TW: self-harm scars, sex

Chapter 25 – Yarling

As soon as Willow had left to go to Uncle Val's house for the weekly council meeting with their father, Lorelei sighed a sigh of relief. Ever since Dom had asked Willow to go back home to Spain and fight with his brother, she had been avoiding her sister as much as possible. She knew Willow was going to ask her some explanation about all this, and why she hadn't told him anything. Honestly, she didn't even know what was going on. But one thing she knew was that she didn't want Domenico fighting in Europe. For the first time since her Dark Years, she had finally found someone who she liked, someone who she had started opening up to. But now–

A knock on the door of the bedroom she had locked herself in made her jump. Jaylen was outside with the others, and Willow was gone so she had the room for herself. She went to crack the door open.

"Dom?" she said. "What are you doing here?" she asked, confused. Hadn't he said he was leaving that day?

"I still have some time before leaving," he said. "I made arrangements for this afternoon."

"Oh," she said. She swallowed hard but didn't open the door more.

"May I?"

Lorelei nodded and pulled the door opened, letting him in. She closed the door behind him before sitting on her bed.

"Lorelei," he started, sitting next to her. He put his hand on her knee because she had finally accepted a few days ago and deemed herself ready for that kind of physical closeness again. "I'm sorry, but I made a promise to my brother, a long time ago."

Lolly nodded. "I understand."

"No, you don't," he said. "I wish I hadn't, now, and I wish I could stay here with you. But…" he trailed off.

"You're a man of your word, I know." She offered him a small smile and slipped her fingers in his. He was teasing the edge of her long black sleeve with his thumb, but not pushing it higher. She had always been adamant about her sleeves, and Dom respected that.

He nodded, leaving forward. "Lorelei, may I kiss you?" he whispered, his face barely an inch from hers. She looked at him– at his brown eyes and then down at his lips and then back up. She nodded. Domenico didn't have to be told twice. He bridged the gap between them and placed his lips on hers. He also let go of her hand and cupped her face in his hand, lacing his fingers in her long, wavy hair.

Lolly died a little inside as his tongue teased hers– damn! He was a good kisser! And that was the only thing she could think about as she kissed him back. In their passionate embrace, Domenico gently pushed her on the pillows so he was on top of her and he was pinning her down, a knee on each side of her.

When he broke of the kiss and backed off a few inches to look at her, he smiled, and again Lolly's insides liquified. "I've wanted to do this for some time," he said, his voice raspy and sultry at the same time. He leaned down on her again, but this time, instead of kissing her lips, he kissed her nose, her cheeks, her earlobe – which he teased a little with his teeth, earning him a giggle from the princess in his arms. He then followed her jawline, her neck, and stopped at her collar, which was higher than he would have wanted. When he couldn't go any lower, he went back to her face and kissed her again, his stubble scratching her face lightly, sending shivers down her spine and arms.

"Dom, I–"

"I know," he said, lifting his weight off her. "I'm not going to–"

"Turn the lights off."

"…what?"

Lorelei sat up on the bed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I want to. I just– I don't want you to see me."

Domenico frowned. "Lorelei Schreave," he said softly, taking one of his hands in hers and rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand. "If I'll have you, I'll have all of you, lights on and all. So if you're not ready, I won't push you." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, searching her dark brown eyes.

Lolly looked away but held onto his hand. "Do you remember when I told you I had awful things done to me and that I had done awful things to myself?"

Domenico nodded, solemn.

"That's part of it– I don't want you to see all of that." She paused. "I don't want you to see the old me."

Lorelei completely missed the soft smile that bloomed on his face because she was looking away, brushing away imaginary crumbs from her bed covers. "I understand if you don't want to share that with me," he said. "But know that if you do, I will still love you and that won't change anything."

At that, Lorelei looked up, hope filling her eyes. But then, "You don't even know what it is," she said. "How can you promise me that?"

"Because I knew you've been through dark times, a long time ago–"

"It wasn't that long ago," she corrected.

