared a piece of peach. "What is your favorite romantic dialect?"

"French," He said immediately, his mind wandering over to Victoire immediately. "I definitely think French is my favorite. It's poetic and I think it flows. French is really beautiful." He said and he hoped it wasn't because of the French Princess. Despite what he had wanted before the Selection, there had never been anything between them. But now, he was thankful for the Selection, it was making him realize that he and Victoire wouldn't have worked. Maybe it was a good thing that he had never acted on his feelings after all.

When he came out of his thoughts, he saw Aubrey give him a strange look and realized that he had missed what she had said, "Sorry," Payton said, feeling sheepish. "I missed that."

"I said that French is my second favorite," Aubrey said, not seeming to mind that he ignored her, and Payton was grateful for that. He felt certain that some other girls would have acted extremely offended if they realized he had ignored them. "I really love the French and Italian cultures too, and the British. Those are the three histories that I love most."

"Europe is chock-full of history," Payton nodded, "Do you ever wish you could go to Europe?"

Aubrey nodded immediately, and Payton was glad to see the light back in her eyes. He was quickly realizing that those green eyes brightened whenever she talked about something, she was passionate about. "To be able to travel through Europe and visit those regions is my dream."

"Where'd you want to go?" Payton asked curiously, he had been to many parts of Europe, especially Britain, France, and Italy due to his close friendships with the other countries.

Aubrey paused, "Well I'd really like to see Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London and Glastonbury Abbey in Britain. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles, Marseille, Mont Saint-Michel. The Colosseum and Pantheon in Italy, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. But most of all I want to explore the smaller towns, the villages, where I'd really get to experience how the locals live."

"Seeing how the locals live?" Payton asked he loved listening to Aubrey tell him her dreams. It was amazing to see her talk, there were no hidden emotions in her ends and she freely expressed herself with no hesitation. It was like a breath of fresh air, especially when he thought about the world of politics.

Aubrey nodded again, "That's the best way to tour, isn't it? Doing what the locals do? I really wish that I can go one day. It's the one thing I've ever really wanted."

"I'm sure that your dreams will come true Aubrey," Payton reassured her, giving her a smile. "You just have to believe that one day they will."

Aubrey smiled back, "I'll try to make it." She seemed to hesitate before she continued, "What's your dream, Payton?"

"To be a good King," Payton said immediately, it wasn't a question, he'd always been sure of his path, "I want to see my country flourish and I want to do right for the people of Illéa as their King. If there's something that my Dad wasn't able to achieve then I want to achieve it for him."

"You never thought about what you'd have done instead if you weren't born a Prince?" Aubrey asked sounding somewhat surprised.

Payton shook his head, "I've never thought about it. The politicians and advisors drive me mad every day, and it's an honest struggle some days but I can't dream of ever doing something else."

Aubrey looked awed at his response and smiled, "That's amazing, to be so sure of what you want to do. I wish I was like that." She said sounding a little down, which surprised Payton.

"You seem to know exactly what you want to do," Payton said.

Aubrey shook her head in response, "I'm always a bit uncertain, I think it comes from being the daughter of two 'smart' people and me being 'average'."

Now it was Payton who shook his head, reaching out instinctively and placing his hand on hers, surprising them both, but he didn't remove it. "I think you're just smart in your own way, it makes you brilliant Aubrey. You'll be able to see what others can't and approach it in a different manner."

"Thank you, Payton," Aubrey said, looking at him as if she was seeing him in a completely new light.

Payton blushed at the look she gave him, "I was just stating the obvious Aubrey," He said, standing up and Aubrey quickly followed suit without him offering to pull out her chair for her.

He then blinked in surprise when she went over to him, leaned up, and then placed a kiss on his cheek before blushing, realizing what she had just done. "I'm sorry! I wasn't supposed to do that, was I? You just made me so happy and I-"

Payton chuckled cutting her off by pulling her to his chest and hugging her, his goal was to calm her down, but in the end, he had just caused her to blush further. "I didn't mind, in fact," He pulled away a bit so that he could brush his lips against hers in a tender kiss. "I'm glad you did what you did."

Aubrey blushed, but there was a smile on her face as she gazed up at him, "Thank you, Payton. I'm glad that I did too." She took the arm he offered her and he escorted her back into the palace, stopping at the foot of the grand stairs. "Have a good rest of the day, Aubrey," He said, placing one last kiss on her knuckles.

"You too, Payton," she smiled at him before making her way in the direction of the Women's room.

Payton watched her leave before heading towards the music room, it's where he'd be meeting Reese for their date. He had offered to pick her up at either her room or the Women's room but she had declined both and had said that she'd just meet him there, a subtle blush on her face.

When he reached the music room, he saw that the double doors that led to the grand music room were already open and he also saw Reese sitting near the grand piano, looking at it with a strange look on her face.

"Lady Reese," Payton greeted, walking up to her, a gentle smile on his face. He took a seat on the piano bench and faced her, waving off her attempt to bow to him while in her chair. "How have you been? Has being in the palace treated you well?"

Reese gave him a look and Payton felt himself cringe slightly. "Do you mean if I've been properly accommodated because of my wheelchair? How have my maids and other palace staff been treating me and have I had any difficulty getting around?"

Payton nodded, "Yes. I've been meaning to talk to you about it."

Reese looked at him with calm blue-green eyes and Payton felt like she was trying to look into his soul. "Yes. The palace has actually been really good about accommodating me. My maids know exactly what they're doing and there always seems to be a special care worker wherever I go. I see that you've also added in ramps in the palace, probably for me to get by easier. My stay has been really pleasant."

Payton grinned at that and she smiled back at him, "I'm glad. I was nervous that I would screw up somehow."

Reese blushed and Payton saw that she looked cute while blushing. She was pretty in general, her strawberry blonde hair neatly flowed down her back in waves, but the top half was pulled back by a satin baby blue bow. She wore a matching solid colored, casual empire dress with short sleeves, the skirt of the dress going past her knees, and to her mid-calves and they were also paired with white sandals.

"I was surprised too," Reese admitted, "If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting you to try and accommodate me so much, just because I was one girl."

"You're not just one girl, Reese, you're part of my Selection," Payton explained, "No matter what happens, you're part of my life now and that means making sure you're comfortable."

Reese looked amazed at his response like she really wasn't expecting that, "Thank you, Payton," She said, looking slightly teary-eyed but she clearly blinked them away. "You're better than I ever would have imagined."

"Thanks," Payton chuckled, he looked around the room and at all the musical instruments around them. "Do you play?"

