By the time it was Saturday evening, I'd dated nineteen women in total. That left me with twelve more to give them something to talk about coming Friday, and for me to think whom I liked the most.

But it wasn't that easy.

Spending time with America the Friday evening had changed something in me. No matter what I thought, I couldn't get her our of my mind. She became the standard for me. One with whom I compared the other. It was wrong, but I just couldn't stop it. She became, without an effort, the epitome of what I was looking in a girl.

And I still haven't come with anything good for the budget project father had given me. I discussed a few schemes, but even I knew they weren't good enough. And he never listened to me, always said one thing, "If you can't decided on a simple scheme, how do you think you'll make decisions as a king?"

Burying myself in my work sounded like a good reprieve, but there was so much going on, I couldn't concentrate.

There was a knock, followed by Justin himself. "Your Majesty, you're needed in the grand hall."

"What happen, Justin?" I inquired, reading the new report.

"It's Lady Anna Farmer. She's found guilty of hitting Lady Celeste." No! It can't be. She was such a kind person. "The king has decided you'd give her justice for not following the Selection rules."

"What happened, Justin?"

"I have no idea, Maxon. But I've seen the mark on Celeste Newsome's face. She has red marks on her face."

"For the sake of all the holy! What just happened?" Fetching my coat, I ran to the grand room.

Dad was seated on his throne, but Mom was no where to be seen. She'd have hated to see any of the girls going home.

Anna was standing in front of my father, her face bowed. Celeste also stood there. Though she tried to hide it well, I could see the smug expression on her face.

But she seemed so nice when we walked.

What did she do? What did Anna do?

"Maxon. I believe you'll like to punish your subjects, Lady Anna, for misbehaving and breaching the laws of this Selection. And do justice to lady Celeste."

"Yes, father. I believe I am obligated to do so, but before that, I'd like to talk with both of them personally. I don't want to give an unjust decision without knowing what just happened."

Though he gave nothing away, Dad looked solemn, giving me a small shake of head before sighing with disappointment again. "I believe you'll make the right decision. And lady Anna, it was nice having you here."

So he'd already made his decision. Mom would've liked to know what did actually happen, but he wouldn't budge. Not when he'd made it clear from the start he preferred Celeste more than others.

I clenched my fist, trying to leash my temper back. It'd do no good if I snapped at my father or questioned his decisions. To no one.

"Lady, Celeste. Before I talk to Lady Anna, I'd like to hear what happened from you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness." She dabbed her cheeks, trying to clean the nonexistent tear marks. "We were in the women's room, all of us talking in there and spending time. We were sitting together, discussing your yesterday's interview. I said, 'Why doesn't the prince punishes the one who yelled at him.' She backed me up the same, but when I suggested that the one who looks the most innocent is generally the culprit, she slapped me across the face."

I'd expected Anna to contradict Celeste, but it never came.

"Okay. You're are free to go, Lady Celeste. You should go to the hospital wing, I suggest."

She smiled and put her hand on mine, batting her lashes at me. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I knew you'd do right."

I nodded curtly and watched her go, the small train of her pink gown swishing on the floor.

Turning to Anna, I took her to a chair near the window. "Now, my dear, will you tell me what happened actually that lady Celeste tried to omit?"

She sniffed, trying her best to stop the tears from falling down. "No, prince Maxon. I wouldn't. I take the blame of slapping her across the face, but refuse to tell you why. I'm not here to brat about her being a crazy bitch or looking after the crown," she smiled tentatively at her comments, "but I won't."

"May I ask why?"

"Mostly because it's my word against hers. And we both know whom the king favours." She looked me in the eye, daring me to contradict her. But she was right. I couldn't. "If the king had already chosen her, then there's no reason for me to even fight."

"You know I'll have to do some justice, though." I murmured.

"Then do it, prince. Just to learn that you'd do anything to make sure right justice is served, I'm honoured to be one of your subject. To know you personally." A lone tear fell.