"Either way, it's in the past. And whatever you've been through, it made you what you are today: a beautiful, brave, and fierce woman. And I will go to Europe knowing that my heart stays in Illéa." He paused. "And if you'll safeguard it for me, I'll come back."

"To take it back?" she challenged him.

"No, to take yours," he replied with a small smirk. He placed the lightest kiss, a tease really, on her lips.

She offered him a smile. "Alright, then let's not turn off the lights," she finally said. "But if you really find– me– ugly, then you may run away."

"Never," he said, kissing her away.

He went to the door to lock it so no one would disturb them, and when he turned around, Lorelei was slowly unbuttoning the many black buttons on the front of her black, long-sleeve, flowy blouse. When she was done, she let Domenico gently slide it off her shoulders and her arms, revealing a very nice black lacey bra. Her hair was still falling down in front of her chest and he pushed it behind her shoulders. The next thing he did was to take her left arm. Lolly watched him closely, then, wanting to catch a single glimpse of disgust in his face, but she found none. Her forearm was marked by dozens of silvery-white cut lines, horizontal and almost parallel to each other, and amid all that were cigarette burns, displayed in a very fashionable polka-dot pattern. Lolly had always loved art and beautiful things, and so she had tried to create art of her body.

Domenico lifted her arm to his lips and kissed each burn, going from her wrist and up to the crook of her elbow, and continued on higher, until he had reached her shoulder. He then did the same to the other arm, before Lorelei shivered under his touch. "Are you cold?" he asked softly.

"No," she said, "but I'm the only one half-dressed…"

"You're absolutely right," he said grinning and starting to work on his black shirt. By now, Lolly was much more relaxed and trusted him: he hadn't run away when seeing all her awful scars! She wasn't sure she was ready to tell him everything that she had been through, but all in due time. If he came back from Europe and he would take her heart, then she'd tell him.

But for now, there were much more pressing matters that awaited them. And that involved a bed, a condom, and more…

/ / /

When Willow walked out of the meeting room just before lunch, she was drained, and all she wanted to do was snuggle in bed and nap for three days straight. But Charlie was waiting for her and practically jumped on her when he saw her.

"Wilhelmina!" he said. "Do you have a minute?"

"For you, I always have a minute," she replied.

"That was sarcastic," he said. "But anyway. I know the little plan we came up with was completely thrown off with… all this, but I think it's time for you to go on a date again. Pick a name from one of your boxes." He paused. "I think the guys are getting restless, especially since they don't have lessons anymore, and all they have are games, the swimming pool, watching movies, and napping."

"Boo-hoo," Willow said, making a forced, sad face. "They're on a paid vacation and they're whining about it?" she huffed. "I just want one nap. That's all I ask."

Charlie nodded, raising an eyebrow. "You're not in a good mood, today, I can see that–"

"And yes, I'm on my period, before you ask," she cut him. "Fine, I'll draw a name from the box, hoping it'll be one of the guys in this house." She stormed away but then came back to Charlie who hadn't moved. "Oh, but guess where the boxes were."

Charlie made a face.

"That's right. In my room." She rolled her eyes. "I'll just have to write all their names again and start all over again," she mumbled. She went into the living room where her uncle was, reading something on his iPad. The newspaper, probably; he never had anything on paper in his house. Save the trees and all that– damn, I really need to calm down, Willow thought before taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly so she could relax just a tiny bit.

"Hey, Uncle Val!" she said, sitting next to the blond prince– he had stopped bleaching his hair a decade ago, especially since he had started having grey hair at his temples, which suited him very nicely.

"Hello, Willow," he replied, smiling brightly. He wrapped an arm around his oldest niece's shoulders. "How was the council meeting?"

"Complicated," she replied. "But dad has it all under control. Hey, I was wondering if you had any paper I could use? And a pen?"

"Yes, of course," he said. He turned off his tablet. "Come on." Willow followed him to his small office on the next floor up, and she looked around. She hadn't been here a lot.

"I didn't remember there were so many plants in here," she said. Around the room, there were dozens of succulents, houseplants, and other greenery.