Reese looked both happy and sad about the change of conversation, "I used to," She said softly, a longing look in her eyes as she looked again at the piano. "I haven't really been able to play anything since I lost the use of my legs." She then looked at her immobile legs that rested on the wheelchair's footplate. "I miss playing."

Payton blinked, maybe meeting her in the music room was a bad idea, since it reminded her of what she lost, "Can you no longer play anything?"

"Well, I can play the piano, but since I can no longer use the pedals, some songs may not flow as they should. I can play the viola and violin still though, even the guitar, if the chair isn't restrictive." She motioned at the wheelchair she was in and Payton saw what she meant. The chair had armrests and her back was pressed against the backseat. He imagined it would be hard to hold anything in that chair.

"But you can still play some instruments, so that's good right?" Payton asked and Reese nodded.

"My parents are a bit too protective though and they seem to think that playing instruments will stress me out for one reason or another. They were even nervous about me entering the Selection."

"Why?" Payton asked surprised.

Reese looked at her chair again, "Well, like what we talked about, they were afraid that the palace wouldn't be wheelchair friendly and…" She trailed off, a light blush suddenly spreading across her cheeks.

"What?" Payton asked.

"Well, they were a bit nervous about…." Reese looked embarrassed, "Well the age gap. I'm only sixteen years old and stuck in a wheelchair and you just turned twenty."

"Oh," Payton said, feeling his own face redden immensely at her implications. He guessed that it was a reasonable fear for her parents to have. But at the same time, he was offended that someone's parents would think he'd try to take advantage of one of their daughters.

He also really didn't think of the age gap between himself and some of the other girls, he knew that Reese was one of the girls that only just made the cut by age limit but from what he saw, she was extremely mature. He supposed she had to be because of her situation.

"I'd never do anything inappropriate," Payton finally said, some of the offense bleeding into his voice, but he hoped that she knew it wasn't directed at her. "I'm a gentleman."

"I know," Reese reassured him, a smile on her face, "That's one of the things I was sure about you. I never thought of you like that kind of man," She paused, looking thoughtful, what do you think about the age gap though?"

"I don't think much of it," Payton said honestly, "You're one of the only sixteen-year old's here, if not the only one and I think you're mature. I don't see anything wrong with it. Do you have a problem with me being four years older?"

Reese shook her head, the blush still on her cheeks. "I don't find it a problem. It may seem like a problem since we're young but if we were older, no one would blink at a four-year age gap."

There was a pause between them between Payton cleared his throat, "I know you said that the melodies may be off since you can't use the pedals on the piano but… would you mind playing me something?"

Reese looked surprised at the request. "You…. want me to play for you? Even after I said it may be a bit off?"

Payton nodded, giving her an encouraging look before looking at the piano at the same time she did. He knew he didn't miss the longing in those blue-green eyes. "It's clear you want to play. You're an artist even though you think you can't play anymore. But I'm sure you can." He encouraged.

Reese bit her lips, still looking a bit hesitant, but she seemed to be gaining confidence, "If you're sure you want to listen."

He nodded again, standing up and moving the piano bench out of the way so that Reese could roll her chair in front of the grand piano. He watched as she took in the sleek, polished dark material and polished keys in front of her.

"Anything particular you want to listen to?" Reese asked.

Payton shook his head, smiling down at her, "Play whatever you want,"

Note: This is the song that Reese played on the piano, you can find it on YouTube if you'd like to listen to it.

Nocturne op. 9, No. 2, written by Chopin, played by Andrea Romano

Reese nodded before a wonderful tune flowed from the piano, and Payton smiled, listening closely to the music that Reese created.

It was much more classical than what he had heard Eirelyn playing a few nights ago; the notes were also much lighter and each chord danced through the air of the music room, echoing against the walls and flowing through the air. It was classical yet… content. Maybe even happy.

He didn't hear the melody go of course like Reese thought it would because she couldn't use the piano pedals and that to him proved just how talented she was as an artist. He just wished that she noticed it too.

Once she was finished, Reese let out a deep sigh and he saw her shoulders relax as if a weight had been taken off her shoulders before she turned to look at him, her blue-green eyes light and a content smile on her face. "What did you think?"

"I thought it was beautiful," Payton said honestly. "The melody didn't sound off to me at all. You should give yourself more credit."

Reese blushed at his compliment. "Thank you, Payton,"

Payton grinned back, going onto one knee and causing her blush to deepen, "There's no need to thank me, I was just saying the truth," He said before taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.

Reese opened her mouth to say something but before she could, sirens pierced through the air, causing her to jolt in her chair, her eyes widening with shock.

Payton cursed, immediately shooting to his feet as his eyes shot around the music room as the ear-splitting siren continued to shriek. Rebels. Rebels were attacking the palace.

He watched as four guards burst into the room, all surrounding him and Reese who quickly realized something was wrong. Her eyes were wide with fear and her fingers were gripping the material of her armrest so tight that the tips of her fingers were turning white.

"What's happening Payton?" Reese cried and he could barely hear her even though there was less than a foot between them, panic settling in her eyes as she glanced at the guards. All of them were scanning the room and one even peaked out of the window.

Payton quickly kneeled back down, trying to pull her legs out of the heel loop of her wheelchair without hurting her. "Rebels," He explained quickly. He then pulled her out of her chair and carried her in his arms in the bridal style, cradling her close to his chest. "Just hold onto me." He instructed her strictly, looking straight into her eyes as he said so.

"Your Highness, I can take her," A guard immediately said, seeing his actions, and Payton immediately shook his head, his arms tightening around her.

"You'll need your hands," He said just as a serious of shots echoed down the hall and causing Reese to flinch against him, she buried her face against his chest and her arms tightened around his neck. "Let's go." He said strictly.

Two of the guards went out into the hall first and once they were sure, Payton hurried out of the hall, the other two guards quickly following after him to protect his back. Payton looked towards both ends of the hall and saw a chattered vase at the end of one as well as a dead guard.

"Don't look and stay quiet," Payton ordered quietly in Reese's ear as they quietly moved through the hall, the front guards peaking around the corner just as more gunshots erupted a distance away.

One of the guards, Evan, glanced back at Payton, grim determination in his eyes. "Don't worry Your Highness, we'll get you and Lady Reese to the safe room."

Payton nodded mutely just as Evan's radio buzzed on, catching their attention. Evan immediately lowered the volume, but there was no muting the sound of guns being fired and yells that came from the small, portable radio he carried on his uniform. "They've breached through the back patio, but we've been able to detour them from reaching the second and third floor."

Payton cursed inwardly, that didn't mean he and Reese were out of danger, the music room was on the ground floor.

