CHAPTER 18

Monday, The 9th of December

Henri Pemberton, Viscount Enfield

"Thank you," says to Divesh and Nyson, motioning for them to sit down. "That was very well-done boys."

Divesh flushes, muttering "Thank you," as he heads back to his desk. I will admit, their poster was one of the better ones that I had seen so far. They seemed like they had at least put in the effort to make the presentation look nice, and though Nyson was the one who handled most of the actual speaking part, it was fairly entertaining all things considered. Much better than the emotionless, monotone explanation George had given a few minutes prior.

"Nishav, your turn." Mr. Brooms says, motioning for Nishav to give his presentation.

Nishav doesn't move for a second, "I need to set up my powerpoint."

"Powerpoint?" Mr. Brooms echos looking confused.

"Yes. I thought that a powerpoint would help provide a more accurate look at the poster I created. I understand that some people would be unable to see the finer details, but I took some zoomed in photos so that they could look at it." Nishav explained. That was actually fairly nice of him. It went above and beyond the requirements of what we had to do for this little project, but I got the feeling that Nishav wasn't going to do anything if it wasn't the best he could do. Posters about the judiciary system included.

"That's very smart of you," Mr. Brooms says, looking like he's unsure of what to do next. "You can pull it up on my laptop if you wish."

Nishav nods, going to log into his account as to show his powerpoint. Once it loads, he goes to stand to the side of it, propping the poster he created up on a small easel. He looks much more at ease in the first of the pseudo-classroom that Mr. Brooms ever has.

"Instead of researching the standard judiciary system for criminal justice, I decided to look into the monarch's role in the process." Nishav explains, pressing a button so that his first slide transitioned into the next.

"The origin for most of the monarch's power in this process came from America, where the current sitting president would be allowed to pardon criminals. Though it was much less controversial during that time then it is now. Pardons rarely happen within Illéa." Nishav continues, showing a few photos of the pardon process.

It's by far the best presentation that we've seen yet, and that we're probably going to see during the course of this. I know that Tex and I worked hard on ours, but it's nothing close to the level of detail that Nishav created. Though, I seem to be in the minority of those who feel that way. Bas had taken to doodling in the corner of his paper, and though Nyson was still looking at the powerpoint, his eyes were glassy.

If Nishav noticed this, which, let's be honest here he probably did, he paid it no mind. He continued with his presentation, seeming unbothered by the general lack of interest in the room. It was a great powerpoint, no doubt about that, but it lacked the entertainment factor that Nyson and Divesh had which made people actually listen to the presentation.

"-and that is the basis of the monarch's power in the judiciary system." Nish finally said, clicking out of his powerpoint. "Does anyone have any questions?"

No one raised their hand, either due to the fact that they hadn't been paying attention or that they didn't have any questions. I couldn't tell which. I didn't raise my hand eiter, mostly because there was nothing left to ask. He had covered it all in his presentation.

After a beat, Nishav smiled grimly, "Good. Thank you everybody." With that, he returns to his seat, leaving Mr. Brooms looking for the next group to show their poster.

"Henri and Tex," he says, motioning to us. "Whenever you're ready."

Oh please. It wasn't like we had a choice in the matter, and though I know he's trying to be polite, frankly I don't appreciate his euphemisms.

Tex and I stand up, Tex holding the poster because he didn't trust me with it and I didn't have enough energy to argue with him about it.

"Now, before they begin, they did a different project from everyone else, so if you're confused don't worry about it." Mr. Brooms states.

"What is it about then?" Nishav asks.

"The public transportation system," I answer, since I sincerely doubt that Mr. Brooms knew the answer to Nishav's questions. It's actually funny in a sad sort of way. He never even thought of asking us what we were doing our project on.

"Not that you've ever been on it," Tex mutters quietly enough so that only I hear. I hate him. I don't know what Tex's perception of decent human behavior is but it certainly didn't catch up with mine. It's not like I even gave him a reason to dislike me in all the time that we've known each other, except from simply being in the selection. Though, I suppose most of the selected felt -and still feel- the same way, Tex is the only one who actually said something about it.

I don't know whether to chalk it up to courage, discontent, or maybe a mixture of both.

"I'm sorry Tex, I didn't catch that," Mr. Brooms asks, completely misteinterting what Tex had just said to me. I know he's trying, but sometimes our teacher's complete lack of inferring skills gets on my last nerves.

