Chapter 6

Jolene darted down a side hall, taking the fastest, and least conspicuous route she knew to her room. Willa was inside, and it was clear she'd been pacing. She crossed her arms, "Are you happy now? We have to get you ready and the boys are almost all ready!"

Jolene stripped off her hair dresser's outfit, and Willa walked forward holding the black and tan dress. Jolene stepped into it, and spoke as Willa lifted it, securing the buttons on her back. "Well, it….was effective. No one recognized me, but I am sorry I had to meet some of them in disguise. They seemed quite nice."

Willa sighed, and Jolene could practically feel her eyeroll. "Your Highness, when are you going to learn that not everyone has a secret motive?"

Jolene turned to the mirror as Willa grabbed handfuls of her hair, pinning it up. "You can never be too careful. Better cautious and secure than relaxed and risky." There was a pause, then Jolene sighed, "I feel bad, Willa, there was a Selected with a service dog, and I reacted less than professional about it."

Willa stopped her work, meeting Jolene's eyes in the mirror. She grimaced, "Maybe it's good you were in disguise then."

Jolene frowned, Willa had a point, but she wanted to somehow correct things, make sure he understood she didn't think any less of him, no matter his state. Willa finished pinning Jolene's hair in an intricate updo, leaving a few curls to frame her face. The dress was form fitting, with parts of the dress extending on the sides so it looked like wings were emerging from her waist. It was off her shoulders, and she felt powerful in it. A single gold beaded necklace was around her neck, and completed the look. Willa gathered lace up black boots and put them on Jolene since she couldn't bend over in the dress.

She felt powerful in this outfit, she may be small, but she would quickly remind these boys that she was the Princess, and was not to be crossed. She was in charge here. She smiled to Willa, and after looking cross all morning, Willa finally smiled softly. "Go knock em dead."

Jolene laughed, and nodded. She left her room, and made her way quickly down the steps. She was already regretting wearing heels, but at least they were going to be meeting in a study, so she could sit down. She arrived at the doors to the great hall, and nodded to the guards on either side. They opened the doors, and Jolene strolled in, head held high, a neutral- but probably a little intimidating- look on her face.

The chatter died instantly.

Selected after Selected turned to look at her, and a few boys' mouths even dropped open at the sight of her. She felt a small flame of satisfaction, and cleared her throat before speaking.

"Welcome, gentleman of the Selection, I am Princess Jolene, and I am ready to conduct first meetings. I'm excited to meet all of you, there is no particular order, so feel free to mingle until you are retrieved." She finished her speech with a nod, and turned on her heels, skirt flipping heavily.

She made her way to the lounge close by, and entered, sitting on one of the couches. Before she knew it, a guard was escorting Chad Barrington in. She smiled, she remembered the "bro" Selected. She stood, and he bowed.

"Your Highness, I'm Chad Barrington. Two from Clermont." He spoke first.

Jolene smiled, "Hello Chad, how are you today?"

Chad seemed to unwind a bit, as though physically he'd been wound too tight, "Oh, uh, good. I had some fun makeover people! You chose well."

Jolene felt a small glimmer of joy at that, "I'm glad you got along with them so well. I'm sure they enjoyed your company as well. Now, tell me more about yourself." She indicated to the couches, and Chad sat, telling her about his life in Clermont, and how he was currently trying to explore his paths.


Jolene was waiting for the next Selected, Jacob James walked in. One of her chosen Selected. A singer from Belcourt. He walked in, a mix of confident striding, and uneasy anxiety. He was clearly trying to hold up his confident mask, but she knew he was probably just as nervous as the others.

"Your Highness," He dipped into a slight bow, and then raised his chin. "Jacob James, Two, Belcourt. Member of a successful band. Probably not something you've heard, no offense, Your Highness, but you don't strike me as Pop/Rock."

Jolene chuckled, "Well, rock, yes. But I have heard of you. You're supposedly a party animal, how do I know you'll follow the rules of the Selection?"

He grimaced, his tone taking a lighter turn, "Don't worry about that. I'm not nearly as bad as you may have heard."

She hummed, "Well, I suppose I can't judge you right away, after all, I enjoy freedom too."

Jacob nodded, "Yes, of course. I've seen you all over the media, especially lately as well. You're quite the free bird."

"I intend to stay that way as well." Jolene replied, hearing a slight snip in her tone. She took a breath, held it for a moment, and then said, "I think our time is up. The next person is eager I'm sure."


Hunter Jones was up next. He walked in, and Jolene had to smile. He was sharply dressed, and seemed collected in a mature way. He bowed deeply, and nodded to her, "Princess Jolene, I'm Hunter Jones, a Five from Waverly."

