Chapter 24 – Xenial

When Willow went back to Nathan's house with him, later that afternoon – she had spent lunch with the other half of the Selected – they were both silent in the car. Lots of things were going on in her mind– the aftermath of the earthquake, the war in Europe, Annie going to Europe… But the most shocking of all had been Archer and Annie together, kissing as if there wasn't a single problem about that in the world!

Not that she minded that Annie had chosen one of her Selected, but– Archer? Really? The most arrogant asshole of them all? How? Why? And how could she promise him she would come back? No one could promise anyone coming back from war.

"You okay, Baby Girl?" Nathan asked softly, stealing glances at her all while keeping his eyes on the road. His ADHD hadn't been easy to overcome to learn how to drive, but it had dimmed a little over the years; he had learned to work with it in everything he did. His fingers always tapped the steering wheel.

"Yeah," she said. He had been calling her that forever and she kind of liked it. But if anyone else used that nickname for her, she'd punch them in the face. Only Nathan Schreave had the rights to that nickname. "Sorry, I just– I have a lot going on in my head, right now."

"I know how you feel," he said, his lips curving into a small smile. "Wanna talk about it?"

Willow shook her head. "No. But thanks." She offered him a shaky smile and they continued on in silence. She rehearsed what she was about to tell the other half of the Selected, about the war, the special Report Live that night, and about what was going to happen, now. Everything was still a chaotic mess in her mind, but she tried to organize it as best she could.

After Nathan pulled up into their driveway and parked the car, he turned the engine off, but neither one of them moved. Nathan shifted in his seat to face the Princess. "Willow," he said. "You don't have to carry all that on your own." He took one of her hands in his as she looked up at him. "Jen and I are here for you if you need to talk or anything. And if you need a bedroom for yourself, we can make something work." He paused, taking a big breath. "There's a lot going on right now for everyone, but you're not alone, okay?"

Willow nodded, offering him a small courageous smile. "Thanks, Uncle Nate," she said. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think it's time to tell them what's going on," she said. With that, she pushed the door open and stepped out. Nathan and her walked back into the house, which seemed empty at first glance. But as they stopped to listen, happy splashing noises were coming from the backyard. Nathan and Willow exchanged a glance and went out to join everyone.

And by everyone, it really was everyone: the four young girls were being tossed and thrown across the swimming pool, giggling and screaming in delight, as the guys played with them. Jenissa was lounging on a fancy chair with a cocktail in her hand, with Lolly and Jaylen next to her, chatting amiably with them. Some of the guys stayed away from the water – namely Lysander and Callan – reading books, or just sitting there, listening to what was happening around them.

"Mina!" Mikey said, pulling himself out of the water, his muscles straining under his pale skin at the effort. He hoisted himself up and ran towards her. He almost wrapped her in a wet hug but stopped himself just before when he saw the drained look on her face. "What's wrong?"

Willow gestured with her chin for him to follow her. She slipped off her heels and walked barefoot in the manicured lawn to the others. Everyone had stopped what they were doing, feeling that she was going to drop a bomb on them at any moment. Even the four young girls all grabbed the side of the pool and waited.

"Girls," Nathan said, "why don't you all go inside and go play for a little while? And take Liliana with you, okay?"

The three Schreave girls knew that voice: it was not a suggestion, but a command. Something was up, and they shouldn't be here to hear it.

Easton gently helped his daughter out of the pool. "You go, too, okay, sweetie?" he said. Liliana nodded and followed her three new friends with her bright orange floaties on her arms. The guys all pulled themselves out of the water, too, grabbed some towels that they wrapped around their shoulders or waists, and waited.

Willow braced herself for what she was about to announce them. "Okay," she said. "So, I have some news. Yesterday's quake's magnitude was the highest since 1857, climbing up at 8.7 on the Richter Scale." Around her, gasps rippled among the people. "A team is working right now to secure the Palace so we can go back as soon as it's safe, but we don't know how long that will take. When we do go back, though, everyone will be relocated to the West Wing, and another team will see if there's anything salvageable from the rubble." She paused then, gathering her thoughts.

"What about Los Angeles?" Mikey said. "And where was the epicenter?"

"It was in the San Andreas Fault," she replied, "And the whole city has been in turmoil since yesterday. The tremor was felt all over the Province at different magnitudes. There are, uhm… a lot of casualties." She paused again. "Speaking of which, the nine bodies that have been recovered from the rubble will be sent to their families for burial, but tonight, we're going to do a special Report to address the Nation about what just happened and to honor the dead."