"Get back!" Payton jumped back in surprise when one of the guards swept his arm out and pushed Payton back against the wall just as bullets flew past them. He also saw one of the guards that had been behind him take two bullets to the chest before he crashed down to the ground.

Reese screamed when she saw the guard hit the floor, blood pooling around him. Payton turned her head away towards his chest, but he was unable to look away as the light left the guard's dark eyes. He then looked towards where the shots came from and saw two ragged, dirty men at the end of the hall.

They both looked horrible, covered in dirt and grime, their dirt-covered clothes didn't seem to fit their skinny frames and even several feet away from them, Payton swore he could see the rage and vengeance in their eyes.

Payton crouched down low as Evan and one other guard returned fire towards the rebels, one of the shots hitting one of the rebels right between the eyes and sending him crashing down to the floor. With his partner gone, the remaining guard panicked and tried to make a run for it, but he didn't get far since Evan shot him in the back.

Payton gulped and looked down at Reese's shaking form. Thankfully her face was turned away from all of the carnage that was happening in the hall, and he noted that her eyes were also squeezed shut.

"Clear Your Highness," Evan said softly, but he motioned to stay low as they continued to walk against the wall of the hall, and Payton could feel his shoulders start to ache at Reese's weight. She didn't weigh much and she was small, but he wasn't used to carrying anything for this long and he was sure that the stress of their situation was getting to him. The safe room had never felt so far away.

Payton kept his grip on Reese as they finally reached the safe room a few minutes later, but not without casualties. One of their other guards had been gunned down in a much more violent gunfight between guards and rebels, but they'd also gained four other guards as his security.

He shifted Reese slightly in his grip as he reached for the key in his pocket to unlock the safe room, before dialing the code in too, the safe room opening with a soft hiss. "We're safe now, Reese," Payton promised as he went down a flight of stairs that would take him into the main safe room and hopefully, where the rest of his family and selected were.

"Payton!" Just as he reached the final step into the saferoom he heard his mom call out his name, looking relieved. She was sitting on one of the cots with his dad standing near and Leandra and Sara on either side of her. Liam and Everly stood a few feet away, huddled together and whispering urgently, Liam looking like a complete wreck.

"Reese!" Payton turned to see Carys and Lindsay huddled together on another cot, both of them looked terrified out of their minds and were clinging to each other but he was relieved to find that neither of them were harmed.

He went their way and gently settled Reese in between the girls, but Reese refused to let go of his shirt, her fingers so entangled with the fabric. "It's okay, Reese." He said softly, gently untangling her fingers from his shirt and her two friends immediately each gripped one of her hands.

Payton met her stricken blue-green eyes and tried to give her a reassuring smile. "Take a deep breath, you are safe now," He said again, reaching out to smooth out her now ruffled strawberry-blonde waves before pushing to his feet. He looked at both Carys and Lindsay, "Watch over her for me?"

Both of the girls nodded, fear still in their eyes, but he knew that he could trust them. He then turned away from the trio on the cot and took stock of the safe room. Besides his family, there were a few guards in the room, standing at the ready if rebels somehow burst into the saferoom. He also saw Dr. Draycott, the palace doctor making rounds on all of the selected, boys and girls to make sure that they were alright, a few maids helping him.

He noted that all of the selected men were in the saferoom but after his eyes did three sweeps around the room and one more incredibly desperate sweep, he realized that some of his girls were missing. Eirelyn being one of them. He quickly made his way towards his family, anxiety in his step.

"Payton," Kriss immediately rose to her feet and hugged him tightly, "I was so worried when you didn't come in right away," She said.

"I'm alright mom," Payton promised, hugging her back. He then hugged both Sara and Leandra, who also clung to him while his dad pulled him in for a quick one-sided hug, clear signs of relief on his face. That's when he noticed something though. Something that made him feel like ice was running through his veins and his chest tighten. "Where's Julia?" His baby sister was not in the saferoom.

"We don't know," It was Liam who spoke up and Payton realized the reason why his brother looked so wrecked. His hair was completely messed up as if he had run his hand repeatedly through it, and there was a crazed light of worry in his dark eyes. "We don't know. I was supposed to meet her and Lady Raleigh as well as some of the other ladies of your Selection at the ballet room. I was on my way there when…" He trailed off, his voice going rough.

Payton exchanged a worried glance with Evelyn, who put her hand on Liam's arm comfortingly, "We were on our way to the ballet studio when the sirens went off." She finished for him. "And the rest of the girls who were supposed to also be in the ballet room are also missing.

Payton nodded numbly, he was finding it extremely hard to breathe as he thought of all the girls that were missing: Aubrey. Raleigh. Asteria. Everly. Eirelyn. Julia. He swallowed thickly as a chill went up his spine. All six people he cared about. All of the girls that he felt that he connected with the most. And his baby sister, oh God, she had to be so scared. "We have to get them," Payton said, a horrible urgency suddenly filling him and he made for the saferoom door, intent on bringing all of them to the saferoom if he had to himself but Maxon grabbed onto him tightly.

"Dad!" Payton spun to face Maxon, his eyes burning, "Julia's out there! With my selected! We have to get them!" He said desperately.

Maxon faced his son with a stone face, but Payton could clearly see how hard it was for his own dad to not run out there himself and search for his baby girl. "We cannot, Payton. As the future King of Illéa, you cannot risk yourself, as much as you hate it."

"She's your daughter!" Payton hissed. "Don't you want to go out and find her!"

"Of course, I do!" Maxon snapped back, and Payton could clearly see the turmoil in his dad's eyes. "But we can't! Trust our guards to get them here safely Payton."

The two had a glaring match, both testing out the other's wills but finally, Payton sighed, his shoulders sagging. He knew that his dad was right. As much as he hated it, he knew his dad was right.

Maxon sighed too, "I know it's hard Payton, but this is also our role as Rulers. If you want to do something, make sure that your girls are okay."

Payton nodded numbly and made his way over to the first girl he saw to make sure she wasn't all shaken up, all while hoping that he'd get to see Julia and his girls again.

During the Rebel Attack

Eirelyn POV

How had things deteriorated so fast? Eirelyn winced as the siren for rebels pierced through the air. The girls and Julia had two guards with them in the studio, a small amount for five selected and a Princess.

As the guards made sure it was safe to leave the studio and head for the saferoom, the girls hung back and Eirelyn tried to keep calm as she clung to Asteria but she was finding it hard to stay calm. They were in the middle of a rebel attack.

She was finding it incredibly hard to breathe, flinching as she heard gunshots echo through the halls of the palace and she swore that she could swear smoke. Was it like this when her dad and James had died? Did they feel fear and hopelessness? Did they want to live more than anything before a bullet through them?

