Chapter 17 – Quintessence

Charlie had managed to go running only three times during the past week, but that was better than nothing at all. Now it was a new day, a new week, and he was ready to do better than three times. Maybe four? Yeah, four would be good.

He rolled out of bed at his usual running hour, pulled on his running shoes and clothes, and– wait. Just before leaving his room, he decided to put on some hair gel. Not that his running partner would notice anything, but he wanted to look good. Well, at least better than usual.

He checked himself one last time in the mirror and quickly left before he chickened out and went to clean the gel out of his hair. Spotty followed him down the stairs and when he arrived outside, Henry was already there, warming up his ankles and knees.

"Hey, look who decided to show up," he said, teasing.

Charlie could feel his cheek burning up a bit, and he knew that it would be visible– having porcelain white skin with freckles was not good for that. So he put his back to Henry and warmed up his ankles, knees, and back. "Try organizing a Selection, of all things," he retorted a little coldly.

"I'm teasing," Henry said with a smile. "I'm glad to see you this morning."

Charlie turned around and their eyes met for a second. "Me too," he mumbled before stretching his legs. Why was he so mushy around him? Damnit. Keep it together, Finley, he chastised himself. "Ready to go?" he asked after a moment.

"Hey, wait for me!" someone said, joining them outside. Easton grinned. "Mind if I join you guys?" he asked. "Lil is sleeping like a baby and I've wanted to come run for some time. I just didn't want to do it alone and since I saw you guys running last week, I thought I could join…?" he trailed off, watching the two other men.

Henry and Charlie shared a glance and shrugged. "Sure, why not," Henry said, smiling. Charlie would have wanted to not have a third wheel in their little morning run, but oh well. He just hoped he wouldn't tag along every single time.

The three boys ran slowly in a light jog towards the beginning of the track, still warming up before they actually started running, Spotty trotting beside them, eager to get this party going.

"You run a lot?" Henry asked Easton.

"I used to do it more before," he replied, already a little out of breath. "Heh," he half-laughed, half-gasped. "I'm out of practice, though."

"That's okay," Henry said. "We'll go slowly on the first lap."

"First lap?" Easton said, gasping already for air. "How many do you guys do?"

"Two or three," Henry replied, unphased. They arrived at the track and Henry lead the way on the path. Charlie would have wanted to run next to him, but that would have been impolite towards Easton, so they ran in a line, far enough from each other not to step on the person's shoes in front of them. Charlie was in the middle and he tried to focus on the path, his breathing, and the length of his strides instead of the man in front of him. But since Henry kind of filled his vision, it was hard not to. He was glad the Baker from Hansport couldn't see him because Charlie would have wanted to hide in a mousehole.

At the end of the first lap, Easton was already lagging behind, quite far away. "I'm done!" Easton called, stopping and leaning on his knees with his hands, struggling for breath. Henry and Charlie ran back to him.

"Are you okay, man?" Henry asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah!" Easton replied, gasping. "I think I'll head back inside, now." He paused, catching his breath. "But I'll try coming out here more often with you guys."

Henry nodded. "Sure, man. Take care of yourself, okay?"

Easton waved him away and walked back to the Palace, leaving Henry and Charlie alone at the beginning of the track.

"You want to do a second lap?" Henry asked Charlie, and he nodded, following him and catching up to him, running next to him.

"Why are you always so nice to everyone?" Charlie asked. "Easton was a dead weight in our run, but you were nice to him."

Henry smiled and took a few steps before replying. "You were a dead weight, too, when you joined me," he said. "But my mama raised me to be kind to people, and to encourage them."

Oh, great. So now Charlie was the dead weight. He had thought Henry actually liked him, and all this time he had been thinking about their runs in the morning– hell! He had even worn gel in his hair, that morning! He felt so stupid. So, so stupid.

"Chin up, man," Henry said still with a smile. "I enjoyed every run we had together." He paused. "And if we have to run with Easton, too, then we'll try to find some other moments to run just you and me if you want."

Charlie frowned. Wait, what? Charlie snorted, playing it cool. "I'm fine with Easton running with us," he lied. "I'm sure he'll get back into practice and he won't be too slow for much longer." He paused. "Just like I did."