Jolene gestured to the couches, and they took a seat across from each other. "It's nice to meet you, Hunter. I like your suit, did you pick it?"

Hunter's leg began to bounce, and Jolene watched the motion, her own leg aching to copy the motion. "Ah, no, I let the dressers decide. I'm not very good with formal dress."

Jolene let out an amused snort, "Fair, I much prefer jeans and torn band shirts over ball gowns."

Hunter's leg stopped, but his brow furrowed. "Well I think you look quite good in the dress, but I don't have to wear it, so I'm not sure it's comfortable."

"Well, I'm not going to say it's comfortable. But it's not the worst I've worn." She replied, fiddling with a fold in the skirt. She spoke again, changing the subject before it could dry up. "What do you do for work?"

"Oh, I'm a photographer." Hunter replied, shrugging, "I enjoy it, and it keeps me busy. I do wish I could travel a bit more for it, but oh well."

"You don't travel?"

"No, I haven't gotten the chance I'm afraid."

"Oh, well, here you can have a new environment!" Jolene replied, trying to keep him optimistic.

"Yeah." Hunter replied, his leg beginning to shake again. It felt odd staring, but it was mesmerizing.

"Well," Jolene said after a moment, "I think our time is up, it was good meeting you, Hunter."

"And you as well, Princess." He bowed again, and left the lounge.


Brent Quinten, an actor, but not at all what she expected, if she was honest. The sweet, shy personality seemed so contradictory to a life of fame. When he introduced himself he bowed, and offered a crooked, yet dashing smile. His curls bounced, and she couldn't help but fall for his looks a bit. Of course personality was the most important thing….but he was a hot actor, and she couldn't ignore that.

"So what're your favorite types of movies to do?" Jolene asked him, tilting her head.

He rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I've been in comedies as well as dramas, but my ultimate dream is to be in a popular romantic comedy."

"Really?" Jolene asked, smiling in disbelief. She didn't know people actually enjoyed acting in those, she figured they were just roped into doing it.

"Yeah." He was grinning though, so she figured that must be a big goal of his. It was endearing having such a sweet goal. It must seem so simple to some people, but to him it was important, and she had to respect that.

"What's your favorite type of movie to watch?" Brent asked, leaning forward.

"Oh, well, I like mysteries, I'm also quite a fan of comedies." Jolene replied, smiling ever so slightly.

"Really? I didn't know you'd enjoy comedies."

"Why is that?" Jolene asked, raising a brow.

"Oh-" Brent rubbed the back of his neck again, his face flushing. "Well, I just- didn't know jokes all the time were….you seem so serious."

Jolene scoffed, shaking her head, "I do enjoy jokes, and it's nice to laugh freely. I do have a sense of humor, you know."

Brent nodded, "Of course, I meant no offense-"

"No, no not at all. It's alright," She replied, "I'm not offended."

Brent sighed in relief, and nodded, "Okay."

Jolene spoke up after a moment, "Well, our time is up, have a good day, Brent."

"And you, Your Highness." He then held out his hand, and when Jolene placed hers in it, he kissed the back of her hand.


Samson Nongkhrapat walked in, and the cool, emotionless face shook her for a moment. She had met quite a few shy boys, but this boy seemed calculating, as though he was analyzing every atom in the room.

"Hello Samson," Jolene spoke, hands clasped just beneath her stomach.

"Hello, Your Highness, and please, Sam is preferred." His sentence ended, and he didn't seem to have an intention to continue. Jolene bit her cheek, but smiled.

"Well, Sam, how are you? How are you finding the other Selected?" Jolene asked, tilting her head.

Sam shrugged, "I'm doing fine, the other Selected are awfully loud, but their conversations are interesting enough."

Jolene nodded, "Loud and nervous, I'm sure they're talking about anything and everything to distract themselves."

Sam nodded, "Of course. I've always been more of a listener, though."

Well, I can see that. She wanted to say it so bad, but only nodded, "As is my brother. I've never been one to hold back though, fair warning."

"Ah yes, whenever you speak on the Report, it's easy to tell you're a strong headed leader."

Jolene was surprised at the directness, and wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or not. "Thank you?"

"You're welcome."

Jolene hummed, then sighed, "Well, Sam, it was nice to meet you, but I believe our time is up." Sam nodded, and bowed slightly before turning and closing the door behind him.


After Sam was Elias Vandegriff. The Angeles Selected, the one she'd defended to keep here, because everyone deserves a chance. Perhaps fate had a reason for his form being found late, and brought to her as her final choice. Elias stepped into the room, a smile already on his face.

"Your Highness," He bowed, "It's nice to meet you."

"And you as well! I've been looking forward to meeting you," Jolene replied.

