If Obsidian were to discover the secret of time, he'd use his visit into the past to tell Sid from an hour ago not to get his hopes up. He'd probably also tell Sid from this morning to bring a pillow and some chocolate, since his wooden chair was starting to take a toll.
Sid had now been through thirty of his Selected. His mind had wandered, his muscles had began to tremble from smiling so much, his lips had long since dried and he was starting to wonder if this really was all just a nightmare and he'd wake up right after meeting Pangea. No, that wasn't enough. If this were a nightmare, he hoped he'd wake up back in his childhood, when he could've run away to the agricultural sector when he had the chance.
Stupid dramatic brain. He just couldn't seem to quell his tendency to over-exaggerate. He always made things a bigger deal than they should be. He-
"Your Highness?" sang a voice. "I trust you're paying attention?"
Sid nodded quickly. "I'm sorry. Could you say that one more time?"
"I just wondered," Banglia Bristolvale, his newest in a long line of Artemisians intoned, "if you happened to have access to the queen's jewels? If you knew the location of the secret vault?" Sid's eyes widened and he made to interject, but she forged on. "I only inquired because I want to get familiar with the palace. It would be an important location to note when - if - I become queen..."
Sid forced himself to focus. "I'm sorry, but I have never been given access to that information. You could always ask the many guards on rotation. They take careful note of where everything is in the palace. They would surely protect you and make sure no crime is committed while you're having a look. There are thieves about, you know."
He found himself unable to keep a dry implication out of the words. It seemed that she perceived him as a very stupid, sheltered rich boy who could be convinced into unwittingly giving the location of the throne's secrets with a bat of an eyelash. He stopped before he could snap a biting remark, ever mindful of those intrusive, silent, faraway watchers. Besides, he didn't think it would do him any favors with the Selected if Banglia went whining about his impoliteness. He'd already gone a step too far; he didn't need a second excursion to the tech lab.
She hesitated. "No. I don't think I will. One would think that you, being the crown prince and the third most important person in the world, would know the location of such riches. Does Her Majesty really value you so little?"
"I thought you might like to know!" called Andrina in her over-eager way. "You're thirty seconds overtime. Not that it matters, but, you know, we do have something of a schedule that might need following..."
Thank the stars. He couldn't possibly ask for a better miracle than this meeting ending. The rest of his meetings would most likely be smooth sailing; hopefully consisting of Earthens who weren't so skilled in the art of weaving words.
"Well, I hate to end the meeting on this note, but it was nice speaking to you," he said, repeating the line he'd spoken at least seven times.
Banglia pressed her lips together, unaccustomed to being denied. "Alright," she said, standing with a cacophony of tinkling as her jewelry rustled. She marched away with her nose in the air, superior and purposeful.
"Five more," he murmured as her footfalls receded. "Five more..."
The room fell silent as she stormed off, but it was barely comforting. He knew it would last about three seconds, then it was back to the endless drudgery. He retrieved his node, breathing out slowly. This kind of thing should be second nature to him after the things he'd endured - court trials, council meetings, mind-numbing lessons and grueling lectures from thaumaturges. But though they were similar, they seemed hardly comparable. He felt silly now for complaining about a simple trial when he now knew something much worse.
He forced himself to look down at the list, having to scroll almost to the bottom to read the next name.
"Lán Hua," he said, forcing back the exhaustion that threatened to pull him into a stupor.
Through the thick barrier of the door, Sid could hear the sound of hushed chattering from the Selected as Lán prepared for the meeting. It was no wonder they were restless. The poor things had been sitting around for what must've been at least two hours now, waiting for him to finish. He should've dismissed them earlier, though he was sure the queen wouldn't allow it, claiming that they were following a tradition started only a few years ago.
This whole thing wasn't fair. But then again, nothing was. That was just life. If you didn't like it, then... well, he wasn't sure what happened if you defied life's simple truths. Probably nothing good.
Lán stepped inside and Sid couldn't withhold a gasp at seeing her. His mind had been so thick with fatigue moments ago, but now it was clear as a fresh Autumn sky. Lán was strikingly cyborg.
She looked relatively normal, if you could ignore the prostheses. Black hair in three buns, almond eyes, very angular build and a hard look about her. She wore, of all things he'd seen that day, some trousers, a v-neck and a cargo jacket over top. That wasn't the strangest thing, either. Half of her head was made of metal, her hair probably unable to grow over the cybernetic parts; silver with red accents that curved up her scalp, stopped at her ear and circled around her eye. He hated to imagine what had caused her skull to break away, forcing the technicians on Earth - or whoever handled that sort of thing - to fit metal over it and cover the hole. Earthens were so incredibly... Well...