The boys looked at each other.

"It will mainly be the royal family. I don't know yet if Jesse wants the Selected in the background or not."

"And if that's what Jesse wants," Nathan piped in, "I'm sure I can find suits for everyone in my closet."

"Thanks," Willow said, though she didn't know what she was going to wear. But with Aidyn here, he might be able to figure something out and alter something. "Now, my Father will not only address the Earthquake on the Report," she continued. "For those of you who don't know or who haven't been following international news – and I don't blame you, honestly – War has exploded in Europe and–"

"How bad, exactly?" Domenico asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Russia and The Fifth Reich of Germany have publicly declared their alliance; Both are trying to expand their territories, first in Swendway, and second in France and Switzerland." She paused. "Swendway and France have asked Illéa to send military help, because even with the Southern Alliance – meaning France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal – their military force cannot match Russia or Germany."

"Oh, crap," Mikey said. "Does Annie have to go, then?"

Willow nodded. "Yes. She received her orders to report back to Hansport just an hour ago."

Everyone shared anxious glances and chatter exploded among the boys. Lolly joined Willow and wrapped an arm around her. While all the boys started talking together, Domenico walked up to where Willow and Lolly were.

"A word?" he said. The frown on his face seemed very serious. Willow nodded and walked away for some privacy, not noticing that Dom had also asked Lolly to come along. "Send me home," he said. "Please."

"Why?" Willow asked. "You're an Illéan citizen, now." Not a Spaniard anymore, she didn't say, though it hung in the air between them. He had relinquished his title to marry Lara Trevino, taking up Illéan Citizenship.

"My brother, Prince Hugo of Spain, is a Captain in the Spanish Navy," he explained. "I need to go with him– I'm not leaving him to fight alone."

Willow swallowed hard.

"No," Lolly said instead. "Dom, you can't go! Please!"

But Dom didn't look at her and tensed as she put her hand on his forearm. The veins under his skin seemed to pop out and Willow didn't know what to do. Another one?

"What–"

"Please, Dom!" Lolly said, tears in her eyes. "It's too dangerous."

Domenico finally looked at her and his face softened. "I have to– it's my brother, my family. I may be an Illéan Citizen, now, but I have Spanish blood." He took the young Princess's face in his hands and gently rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks, searching her eyes. Honestly, Willow felt like a third wheel right now, and for the second time today. "Lorelei Schreave," he said softly. "If your sister lets me go, I'll go with the memory of your face and your lips," he said. "And know that I will do everything I can to come back if I can."

Lolly closed her eyes and a tear spilled out onto her cheek. Dom quickly wiped it by kissing it ever so softly. "I love you," he whispered only for her to hear, but Willow heard it loud and clear.

"It seems that I can't stop you, even if I wanted to," Willow said. "But I promise you that if you don't come back and break my sister's heart in the process, I'll come kill you myself." She balled her fists at her side.

Domenico looked at the crown princess, keeping a hand on Lolly's arm. "I understand," he said. "Then I will make arrangements to go." He bowed. "Thank you, Wilhelmina Schreave. And good luck." He was about to walk away with Lolly when he came back on his steps. "Maybe just one piece of advice, take it or leave it: Don't trust Haakon Prospero, his motives to be here are not pure. All he wants is the crown and the fame." With that, he nodded once to her, saluted, and left.

"Wait– Dom…" Willow said, and Dom came back for the second time. "Our date… it didn't mean anything to you did it…?" It wasn't really a question, more a statement.

"I meant everything I said, Wilhelmina," he replied softly. "I am a man of the world and I know a beautiful woman when I see one. But my name happened to be the first one you picked." He paused. "I made the best out of it. I'm sorry."

Willow nodded, trying not to show him how hurt she was right now. She couldn't blame him, though– Her sister was a beautiful woman, a diamond in the making, and she didn't want to step in between her and her happiness. Could she really send him to Europe, to his possible death, and break Lorelei's heart in the process? But that was not her decision to make. "Thank you for your honesty," she finally said. "Stay safe."

Lolly's glare was what hurt her most. But she held on to the Spaniard's hand and they walked back inside together.

/ / /

Around seven o'clock in the evening, everyone met at the studio for that special Report. The Selected were not invited to the stage but filled in the seats of the audience. Or at least some of the seats. On the stage was the Royal Family, all dressed in black. Jesse didn't know where they found these clothes but they all looked very somber. The stage was empty of any couches and embellishments. Only a small lectern for the King to put his paper and hold on to it as he spoke.