Valerian chuckled softly as he pulled out a few papers from a drawer and picked a pen from the box. "That's because Odessa gives me a plant at every birthday, Christmas, and anniversary," he said. "Among other things."

"And do you take care of them or does she do it?"

Valerian looked at her. "She told me it was my job to take care of them, but I know she comes in from time to time to make sure I do my work well."

Willow laughed. "How did this start? Her giving you plants, I mean?"

"It started during our Selection," he said, smiling fondly at the memory. "She gave me a plant for my birthday – she wasn't the only one to give me a plant, mind you. She gave me a small terrarium with succulents in them and had all named them."

"Named them?"

"Yes." He pointed at a Monstera plant, near the window. "That's Bob, and that's Sam," he said, pointing to another one.

Willow burst out laughing. "How come did I never know this?" she said. "This is really funny."

Valerian chuckled and handed her the papers and the pen. Willow sat at his desk and started tearing them into smaller pieces before writing all the guys' names on them. If she picked one from the other group, she would just put it back inside and draw another one.

"Would this help, too?" Valerian asked, holding out a hat for her.

"Yes! Thanks!" She took the hat and folded all the papers before putting them in it. Valerian and Willow then went back downstairs to the lunch table that had been laid out outside for them. The Selected were already there, chatting in small groups including Oliver and Camelia as well. Willow wondered if one of the guys was going to end up with Camelia– one more to cross off her list. Why was she so cynical today?

"Gentlemen? May I have your attention, please?" she said, coming out on the lawn. All the Selected and even her cousins turned to look at her, more than a dozen pairs of eyes trained on her. "I thought that this afternoon would be a perfect day to have a date," she started. "So I'm going to pick a name from this hat–"

"Where are the boxes?" Haakon asked.

"Where do you think they are, Haakon?" she asked. Everyone kept telling her he was not what he seemed to be, so she didn't trust him.

"Oh."

"Exactly. Now," she said, "I would like to take a short nap after lunch, so the activity would have to be a bit later in the afternoon." She dipped her hand in the hat and picked a piece of paper. She opened the paper. Oh, great. You've got to be kidding me. "Archer."

Archer raised an eyebrow. "Alright. 3 p.m. So Your Royal Highness can take a nap and I can make a few phone calls."

Willow nodded and put the hat aside before sitting down at the table between Lysander and Xander, two delightful young men who she knew would bring a smile to her face and make her relax a little before her nap and her date with The Asshole.

After lunch, Willow borrowed Camelia's bedroom to take a nap, and she slept for an hour and a half before her alarm rang, waking her up with a jolt. She took a huge breath and rubbed her face with her hands before going to the bathroom and freshened up a little. She checked her face in the mirror and noticed she had a few pillow marks on her cheek. Great.

And since she had no idea of what Archer had in mind for their date, she didn't know if she had to dress nicely or not– not that she had a lot of options at the moment, so she decided to stay just as she was but to play with the accessories that she had borrowed from her aunt Jenissa. Thank goodness she was the same shoe size as her… She was dressed in a simple black sleeveless jumper with large pantlegs and a silver belt. She paired that with some glittery silver stiletto heels and some white gold jewelry. She made sure one last time that her hair was good enough – without Nerissa to help her 24 hours a day – she had to make do with her own skills.

She walked out of her cousin's bedroom and went downstairs. Archer was already waiting for her sitting on a small couch in the entrance, scrolling on his phone. He looked up when he heard her heels clicking on the floor. "You're late, Highness."

Willow rolled her eyes. "It's 2 minutes past three o'clock," she said.

"We're on a schedule," Archer retorted. "If Her Royal Highness would follow me, please," he said in the most sarcastic voice ever. He opened the door and Willow walked past him without a glance at him towards the black car waiting in the driveway. He also opened the door for her, but she just walked around the car and went in from the other side. Banging the door loudly. Archer also climbed in and sat next to her.

"Where exactly are we going?" she asked, her voice clipped.

"Hospital visit."

Willow snorted. "Yeah right. You're the least compassionate person I've ever met."

"You don't know everything about me, Princess," he said. "And I only let you know what I want you to know."