"I was simply saying that it was focused on the transportation system in Angeles specifically," Tex lies evenly. I don't say anything to contradict him. It's not worth it.

"Oh, alright then." Mr. Brooms says, "Carry on."

I speak first, my section on the public bus system on top of our poster, "The bus system around Angeles is mostly focused in the urban cities, though of course there are still buses around the suburban areas, you'll just probably have to walk farther to get to the bus stop."

It's a fairly simple presentation all things considered, and though I see that no one is paying attention, I don't have it in me to feel offended. To be fair, it probably is rather boring, and Tex's puns aren't doing much to help create interest. Besides, it's not like the rest of the guys are specifically disinterested in our poster, they've given the same reaction to everyone, and despite my best attempt to pay attention, I'm sure I stopped paying attention to other presentations as well. It really would be hypocritical of me.

"-and that's all there is to it." Tex finishes, gesturing at our poster. "I really doubt it, but does anyone have any questions?"

There's a moment of silence before Nyson shakes his head, "I don't think so."

"Great." Mr. Brooms says, picking up the poster we had created. "That was very well done. Though I would recommend...actually, never mind," he says, shaking his head. I bite my lip for a second. Mr. Brooms might not be a certified teacher, so it's really not a fair comparison but if I had him as a professor at my university I would switch out of his class.

With that, we head back to our seats so that the next group could go up. It takes hours to get through all of these, and by the time Mr. Brooms finally declares the class over, the sun has begun to set over the horizon.

"Do you all want to play uno?" Bas suggests before we leave the room.

"Yeah, sure." Nathaniel answers for the group, leading us towards the men's parlor. Bas finds a deck of uno cards and begins to deal them out to us.

"How was your birthday?" Divesh asks Tex, probably in an effort to be polite. I had wished Tex a happy birthday yesterday as I should have, though to be fair, I didn't particularly mean it. My attempt at being nice didn't seem to please him, but really what would?

I guess me leaving would be a better birthday gift for him, but other than that I doubt there's anything that I can do to make him like me anymore then he already does. Which is actually pretty depressing considering his very public loathing for me.

"It was really good." Tex answers, "The princess and I went out to dinner at a very nice restaurant." Right, I remember Lindsay mentioning something about that on the last report, that the producers were going to make a special compilation for his birthday.

"What restaurant?" Nathaniel asks, putting down a red 4.

"I doubt you would know it, but it served steak." Tex states, probably in a logical assumption. After all, how would any of these people from all over the country recognize the name of a restaurant in Los Angeles.

"Was it good?" Nathaniel asks.

"Oh yeah, but that wasn't the best part of the evening."

This seems to pique a few of the guys interests, and they look up at him. Divesh, looking somewhat nervous, asks, "What was the best part then?"

"Her highness got me an awesome present." Tex states proudly, "A new pair of headphones. They're in my room, but I can show them to all of you later." I have a feeling that he'll be showing us those headphones whether we want to see it or not. It is his birthday, the least I could do is pretend to be happy for him to get a nice present from Carrie. Though, if she picked it herself, that would really be saying something.

"That sounds nice." Bas comments lightly. "Dang it," he scowls, grabbing a card from the pile set up in the center.

Nyson looks at him, "Dude, you suck at this game."

Bas chuckles, "Yeah, I think I got that Nys." I didn't know that Bas and Nyson were on a nickname level of friendship. That's good for them. I had a feeling that Nyson's attempted friendship with Nishav was entirely one-sided, not that Nyson realized that.

Seeming unhappy that the attention was off him, Tex speaks again, "Of course that wasn't all she got me," he says, clearly planning on finishing his piece. Ah well. It is -well, was- his birthday. I'll listen to whatever story he wants to share with us.

Seeming undisturbed, George looks at him, "What else did she get you?" He asks, seeming less than pleased with Tex's epic tale of his birthday.

"Let's just say we ended the night with fireworks." Tex states, looking satisfied with himself. I furrow my brow at what he's implying. Somehow I have a feeling that the fireworks he's talking about are purely metaphorical. Maybe I should give him -and her- the benefit of the doubt though. There's no reason to jump to conclusions.

"What type of fireworks?" Nyson asks, looking somewhat confused.

"Oh come on Nyson," Tex says, pretending to be annoyed. I might not be a skilled liar myself, but I can tell that he's delighted with Nyson asking him to continue his story. "I mean that we kissed in the back of the limo on the way home." Tex states proudly.