Eirelyn shuddered as she thought these things, unable to stop herself from imagining James' face as he lied on the cold palace floors as he gasped his last breaths as he realized that one of his closest friends bailed to save himself? Or her Dad as he was shot through the back and through his chest; at least he had died instantly, unlike James who had bled out.

As she thought these things, her body shook and she could feel Asteria's hands around her tighten as she looked at her worriedly. She could also hear Julia's muffled sniffled as she clung tightly to Raleigh as the dark-haired ballerina tried to comfort the young girl despite her own fear. Aubrey and Everly were huddled somewhere behind them having their own meltdown. And the guards still hadn't given them the all-clear. How long did it take to check one hallway?!

Eirelyn was sure she was about to completely lose her nerve when she realized that Lyndon was somewhere in this mess. What if her brother died too?! She didn't think that she could survive another loss if her brother died, then surely, she'd die too. Her thoughts spun in her head and just when she was about to lose it and break apart, she heard a familiar, calming voice.

"Calm down," A rich, deep voice echoed in her head and Eirelyn blinked. "Calm down, you know what to do in this situation." It was her dad's voice.

Dad? Eirelyn wondered continuing to blink, she felt like they were moving, but she didn't pay attention to that. Instead, she was drawn back to a memory she had of her dad when she was only twelve. He had been injured in the line of duty and had been sent home by King Maxon to rest. It was the first time she really understood how dangerous her dad's job had been and it terrified her, she remembered begging her dad not to go back to the palace.

Eight Years Ago

"Please don't go back daddy," A ten-year-old Eirelyn begged, tears in her green eyes as she met his. Her dad looked down at her, a sad look on his face. He looked worn down and his black hair was now peppered with white, but his green eyes were still as brilliant as hers. "Don't go back to the palace. You'll get hurt again." She insisted, looking at his right arm, which was in a cast.

Aspen sighed as he looked at his young daughter, his sweet beautiful angel. "I have to Eirey, it's my job to protect the King and this nation."

Eirelyn wouldn't take that as an answer, she pouted and crossed her arms. "He's the King, he can have other people protect him."

Aspen looked thoughtful for a moment, "You're right Eirey, he has thousands of others to protect him but I want to protect him. The King is a good and fair man who has been through trials of his own but always looks after his people first. I want to be there to protect him."

"Even if you're hurt? Aren't you scared daddy?" Eirelyn asked looking up at him with big eyes.

"I'm scared every day that I'm away from you and your siblings and your mom," Aspen admitted, patting her on the head. "But when I'm scared, I always remember one thing. Would you like to know what it is?" Aspen asked, crouching down so that he was at eye-level with her. "It'll be our little secret okay?" He offered out his good arm, a pinky finger held out, and Eirelyn eagerly hooked her own tiny pinky with his.

"I won't tell anyone!" She promised, shaking their hooked pinkies enthusiastically.

Aspen chuckled ruffling her dark red curls. "Okay, here's the secret, when I'm afraid, I don't focus on myself. I know it'll just freeze me up and make me unable to act. So instead of worrying about myself, I focus on protecting others. I make sure to protect others and keep my mind off the danger I'm in, because if I can protect others, then I can protect myself."

"So, you focus on saving people?" Eirelyn asked.

Aspen nodded, "I focus on helping and protecting others before myself in times of danger. It motivates me to protect not only them but me. That's why I do my job and protect the King." He looked straight into his daughter's' eyes. "Do you understand Eirey?"

"I understand daddy!" Eirey nodded her head, "When I'm older, I'll protect people too!"

Aspen laughed again, "I know you will sweetie,"

Present Day- Rebel Attack

Eirelyn blinked again and as her memory of that day faded, she found herself back in the palace, but not in the ballet studio, but in one of the palace, halls, pressed up against the wall, with Asteria clutching her tightly.

She could hear shouting and gunfire, and she looked to see all the girls crouched down close to her as they waited for the hall to be clear. "What happened?"

Asteria looked at her in complete relief, hugging her tightly, "I thought something was wrong with you!"

"Just spaced out," Eirelyn replied, looking around the hall again, she saw that Julia was crying openly, now tears running down her scared face while Raleigh rubbed her back, but she looked no better. Everly was trying to get Aubrey to calm down, the girl had gone hysterical and was crying and gripping her head.

Eirelyn looked around again and saw one of their guards lying on the floor, a bright pool of blood forming around him. Eirelyn felt sick, but she swallowed down her nausea. "I'm fine. Are we close to the safe room?"

Asteria shook her head, "I don't know, but apparently, the ballet studio is farther away from the saferoom."

That's no good. Eirelyn thought just before she heard a loud bang go off next to them. She turned just in time to see their last guard fall to the ground, blood squirting from his chest.

Aubrey let out a terrified scream that was quickly cut off by Eirelyn pulling away from Asteria and shoving her hand over her friend's mouth. "Stay quiet," Eirelyn said, her dad's words from eight years ago whispering through her mind. Focus on saving others.

Aubrey mumbled against her hand, she was shaking and tears wetted her cheeks. "W-we're a-a-all going t-to die," Aubrey whimpered.

"No, we're not," Eirelyn said back harshly, focusing on what her dad had told her in the past. It was the only thing keeping her sane. "We're all getting out of here alive." Focus on protecting others. Her dad's motto. She was determined to follow his example. She'd focus on helping her fellow selected so that they'd all come out alive.

Eirelyn peaked around the corner quietly and saw that there were no rebels, in fact, there was one lying dead with blood around him. Had their guard taken him out before being shot too?

She quickly went over to Raleigh, catching her attention as well as Julia's who sniffled, her nose and eyes red and she was shaking. "L-Lady Eirey…" She sniffled.

"Julie," She said back gently, "Do you know where the safe room is? Can you remember?"

Julia looked scared but she nodded after a moment, "M-mommy a-and daddy made me remember." She hiccupped.

Eirelyn nodded but it was Raleigh who asked the next question. "Where is it, Julie?" She asked. "Can you show us?"

"Just straight down this hall," Julia sniffed. "Hopefully we'll r-run into gu-ards." She sniffed.

"I'm sure we will," Raleigh said, she met Eirelyn's eyes and she swallowed her fear and nodded. She quickly looked around and saw the broken leg of a table laying nearby. It must have been broken in all the chaos of blood and gunshots. She swiftly picked the table leg up.

"Are we moving?" Everly asked she looked scared but determined.

"Are you okay?" Asteria asked, clearly still worried about Eirelyn's mental health but she shook it off. She had no time to prove herself to her oldest friend.