"Oh?" Elias asked, tilting his head, "May I ask why?"

Jolene bit her lip, "I'm afraid not everyone was...enthusiastic….about having you join. But I was determined to have you participate in the Selection. I believe you were chosen for a reason."

Elias hummed, "Well, I am aware not everyone respects the transgender community. But I'm glad it has no bearing on our meeting."

Jolene nodded, "Not at all, but I am excited to get to know you."

Elias smiled again, "And I, you. You seem incredibly open minded."

Jolene chuckled, "Well, sometimes, I can be quite stubborn." Elias chuckled as well, and Jolene frowned upon realizing their time was most likely up. "Well, it was very nice meeting you, but I'm afraid we'll have to continue more conversations later."

"I look forward to it," Elias replied, waving goodbye as he left the room. Jolene couldn't help but smile after he left.


Danny Taylor, one of the members of Back-Alley Boyfriend, and one of the boys she's interacted with before when she was in disguise. He'd seemed rather cold before, would her position now change that?

"Mr. Taylor, exciting to meet you." Jolene spoke first, nodding politely.

Danny hummed, bowing slightly. His movements were slow, and careful, and she remembered the bruise she'd seen. Was that the only one? She was tempted to ask if he was okay, but held her tongue as he straightened.

"Your Highness, I'm assuming you've heard of Back-Alley Boyfriend, then?" Danny asked, raising a brow.

Jolene nodded, "Yes," but she admitted, "However, I haven't listened to many songs, only 2 or 3."

Danny nodded, small, thoughtful movements. "Maybe that's good. Hardly any influence or sway to the good side."

"The 'good side'?" Jolene repeated, brow furrowing.

Danny shrugged, "The winning side, the elite, the side of love."

Jolene hummed, he was certainly a more negative person, but was this simply because he wanted to put on a mask of sorts? Or was he perhaps taking one off? Did he even want to be here? She sighed as they talked a while more before he left in favor of the next person.


Leander Abernathy was next, and after having the negative Danny, the cold, logical Leander wasn't much better. He walked in, a carefully pressed, plain black suit, his hair perfectly styled, not a single hair out of place. His eyes were dark blue, and if they weren't so critical she might think they're rather attractive.

"Hello Mr. Abernathy," she began, figuring last names were a good place to start with him. "You're looking very sharp, a good idea for first meetings."

He nodded once stiffly, "I figured with meeting the Princess I would need to look my best. Your outfit is very attractive as well."

Jolene's smile wasn't fully deliberate, but it did creep up on her, "Well, thank you."

Leander nodded again, and Jolene cleared her throat, "Care to sit down?" She offered, waving a hand at the couches. He shrugged and sat down, sitting as straight as a rod. Jolene wasn't sure how to sit, so she matched his posture. She hadn't yet been unsettled by a Selected, but somehow this closed off, short spoken man was throwing off her guard. Wasn't she supposed to be the one with the upper hand? Why was she suddenly flipping roles in a few of these meetings?

She lifted her chin even higher, and asked, "So, Mr. Abernathy, tell me about yourself, what do you do for work?"

Leander spoke immediately, "Architecture."

"Oh? Anything I'd know?" Jolene asked, she'd never met an architect before.

"No, I don't believe so. The majority of my work has been local work." Leander replied, nodding more to himself than her it seemed.

Jolene hummed, "I'm sure you'll get there eventually."

"I'd hope so, or I'm on the wrong path." Leander frowned at this, and Jolene couldn't help but wish the time would move a little faster. It was painfully awkward and slow. She didn't want to say she would eliminate him, as maybe this could be something they work through, but she did have doubts. She wouldn't hold out for him being in the elite, but, for now she supposed she would consider him a Selected that would move on.


Alex Steinberg, another one she'd met earlier. He'd been extremely sweet. She was happy to see his face again after two "harsh" meetings. She noted that he'd opted for an extremely fashionable tuxedo of purple, with a matching bowtie. His hair was styled deliberately, and his earring was swapped for a purple gemmed stud.

He bowed to Jolene, and she nodded to him, "Hello, Alexander."

"Oh, Alex, please, Your Highness."

"Alex, I love your outfit. And your earring!" Jolene replied, smiling genuinely, she was relieved to find her smiles were coming easier with some of these boys. It meant she may actually enjoy the company of some of these Selected.

"Oh, thank you! I would hope I know fashion, I am majoring in its merchandising." Alex replied, lifting his chin.

"Oh? Do you think you'll go worldwide?" Jolene asked, genuinely curious. It would be interesting to see if he would stay in Illea with business or spread around the world.

"Definitely world wide. The goal is to influence fashion in the largest capacity." Alex replied, nodding eagerly. "It's always been a dream of mine."