Oh.

So much for the benefit of the doubt.

I knew Mum had warned me about this even before my name was called for the selection, that she didn't want me to get hurt. At the time I had found her worries to be ridiculous. Now though, it actually happened, I don't know what I should do.

Well no, that's untrue. I know what I should do, I know what I should be feeling.

I should be upset. I should be sad that Carrie went with on a date with Tex, kissing him. I should be angry that she cheated on me with Tex of all people. There are so many things I should be feeling.

But I don't feel them.

I guess I feel somewhat miffed that Carrie did that, but in the end, I don't feel anything. I guess I have no right to tell Carrie who she can and cannot be with, if she feels that way about Tex then so be it. It's none of my business.

Though, I guess some would argue that it is my business when my girlfriend kisses someone else. I don't really care. Other than a bit of annoyance at contempt, I can't conjure up any strong emotions at the fact that she and Tex ended their date last night in what Tex claims to be a makeout session. Maybe that's a problem.

Whatever I was feeling, or not feeling, my sentiments are clearly not shared by the other guys. "You...you kissed?" Divesh asks, swallowing loudly.

"Yeah, come on Divesh, don't look so surprised," Tex admonishes, "What? Don't tell me you never kissed anyone before?"

Divesh flushes a dark red, and to be honest, I feel pretty bad for him. "No, I have. I just...I don't know." Divesh clears his throat once, "How was it?"

"The kiss you mean?" Tex asks, obviously relishing in the moment. Was he really going to milk this for all it was worth? It's a bit rude to the rest of the selected. Personally, I would have kept the details to myself, but Tex and I have many differences. This being one of the smallest.

"Yeah."

Tex smiles proudly, "It was one of the best kisses I've ever had. I don't know who she had practice on, but the princess is a great kisser. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't that." Tex pauses for a moment, chuckling to himself, "Maybe her nights out don't make the news."

Oh no, they do make the news. And that's why Carrie is having a selection in the first place. Not that Tex knows it. His description of the kiss clearly isn't winning him any favors with the other boys, and looks ranging from jealousy to anger settles over their features.

"That's nice." Divesh says quietly, seeming a bit sad. Oh. I didn't know he liked her that much. I guess most of the guys did, but it's one thing knowing something and another thing to actually watch it play out.

"You never know Divesh, maybe one day you'll get to kiss herself yourself." Tex says, clapping Divesh on the back.

Divesh ducks his head, not responding.

"So you got the first kiss of the selection." Nishav notes his voice cold, "Frankly, I wasn't expecting that."

Tex looks at him in surprise, "What were you expecting then?" He asks, making his tone match Nishav's. Maybe it's just me being petty but personally I think that Nishav pulls it off better. It probably is me being petty. I shouldn't think about people like that. Even people like Tex who said that I paid my way into college among other things.

Maybe my pettiness is deserving in this case.

Nishav shrugs, "I don't know. Personally, I thought the princess would have preferred someone a bit less...volatile."

"What do you mean volatile?" Tex asks, clearly not very happy with Nishav's words. He seemed more pleased when we were all looking at him in awe rather than now, where Nishav is being, well, Nishav.

"You know what I mean," Nishav states, "I would have thought someone like Divesh or Nathaniel. A bit less aggressive."

"Is that a compliment?" Nathaniel asks, trying to lighten the mood. Bless him for trying.

Tex ignores him, "Well, looks like you were wrong for once," he jokes. "I bet you didn't see that one coming. Nishav Levesque, being incorrect about the princess. Sorry about that, Nish."

"No apologies are needed," Nishav says calmly, not rising to Tex's taunts. I envy him really, "I'm capable of admitting that I was wrong. If you need help in that field I'm more than happy to use my sociology degree to help educate you."

Tex frowns slightly, "Whatever. So tell me, was it really the first kiss of the selection, or did someone else kiss her and not tell us?" He asks, his eyes gleaming.

I could put him in his place right now. I could tell him that I kissed her on the first day of the selection. I could tell him that the first kiss of the selection occurred when she was 16. It would be entertaining to see Tex's face at those words. For him to see just how wrong he was.

But I'm not going to do that. Say what you will, but I have integrity when it comes to my relationships. More than that, I don't feel the need to tear down Tex. So I let him be, I let him win by keeping my lips firmly shut.