"I'll be fine." Eirelyn shrugged off her worry, they needed to be safe before they should worry about anything else. "Let's go."

"I-I can't," Aubrey cried, shaking her head, "If we move without guards we'll die. I don't-" Aubrey cut off when her head whipped to the side, leaving her stunned and her cheek stinging.

The rest of the girls looked at Eirelyn in shock, her hand was held up in the air, making it evident that she had just slapped her friend into silence. "We'll make it if we move," Eirelyn said, meeting Aubrey's shocked green eyes. "Focus on the people you'll see when we make it to the saferoom. Don't focus on the idea that we won't. Okay?"

Aubrey nodded silently and all the girls nodded too. They rose to their feet and shakily made it through the hall, stepping over the pools of blood and the bodies of their dead guards. All of them freezing however when they heard running footsteps coming in their direction.

Eirelyn immediately motioned them to press against the wall, which they did after a moment of hesitation.

Eirelyn's heart was galloping in her chest and her blood was rushing through her veins, she gripped the table leg tightly in her hands as she rose it up, ready to strike at whoever was coming to attack them. Focus on protecting others. She repeated her dad's words over again in her head as the footsteps got nearer and nearer.

She squeezed her eyes shut and swung just as their attacker walked around the corner. "Whoa!" A deep familiar voice cried out.

Eirelyn's eyes snapped open just in time to see Clay avoid getting his face smashed in by her table leg as he leaned out of the way. "Oh!" Eirelyn immediately dropped the leg.

"Jesus woman!" Clay cried out, straightening himself.

"Sorry," Eirelyn said just as Lyndon rounded the corner after Clay, looking frantic. "Lyndon!" Eirelyn was immediately crushed to her brother's chest. She hugged him back enthusiastically, hearing his heart pounding frantically in his chest. "I'm so glad that you're okay!"

"I should be saying that!" Lyndon said, pulling away and studying her with frantic green eyes. "Are you okay? When we realized that all the guards that were supposed to get you were gunned down, we panicked. Clay and I came to get you guys." He then hugged Asteria while Clay kept an eye out for rebels.

"We should go, quickly," Clay immediately said once Lyndon pulled away from Asteria. Lyndon nodded and the two escorted the remaining five girls plus Julia to the saferoom with little incident, but there was still some gunfire going on, causing all the girls to jump every now and then.

Eirelyn felt relief flood her when they reached the safe room where the royals and other selected were being held. Her eyes immediately went through the room and she saw Queen Kriss and King Maxon hurry towards them, pulling Julia out of Raleigh's arms and crushing her to their chest. Tears were freely falling down Kriss' cheeks in Kriss' and Maxon looked near tears himself as he hugged his daughter. She also saw Liam hurry over to his baby sister, frantically checking to see if she was alright with Evelyn at his heels.

"Eirey?" A soft voice asked. "Eirey, are you okay?" She looked up and saw Payton looking anxiously at her. He looked like he wanted to reach out and hug her but was restraining himself because of the other girls.

"I'm as okay as I can be," She said, she realized that she was shaking a bit now that they were out of imminent danger and she struggled to keep herself under control. She leaned over and hugged him tightly, she needed the hug and she didn't care if anyone else saw. He hugged her back immediately, drawing her close to his chest. It calmed her immediately and she took one deep breath after another. "I'll be fine," She promised, pulling away from him. "Are you?"

"I'm a lot better now that all of my girls are here," Payton confessed, a relieved smile on his face. He glanced around before taking a full step away from her, apology and regret in his eyes, but she understood why he did it; she could already feel jealous glares digging into her back despite the threat of rebels.

She watched Payton check on the other girls while she settled on the floor next to Asteria. "I really am okay you know?"

"I know," Asteria said softly, "How'd you stay calm? One moment I thought you were going to go into hysteria and then you were suddenly in control."

"I remembered what my dad told me," Eirelyn explained, "Focus on helping others in times of danger, not yourself."

Asteria looked skeptical, "Most people won't do that."

"Well, I did. It's the only thing that kept me sane." Eirelyn said, causing both girls to chuckle. They both fell quiet then and Eirelyn watched as both Clay and Lyndon went towards the entrance of the room, standing guard, but Lyndon still had his eyes set on Eirelyn, watching her to make sure she was okay. She nodded back towards him and he smiled slightly before shooting her a quick wink, and that was all she needed to fully calm down; she knew that they'd both be alright.

Hours seemed to pass after Eirelyn and the rest of the girls reached the saferoom, the attack was officially over but they weren't allowed out yet. Not until the guards gave the all-clear. She was bone tired and she wanted to go to sleep like Asteria and many of the other girls but she couldn't. She just couldn't. So many thoughts were running through her head and she couldn't stop them.

"Eirey?" She looked up just as Payton settled next to her, his back sliding down against the wall. "Can't sleep?" He asked quietly.

Eirelyn shook her head but smiled when he discreetly slid his hand into hers, interlocking their fingers. "I should, but I can't."

"Me either," Payton confessed, "I kept thinking about what I would do if one of you ended up dead. I would never forgive myself."

"We all knew the risk of entering the Selection," Eirelyn said, "But I guess knowing isn't the same as experiencing it." She paused, uncertain about going on, but feeling that she should tell him. "When we were trying to get to the saferoom, I freaked out a bit, I kept imagining how it must have been for my dad and James on the day that they died. I couldn't help it."

Payton frowned at that, "I'm sorry, that must have been terrible."

Eirelyn nodded silently, "It was, but then I remembered my dad once telling me that instead of worrying about myself, I should focus on helping others during times of danger. That helped me calm down, focusing on making sure we all made it here."

Payton chuckled, "Aubrey told me you slapped her to calm her down. And Clay also mentioned that you almost clubbed him in the face."

"I should apologize to both of them," Eirelyn said, laughing a bit herself before she sighed, a frown on her face. "They never should have died."

Payton stiffened next to her and looked at her with a curiously guarded expression. He knew that she was about to reveal something about herself that many others wouldn't get to hear, "James and your dad?"

Eirelyn nodded, a wistful expression on her face. "Tristan Morrison was a coward who abandoned his duty. But I think the hardest part for me was the fact that he knew them." She said softly. "He was a personal friend to both my dad and James, he was probably James' best friend and yet he still abandoned them to save himself. He still let them die."

"Doesn't he have a family too?" Payton asked quietly, looking around, he made sure to pitch his voice low so that no one could hear them. It was a good thing that many of the people in the saferoom were asleep.

Eirelyn nodded, "Which makes his actions even more selfish, he has a young wife and a newborn baby. He just abandoned them too, to the ridicule and judgment of the military." She huffed, thinking of Tristan's gentle blonde wife, Giselle, and his newborn son, Emmett. "I can't forget everything he's done. I can't forgive him. I can't wait till he's caught."