Such a humble nature, such modesty.

"I can't oversee it. If I do, it'll become a statement." I sighed, frustrated, thinking about a loophole that I could work. "I'll have to ask you to go in your room and pack your bags. Just in case. But I'll make sure I'll do the right thing." She nodded. "But, still, I'd like to know what did Celeste told you to infuriate you. I don't think you'd have done such thing just because she thought you were the one to yell at me."

"She talked of my parents being a junk." She covered her face, her voice thick with the tears that finally escaped. "She said such awful things about then I couldn't stop myself. And I can't repeat them."

"I'm so sorry, Anna." I hugged her sideways, patting her shoulder.

She shook her head but leaned slightly onto me, crying her heart out.

"I'll talk to father and see if anything could be done. But just in case... And till that, I ask of you to go see a nurse. For my sake?"

She nodded, stood, smoothed her dress and rubbed her cheeks, removing any traces of her tears. "Thank you." She whispered and went out.

I ran my hand through my hair, because what she said had hit a mark. It was my Selection, but I wasn't in any control.

I went to dad, and found him sitting on his desk in his room, working on some papers.

"I want to talk to you."

He motioned with a hand for me to sit, not even looking up.

"I heard what happened, and clearly it was Celeste at a fault." He didn't look surprise. "She said such horrible things about Anna's parents, I am surprised she didn't do worse than hit her."

"A breach is a breach, Maxon. Even if it's Celeste, it was Anna who hit her. We can't let such an act go unpunishable."

"Then cut her compensation! But you can't just let her go when it was Celeste—"

"Enough, Maxon!" He looked at me in a way that made me squirm. "I think you don't get it. We can't let Celeste go. She has a pretty face and is a favourite of a few advisors' and of public. Anna Farmer on the other hand is a nobody. Letting her go is the correct choice. Not to mention it'll narrow down the girls by one."

Of all the things I knew, it still hurt to see him making decisions for me. It was my Selection!

"So this is it? I can't have my say in my Selection?"

"Of course you can, but remember that she'll not be just your life, but also a queen. We can't deny or not hear what the country demands."

"This wasn't the case with your Selection." I stated with a mock calm.

"The girls' at my time weren't so loud and unorganised." He shot back. "You're being too ignorant towards them to take you lightly. You're the future king. You shouldn't let that happen. Or let someone yell at you!"

"But—"

"The decision is made!" he slammed a hand on the table. "Anna Farmer will go. You can give a warning to Celeste Newsome, but that's the extent."

"I can't—"

"Do you really want to argue with me, Maxon? If yes, then please close the door. Else walk out and do what you have to."

I stood up, beyond angry, with everything. My father. The situation. And the fact that even I though I know, I can't do anything. "You know what? Why don't you put a leash on me if you want to control each and every decision of my life." I suggested, barely controlling my voice. "And why don't you announce Celeste as the winner already when it's clear you're going to make decisions of my Selection as well. And you know what? Screw the budget plan. Because it's clear you're going to reject each and everything I think, as according to you I'm not capable!"

"I hope you'll be utterly happy to walk a deserving girl walk out just because of your pride." And I walked out with my head held high, trying not to behave like a child crying.

I smashed a beloved artefact of him outside his door, and saw the tiny pieces fall lying on the floor. I wished I could do that to his pride. To show him that just because he's a king the world doesn't owes him. That he can't just control all our lives. He can't ruin my life by controlling my decisions as well.

But I couldn't do that.

I'll do it. I promised myself. I'll talk up to him and not let him control my every aspect.

I went on the second floor to the west wing, and knocked lightly on Anna's door. A handmaid answered for her, and left after welcoming me in, closing the door as she left.

"I get that you consulted a nurse?" I asked as a greeting.

She nodded, but didn't say anything. She was focused on her packing.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you." I told to a still sniffing Anna. She'd packed her every thing, the room left hollow with her designs she'd asked for.