After a few seconds pass, Tex looks around, his expression victorious. "Cool guys. If you need any advice on kissing her, feel free to come to me." Tex offers. As if anyone would actually take him up on that obviously demeaning offer

"I think we're good." George answers for the group.

"Really?" Tex asks, "You don't need to be shy."

"Seriously Tex," I say, speaking for the first time, "I think we're good."

Tex looks at me for a second, "Really Henri? I would think you in particular would want to learn. I mean, what, you must have met the Princess before this, you're in her selection, and you never kissed her?" Tex asks, looking at me for confirmation. I don't give him any. "You're either the most desperate guy in the world or the most boring one," he continues.

"Gee thanks Tex. That's really nice of you." I respond, biting my lip to keep me from saying what I really want to.

"So which is it?" Tex asks, continuing on his tirade.

I roll my eyes, "Neither. It was dumb luck."

"I have a hard time believing that, Your Highness." Tex states, "Now come on, we're all on the edges of our seats with this."

Tex's words might be vicious, and his intentions might be cruel, but he's not wrong about that last bit. Most of the other guys had the decency to look at least mildly offended but I could tell that they all want to see what I have to say. Some were merely curious, some probably wanted to see what type of obstacle I would provide in them securing Carrie and the throne. I didn't know which one Tex fell into. He might be a new category all by himself. A category of just wanting to be vindictive.

"I told you. I just out my name in with some of the other guys from my college, and somehow I got chosen." I say in a probably very unconvincing lie. It's yet another time when I wish I could lie more convincingly. What a funny thing about the selection. It's making me want to be a better liar.

Really seems to say a lot about the process as a whole.

Tex considers my words for a moment, then seems to decide to promptly ignore them. Great. "Or, maybe your parents rigged your way in. They knew you weren't getting a girlfriend any other way." Tex says, laughing at his own joke.

What is wrong with him? How does he get off on being horrible to other people? Say what you will about some of the other guys, but at least they don't seem to be trying to be intentionally cruel towards me. I don't understand him.

"What, come on Henri?" Tex coaxes, "Which one is it?"

I bite my lip again, "It's your turn." I finally say.

"What are you talking about?"

I getsure to the pile of cards in the center. "It's your turn for uno. You either have to put down a red card or a 3."

Tex laughs slightly, "Well then. I guess we're not getting an answer out of you."

After a moment, Bas speaks up, "Tex, just lay off him, man. You're being ridiculous,"

"Says the boy who has not one, but two parents who were ex-selected. Seems a bit of a coincidence, don't you think Sebastian?" Tex asks.

Bas huffs a breath, "Fine. You're right Tex. My mom did ask for my inclusion in the selection. Are you happy?" he finally admits, crossing his arms over his chest.

The room seems to quiet as what Bas says sinks in. That his place in the selection was rigged. Honestly, I assumed everybody knew, or at least thought as much, but I guess it's different to hear your suspicions being confirmed from the man himself. I had thought that someone rigged it so that Bas got in. Of course, I hadn't outright asked, but it seemed like the logical conclusion. Though, I guess I was coming to that conclusion knowing that the palace was in the mood for rigging selected.

In what could possible be the worst timing in history, the door to the men's parlor swings open, Carrie walking in. If she picked up on the tension in the room, she didn't say anything. I admired her ability to pretend that everything was perfectly rosy when it wasn't.

"Boys," Carrie says, smiling broadly, "Your little presentations were today, weren't they?"

No one seems to want to answer her, finally, reluctantly, Nathaniel says, "Yes, they were."

"Oh. How were they?" Carrie asks, fiddling with the small plastic bowl she's holding. A small plastic bowl filled with scraps of paper.

"Good." Nathaniel answers again, "I think everyone did a great job."

"Right. Well, I hate to do this so close to the holidays, but I don't think it's fair to keep people at the palace during this season when I don't feel a connection for them. You know? Probably better to spend it with your families."

"So you're doing eliminations?" Nishav asks bluntly.

"Yeah. I am." Carrie says, for the first time looking reluctant about it. Though, if I had to wager money, I'd say it was because someone had given her a lecture on looking a bit too happy when she eliminates guys. That wouldn't look well for the public to see.

Nishav sighs, "Might as well get it over with."