"I see." But she was too tired to talk to him.

"I'm honestly surprised why you didn't kick me out yet," he said, keeping his eyes on his phone.

"I wanted to do it," she said. "More than once."

"Why didn't you, then?"

"Because verbally fighting with you was entertaining." She paused then looked at him. "I really don't see what Annie sees in you. Have you bewitched her?"

Archer snorted. "No." He paused and a small smile cracked his lips.

"What happened between you two, though?" Willow asked. "I didn't see anything."

"Because you were too busy falling for your best friend."

"I beg your pardon?" Willow's blood had turned like ice in her veins. What was he talking about?

"You think we're all blind– like Cal. But the way you look at Mikhail Parker with hearts in your eyes. It's almost nauseating." He paused. "Most of the guys see it, too, you know? Why do you think some of us have started to look elsewhere? Not that I was planning on looking at you in the first place–"

"That's plain rude!" Willow cut him.

"That's not what I meant–" Archer rolled his eyes. "I signed up because my best friend wouldn't shut up about it and the only way for him to shut up was for me to sign up." He paused, probably waiting for Willow to say something, but she didn't. "Trust me when I say that the Selection has nothing to offer me. I have more money than you can imagine."

"Love?"

He snorted. "Love? Princess, you really don't know me at all." He sighed. "That's the last thing I want–"

"Yet you seem to have found something with Annabeth– Do you even like her?"

"Yes," he replied without hesitation.

"Do you love her?"

"…I don't know. I would have needed more time for that."

"I still don't understand," Willow said. "She had you in an armlock on the first day she was here, and yet–"

"It intrigued me, okay?" he replied on the defensive. After that, they were both quiet for some time. Willow thought he wouldn't say anything else until they'd arrive at the Los Angeles Clinic, but alas. "I never talked about her job in the Marines," he said. "She never wanted to talk about it…" he trailed off, but Willow didn't offer anything. Annie didn't like to mix up her Marine life with her off-duty life. "Is she good at what she does there?"

"What do you think?" Willow snapped back. "She's a sergeant. Of course, she's good. She doesn't order people around. She shows people around."

"Damnit," he mumbled under his breath. "That means she's not coming back, is she?"

Willow shrugged. She really didn't want to think about that. "She might if she only gets injured."

Archer sighed and looked out the window. Only a few minutes left before they arrived at the hospital. She sighed, trying to relax. Honestly, this couldn't have been any worse. Everything seemed to be against her! One, there had been the insanely strong earthquake that had destroyed half of her home, all of her stuff, and killed nine people; Two, she now lived with one foot in Nate's house and the other at Val's; Three, she was on her period. Four, she was on a stupid date with Archer, of all people–

"Oh, and just for your information," Archer said as they entered the hospital's parking lot, "Illéa Weekly is going to be here, so there are going to be lots of journalists. Put a smile on your face." He flashed her one of his and she had to admit that he was hot, even if he was still an Asshole.

And Five, there were going to be journalists.

"This is just a publicity stunt for you, then," she said, bitterness creeping into her voice. Why had she been expecting anything less than that from him?

Archer just smiled and shrugged. "You said it, not me." The car stopped and Salima Aziz came out from the passenger's seat to open the car door to the Princess and her Selected under flashes of lightning of camera flashes. Willow made sure to put on her best-practiced smile and waved.

The Director of the Hospital walked towards them with a huge smile. "Your Royal Highness!" he said, bowing to her and kissing the back of her hand. "And Mr. Niu. It's an honor to have you here!"

"The honor is ours," Willow said warmly.

"I'm Doctor Kayden Strainge," he introduced himself. "Please follow me."

He walked in front of them and Archer leaned in near Willow and whispered: "If I didn't know better, I wouldn't know you were in such a sour mood minutes ago. What a transformation."

Willow giggled – for the pictures – but she sent daggers at him with her deadly glare. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd really care for the people we're going to visit," she retorted.

Archer grinned. "Touché."