"He will be," Payton promised determinedly, he squeezed her hand reassuringly, a small smile on his face. He looked like he wanted to say more, but before he could, the doors to the saferoom opened and General Avery, the captain of the guard entered the room.

"All the rooms have been cleared. Thankfully, the second and third floors remained untouched so the girls and boys can go back to their rooms."

Payton rose to his feet as the room stirred. "Thank you, General Avery," He gave Eirelyn one more smile before he went back to his family.

Eirelyn watched him silently before gently waking up Asteria. They left the saferoom with the rest of the girls while the royal family hung back.

She hugged Asteria before they parted to their own rooms and she was glad that they'd been together through all the chaos. By the time they were let out, it was night and suddenly, Eirelyn could feel the exhaustion weighing on her.

Her maids were happy to see her safe and they crowded her in a tight hug when she entered her room when she returned. She was also grateful that they had all made it through the attack, even though it had only been a bit more than a week. Alice asked her if she needed anything, but Eirelyn shook her head, saying that all she needed was some rest. They had just helped her into nightclothes when there was a knock on the door.

Hanna opened it and Payton quickly stepped into her room, "I forgot to ask you something," Payton said, he looked worried.

"What?" Eirelyn asked, noticing her maids quickly slip out the door. "Is everything okay?"

"Do you want to leave?" Payton quickly asked.

"What?" Eirelyn asked again, feeling like a bucket of cold water had been splashed across her face. There was a low buzzing in her ears. "You want me to leave?"

"No!" Payton immediately shook his head, pulling her against his chest as if he thought she was going to leave right then and there, "I just… I know how you feel about rebels. I don't want to cause you any stress or trouble if you want to leave because you don't think you can't handle these attacks, then I'll let you."

"I'd like to stay," She surprised herself by her quick answer, she didn't even have to think about it. The thought of leaving scared her; the thought of being away from Payton made her heart ache. "If you'll have me."

Payton let out a sigh of relief, he nodded before hugging her even closer to him. "Honestly, I was considering begging you to stay if I had to," He said before leaning down to kiss her, sending warmth through her entire body, his fingers curling into her dark curls.

"It's been a long night," Eirelyn sighed, pulling away from Payton, "I need to get some rest and so do you."

"See you tomorrow," Payton said quietly, giving her one more kiss before leaving her room, his stance a little straighter as if a burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Tomorrow," She agreed, feeling like things were finally going to be okay.

Payton POV

May 21, 2260

Payton really didn't want to go to breakfast. He hated the idea of it. But he had to. There was so much to do today. He'd be stuck in meetings all day and he hadn't even written the apology letters to Ladies Alexandra and Rebecca yet. There was no way he could take either of them on dates today.

"You have to go, Payton," Anderson said.

"I know," Payton groaned, rubbing at his face. At least he knew that Eirelyn still wanted to stay in his Selection. That was a huge weight off his shoulders. "I'm going." And he did.

He made his way over to the dining hall, amazed that it was set back to its proper order so fast. But then again, the staff and guards always did work hard to restore the palace and make it look like nothing happened.

When he entered the dining hall, all was silent, he waved away any attempts of bows or curtseys before they could even start, none of them needed that today. He could also tell that the mood in the hall was down, there was less talking and the boys and girls kept to their own selected groups rather than mingle as usual.

It didn't make his mood any better, knowing what he was about to do, but he had to do it. He had to eliminate some girls and Sara had to eliminate some of her guys. After they were all let out of the saferoom yesterday, Maxon had immediately pulled him and Sara aside to talk about their Selections. He had strongly advised them to eliminate the selected who asked to leave and any others that they felt they wouldn't be able to connect with. It just sucked. He knew there was a good chance that he'd be hurting some of his girls selected and he dreaded it.

As breakfast drew to a close, Payton rose to his feet, catching the attention of everyone present. "I know that yesterday must have been horrible for you," He began and saw some heads nod, both boys and girls. "And I can't promise that it'll get better." He saw some faces pale at that and he took a deep breath and carried on. "That's why I've decided that if any girl wishes to leave, they can come to talk to me and I'll allow it. I'll be in my office from nine to ten."

Sara stood then too, "The same goes for any of my selected," She stated calmly, "If any of my selected wishes to leave, they can find me in the library, I'll be there until ten."

There was dead silence in the dining hall and Payton found that he hated it. "That's all." He finished. He then offered Sara his arm and together the two walked out of the hall.

He glanced at his watch, noting that it was a quarter to nine. Fifteen minutes. In fifteen minutes, he'd know who was leaving his Selection for good. "Good luck," He said to Sara as they reached the stairs. She'd be going to the library and he'd be heading for his office on the second floor.

"You too," She nodded, smirking slightly. "I hope you come out in one piece."

"Me too," Payton admitted before heading for his office. If he was honest with himself, he wasn't nervous about the girls who'd be asking to go home. He was actually nervous about the girls who didn't want to go home but he'd be eliminating anyways for lack of any romantic feelings.

He had barely sat on the rarely used chair in his office when his door opened to reveal a hard-faced Adelaide. "Lady Adelaide," He said, not surprised that she was the first to approach him. She had wanted to leave in the first place and had only stayed at his request.

"I'm not staying anymore," Adelaide said firmly, glaring at him with cold hazel eyes. "I'm not going to die here so that you can preserve your image."

"I would never ask that of you Lady Adelaide, I just asked you to stay so you would leave with a bigger elimination group," Payton said. "But I understand why you want to leave and I'm not stopping you." As he spoke, Payton remembered the polls he had reviewed days ago; Adelaide had rated as number one. People wouldn't be happy to see her go.

"Good." Adelaide huffed, she put her hands on her hips, looking at him with eyes full of judgment, and Payton honestly wanted to shrink into himself. "Can I say one more thing?"

"You will even if I say no," Payton mumbled, causing her to grin slightly.

"You do have a Queen in your Selection. Just make sure you don't screw it up." Adelaide said, surprising him.

"Mind telling me who she is?" Payton asked.

Adelaide laughed, the only real smile he had ever seen from her gracing her lips. "That's for me to know and you to find out." Then she spun on her heels and left. She just left! Without even a single goodbye to him.

Payton gaped after her a moment, but quickly pulled himself out of it, a wry chuckle leaving him. Had he really expected anything else from her? Socialites.