Silas was standing in front of the lectern, his wife and his eldest daughter flanking him, with Lorelei and Matty next to their mother and Ezekiel next to his older sister. The perfect family.

The cameras turned on and Jesse introduced them. "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls," he said slower than usual. "Tonight, the King and his family wish to address the Nation after what happened yesterday on the West Coast." He nodded to the King and stepped down from the stage, joining Nevaeh and his son in the audience.

"Good evening," Silas said. From the look on his face, he hadn't slept in a long time. But the make-up team had done a good job hiding the bags under his eyes. "As you may have heard over the news this morning or even last night, the Province of Angeles was hit with an 8.7 magnitude earthquake, putting the whole area upside down. Literally." He paused. "Many buildings fell, not built to withstand such a force of nature against them. This was a tragic new record and many, many people died because of it." Again, he paused. The Queen squeezed his arm in encouragement. "The Royal palace has not been spared either, and nine people found a tragical death: seven loyal staff-members and two Selected. Their bodies have been sent to their families this afternoon and we, as a family, want to offer our deepest and most sincere condolences. But not only to those nine families, but to everyone who lost a member of theirs. A father… A mother… A daughter, or a son… A brother or a sister. A friend, maybe. Know that we fully support you in these trying times."

The King paused and Jesse found himself wiping a tear on his cheek. The king had always been good with words; his speeches have always been heartfelt and true, and this was no different.

"I also have some grave news that concern our Allies in Europe," the King continued. "The Southern Alliance and Swendway have decided to use military force to push back The Russian Empire and the Fifth Reich of Germany from their lands." He paused. "We are sending Illéan troupes to help against these two strong enemy forces. France and Swendway are our allies and we cannot back out from accepting to send help." He paused again, gathering his thoughts. "I am not telling you this as if it doesn't touch me personally," the King said. "My own niece serves in the Illéan Marines and will be going to Europe. It breaks my heart to know that she will go there to fight alongside other brave men and women, but I also couldn't be prouder of her and of everyone serving to keep our country safe, as well as our allies." He looked at the camera in front of him and made eye contact with it. "So, from the bottom of our hearts– of my heart, thank you. Thank you to you all who will help and serve and protect." Another pause. "Long Live Illéa," he concluded.

His family and every other single person in the audience replied after him: "And Long Live The King."

And that was it. The cameras' red light turned off, and the King deflated all at once. Jesse jumped on the stage. "You did great!" he said, squeezing his shoulder. "That speech was absolutely perfect."

"Thank you, Jesse."

"And… thanks for including Annie in this."

"Of course," Silas said. "I know she's not technically my niece, but saying the daughter of my cousin wouldn't have made the same statement." He paused. "And I do love her as if she was my niece, you know that, right?"

Jesse nodded. "I know," he said. He wrapped his arm around Matty's shoulders. "Just like I love your kids."

Silas nodded and slipped his hand in his wife's, leading her backstage to go back to the limo. "I'll see you later, Jesse."

Jesse took a deep breath and nodded. He then looked at Willow and took her by the shoulders. "You okay?"

Willow nodded. "I'll be okay."

"Good." He pulled her into a hug and to his happy surprise, she hugged him back. While they were hugging, the Selected all filed onto the stage and headed backstage as well, but not before squeezing the princess' shoulder as they walked past her. Willow let go of Jesse, thanked him, and followed the Selected outside and back into the limousine.

He then joined his wife and they stayed a little behind before heading home with Charlie and spend the evening with the King and Queen. He also knew that Valerian and Odessa would be arriving at any moment at their house and see it already full with a dozen guys. He didn't envy the Prince, to be honest, but they didn't really have a choice, did they?

/ / /

As soon as they were all back from the Report studio, it was time for dinner and everyone gathered around the long mahogany table. Willow was wearing a long puff-sleeve dress that stopped just below the knee with a high collar and two golden buttons – someone had gone back to the Palace and found clothes in her mother's room that hadn't been destroyed in the earthquake – with black heels. She felt safe in that dress because it was her mother's and it was permeated with her perfume. If only she could just snuggle up in bed, alone, and not see anyone for the next week, that would be great. But alas.

Domenico was still here, talking with Lorelei and some other Selected who were asking him questions about Spain and what he was going to do there, once he got there. He answered their questions as best he could and Willow stopped listening.