Brilliant. Yes, they were truly brilliant. He and the rest of his people had never admitted it, and it felt odd to think this way, but it really was true. Part of him fought at that, the part that secretly liked being royal, the part that longed to be like Levana, the part that had ruled supreme before the Selection began. For a moment, he fought with an overwhelming sense of revulsion. Did Earthens really think they were serious, flaunting their democracy and freedom of speech and...? And things he'd always wanted for himself.
It came at him quickly; shocking, filling him with an irrational sense of fear, but almost seeming right. Like something he should've realized long ago.
Think about that later, he urged himself. You have to talk like you didn't just have a mental stroke.
Sid looked up and tried to wipe the shock off his face. Even if Lán brought up a lot of complicated and painful questions, she had seemed to bring him out of his miserable trance.
"Hello," said Sid softly, embarrassed with himself for reasons he didn't quite understand. "Um, nice to meet you. You can call me Sid, if it makes you more comfortable."
She glanced at her designated chair suspiciously, then turned cool eyes to Sid, no doubt having seen his earlier expression - however his mixed emotions had manifested must've been strange for the way she studied him - but she bowed her head in respect.
"Alright, then," she said stiffly.
Sid nodded, feeling flustered by her rigidity. He had seen it and faced it, but it always made his hands shake. "Perfect. So... do you have a certain profession you're hoping to pursue? I'm not exactly sure how it works on Earth, but I've heard..." He paused, not sure how to phrase it without sounding stupid. He could just picture it. Oh, I heard you have free will on that big planet of yours, is that fun? See, I've never lived in a country where my citizens weren't forced into hard labor, so I wouldn't know. Yes, I did say my citizens; I forgot to mention that I dine in comfort while the entire population works from dawn to dusk. But enough about me, tell me about yourself!
Yes, that would be a delightful first impression.
Lán looked faintly amused and more than a little embarrassed for him. "I'm a boxer. I spar in a ring. One-on-one, with fists."
Though she seemed to show her emotions sparingly, Sid could see a spark of passion in Lán's eyes. What would that be like, to choose your own career? If Sid really had the option, would he run away to Earth? Or would he be too scared and dash back to his mother with pleas for approval? The very thought sickened him.
"That must be very exciting," said Sid. "Do you enjoy it?"
She nodded. "Yeah. It's very fulfilling." The subtle traces of a smile peeked out from behind her cold eyes, and Sid was struck with the sudden realization that she actually wasn't made of stone.
"I'm glad. How many... um, sessions have you won?"
Lán straightened, smiling a little brighter. "Quite a few, I'd say."
"Well, you must be very good."
She shrugged. "Guess you wouldn't know for sure until you saw me. I'd like to spar with you sometime."
Sid chuckled to conceal his anxiety, though it really was kind of funny. He could just imagine his first romantic date, Lán and him standing in a ring and punching each other as the entire court watched. Nothing like public humiliation to really connect with one of his Selected. Sadly, his many tutors hadn't covered hand-to-hand combat in their lengthy lessons.
Before he could concoct a reply, the three minutes were up and Lán was standing from her chair. She bowed her head in that odd way once more and left without a word. Sid stared at the door, embarrassed to have not been quick enough to say goodbye. But it didn't really matter. Surely he wouldn't accomplish anything by spouting a formality, and he didn't think Lán would respond well to that, anyway. She was new to him, and he'd definitely like to know more about her. She had a natural confidence that would've inspired envy for even the most seasoned of members at court.
Sid once again gazed at the node blinking up at him from the arm of the chair. The next Selected was someone he knew from his initial exposure to his candidates, one of the girls Levana had revealed to him. She was an Earthen, but a royal, so she certainly provided a new perspective.
Before Sid could spiral into wondering what Earthen royals were like as opposed to Lunar royals, he called out the name through the door. "Danya Kader?"
The door breezed open seconds later, revealing the slim Selected who he would speak with next. Her chestnut hair was parted to the right, wavy and reaching to her ribs. Her dark brown eyes seemed to brim with light, as Fia's had, and her skin was a nice rose beige. She wore gloves to cover her cyborg parts, and the dress she'd chosen was a brilliant blue that hugged tight at the bodice and gradually billowed out into a delicate tulle, dragging on the floor as she approached.