Payton waited for the next girl to show up and as he did, he did a few budget reports as well as looked over summaries of events provinces had held in the past month or so. There was also a list on his desk of nominated officials to put to the office for the next senatorial term, but he only glanced over it; that was a topic he'd face when he didn't have to split his attention. He glanced at the clock, 9:15 am. He was surprised that no other girl besides Adelaide had shown up. Were they not shaken?

He was in the process of writing down notes for four certain girls when there was a knock on his door and a second later, Isadora walked in. There was a mix of hesitation and determination on her face, an odd mix, but it was there. "Lady Isadora," He said, standing up as she stopped at his desk.

"You said we could leave?" Isadora asked.

Payton nodded, "Of course, I don't want you to stay if you feel unsafe."

Isadora bit her lip, "Good, I was surprised when you didn't throw me out right after our date. I almost asked to leave myself before the attack,"

"Why is that?" Payton asked even though he had a feeling he knew what she'd say. She had made her opinions clear to him after all on their date.

Isadora looked around at his office and while it wasn't as glamourous as the rest of the palace, it still was polished and sleek with dark wood, nothing in the room was second-rate. "This place is just too glamorous for me, I can't stay here knowing how much money is going into the palace while poorer people and lower caste struggle."

"I understand," Payton said, "Can I ask why you entered then? You must have known that coming to the palace would have given you this type of life. Why'd you come?"

"Well, I wanted to give you a chance, and you do seem like a good guy Payton," Isadora began, "But I don't think we fit. I mostly came here for the money because my family's been struggling ever since my dad died."

"I see," Payton mumbled, he looked down at his desk before back up at her. "I'll have the palace continue to send your family checks for another two weeks. That should help you guys."

Isadora's eyes widened in surprise, "Isn't that against the rules?"

Payton shrugged, he imagined that his dad wouldn't be too pleased, but he couldn't be bothered. If he could help the girls once they left, even a bit, he would.

"Thank you, Payton," Isadora said, "I'm glad I was able to meet the future King of Illéa."

"I'm glad that I got to meet you too," Payton said, offering her a small smile. She curtseyed to him and left, after returning his smile.

Once the door shut behind her Payton let out a sigh before crumpling one of the notes he had just written. That was one done, now he had three more to go. He walked around his desk and saw Anderson sitting on the chair to the side of his door looking bored. "Anderson, can you get Ladies Elle, Elodie, and Angel for me?" He asked deciding to have his friends escort all three ladies to his office instead of having a maid send his notes.

"Sure Payton," Anderson said, rolling his eyes before making his way out into the hall.

Payton watched him anxiously, now it was time to deal with the hard part. He didn't have to wait long because a few minutes later, Anderson escorted Ladies Elle, Elodie, and Angel into his office. Angel looked anxious, while Payton could already see a sad acceptance in Elodie's eyes. Elle, on the other hand, looked like she didn't even know anything was wrong, dressed in a tight, cream-colored dress.

"Ladies," Payton began, he met all of their gazes, how was he supposed to go about this? "I just wanted to let you all know that you're all wonderful and I'm glad that I was able to meet you,"

At his words, Angel bit her lip anxiously, her eyes going round and Elodie looked like she was struggling to keep calm. Elle was the only one who looked unfazed and that surprised Payton. He had thought she would be the one who reacted the worst.

"Thank you, I know that. Who wouldn't want to meet me?" Elle simply said. Or maybe she was simply too vain to see what he was about to do.

"I really appreciate the time that you've taken out of your personal lives for my Selection," Payton pressed, closely watching Elle and it seemed to finally sink into her what was happening. "But I don't think that we can really connect, even if you stayed. I wish you. all the best."

Elodie was the first to respond, she looked sad, but didn't look like she was all that surprised. "Thank you for the time here Payton. I'll always remember it." She gave him one last curtsey before leaving.

And… that's when the room descended into chaos. "What?!" Elle screamed. "How could you eliminate me?! I'd make an excellent Queen!"

Payton eyed her warily, "Based on how you're screaming at me, I can confidently say you would not make an excellent Queen, Lady Elle."

Elle glared at him angrily before storming out of the room, leaving only Angel there.

"I think we could have made it work," Angel finally said, looking teary-eyed, "You didn't even really give us a try Payton."

Payton sighed, this was what he was afraid of, the tears. "I just didn't feel a real connection with you Angel. I'm sorry for hurting you."

"But you did with others?" Angel asked.

His reluctance to answer spoke volumes and Angel tears finally flowed down Angel's face. "I'm sorry," He said, guilt clawing at him. He hated it when girls cried.

Angel shook her head, "I-I hope you end up happy Payton. I hope you don't regret your choice." She sniffed, turning and leaving his room while wiping at her face.

Once she had left, Payton exhaled slowly and Anderson entered the room, "That was horrible."

"You had to do it." Anderson shrugged, "You have to find your Queen, and sadly, it's a process of elimination."

"What if I eliminate a girl and she ends up being the 'one'?" Payton asked, stressed.

"That won't happen," Anderson said confidently, "I know you, Payton. In the end, you'll make the right choice."

"I hope so…" Payton said, but he couldn't help but feel doubt. He just had to believe he'd find his Queen.

Sara POV

Sara paced around the library nervously, watching the clock, it was 9:50 and none of the guys had entered the library yet. Was it a pride thing? Or did they all really care about her and she'd been ignoring it? No matter what, she knew that there was definitely one man who would not be staying.

She settled down in one of the cushioned chairs, facing the door, taking a book in her hands to entertain herself while wondering how Payton was doing. She was sure that he'd have some girls who wanted to go home.

"Princess Sara?" She looked up at her name and saw Hugo, Conner, and Jonathon all standing nervously at the doors of the library.

"Gentlemen," Sara said, rising to her feet and motioning them closer. If she was honest, she had to say that she was a bit surprised that it was these three who came to her. They were some of the ones that she had talked most about. "I take it you would like to leave?"

It was Hugo who nodded, he looked sheepish and a bit ashamed. "We all have families back at home."

Jonathon nodded, "For all three of us, they're a big reason why we came here, but if Payton thinks the attacks may get worse, then personally, I can't stay."

Sara nodded in understanding, all of these men did have families that relied on them. Jonathan having about seven other siblings, as well as his mom and Conner, had his baby girl to worry about. Hugo also had a family he had to take care of.

"I'm glad that I was able to meet all of you." She said honestly, "I'm sorry to see you go."

All three men smiled at her, "I'm glad that I was given the chance to meet you too," It was Conner that responded.

"Have a good Selection Princess," Hugo grinned "I can't wait to see who you choose as your Prince." He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckled before leaving, causing her to blush.

She'd be sad to see him go. She'd miss his jokes and easy nature, he was always so easy to talk to.