The princess had to keep up appearances for the sake of her Selected. But try as she might, she just couldn't keep a smile on her face and she couldn't eat anything. She pushed the food around her plate – it tasted like ash anyway – and only sipped on the wine. To her left was Hayes Lee, but seeing that she wasn't in a mood to talk, he had turned to his neighbor Julian and was talking with him and some others. On her other side was Callan Vanidestine, eating in silence as well, ears perked up to listen to the conversations around him.

When the table was cleared from the main dish and they were waiting for dessert, Callan tentatively reached out with his hand for Willow, not touching her, but showing her that he was there. She gave him her arm and his hand was warm on her, even through the fabric of her sleeve.

"You're very quiet, tonight," he said softly without any judgment in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," she said. "I just have a lot on my mind." She squeezed his hand with her other free one.

"Understandable." Cal turned his head more or less towards her and offered her a smile. "I think we all have lots going on, right now."

"Yes." She looked back at him and smiled, even though he couldn't see her. From the corner of her eyes, she noticed Mikey and Julian watching her and Cal and their clasped hands on the table. But she didn't want to deal with them right now. "Hey, uhm, what do you say we go take a walk together in the gardens tonight, once dessert is done?"

A bigger smile spread out on his lips and he nodded. "I'd like that very much."

Willow let go of his hand and he let go of her arm and a servant brought them the dessert. And Willow hummed as she saw what it was. She may not have been able to get down and of the food before, but she could never say no to a–

"What is it?" Callan whispered, leaning closer to her. "It smells like chocolate."

Willow smiled and whispered, "It's a chocolate fondant. Careful, it might be super hot in the middle."

"Just like you," he mumbled before he could stop himself.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said. "I love chocolate fondants." He dipped his spoon in the small cake on his plate after feeling with the tip of his spoon where it was. She noticed his cheeks blooming crimson under his sunglasses. "But do you know what my favorite dessert is?"

"No?"

"Poptarts."

"Poptarts?" she echoed confused. "Is that even a dessert?"

Callan put his hand on his heart. "Of course! How could you say that?" he asked, offended, but then he laughed. "I'm kidding," he said. "I'm not offended."

"Oh– good, I thought–" Willow took a deep breath. "I thought they were just snacks…"

Cal shrugged. "Anything can be a dessert if you eat it after a meal and make it a dessert."

She nudged him playfully with her shoulder. "What about a meal made of only desserts?"

"That sounds like heaven," he replied grinning. They continued to eat their dessert in silence, focused on eating every last crumb on the plate. "Your Highness– Is there anything left in my plate?" he asked, a little sheepish. "It would be a shame to waste all that excellent chocolate."

Willow looked at his plate. "Hmm, you made a really good job out of it, actually. There's nothing left. Nicely done!"

"Thanks," he said, rubbing a spot behind his head. A few moments later, the servant cleared out the dessert dishes and offered coffee and tea to whoever wanted some. Willow leaned into Cal and whispered, "Come on, let's get out of here before anyone pulls us into another game or movie night."

"You can say that again," he replied, grabbing his stick on the floor next to his chair and standing up. He offered her his arm. "Lead the way, Milady." So, Willow did. Before anyone could stop them, they were headed out the back door in the veranda and into the gardens. They walked in silence for a moment.

"It's really peaceful out here," Callan hummed in his deep, deep voice. If you don't count the loud boy laughs coming from the house…"

Willow giggled. "Yeah, it is peaceful." She paused. "Cal– can I ask you something?"

He hummed his agreement with her request.

"How are you finding your place in the Selection? Among the other Selected, I mean. Are they being nice to you?"

"They are," he said. "I was really surprised about it, to be completely honest."

"How so?"

"I don't have many friends back home– only my colleague and my sister are the closest people I have. But here?" He made a small laughing sound with his throat. "Everyone's just so nice and thoughtful."

"Good," the princess replied. "Because if someone was giving you a hard time, I would have kicked them out."

"Oh, then in that case– no, I'm just kidding," he quickly added, smirking. Willow just caught that smile because she had looked up at him just then. "No, but seriously," he continued. "Even if there was someone who did, I could handle it." He paused. "And I'm not a snitch."

"So, there is someone…" she said, narrowing her eyes at him.

"You know what?" Cal said, squeezing her hand that was in the crook of his elbow with his other free hand, meaning he was losing contact with the ground with his stick for a moment. "I've never met someone who cared so much as you do."

"You're changing the subject, here, Mr. Vanidestine," she teased. "But so be it." She sighed. "Thank you for the compliment, by the way," she added. "And I have to return one–"

"You don't have to."

"I want to," she replied. "You're the softest guy with the biggest heart, Cal. And every time you have a conversation with Liliana, I just want to pack both of you in a box with bubble wrap and keep you there forever."