The bed had brown sheets, in contrast to the palace grounds view, whereas the walls were a faint blue. She had all but three bags, and in one I could see a photo of her family, standing on the farms.

I sat beside her on the slightly messed up bed, looking around, not sure of what to say. She sniffed and tried to smile. "Can I ask something of you?"

"Anything." I promised swiftly. "I'll make sure to have it done if it's in my hand."

"How was I? I don't want to hear any compliments. I just want to know if I had the potential. That if you'd consider me, if...if things didn't turn out the way it did."

"You were the first I was considering to ask for the second date."

She grinned slightly. "Thank you. That means so much to me."

There was again a silence. Silence that gnawed on me. That reminded me that I couldn't do the right thing. "Why didn't you fight back? Why did you let Celeste have her way?"

"Honestly, it was all on her face. She knew she's popular, so the king won't let her go. And I'm just a Four. A nobody. Even if I'd fought, even if she was blamed, she wouldn't have gotten half of what I did. The right thing to do was not fight. I didn't want her to have the satisfaction. It doesn't make much sense..."

"It does. And thank you." I murmured, putting my hand on her. "Till now I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but you made me see it." I squeezed her fingers, once. "I'll forever be grateful for that. And as of Celeste, I'll see what I can do. She won't go unpunished."

"I couldn't ask for more." This time her smile was genuine.

I kissed the back of her hand and stood. "Lady Anna. Let all know that you left the place with dignity rather than being discarded. For I'll be doing the same."

A few tears leaked out of her eyes, but she wiped them away with a single swipe of her hands. "Like I said: this is more than I could ever ask for. You are so much more than good, prince."

I nodded once and left her room.

Why did her words pierced my heart. She knew what my father did, but still she thought about going with a head held high rather than making a laugh of herself. Was I making a mistake in letting her go? But how could I know? I didn't know her the way I knew America. I didn't like her the way I liked America.

My head was still of these burning questions when I knocked once on Celeste's door in the North wing. Her handmaid opened after a moment, smiling broadly, and asked me to come in.

Inside, Celeste was sitting on her recliner, an ice-pack on her red cheek.

Unlike America's room, which was next to unchanged, her room looked like a home in itself. There were many mirrors on the walls, the bed decorated with flowers. A few magazines were placed on the couch. There were a few photos of herself on the mirror, a few of her family, and a few of me. The window looked to the other wing of the palace.

"Prince Maxon, what an honour. You could've called me."

"I felt the need to come here, Lady Celeste, considering the delicacy of the situation that just arose. Can you all leave us for a moment?" I asked the maids. They all curtsied and left, closing the door behind them.

"What can I be of help?" She asked, trying to be bashful.

I nearly rolled my eyes at her act of innocence. "Anna Farmer is leaving the palace grounds as we speak."

"Oh, good. She behaved rather rashly today. She could do much worse if—"

I leaned against the closed door, stopping her with a cold glare. At least she had the tendency to squirm in her seat. "She gave me a rough account of what happened. If it were up to me, I would've rather have you two punished equally and leave, but as it happens, you are safe for the moment."

She sighed, pleased.

"The king blessed you with his forgiveness, Lady Celeste, but I wouldn't be so merciful the next time."

"I'm—"

"Because, if there's a next time, then heaven forbid me for I'd do then." She looked nervous. Good. "You being here is part of the duty I've to do, for I'm not particularly fond of those who try to degrade others to outshine themselves. I hope I'm clear." She nodded. "And one more thing. If I hear anyone say anything about this incident again, or I see you getting the limelight for it, then I won't come. You'd better pack your bags before my orders. Am I understood?"

"I don't take physical or emotional torments easily, Lady. I hope you get that by now. And act accordingly." And with that I left her room, not giving her any chance to talk to me.

By the time I reached my room, I was a mess.

Was this how it was going to be? Every time? Was my father going to control my whole Selection?