"Your Highness," she greeted, dipping into a practiced curtsey. She wasn't exactly real royalty, being the queen consort's sister, but she still carried herself impressively.
"Good morning!" said Sid. Could it still be classified as morning? He would've felt foolish, but not surprised, if the early hours had bled away and it was afternoon. "How has the palace been suiting you?"
"Fine, thank you," she said. Her voice was stiff and nearly emotionless, but the anxiety and caution in her eyes couldn't be snuffed. Sid didn't blame her. The more someone knew about the ways of monarchy, the more hesitant they should be.
"I'm glad! How would you say it compares to the one in your homeland?" He paused as something changed in her expression. "You do live in a palace, right?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "It... well, I haven't quite decided yet." Her expression was thoughtful, as though she really was considering the question, and Sid found her to be a lot less unforgiving than Lán. He sensed that something else might be holding Danya back, something more complicated than mere wariness.
He nodded. "Understandable. Well, I hope you're finding it tolerable, at least, and you can always comm your family if you're feeling homesick."
Danya smiled slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness; that's very kind."
Sid shrugged, embarrassed. "The least I could do," he mumbled.
Why was it that every fiber in his being actively rejected compliments? They just bounced off, unable to get past his outer shield. If he hated them so much, why was he always making them?
Sid dared not enter the topic of family, since he knew very well how complicated it would be. He had so many questions about how royals on Earth differed from the ones here, but he'd have to save them for Kai. "Do you have any hobbies?"
"A few. I enjoy music," she said carefully. "I play the harp and violin."
"Oh, it must be very nice to play an instrument. I've never had the time or resources to learn, but I definitely enjoy listening to music when I can. I don't think I've ever heard the harp or violin before, but I've always been curious what Earthen instruments sound like."
Her expression livened just a touch. "You should listen to them sometime, they're very beautiful."
"I've no doubt that's true."
A few more moments of silence passed, and Sid was surprised when his mind didn't immediately scramble for a line of conversation. He supposed some could call it companionable, which he thought a nice word for this type of silence, Danya seeming to radiate warmth without conscious effort. Still, he thought it might be nice to build some kind of friendship between him and Danya, even if it would take a while. He realized that he hoped that for many of his Selected, but many of the ones he actually somewhat liked resisted him, as though cautious.
He didn't think the lack of interaction was Danya's fault at all. She had the right to be cold and disconnected, especially since he was a prince and probably very intimidating to Earthens, though he couldn't imagine why. He supposed it was just an inherited trait from his mother; it came with being a Lunar royal, persisting heedless of his attempts at friendliness.
That couldn't be changed, not for awhile. Not until he had the throne.
But the very thought of ruling a country terrified him. It had to terrify him, otherwise he'd actually want the throne. And that was dangerous.
The timer finally broke the quiet, seeming far louder than usual; its incessant chiming was starting to engrave itself into Sid's mind. Danya stood and curtseyed, and Sid conjured a smile, wrestling back control of his mind. Stars, he didn't even need to be under influence of the Lunar gift to be lifeless, someone else's puppet, his emotions out of his own management. He was just... a mess. A complete mess.
"Thank you so much for your time," he said softly, feeling as though he was having two conversations; one in the present moment, with his Selected, and one internally, with himself. The latter was entirely pointless. "I hope we're able to talk more soon."
She nodded, her expression contemplative. "To you as well. You are very kind. Good luck with your meetings." He got the sense, as she spoke with a thoughtful expression, that her compliments to him were not tossed around casually. Even if his reflexes wanted to deny the compliment, he let it rest in his mind just a moment, mulling over it and realizing that it was a very precious gift. Not because of the actual words, but because of the closed-off disposition of their owner.
Danya turned away and he got a last glimpse of her wavy hair and flowing dress before the door blocked his view.
Sid sank into the unyielding wood of his chair. He usually wasn't this much of a pathetic excuse. He usually had some semblance of regality about him, something that his superiors had needed to drill into him. But... he supposed he'd just woken up wrong today. Or maybe it was just that the Selected were posing too many questions and his brain was unable to balance them all. Stars above, what would Levana say?
"Melolina Sethuraman," he said, hastily reading the name from the list. This was his ninth sector girl, and he'd actually found it quite enlightening to see through their points of view, though some had been openly hostile. But how could he blame them?