"Not helping Nishav." Carrie tells him, glaring. "Anyway, he's right though. Wayne Erin, Justin Pena, Alfred Shou, Emerson Clark, Timmy Constanzo, and Stuart Symons, I'm sorry, but I think it's best if we part ways."

The guys, seeming to want to avoid a similar outcome as last time, all bow hurriedly before making their way out of the room. Carrie watches them go, and when the door finally closes, she smiles at us, her expression satisfied, leading me to believe that she wasn't actually all that reluctant about the eliminations.

"Well, I guess that's that." Carrie states cheerfully, "Now, I have an early Christmas present for all of you."

"Oooh, presents?" Nyson asks, looking excited.

Carrie giggles slightly, "Yup. You're all safe till Christmas. You know why?" she asks.

"Spirit of the season?" Nyson offers.

"Not exactly. Anyone else?" Carrie asks, seeming delighted at the questions.

"Uhhhh, secret Santa?" Divesh offers up nervously, tapping his finger quickly against the marble end table.

"And we have a winner!" Carrie announces. "For the first time in literally all of history the royal selection will be doing a secret Santa!" She says, with all the enthusiasm of a gameshow host. I have to grin to myself. I had done a secret Santa every year in both college and high school, it was nice to get to do it this year when it seemed that everything else in my life had taken a somewhat unfortunate turn.

"That's so cool." Divesh says quietly, looking happy both at the news of the secret Santa and the fact that he got it right.

"Thank you, Divesh." Carrie says, "Now, of course, it is the selection after all, so we're going to do a bit of a twist. Other than having to get a present for your chosen person, you all have to get one for me," she finishes. I probably could have seen that coming. Carrie isn't the type to waste an opportunity to have more people get her gifts. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, but it's just her.

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a secret Santa?" Nishav asks bluntly.

"What do you mean?" Carrie asks.

"If we're all getting a present for you, then how is it a secret?" Nishav clarifies. He has a point, I'll admit, though I don't know how well Carrie is going to take it. She doesn't like when people criticize her. Though, I don't think Nishav is oblivious to that fact, I just simply don't think he cares all that much.

He's got some guts, I'll give him that.

"Well, seeing as you're all here on my good graces, I figured you would all want to give me presents." Carrie states.

"Might be fun." Tex offers, looking towards Carrie. I watch her closely. She looks at the ground not returning his gaze. I shake my head lightly, I don't want her to be with Tex. I don't like it, but I don't have a voice in the matter.

"It will be." Carrie promises, not looking at Tex. "Well, moving on then, now that it's all settled, I need you all to pick a name from the bowl."

Carrie gives the glass bowl she's holding one last shake before handing it to me, stretching over 3 other guys to do so. That's really not helping my case. How am I supposed to make it seem like me getting into the selection was just luck of the draw when Carrie goes and does things like this?

Why do I even have to pretend?Why does this have to happen? Why can't people just keep their thoughts to themselves instead of trying to make me feel bad about myself?

Still, I take the bowl from her, digging my hand to the bottom before grabbing a piece of paper. Nathaniel Wilson it says in Carrie's signature curly writing.

"Cool" I say, nodding and handing the bow to the boy to the left of me.

"I got myself," George says, looking at his piece of paper.

Carrie giggles slightly, " Just draw a different one."

Once the bowl has made its way around the room and is empty of any paper scraps, Carrie finishes her explanation of the program. "So you can order a gift for your person, if you're worried about the price just talk to your butler and they'll get you one of the credit cards from the palace," she says waving her hand.

"Oh! And the gift exchange is Christmas eve eve." Carrie says.

"Christmas eve eve?" Bas echos looking confused.

"The 23rd," she explains. "Well, I'll leave you to it."

I might not have been delighted with Carrie today, but at least her coming in had provided a welcome distraction from Tex's interrogation. It's sad watching her leave, knowing Tex is going to go right back to his line of questions.

That's the way the cookie crumbles, I guess.

A/N: Am I very late in posting this chapter? Why yes, yes I am. That's okay though. I own it. Besides, it's still technically Monday when I'm posting this so I'm counting it as being on schedule even though it really wasn't. Oh well. We can pretend it was, can't we? Anyway, since I can't do a secret Santa at school with my friends this year, I'm having fictional characters do it! Yayyy, fun times. I think you all are going to love the gifts that the selected are bringing in. I would let the submitters decide the gifts, but then I would have to tell you who they chose and that's a no-no. Okay, that's all I have to say. See you on Friday!