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At dinner time, when I took the turn to go in the Dining room, Celeste approached me. Though she looked good, I could see the slight red rimming of her eyes. She was genuinely ashamed of her act.

She looked down when I stopped in front of her. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I didn't know things will get this far. I was just trying to talk with her. I didn't know she'll take a few things too seriously." A few tears released from her eyes. "I'm so, so sorry. I had no intention of doing any such thing. And I promise nothing like that will ever happen again."

"Do not think that just an apology will bring you in my good graces, Celeste. I'll be discreet with you. I haven't gotten any mad than for what you did."

Her breath hitched. "I'm sorry."

"But I can also see that you're genuinely sorry for today. So I'll forget you. For this time "

"I won't be a disappointment again, Prince Maxon."

"Then we're on the same page." I smiled down at her. Slightly. "Go and have some rest, and some food."

"Thank you for your forgiveness." She went in the dining room, smiling again.

I shook my head, going in myself.

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It was difficult to sleep that night.

Every time I closed my eyes, I wondered if father would march inside and drag me, punishing me for voicing against him. For trying to almost shout on him.

I thought about going to America, to have some calm, but in every scenario I thought about, I found father punishing her for my actions.

I couldn't sleep the whole night.

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By the time it was Tuesday, I'd dated almost every lady but four once. Jennelle, Tuesday, Olivia and Elizabeth.

I tried to sort them out, but it was difficult.

I liked Anna, but she's gone. America was my choice, but we were out limits. Celeste was one my father recommended, but I didn't want to give her the narrow hope so fast after the incident. I liked Kriss as well, but conversations with her always made me unsettled, because she always turned the questions on me. Like she was searching something against me. Tiny was good, but without a backbone. Marlee seemed a good choice as well, but I wanted her to be my back up plan. She was good, but there was something about her. I couldn't place it, though."

I got an idea about what to do.

I called Silvia the morning before breakfast.

She came to me at eight, already ready for the day ahead, with a phone peeking out of her pocket and a notepad in her hands.

"Don't you get exhausted?" I asked her once we were seated in my couch.

"You have no idea. The whole bunch gets in my nerves sometimes. But hey, I get to help you select one. It's fun."

"Yeah. I wanted to do a photoshoot. For the magazine. And also by that we can get an rough idea about how they present themselves. We could ready then this way for their Report."

"Hmm." She considered it for a second. That's why I liked her. She didn't take my every word as an order, but as a suggestion as well. And she guided me when I was stuck. With her, it was always confusing. Mainly because she was my tutor as well, and not my personal advisor for the whole Selection.

"It's a nice thought. And that way we can also get an idea who looks the best with you."

"You know I—"

"I know you wouldn't judge anyone on their looks," she interrupted me with a wave of hand, "but let's be practical. You'll have your photos used as stamps."

I ran my hand through my hair, hating that she was right. "Fine. So what do you suggest?"

"A photoshoot with you." She rolled her eyes as if it was obvious. "Every girl will get to pose with you for a minute or two. That way they'll learn how to act under pressure, and we can see who looks the best with you as well. We can beat two bushes at the same time that way."

"Okay. Fine. Plan it and inform me the time. I'll be there."

"Great. How about tomorrow after breakfast?"

"Okay. I'll be there."

She smiled and left me, muttering something on the phone on her way out.

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By the time it was evening, I'd had my dates: Elizabeth and Olivia. Both nice girls, but nothing to distinguish them. And then there were Tuesday and Jenelle. Both of them proud, full of opinions. Something I admired in both of them. I liked Jennelle more.

And because may be I was feeling guilty, I thought about taking Jennelle on her second date. Because she was more like Anna. And if Anna had helped me set a standard, Jennelle passed the mark with a great magnitude. She was kind, ambitious, and did not let the Selection guide her all the time. Even though she was Three, she understood people's pain.

So I decided.

The next round of dating girls will start tomorrow after the photoshoot.