Henry nodded and they ran side by side for some time, their elbows bumping into each other from time to time, but none of them stepped away. Their strides were in synch, even if Henry had longer legs. For the rest of the lap, the only sounds around them were their feet thumping on the ground, their measured breaths, Spotty's paws also thumping on the ground, and the crickets around them.

When they reached the end of the second lap, Henry slowed down a bit. "Third lap? Or should we call it a day?" he asked, holding his hands on his hips, breathing hard.

Charlie checked the time. "I think we should call it a day," he replied. "It's almost time for breakfast and I need to take a shower." He looked up at his running partner, but Henry was already looking down at him, a small smile curling the right side of his mouth.

He nodded. "All right," he said. "You're the boss, Mr. Finley."

Which made Charlie laugh a little and they walked back to the Palace. Again, their arms brushed as they walked side by side, but none stepped away. Charlie was very aware of the Palace windows coming into view as they passed the tree line so he stepped away. He knew it was ridiculous, but Henry was a guy in his cousin's Selection. He wasn't free or supposed to be seeing anyone else than Willow. He would have to bid his time, wait for Willow to finish her Selection, and if he was sent home, he'd contact him again. Yeah, that was a good plan. Right?

Footmen and other staff members were already setting up the breakfast buffet and table outside in the morning sun, but none of the Selected were there yet. Henry and Charlie walked up the stairs and Henry headed to his room, which was the third one from the end, right next to Jaylen's room.

Charlie would have wanted – had fantasized – that Henry would pull him into his room, or push him against a wall to kiss him, but he didn't do anything. Maybe it was for the best– he could focus on his plan. Waiting… Besides, and it struck him like a bucket of cold water, but Henry totally might not be interested in him at all. Like– Charlie might not even be his type. Maybe Henry didn't even like guys. Ugh. He headed upstairs to get ready for breakfast and cool down a bit, push him out of his mind…

/ / /

After breakfast and just before the Monday History lesson, Willow saw Aidyn beckoning her over, so she went to him.

"Hey," she said. "What's up?"

"I know the fashion show is this afternoon," he said, taking her aside, "and I'm almost done with the dress. I just need you to try it on– I know it's going to fit because Monsieur de Lafayette gave me the mannequin so I could work on it this week, but I just want to make sure."

Willow grinned. "Oh, my gosh, I'm so excited!" she said. "Right after the lesson?"

Aidyn nodded and smiled. "I'll be as quick as I can afterward. I've been working on it in my room, so…"

"Oh, that's fine," Willow said. "I'll wait for you in front of the Men's Parlor."

"Aidyn! Hurry up!" someone said, but Willow didn't catch who it was.

"I gotta go, but I'll meet you right after." He winked at her and then speed-walked to the 'classroom', leaving Willow in the hall. She headed to her office, ready to tackle the day's work, but as soon as she had set foot there, all her worries came crumbling down on her all over again.

She sat at her desk and tried to work on the paperwork Charlie had put on her desk – he might be the Selection Planner, but he was also her PA and he was still making sure she kept up with her work. She tried to focus, she really did, but nothing seemed to work and her mind kept wandering back to Europe and her stupid ideas…

"It's no use," she mumbled, standing up. She was about to knock on her father's office but something stopped her and instead, she crossed the hall, went through the empty conference room across from her office, and headed outside, leaving the French doors to the terrace open behind her. She headed out for a walk to clear her mind but didn't go far and sat on the fountain edge, just there. She had her back to the Palace and she was running her hand in the water, creating ripples.

Some time later, she heard steps on the gravel path and turned around, wondering who was also outside. It was the Queen herself.

"Hey, sweetie," she said, coming over. "I was coming downstairs from my workshop when I saw you through the window– are you alright?" She sat next to her, careful not to wet her dress.

Willow shrugged. "Not really," she admitted. At least, with her mother, she could talk freely.

"Is it about the Selection?" Ximena asked. "Something happened with one of the boys?" She frowned, genuinely concerned.