Melolina was tall and lanky with long-lashed dark eyes, black hair with strands of lighter brown mixed in and chocolatey skin. Her lips were full and pink, her nose slightly too big for her face and her soft smile displaying brilliantly white teeth. Like Lán, she'd ignored that the majority of the Selected preferred dresses and was sporting a pantsuit. She dipped into a curtsey, murmuring the standard, "Your Highness," before plopping into a chair.
Sid didn't quite know what to make of her, as she hadn't been like any of the sector girls he'd met so far. Most had either been hostile, wordless or playful. But Melolina... was something different, something he couldn't put his finger on.
"Hello!" he said, giving her a smile, which made her cheeks redden for some reason. "It's good to meet you, Melolina - a very nice name, by the way."
She blushed further, but smiled. "Thanks. You can just... um, call me Mel. If you want."
"Sounds good. And you can call me Sid, if you'd prefer it."
Mel nodded hesitantly. "Okay. So, how has your day gone?"
"Mine? Oh, it's been good. I've quite enjoyed meeting the other Selected. And what about you? Have you made any friends?"
She glanced at the door. "Actually... yeah, I think so."
"Really?" Well, that was very good to hear. One of the things he most hated about the Selection was the way it pitted the girls against each other. "That's wonderful."
Mel just kept right on blushing, glancing down at her shoes. "Yeah, it's been really nice. Nothing like I've ever seen in the sectors."
Ouch. "Well, I'm... glad you're impressed. Which sector are you from?"
"RD-1," she said.
"I see! Well, I'm sure you'll find many things to entertain you at the palace, and I hope you enjoy it."
Ring ring! Sid managed to just ignore the fact that he was an idiot - he'd address that at a later time when he wasn't doing stuff - and gave Mel a smile, which she quickly returned.
"Sorry our meeting had to be so short," said Sid.
"No, it's fine. Um, thank you! See you later!" She made for the door, glancing back at him one last time before she was away.
There had to be something he could do for the sectors. Spades, they were practically slaves. How had he managed to ignore it for so long?
Money. If he could convince his mom to provide compensation... would she ever agree to that? And would it make much of a difference?
He didn't know, but certainly they could spare a few univs for the poorest among them.
Thoughts swirled in his head, possibilities and hopes, as he absentmindedly called out the next name. Only two left. "Alaïs Glass?"
Promptly, the door swung half-open and a girl peeked around the frame. She was delicate, with pale-blonde wavy hair, rosy cheeks and a button nose, her penetrating blue eyes scanning him. They didn't seem particularly cold or offputting - on the contrary, actually. They sparkled like heated gems.
"You seem quite melancholy," she remarked. "One moment! I'll be right back!"
She turned away, releasing the door which clicked shut. Sid closed his mouth right along with it. He had been about to call her back and ask what she was doing, but she'd hurried away so quickly.
He couldn't imagine why she'd leave. She should've had time to prepare after he'd called her name. But it had seemed as though she'd wanted to get a good first appraisal of him. Maybe she needed to gauge his emotions? Or maybe he'd scared her off...
After a few more moments of tense waiting, Alaïs returned. "I brought you something! Of course, you can't keep him, as I'm quite attached, but I thought he might cheer you up!" She skipped inside wearing a pretty blue dress designed with intricate bird and flower depictions. In her arms was a fluffy white creature with a very long tail, bright blue eyes similar to its owner, and two pointy ears; one made of fur and one made of glistening metal.
Alaïs curtseyed neatly, her animal still cradled tight against her chest, and alighted on the chair. Sid thought he'd seen some of the animal's type in the menagerie. He hadn't visited the royal zoo since childhood, but the creatures had seemed much bigger and bulkier than the one Alaïs was holding. Maybe they had mutated on Luna. One thing he knew for certain, however, was that none of the animals he'd ever seen were cyborg. That seemed a rather complicated and unnecessary operation to perform, especially on an animal.
"His name is Chessur. I found him with an injured ear and decided to adopt him. Do you have animals at the palace?"
Sid tore his eyes away from the cat and nodded. "In the menagerie. We have many varieties that I'm sure you'd enjoy." The menagerie had actually been closed to customers and the animals were only being kept fed under Kai's jurisdiction, but he hoped to let the Selected view it if they wanted. Levana had ignored the menagerie, as she did with everything that had the slightest thing to do with Princess Winter.
Alaïs's eyes grew large... well, larger then they already were. "Oh, lovely! I would enjoy meeting them. Would you like to hold Chessur?" She had a sort of charm about her, an easy smile and a kind air that immediately made him feel lighter. Which, of course, was probably some trick she was playing to get his guard down. Then again, she was from Earth. He hadn't been betrayed by them yet. The only reason he had not to trust him came from his mother.