They spent the afternoon going from one room to another, guided by the director himself, giving hugs and words of encouragement, especially spending time with those who had been injured in the earthquake. Most of the injured offered her their condolences for the two Selected she had lost, and all Willow could do was smile and squeeze their hands, trying not to cry. Plus, with her period going on, she always seemed to be on the verge of tears at the slightest emotional thing going on.

Archer didn't lose one single occasion to ask questions about the medical technology used for this or that treatment, emphasizing on the point that most of it were designed and made by his own company and that the Monarchy in the person of the Princess herself was fully supporting him.

With all the journalists around them, Willow couldn't deny it, and she rolled along, knowing that it would also put them in a good light for the people if they supported medical technology research.

After more than two hours of walking around, visiting with people, hugging people, and letting Archer talk, Willow's feet were killing her and she was exhausted. They accepted some refreshments from the Director himself, took some official pictures for the Illéa Weekly magazine with the director, Archer, and some of the patients, and then they could finally go back home. Willow hoped he wouldn't talk in the car so she could wallow in her own self-pity without being disturbed.

To her surprise, Archer didn't utter a word until they were back at Valerian's home. "Princess– Do you have a minute before we part ways?"

Willow nodded. She could give him a moment. Yes, she was generous like that.

"Thank you. For rolling with me during the hospital visit."

"I didn't really have a choice, did I?" she snapped back and immediately regretted it.

"No, not really. But you were still gracious about it."

Willow rolled her eyes. "You ambushed me."

"…I did," he said. "Are you going to kick me out, now?"

"I should, shouldn't I?" she said.

Archer slipped his fists in his pockets, waiting for her verdict to fall. He had ambushed her on their date. She could keep him trapped here a little longer in retaliation.

"No," she finally said. "You're staying."

His shoulders slumped a little but he nodded curtly, once, before walking away towards the house.

"Highness?" Salima said, joining the Princess. "Do you want to stay here or do you want to go back to your other Uncle's estate right now?"

Willow took a deep breath, making her shoulders lift in the process. "What I really want to do right now is order some new clothes online. While eating fancy cupcakes." She laughed without any humor. "But we can't all have what we want, can we?" She shook her head. "No, I'll stay here a while longer. I haven't spent a lot of time with this group."

Salima nodded and followed her inside. Willow joined the group who was playing a game of Truth or Dare in the garden. She wasn't really in the mood to play, but listening would be fun. She sat outside of the circle and watched.

"Frederic, truth or dare?" Haakon asked.

"Truth," Fred replied.

"Is it true that you're the Prince of Swendway?"

Fred's face turned white in an instant and he looked at Matty for help, but Matty looked at Willow, and Willow sighed and nodded. So Matty nodded back at Fred who took a deep breath and nodded. "It is," he said softly.

"Ha! I knew it!" Haakon said, glancing at Zeke. "My father said it was probably because of you being here that the war exploded in Europe. Is that correct, Princess?"

"I'm not playing Truth or Dare, Haakon. I will not answer your questions."

The actor simply snorted. "You're just saying that because you don't want to admit I'm right."

Willow looked at her nails – she really needed a new manicure soon, by the way – and sighed. "Haakon, you've reached my patience's limits," she said in a very monotone voice. Then she turned to Charlie who was hovering on the side, also watching the game. "Charles, you can make arrangements for Mr. Prospero to return home as soon as possible."

"What?" Haakon. "You've got to be kidding."

"Several others have reported to me that you're a jerk, Haakon, and I have to say that I agree with them. You are no longer welcome around me or in my Selection." She stood to leave, but Haakon just laughed, which made her stop and turn around. "Do you have something to add?" she asked as he stood, too.

"Yes," he said. "You're smarter than you seem." He paused. "But I never liked you, and unless you don't start paying more attention to politics and what mistakes you make, you're never going to be a great queen. You're foolish, you only ever think of yourself, and I'm glad to go home." He brushed some fake dust from his shorts and walked past her. But when he was next to her he stopped and whispered only for her to hear: "Your brother was right: you'll never find love." He left with that and Willow balled her fists at her side.