"No," Willow said. "It's just– It's been bothering me since Thursday when dad made Ezra read that email from Swendway." She paused, not looking up. "I feel like it's all my fault! And because of me, Fred is unsafe, his family and his country are in danger, and the War in Europe might explode rather sooner than later. And–"

"Hey, hey, hey," Ximena said, taking her daughter's face in her hands and searching her eyes. "It's not your fault. At all," she assured her. "This is entirely King Magnus' doing– he was playing on two fronts without the other knowing and you only tried to find a concession on the side he was playing with us." She paused. "You had no way of knowing he was working on something with Russia."

"But still," Willow said, not really listening. "If he hadn't come to the Amusement Park, no one would know he was here, and all of this–"

"Willow, Sweetie, listen to me," her mother said, making her look at her. "This is not your fault." She paused. "Your father has already been tormenting himself about all this, and it's his job to do so, not yours."

"But –"

"No buts." The queen tucked Willow's brown curls behind her ear. "Your job, right now, is to do this Selection, find someone you love if you can– if not that's also totally okay, and enjoy every moment of it. Okay?"

The Heir to the throne, despite being twenty-five years old, felt like a small girl all over again. She leaned into her mother's embrace and let her hold her. She just hoped no one would see her like that– but thankfully, the 'classroom' was on the other side of the wing.

"How did you know you loved dad?" she asked softly, feeling her mother's heartbeat under her cheek.

Ximena smiled. "He was honestly the most amazing man I had even met," she replied just as softly. "He saw me for exactly who I was, extra pounds and all, and he loved me despite and because of all that: my flaws, my strengths…" she trailed off. "And I fell in love with the hot, shy prince." She chuckled softly. "I really hope that you find someone who can look at you and see you for who you are, flaws and strengths and all."

Willow snorted and backed away from her mother. "Flaws? Who said I had flaws?" Her mother sent her one of her looks and then both laughed. "Just kidding." She sighed. "Yeah, well… I haven't gotten there yet," Willow said.

"It's too soon," Ximena replied. "This is only the third week." She looked at her daughter and smirked. "Are there any who stand out, though?"

"Mom!" Willow laughed. "Not yet…"

"Hmm…"

"At least not in a romantic way, I think," she added. "I know I'm going to have amazing friends at the end of all this, but then I don't even know if I can keep these friends– has dad, or even Uncle Nate or Uncle Val, kept in touch with some of their ex-Selected over the years?" She paused, thinking. "Besides, Leigh, of course."

"Hmm," the queen hummed, thinking. "I don't think so. I know Essie and Jen tried to keep contact with some of their fellow Selected, but eventually, everyone went on their own path, and it was a little awkward."

"What about you?"

Ximena chuckled. "Ana, but that's because she's my bodyguard, now." She paused, thinking. "I think we still have some contact with Evelyne, but I couldn't even tell you if she's still in Illéa, or if she went to France. All I know is that she married a French nobleman. And of course, Pallas. And I still avidly read Laelia's books whenever she publishes a new one."

"Oh, those horror stories?" Willow asked. "No thanks."

The Queen laughed. "Anyway, have you decided who you're bringing along this afternoon and what you're going to wear?"

"Oh, yeah," the princess replied. "And my outfit is going to be a surprise."

"A surprise, huh?" Her mother smiled. "You know, I'm really proud of you, Honey. You've become such a powerful and beautiful and strong woman, and I couldn't be any prouder."

Willow beamed and kissed her mother's cheek. "Thanks, mom. I love you."

"I love you, too."

/ / /

Just before lunch, Willow met with Aidyn and they hurried upstairs before anyone could see where they were going. They headed to the East Wing to his room, which was just between Mikey's and Fredrik's rooms.

"Okay, are you ready?" he asked, excited, closing the door. "Close your eyes."

Willow obliged, grinning. She was honestly so excited to see how the drawing was going to turn out in real life and she wanted to peek through her fingers, but she didn't. She heard a loud whoosh as he took off the white sheet that was hiding the dress.

"Alright, on the count of three," he said. And though she couldn't see him, she could hear the smile in his voice. "One, two… three!"

Willow opened her eyes and squealed at the magnificent teal tulle dress on the mannequin. "Oh. My. God! Aidyn! It's gorgeous!"