Sid glanced anxiously at the animal. "Um..."
"You don't have to, though he's very docile. And he likes you."
"How do you know?" he asked, watching as Chessur slowly flicked his tail back and forth.
"He told me. So, what is it that's making you all gloomy?"
At that moment, the timer rang, making Chessur jump and immediately glance at Sid, trying to find the source of the sound. The conversation had been cut unfairly short, since Alaïs had not been present for the first bit. He found that he'd enjoyed speaking with her, and he'd definitely need to get to know her better.
"It was lovely meeting you, Your Highness!" she said, sweeping into a curtsey with Chessur still clutched lovingly in both arms. "You and Chessur will get along beautifully, I'm sure of it. And I hope you have time to laugh today; it's such a fun thing to do, you know!"
Sid nodded. "I... it was good to meet you too. Thanks."
She laughed merrily and skipped back out the door, blonde hair bouncing with each step she took.
Sid settled back into his chair. That hadn't been bad at all. Chessur hadn't attacked him, Alaïs seemed quite nice, and he had successfully made it through thirty-four meetings without fainting. Things seemed moderately alright.
Sid tapped his node and it sprang to life, revealing the list for the last time today. One final name blinked up at him.
Andromeda Anastasia Aphrodite Andrendian, Artemisia, Race unknown. Sid had to read it again before he fully understood. Race unknown? How was that possible? It wasn't like there were many options.
Well, he'd just have to find out. "Andromeda Andrendian?" he called, enunciating the syllables carefully.
The door slammed open and Andromeda herself marched in. She... definitely wasn't Lunar, unless her current appearance was a glamour. Her skin was light red, relatively blemish-free. She had an uncontrolled mass of frizzy red hair, and her eyes were a light chestnut color. She wore an elegant red dress with full skirt and stately collar. She did not curtsey, but stood defiantly before him with perfect posture, studying him as if he were a pitiful Earthen who'd just stumbled into her house, tracking regolith dust everywhere, and was now her responsibility.
"Hello!" he said, quickly regaining his composure after the initial shock of her behavior. "I'm Obsidian. Nice to meet you, Andromeda."
"Oh, just call me Medea," she said with a wrinkled nose.
"Medea it is, then," he said, try not to grit his teeth. He just needed something she'd enjoy talking about, something that would make her like him.
"So, are you going to entertain me?" Medea asked lazily. "Aren't you supposed to make us fall in love with you?"
"Speaking of which," he said quickly, seeing an opportunity for conversation. "Are you enjoying the Selection?"
She hummed, a nasally sound. "No, not particularly. Do you seriously not even recognize me?"
He thought frantically, repeating her last name over and over in his mind. As he pondered, he remembered a snatch of conversation from his mother, a complaint she'd tossed carelessly at him a few months ago.
I absolutely hate receiving petitioners. Everyone is so whiny; I should just put a stop to the whole thing. Those Andrendians continue to claim they originate from Venus. How incredibly idiotic.
Sid gasped.
Medea continued to pucker her lips in disdain. "Thought you'd remember, though you don't have any influence whatsoever in this planet. I wouldn't be surprised if she never told you about us." She began to stroll lazily around the chairs, as if she just couldn't be bothered giving him her full attention. "So, has Her Majesty finally carved some time out of her busy schedule and made a verdict?"
"The queen is quite busy," he said, wanting, strangely, to defend Levana. "She receives many inquir-"
"Whatever. My family is receiving death threats for no reason while you sit and play with your chess pieces. I don't want to hear your excuses." She was fully glaring at him now.
"I'm sorry-"
"Dite," she said, stomping over to him. "Ever heard of it?"
"No..."
"Well, it's not Lunar, and I can prove it. And just so you know, I wouldn't want anything to do with you if you weren't royal." Her eyes were incredibly fierce.
He was saved from trying to apologize and question her at once by - of course - the timer, which rang for the very last time. Medea didn't spare him a single glance as she whirled and strode away, the door slamming behind her.
Sid pressed his face into his hands, shaking - actually trembling like a leaf - from the encounter. He should've said something more concrete. He should've risen to the occasion, snatched control, and ended their conversation smoothly and articulately, sending her away with a smile. Instead he'd ruined things with no more than a few unsteady words.