She wanted to say something, retort a snappy reply, but nothing came to her. She could already feel the tears welling up at the back of her eyes, but she couldn't break down in front of everyone.

"I'm sorry," Pierce said, standing up, "but I need to punch him in the face." With that, he followed Haakon inside and Willow ignored them, walking away to the lush flower garden her Aunt had created. She just needed to be alone for a moment.

The list of horrible things that day was just getting longer and longer and Willow wished she could hibernate until the end of the Selection and wake up with all of them gone but one. Silent tears flowed down her cheeks and she let them, not bothering to wipe them off. The stone bench under her was warm from being in the sun all day, and that was one comforting thing at the moment.

Until she heard footsteps coming her way. She quickly wiped her tears and looked behind her at who was coming her way– "What do you want?" she asked her brother Ezekiel. "Come to gloat?"

"No." He sat next to her with his hands in his pockets. He offered her a tissue paper. "I was wrong about Haakon," he said.

"You don't say," Willow retorted. "Unless you knew exactly who and what he was and you didn't care."

"No," he said again. "He was very nice to me." He shuffled his feet on the grass and then looked up. "Are you okay?"

"Why do you care?" she asked bitterly, blowing her nose. Zeke shrugged but didn't say anything. They stayed there together, not talking until Willow went back to the group of Selected and told them she was going back to Nate's house but that she would see them soon.

/ / /

Honestly, at this point, all Willow wanted was to snuggle up in a blanket with a heated pad in her arms and watch a movie while eating chocolate truffles. But one cannot always do what one likes. So she steeled herself for the dinner with everyone. Which was way too loud and way too familiar for her. Ever since they had moved from the Palace to Nathan and Val's estates, the Selected had relaxed and forgotten some of the manners they had learned during the first few weeks.

Around the table, people were mostly ignoring her since she was ignoring everyone else. The only one who kept a watchful eye on her was Mikey, from the other side of the table. But Willow didn't want to look at him and see all those questions and concern in his eyes. So she kept her eyes on her plate, pushing around her food.

As soon as dessert was over, she excused herself and headed outside for some fresh air, away from everyone. Apparently, some were organizing a Star Wars screening in Nathan's movie room, but she had seen those movies way too many times to be bothered. At least most everyone would be occupied with that and she would be alone.

Alas…

She had made herself comfortable on the veranda swing with a blanket and a book, sure that everyone would be at the movie night.

"Your Highness," a familiar voice said. "Do you mind if I join you? Or would you rather be left alone?"

Willow honestly considered taking the second option, but that would be rude. Besides, she had never really spent any time with Easton alone without his daughter. She pulled her feet closer to her, making some room for him on the swing. "You may join me," she said, closing her book and putting it on the small table next to the swing.

"Thanks," he said, sitting down. He swung then gently with his feet on the ground as they both were silent for a moment. "We heard you eliminated Haakon," he said softly. "I'm sorry. I hope he wasn't too rude to you?"

Willow shrugged. "I could handle it," she replied. "But thanks." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Is Liliana also watching Star Wars?"

"No," Easton chuckled. "I think she's too young for that– the four girls are watching a princess Disney movie, I think."

Willow smiled. Of course, they would. Jyn was a huge fan and always managed to convince her sisters to watch them with her. "So you're on a dad break, then?"

Easton chuckled and ran his fingers in his dark brown hair. "Something like that. But Liliana's been spending so much time with your cousins, so I feel like I'm on vacation a little."

"I see," the princess said. "Easton, can I ask you something?"

The young man sighed. "Why do I have a feeling I know what you're going to ask me…" he said looking at the darkening sky above them.

Willow raised an eyebrow but continued nonetheless. "Who was Liliana's mother?"