"Really? You think so?" he asked. "I'm so relieved. Let's try it on?"

Willow nodded and was already unbuttoning her pants, not even thinking about Aidyn in the room.

"Uh… you want to go change in the bathroom?" he asked, quickly turning around to give her some privacy.

"No, it's fine," she said. "It's not like you haven't seen me in a bathing suit, and tailors and seamstresses always see me like this– And you probably have seen many models in their underwear… right?"

Aidyn nodded but kept his back to her. "Yes, but you're the Princess."

Willow rolled her eyes, but she appreciated his reserve. While she was undressing – and she had chosen a modest skin-tone underwear ensemble with a high-waist bottom that would sculpt her midsection, and a nice matching push-up bra – Aidyn took the dress off from the mannequin. "Okay, I'm ready," she said, and the fashion designer handed her the dress, not looking.

"Careful with the tulle when you pull it down," he said.

Willow nodded and slipped it on from above, letting it slip down over her body and settle on her hips. "You can look now," she said, and Aidyn grinned.

"Wow, you look– wait let me help you with the sleeves." He stood behind her and helped her pull on the sleeves, and that's when he noticed the sculpting underwear. "You know, you really don't need to wear that kind of underwear," he said softly. "You're beautiful just as you are." She heard him swallow loudly as he said that, and she just froze. They stayed like that, motionless but for Aidyn's fingers buttoning up the dress, and the moment passed. "Okay, turn around."

Willow took a deep breath and turned around. The see-through cloud-like sleeves were like a dream and the deep decolletage in the front was aptly covered with silk-embroidered cherry flowers that covered the bodice and overflowed on the left side of the skirt. The skirt was so full and light. "How many layers of tulle is there?" Willow asked, twirling around.

Aidyn chuckled. "Just the right amount," he replied. "Not too many, and not too few." He looked at her and smiled. "You look amazing, Princess, and you have no idea how honored I am to have made this specifically for you– that you let me do it, actually."

"Aidyn, it's perfect." She smiled, but she wasn't sure if she was happy about the dress, or because Aidyn was simply the sweetest man right now. Maybe a little mix of both. "I don't want to ruin it during lunch," she said, "But I also want everyone to see it and to know that you made it."

"Oh, no, please no," he said. "I wouldn't want the others to be jealous of me."

"Nonsense," Willow said. "Why would they be jealous? Everyone knows you're a fashion designer and that you create amazing dresses."

"Yes, but not for the princess." He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear: "Let them wonder where this dress comes from, and you'll reveal it later this afternoon. At the show."

Willow grinned and nodded. "Excellent idea," she said. "But I'm going to take it off for lunch– I really don't want to spill wine on it."

Aidyn nodded and helped her out of it. While she put her clothes back on, he slipped the dress on a hanger and in a fabric bag. "I'll have it sent to your room during lunch," he explained, "so that you can get ready this afternoon."

Willow came over to him and squeezed his arm. "Thanks. And you're coming with me, this afternoon. I want everyone to know who made that beauty."

Aidyn grinned and they headed out with the dress in his arms. He asked a maid to send this to Willow's room and they walked down the stair, her arm looped in his, giggling. They joined the Selected and her family – though her mother was not there and at the Show location already – outside for lunch, and all the guys narrowed their eyes at Aidyn.

Aidyn, seeing that, leaned towards Willow and said: "They're already jealous of me, anyway, but hey– I'm Aidyn Song: everyone's always jealous of me."

Willow burst out in giggles at that, and more eyes fell on them.

~.~

After lunch, Willow demanded their attention and made an announcement. "As you may all know, this afternoon is the Rainha Premiere Fashion Show in Los Angeles, and I have decided to do my last official group date there." The boys looked at each other, but they already knew who had not been on a group date with the princess yet, so it wasn't a huge surprise. "I'd like Aidyn, Xander, Elliot, and Jeremiah to be ready at 2 p.m. in the entrance hall, and this is the Queen's fashion show, so I expect you to dress accordingly."

She sat back down and chatters erupted around the table. When the dessert dishes had been cleared out, Willow went to her room where she had told Nerissa to meet her to help her get ready for the date: she had forty-five minutes to get ready, and Willow wanted to be perfect.