Callan laughed. It was like rocks rolling down a hill. "I've never really interacted with kids before," he admitted. "So I always forget she's what– six?"

"Four and a half, actually, but she's very bright and smart for her age." Willow smiled fondly as she thought about Liliana.

"You know what broke my heart the most?" Cal asked. "It was when she was so disappointed and sad that I couldn't see her dance."

Willow remembered that specific episode, only a few days ago. "But your response was amazing." She looked around the garden. "Hey, there's a bench over there, would you like to sit for a moment?" Callan nodded, so she guided him there and they sat.

"What's in front of us?" he whispered into the breeze.

"A low hedge with bright pink flowers– they're closed for the night, though; and right behind it, there's a steep slope, and all the way down there is Los Angeles. We're high above the city, actually."

"Must be nice," he said.

"It is. It's almost dark for the night, and all the lights are on in the city– or at least all of those who weren't destroyed in the earthquake," she mumbled.

Callan wrapped a long arm around her shoulders. "Hey, it's gonna be okay," he said softly. "People are used to them around here, no?"

"Kinda," she said, leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder. "But never this strong." Again, silence enveloped them and they just listened to the sounds around them. Willow closed her eyes, trying to listen as Cal would. There was the breeze in the bushes; the leaves rustling against each other; the crickets singing, hidden around them in trees, the grass, or under a rock; there was also the gurgling sound of the swimming pool, and the loud laughter of the Selected, back at the house. There was also the smell of the clean pool, the pines around them, and the fresh night air. Then she felt Cal's thumb gently stroking her arm and she wished she wasn't wearing long sleeves. She didn't move, though, afraid that if she did, he would stop. So she stayed like that, immobile, her eyes still closed.

"Are you asleep?" he whispered just over her head, his warm breath rustling her hair.

"No," she said, smiling. "Why?"

"You're not talking, you're completely still, and your heartbeat is slow and relaxed."

Huh. She hadn't even thought of listening for that– Only the most obvious noises. "Oh. Well, I am quite relaxed at the moment," she replied. "And I don't feel the need to talk or fill the silence with words." She looked up at him and her eyes were just a couple of inches away from his cheek. She ran a finger on the stubble, there, making a scratching noise.

Callan chuckled. "I, uhm, haven't shaven since the earthquake," he said. "My special razor was in my room, so…"

"I see," she said. "I don't mind a stubble." She smiled and placed a light kiss on his scratchy cheek, which made him smile.

"Willow– Can I ask you something?" he asked softly. The use of her name was surprising on his lips because he had always used the words Princess or Your Highness, or even her full name.

"What is it?"

"I– I know I said to Liliana that what a person looks like is not important– and that it's the inside that counts but, uhm…" he trailed off, putting his chin against his chest. "Would it be okay if I, uhm, touched your hair and face? I know," he quickly added, "that this might sound weird…"

"Cal," she said, taking his hand in hers. "You may, of course, do that."

A breath hitched in his throat and he turned his shoulders towards her. "Guide me," he asked. So Willow lifted his hand to her face and he reached out with his other one, too, cupping her face with his two large but soft hands. He slowly ran the pad of his fingers all over her face; her eyes, her eyebrows, her forehead, then he went down to her cheekbones, her cheeks, her chin, keeping her lips for the end. He gently ran his thumb over her lips, then again on her bottom lip, slower. Goosebumps arose everywhere on her skin as her heartbeat accelerated. Cal then left one thumb on her lips and felt her hair with his other hand.

"So soft," he whispered. "Everything is… from your hair to your skin– even your lips, I–" He took a shaky breath and let it out slowly.

Willow had been intimate with only two people in her life, but this was a whole new level and she didn't even know it existed.

"Liliana was absolutely right: you are beautiful on the outside, too…" The smile that curled his lips upwards sent butterflies to her stomach and Willow didn't know what to do. So she did the first thing she could think of: she leaned in and placed her lips on his, kissing him ever so softly before backing away again. Callan was frozen in place.

"Sorry," she said. "I should have warned you, I–"

"It's okay," he said, finding her hand in the dark, lacing his fingers with hers. "Don't apologize for a kiss. Ever."

They stayed on that bench a few minutes longer, then Willow suggested they head back inside, and the moment was over. She didn't know if she was relieved or sad about it, but she needed some time to think, now.

Hello! thanks for reading and reviewing! I hope you liked this chapter! let me know what was your favorite part^^

see you next week! byeee