"See? I knew you were going to ask something in that direction," Easton said before sighing. "But okay, I think it's time I tell you my– our story." He chewed the inside of his cheek for a second or two before looking at her. "I was never married, so I'm neither divorced nor widowed," he explained. "When I was eighteen, I started acting a lot and went on many, many one-night-stands. I was careful, most of the time." He paused. "I even started to go to strip clubs and other exotic houses like that– please don't mention this to Lil," he quickly added, pleading with his eyes. "But I had a one-night-stand with one of the exotic dancers. Normally, they don't have sex with the customers, but this was different. We met out of her work on several occasions and kinda dated for a few months." He shook his head. "I was 22 and so naïve, back then. Anyway–" he sighed. "She never told me her real name, so I only know her stage name, which was Mercury. Then she became pregnant, but she knew she couldn't care for the baby. She wanted to get rid of the baby, but I said no." He looked at Willow. "So I asked her to go through with it and told her that I'd take care of the baby when it was born. The moment I saw Liliana, I fell in love with her."

Willow smiled. "Thank you, for telling me all this," she said. "Also, I totally understand when you said that you fell in love with Liliana. She's the cutest kid."

"Yeah, I know," he said. "She was quite a handful. I had no idea how to take care of a baby, you know?"

"Did your parents help out, then?"

Easton shook his head and looked away. "No, they died when I was six."

"Oh! Easton, I'm so sorry," she said, leaning forward and touching his arm. "I had no idea."

"It's alright," he replied.

"What happened to you, then? Grandparents?"

He shook his head. "No. For twelve years I went through the foster system. I stopped counting the number of houses and families I went through. None of them really stuck. That's why, when I was eighteen, I was on my own. Did a lot of stupid things and all." He paused. "That's also why I was determined to give this baby a home. And at least one parent, and as much love as I could give her– there was no way I was letting it go through the foster system as I did."

Willow nodded. "I understand." She squeezed his arm. "Easton, you've turned into an amazing dad and young man."

He snorted. "I'm not that young, you know? I turn twenty-eight tomorrow."

"What?! How did I not know that!" she said, smiling. "We need to do something for your birthday. What do you usually do to celebrate?"

Easton shrugged and snorted. "Not much. I usually spend it alone with a bottle of alcohol or something. Take a shot and…that's it." He looked at her and chuckled again. "So you don't have to do anything. And don't tell anyone, either."

"Is that really what you want?" Willow asked, confused. She had always spent her birthdays with family and friends, opening presents, laughing, eating, drinking, and all that. And cake! Cake was important, of course.

He nodded once. "Yes."

"Alright," she agreed. "I won't tell anyone. But I'm not promising you that I won't do anything about your birthday."

Easton smiled. "Do you know why I signed up for the selection?"

"No?" But she wasn't sure she wanted to hear it, either…

"Because Liliana wanted to meet you so much and see the Palace." He paused. "I honestly didn't really care about the whole thing, but then I met you." He took her hand in his and gently rubbed his hand on the back of her hand. "But I'm not prince material," he said. "I have a decent job back home, and I don't want Lili to grow up among all those riches."

"Riches that just went crumbling down," Willow reminded him a little bitterly.

"…true," he said. "But still. Look– if you ever need to eliminate someone, don't hesitate to send me and Liliana home," he offered. "Lil has seen enough of the Palace to last her a whole lifetime." He paused, letting go of her hand. "Unless you want to keep us until the end, but that would only break her heart."

"Not yours?" Willow asked.

Easton shook his head. "No. At least not now." He laughed softly. "But you're the boss around here, so I'll let you decide whatever you want to do with your selected." He winked at her, took her hand in his again, and kissed the back of it before bidding her good night and walking away.

Willow wasn't sure if this moment had been sweet or bitter… maybe a little bit of both? But the thing that hurt the most was that she kind of liked Easton and he was on the list of her favorites. But he didn't seem to share the feeling… Willow took a long breath and unwrapped the blanket from around her to go to bed. If only this day could just end, for crying out loud!

Hey! thanks for sticking with me, reading, and reviewing! :D I hope you enjoyed this chapter! let me know what you liked best or worst?

Thanks, Pocket, for Haakon, he was fun to write, but obviously not right for Willow ;) but you already knew that lol.

Also, if you don't know what YARLING means, it means wailing or howling, and I thought it went well with Willow's mood this chapter... hehe.

see next week for the last chapter of PART 1 of the story! byeee