Nerissa gasped as she saw the dress for the first time. "Where did you– Who made this?" she asked. She had already taken out several outfits from the walk-in closet, but Willow had turned them all down.

"Aidyn Teho Song," Willow said. "The Silk Master Apprentice."

"It's beautiful!"

"Yes," Willow said. "Wait until you see it on me." She quickly took her clothes off again and let Nerissa help her into it and button up all the tiny buttons in the back. She was literally at loss for words when she saw the Princess, and Willow smirked, ecstatic. She let her favorite maid style her hair in an elegant hairdo that wouldn't overshadow the dress, do her makeup and bring her a pair of teal stiletto shoes to complete the look.

"You look amazing," Nerissa said, looking at Willow who was checking her outfit one last time in the mirror.

"I know right?" she beamed.

"Yes! But you need to go or you're going to be late, Highness."

"Right." Willow smiled one last time at her reflection before going downstairs– she just loved going to her mother's fashion shows, but she hoped that this time, she would steal the shows. Not too much, but enough. She was just rounding the corner of her corridor when she saw Zeke rounding his own corridor and headed towards the stairs too. She wanted to roll her eyes and stay hidden behind the corner while he went by, but alas–

"Willow," Zeke said, calling her. He was dressed in a nice suit, something much nicer than his usual outfits. "I thought you should know that I'm coming with you guys," he said. "And Lolly, too."

"Lolly, I knew, but why you?" she retorted. "You never come to mom's shows."

"That's true, but that's because I'm never around when they happen." They started down the stairs. "And I thought I could come to see one for once."

Willow sighed. She couldn't order him not to come– the queen was also his mother and it was nice of him to come to support her too? "Fine," she said. "Just don't be a prick."

Zeke snorted. "I'm never a prick– in public."

Willow didn't reply anything; she really didn't want to start a fight right now, so they walked in silence.

"You look nice," he said as they landed on the first floor, making her unable to reply anything because her dates – dressed in various suits and tuxedos – and Lolly were already waiting in the entrance hall. Her sister was wearing a black sheath dress with huge long puff sleeves. There was a round opening in her back, revealing soft skin that had absolutely no scars, and that was the only part of her body that didn't bear any. She also had her gorgeous hair down, and Willow was a tiny bit jealous. But before she could offer her any compliment, Lolly beat her to the chase.

"Willow! Where did you get that dress! It's amazing!" Lorelei delicately touched the silk embroidered flowers and ran her fingers on the tulle. "It's so soft," she said. "I've never seen anything like it…"

The heir looked at the dress designer and Aidyn nodded, smiling. "It's custom made by the Silk Master," she said.

"No way," Lolly said. "Antonio Florentino?"

"No, Aidyn Teho Song," Willow corrected her proudly.

Lolly's eyes bulged and looked at the new Asian guy standing right there. "You made this?" she said and Aidyn nodded again. "Oh my gosh, I'm so jealous. It's beyond perfect– how long did it take you to make it? I feel like the Selection barely started."

Aidyn chuckled lightly. "Eight days," he replied.

"Eight days a week," Xander mumbled, humming the Beatles' love song, and everyone around him who heard him laughed.

"Okay," Willow said. "We better go, or we're going to be late." She led everyone outside to the limo waiting just down the stone steps and they piled in. Xander helped her in, holding her hand. At least Zeke wasn't saying anything stupid now, and he better not start. But to her surprise, he didn't say anything during the whole drive, letting Willow, Lolly, Xander, and Aidyn and the two others chatter away.

When they arrived at the location, there were journalists, photographers, paparazzi's, and lots of women of all sizes, shapes, and colors trying to get a glimpse of the queen, the princesses, and the Selected. They were screaming their names, and Willow waved at them, stopped with a few on the front lines, right behind the fences, to take pictures with them. When people asked her if she was wearing a dress from the new Rainhacollection, Willow told them it was a new secret creation. She was making sure journalists would get that information for later… Then staff members ushered Willow and the others inside where they were taken in charge by someone who took them to their seats, right next to the queen herself.

"Wilhelmina Calixta Schreave," her mother said when she saw her. "Where did you get that dress?" she touched the embroidered flowers. "It's exquisite!"