"Have a good rest of the Selection," Jonathon said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before he left too.

Conner was the only one left and he looked at her with calm cinnamon-brown eye. "Can I give you some advice Sara?"

"Of course," Sara said, giving him a smile.

"Trust your instincts and maybe try to spend some more time with some of the guys," Conner suggested. "You know the guys you connect with the most. Don't shy away from that."

Sara looked uncertain. "There's still a lot of guys left."

"And some of them care about you," Conner said, "So don't mess up."

"I won't," Sara promised, allowing him to hug her tightly before he left.

She watched him leave, and she felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. If she was completely honest with herself, she knew that they probably wouldn't have been her 'one'. But it was good to see that they were all leaving in good spirits.

Sara returned to her seat and once again picked up her book, The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. It was an interesting story and she wished she could focus on it, but she knew that in a few minutes one of the men she would be eliminating would soon be here.

There was a knock on the library door a moment later and Sara stood as Zaire entered, his hands politely folded behind his back and a gentle smile on his face dark face. "Sara," He greeted her. "I assume that Jonathon and Conner talked to you?"

Sara nodded, remembering that he was an associate to both of them. He was so quiet and shy that she didn't even know if he considered them friends because of his nature. His shy nature also made her realize something. "Zaire, I'd like to thank you for your time here. It was nice to get to know you,"

Zaire's smile slipped off his face and Sara immediately felt guilty but she held firm with her decision. She had enjoyed talking to him but at times, even for her, it was hard to get him to speak up. She needed someone who was more confident and out-spoken. Someone who could hold himself up in the royal court. And sadly, Sara was confident that Zaire wouldn't be able to hold his own against the people of the palace the further the Selection went on.

"I think you're a sweet guy," Sara said after a moment, "And you'll make a great husband one day… just not mine."

Zaire was quiet for a really long time before he sighed, "Honestly, I'm not surprised," He gave her a sad smile. "I'm really glad that I got to meet you, Princess,"

"Me too, Zaire," Sara said, smiling back, she moved forward and hugged him. He really was a sweet guy. "Stay well," she said softly, pulling away and watching him leave the room.

Now it was time for the last man she needed to see and she knew this one would be easy. He had never left a good impression on her and after his actions during the rebel attack yesterday, she knew that him being eliminated was the right decision.

Sara didn't have to wait long for him to appear, which she as glad about. The jerk strode into the library as if he owned the palace and it angered her to no end. Neat waves of golden hair and aqua-colored eyes with rings of gold around his pupils. He certainly was a very handsome young man, but unfortunately what was on the outside was reflected on the inside.

Travis Cooper was a selfish, horrible man who only cared about himself. That much was proven yesterday. It was clear he was only wanted money and power and she would make sure she would never get either. At least from her and her family.

"Thank you for your time in the Selection Sir Travis," Sara said meeting his eyes determinedly. "I'm glad that I was able to meet you," Those words were lies, of course, she'd be happy when he was gone.

"What?!" Travis snapped, a glare forming on his face as he stormed towards her. It took all of Sara's will not to step away from him, she could clearly see the rage in his eyes. "How can you eliminate me?! I was born to be a Prince! I have the wealth and upbringing for it all!

Sara rolled her eyes. "You may have wealth, Sir Travis, but you don't have the upbringing of a Prince. And for someone who has a father who used to be a guard in the palace, you're a coward who only cares about yourself." She stated firmly, narrowing her eyes at him. "Did you really push one of my other selected down so that you could escape? What if he'd been killed?

"Of course!" Travis snapped. "He was a five and I'm a two! I'm way more important than some lowly five! Who cares if he died so I could live?"

Sara narrowed her eyes at him, "That's where our opinions differ Sir Travis, I think everyone should be treated equally, no matter their caste. No life is important than another."

"Of course, it is," Travis snapped. "You won't eliminate me." He said, voice hard like ice, eyes malicious. He took another step towards her and this time she did take a step back. "You won't take the chance for a crown from me."

Sara saw motion behind him and this time, she allowed a small smile to form on her face. She had expected him to act like this so she had made preparations in case he got violent. "You don't command me, Sir Travis. If we're going by status and rank, which you seem to be obsessed about, then you answer to me because I'm the Princess of Illéa. Now please leave."

Travis clenched his jaw, the fury in his eyes only growing. "What did you say to me?" He asked, voice deathly quiet.

"She said to leave," Travis spun around to see Clay standing near the door to the library with two other guards, one being Evan. "So please gather your belongings and leave palace grounds. Either on your own or by force."

"Who do you think you are to say that to me?" Travis demanded, "You're just a guard."

"But I'm more than half the man you'll ever be," Clay said with a calm shrug. "Now, do you want to leave of your own will or by force?" He asked again.

Travis' fist curled and Sara knew what was going to happen before he did it. She watched in shock as Travis charged at Clay in anger. He tried to punch Clay, but he easily dodged, grabbing Travis' swung arm before twisting it harshly behind his back, causing the former selected man to cry out in pain. "Force it is then, Sir." Clay said calmly.

He gave Travis over to Evan and the other guard to escort out before he made his way towards Sara, worry in his bright blue eyes. "Are you okay Sara?"

"He didn't touch me, he just thought he could intimidate me into letting him stay." Sara sighed, "I'm glad that he's gone,"

"Me too," Clay said, "What an Ass. I can't believe that his dad used to be a guard here. You would have thought he would've taught his son something."

"Maybe the humble gene skipped a generation." Sara sighed, "I just hope now, my Selection will go smoothly."

Clay laughed, "Keep dreaming, Princess, you're looking for a husband, there's no way it'll be easy."

"Thanks," Sara said rolling her eyes, as she left the library with him. She knew he was right though. This really was just the beginning of her finding her husband. She just hoped that she could find him, even if it took months. She'd come out of his with a husband who loved her. Or at least she hoped, time would only tell.

The Eliminated:

Isadora Spritz, Hansport created by (Me)

Adelaide Huntingdon-Rhodes, Labrador, created by Cookiedoodles168

Elodie Campbell, Tammins, created by Cookiedoodles168

Elle Winters, Angeles, created by Fanficmonster123

Angel Magdalena, Panama, created by Fanficmonster123

Travis Cooper, Zuni, created by Fanficmonster123

Hugo Rodriguez, Honduragua, created by Fanficmonster123

Conner Morse, Colombia, created by (Me)

Jonathon Bradley, Dakota, created by Fanficmonster123

Zaire Emem, St. George, created by Angeley

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

Also check out my new story, "A Light in the Darkness" a new Selection, SYOC story

Next Chapter: Chapter 27: A Day Out