"Oh, Dad, where are you when I need you?" he whispered, brushing the hair from his eyes. Kai had always been so effortlessly charming, always known what to do in these situations, always been there with an encouraging comment. Perhaps there was a difference in the quality of prince training on Earth. Or perhaps Artemis had just been kinder to the noble, handsome king.
A fluttery knock broke the thick silence, and he was relatively sure he knew who it belonged to. The door opened to reveal none other than the queen, looking very stately and mature in her sweeping red dress. She rushed to him with a sugary smile.
"Obsidian, my dear, it's been too long."
The familiar rush of dread filled him with cold as Sid stood to bow. "Hello, My Queen."
"I see you've finished your meetings. I was able to watch them, though I began late."
"I see," he said. If she'd started late, did that mean she hadn't tuned into the footage in time to see his error? Or did she know and just wasn't saying anything?
"I found your performance to be quite surprising. I knew you were never very becoming, but never had I thought you'd singlehandedly scare off thirty-five women in one day."
Sid blushed, glancing down. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
She clicked her tongue. "I realized something today, dear."
He waited for a moment before prompting her on. "What is that, My Queen?"
"I realized that you will need a lot more help than I first expected. That is why I've created a plan, one that will do you great service."
Sid gripped the arm of his chair. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Of course! I knew you'd be willing to accept my guidance. You see, there is no possible way that the girls will be eliminated correctly. I can tell from the clumsy way you've been handling them. You need assistance; our future ruler is not to be taken lightly. That is why I'm preparing a series of tests to help determine who will be worthy for such a prestigious title."
A heavy stone seemed to settle itself on Sid's shoulder. This would not be good. He couldn't imagine the worry and betrayal this would cause for the Selected. Any trust he'd initially built, any chance that they would like him, was crumbing away.
But really, he should've expected as much. What made him think his mother would actually let him find happiness in peace?
"You will start eliminations tomorrow, after you go on your first date. You may narrow it down to fifteen Selected before I begin the tests. I will, of course, be helping you decide who to eliminate and spend your time with before that, but I promise not to directly interfere until the numbers are smaller."
Sid nodded numbly. What good would her supposed leniency do? She was just allowing him to possibly fall in love before choosing the queen herself.
"Do you have any ideas for your initial eliminations? I would gladly provide you with advice."
"I do," said Sid quickly. "Um, My Queen, some of my first eliminations will be Artemisians. I just wanted to let you know in advance so you weren't surprised."
Sid knew, deep in his heart, that he would not be able to bear the company of some of the Artemisians for any amount of time. He just couldn't force himself to marry someone like that. But, he didn't really have a choice. His fate was forever sealed. He was... he was really getting married. The prospect might've excited him one, but now it filled him with regret.
Levana's face darkened. "What makes you think you can eliminate Artemisians? And on the first round, too? I would strongly advise that you start eliminating Earthens as soon as you can."
Sid took a breath. He needed to speak his mind, otherwise he would never be able to stand up to his mother. And maybe she would appreciate him more if he were stronger of will. "But you said I would have a choice until the latter part of the Selection."
She eyed him, pausing for a moment of contemplation. "I just thought you'd have better judgment, Obsidian. Don't you understand? This is why I need to help you."
Sid swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But... this is my choice. At least, for now."
She bit her perfectly glossed lip for a moment before turning to the door. "I will see you tomorrow, Obsidian. Sleep well."
Sid had the very unprincely urge to curl up in a ball and never come out. He had ruined yet another meeting. Not only had he presented himself as weak, he'd forgotten to mention compensation for the Selection. He felt so many things at once: guilt, disappointment, fear, sorrow, and, strangely, loss. He grieved for the happiness that would never be his.
...
Oookaaayy so that was a wild ride! I really don't take pleasure in making Sid suffer, surprising as that may be, but everything will turn out in the end. (Even if that end is veery far away...) Sorry for the emotional rollercoaster, but we are finished with the Selected's meetings! I know there are a lot of them, but don't worry; you'll be seeing them a ton and hopefully you'll be able to distinguish them from each other. I really hope I've managed to bring all your creations to life, and it's been such a joy to write them. I'm really excited to get into this story and I have lots of plans lol. Speaking of which, submissions are finally closed. I wanted to extend a thank you to all that submitted, I hope you're enjoying the way I'm writing your girls. I'd love to know what you think of the chapter; your overall opinions of the Selected, the tests, Sid, compensation for the Selected, my disturbing lack of puns and/or Iko, whatever you wanna talk about lol. Reviews are greatly appreciated. See you all hopefully soon, have a beautiful day!
Miri