"Aidyn made it," she said.

Ximena leaned over and looked at the dress creator. "You made that?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Aidyn replied, bowing.

Ximena was at loss for words for few moments. "You and I, we'll have to have a little chat," she said. "After the show is over."

From Aidyn's face, he was suddenly very nervous. "Oh shoot, am I in trouble?" he asked Willow.

She took his hand in hers. "No! And my mom doesn't bite, I promise." She paused. "I can come with you if you want?"

"Yes, please…"

On the princess' other side, Xander was wired like an electric toy, not knowing where to look. "Hey, are you alright?" Willow asked him, putting a hand on his arm.

"Yeah!" he said. "God, my mom would kill to be here, I swear." He didn't know where to look, excitement building as the time to start the show came closer.

Willow looked at one of her mother's friends and nodded. "Well, we're in luck she won't have to kill anyone, then!" She elbowed him playfully and motioned with her chin as a dark-brown-haired plus-size woman walked their way, wringing her hands in nervousness.

"Mom?" he said, then looked at Willow. "How did you–"

"Your Highness," Mrs. Sullivan said, curtsying to the princess. "It's such an honor to meet you."

"Good afternoon," Willow said. "The honor's mine," she said. "When Xander told me that his mother was a huge Rainha fan, I had to tell my mother." She paused. "It was her idea to bring you here, though!"

Mrs. Sullivan gasped. "Really? I–"

"Mom, look who's here!" Willow said, touching her mother's knee. Ximena turned around and saw the woman in their booth.

"Mrs. Sullivan!" she said. "It's so nice to meet you! Wilhelmina told me you were a fan? Oh- is that dress from last year?" she asked, visibly excited to see someone wearing her clothes. She knew lots of people wore them, but seeing a Mrs. Everybody wear them always made her so happy.

"Yes, it is," she replied. She seemed so flustered and was about to reply something when the music started to burst out of the speakers and the lights dimmed over the spectators, hushing everyone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" the Show Host said, stepping onto the catwalk with a golden microphone in his hand. "Welcome to this year's Rainha Premiere Show!" He walked all the way to the end of the platform, where Willow, the queen, and the others were sitting, and he bowed reverently. "Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, Selected," he said, "it's an honor to have you all here with us!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and Aidyn couldn't help himself: he grinned from ear to ear, so excited to be there.

"If I am not mistaken," the host continued, "we have a very special guest, here." He paused, building up the suspense. "Aidyn Teho Song! Representing Antonio Florentino, The Silk Master!"

Again, the crowd cheered, and Aidyn was completely dumbfounded. Sure, he loved the spotlight and being recognized for his work, but he was stealing the show a little, wasn't he? In their booth, the queen was clapping, too, smiling warmly.

"And I understand you designed the Princess's dress, too?" the host continued."

"He did!" Willow said.

"Your Majesty," the host continued, addressing the queen. "Would you let princess Willow show us Aidyn Song's creation before we start the Rainha show?"

"Of course!" Ximena said. She nodded to her daughter, too, and the host opened the small door of their booth to let Willow join him on the catwalk. She had never walked alone on the catwalk, refusing every time her mother suggested she could model one of the dresses for her, but this time, she just couldn't say no in front of everyone! The host asked her to walk back and forth as photographers took pictures. Willow was terrified inside, but when she saw Aidyn's proud smile to see his own creation on the queen's fashion show, Willow raised her chin and walked proudly back to the booth. By the time she sat back on her seat, she was flushed and her heart was beating way too fast.

"That was amazing," Aidyn whispered as the host welcomed the first models into the platform. He commented on the creations as they came, but kept it to the minimum to let the creation speak for themselves.

Willow squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back; only– they didn't let go and stayed like that.

On her other side, Xander and his mother were way too focused on the show to notice them. Her mother didn't notice either, and neither did Elliot, the other fashion designer of the Selection who was drinking in everything. From what Willow knew about him, it was that he worked for another big designer, but he didn't have his brand and his boss wasn't as famous as the Silk Master. The only one who seemed to have noticed the clasped hands was Jeremiah. He hadn't uttered a word in the car or since they had arrived, and Willow had barely exchanged a single word with him since the first meetings, but he always seemed to be either sulking or staying away from everyone. She sighed.

In front of them, the show continued, and she was proud of her mother: the ready-to-wear outfits and the evening gowns were amazing, and she already had her eye on a few that she would like to have in her own closet…

/ / /

After the show and after meeting with guest designers, journalists, and photographers, Willow and her four dates went into town for an early dinner, in one of the fanciest restaurants in Los Angeles, while Zeke and Lolly went back to the Palace with their mother. Willow was glad Zeke hadn't been a prick. But he was right about one thing: in public, he was the perfect prince, and there was nothing she could say about that. People only knew him like that.

Aidyn and Elliot were the most excited after the whole show and they couldn't stop talking about it all evening. Jeremiah ate in silence, offering a one-word answer to Willow when she tried to include him in the conversation, but she stopped trying after a while.

"So, how did your mom like the show?" Willow asked Xander.

"I've honestly never seen her this happy, nervous, and excited at the same time," he said. "I don't know how I'll ever thank you enough for this."

Willow smiled. "You said you wanted a picture and an autograph for your mom; she got something even better. And just seeing how happy she was makes it all worth it." She sipped on her red wine. "You don't have to thank me for it. I just mentioned our conversation to my mom, and she was the one who sent out the invitation to her. I only found out about it this morning!"

Xander laughed. "Wow, well, it was a great surprise." He paused and forked some food into his mouth. "Now I have to keep my end of the deal," he said with a smirk in his perfectly trimmed beard. "Can you sing?"

Willow snorted. "Um… Maybe?" she said, laughing. "I sing in the shower mostly, but I'm not horrible… I think…"

"Good," Xander said, not elaborating any further.

They continued chatting until it was time to go back home after the Palace meal was also done. The five young people all walked into the entrance hall and Willow thanked them. "Guys, thank you for coming to see my mother's fashion show, it meant a lot to me and to her." She offered them a smile, and Elliot and Jeremiah bowed and left to their rooms to change or retire for the night. "Xander, it was an honor to meet your mom, and I hope she won't be too excited for the next few days."

Xander laughed. "My dad can deal with that," he replied. "But thank you." He took her hand in his, kissed the back of it, and walked away, leaving her alone in the hall with Aidyn.

"Thank you, Highness, for this amazing day," he said, a little flustered. Which was surprising because Willow had never seen him like that, even in their moments together.

"It wouldn't have been this good if it weren't for you and this amazing dress," Willow replied. With her heels, she was a bit taller than him, so she leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Aidyn," she said, not wanting to prolong the moment too much. She quickly walked away, her heels clicking on the marble floor until she was on the stair carpeting. She hurried upstairs to her room, hoping that she wouldn't bump into anyone. She was a bit flustered herself, to be honest…

She locked herself in her room and almost jumped when she saw Nerissa waiting for her. "How was the show?" she asked softly.

"It was amazing," Willow said. "Mom outdid herself, once again. I don't know how she does it every single time."

Nerissa smiled and started working on the dress to help Willow out of it. She then pulled on some sweatpants and a t-shirt after thanking her maid and dismissing her for the evening.

Alone; she was finally alone. And she could just relax for a moment before going to bed. She plopped herself on her bed, pressed on the button on her nightstand to make the big TV screen come out from the foot of her bed, and picked something on Netflix– something she had already seen that she wouldn't have to focus too much on. While the movie was playing on the screen, Willow went through her phone, and already, magazine blogs and their social medias were talking non-stop about the Rainha Premiere, but also about her dress. In a matter of moments, Aidyn had shot up to the Number One favorite of the Selection, right behind Mikey. With his sixty-something million followers on Instagram, he had way more support than he needed, anyway.

hello! I hope you loved this chapter as much as I did! I'll post THE dress on Willow's Pinterest Section, and I'll also post it on the Discord chat in spoiler tags. please let me know what you thought of Charlie and his running buddy :eyes: and the group date? and everything else?

I'm really looking forward to all your reviews! oh, and this was the last group date! The next chapter starts the official 1-1 dates :eyes:

see you next week! byeee