"Well, tell me more about your plans." Jolene suggested, nodding towards the couches. They didn't have long, but she was genuinely curious about him and the fashion industry.


Auden Kelly, if Jolene could dare to say so, when he walked in the room seemed brighter and warmer. Something about his calm, charming smile, and smooth suit were so comforting. And when he spoke! He had a stereotypical southern accent, and she honestly wasn't going to complain.

"Well, hello there, Your Highness." He spoke, his drawl already obvious. A smile appeared on her face, and she held back a chuckle before it could escape.

"Hello Auden, it's nice to meet you."

"It's wonderful being here, such a different atmosphere than back home." Auden replied, looking around the room, hands in his pockets.

"I'm sure! I mean, it's not every day you get to stay in a palace." Jolene responded, finally allowing herself to laugh.

"I went to a big city for culinary school, but it still doesn't compare to this." His voice held a hint of awe in it, and Jolene felt a twinge of pride at her home. Yes, it was magnificent, but she also saw the upkeep paperwork, and it was also expensive.

"Oh, that's right! What kind of food? Any specialties?" Jolene asked, leaning forward. Food was definitely something she could have conversations about forever.

"All sorts. But southern comfort foods especially." Auden answered, his smile as wide as a cartoon character.

"Oh! That's so cool, I might ask for a meal sometime." Jolene replied, over-emphasizing the wink she gave him.

Auden blinked, and his grin turned into more of a smirk, "Maybe that could be our first date."

Jolene pursed her lips, "Maybe. Assuming you get through this first round of eliminations."

Auden ran a hand through his hair, and immediately put his hand back in his pocket, "I hope I do. I'd like to think I'm making a good impression."

Jolene hummed, "Well, I can't tell you. That would be a spoiler."

Auden chuckled this time, nodding slowly, "Very true Your Highness, very true."

Their time was up, and Jolene was disappointed to see him go, but she knew that she'd be keeping this southern prince charming around.


Maximillian Bordeaux walked in wearing a dark blue suit covered in golden floral designs. Honestly, Jolene loved his outfit, she'd need to see if Willa could make a dress or pantsuit with this design later. Max was also one of the youngest in her Selection if she remembered correctly.

His voice was quiet, almost like he was afraid of talking too loud when he spoke, "Hello, Your Highness, I'm Max Bordeaux."

"Hello Max, it's very nice to meet you." Jolene spoke, careful to keep her own voice low, just in case it was something more than not wanting to be too loud. Max nodded, and looked around the room.

Jolene wanted to break the silence, so she asked, "So...Max, what do you do for a living?"

"Oh, I'm a jazz musician."

"Oh, really? That's cool! I don't listen to jazz all that much, but there are a few good ones I've heard." Jolene replied, smiling softly. She felt like this poor boy would shatter if she spoke too much or something.

"I also write songs."

"Oh?" Jolene asked, excitement entering her voice, "That's so cool! Maybe you could play on for me?"

"Oh," Max's face flushed, and he shook his head, "No, my music isn't for people to hear quite yet."

"Oh, that's okay." Jolene answered, "Just a thought." Jolene sighed, "Well, I think our time is up, it was nice meeting you, Max."

"You too." Max replied, and walked to the door, he stopped, turning to her. "Your Highness, I'm sorry I just-"

"It's okay, really." Jolene reassured him, nodding and offering another small smile. He nodded, more to himself, then walked out of the room.


Lance Cartwright, another shy Selected. She was starting to think her Selected were either shy, natural charmers, or cold and critical in their discussions. He walked in, and the dark, brooding look didn't at all match the few words he spoke. He was making polite conversation, but didn't seem to enjoy eye contact or long conversations.

"Well, Lance, I noticed you're also a baker! Pastries, right?" Jolene asked, offering a small smile to help him relax.

"Yes, pastries, I own my own bakery!" He smiled at that, and Jolene was happy to be on a subject he seemed eager about.

"That's so exciting! Especially for someone so young to have their own business thriving." Jolene replied.

Lance nodded, smiling to himself, "It's nice, baking is the one thing I can truly give all my attention too."

Jolene was hesitant at this, but she figured if they had a chance then he'd eventually make some room for her while still baking to his heart's content. "That's great! At least you're passionate about your work, just like how I'm passionate about being well rounded enough to rule the best I can."

Lance looked to her, and she sensed thoughts tumbling around in his head before he spoke, "I think you'll make a great leader. You definitely care for your people, and you'll be determined to complete the work."

Jolene smiled slowly, "Thank you. I'm sure your bakery will do very well, and I hope that if you choose it spreads! I'd definitely order from it."

Lance smiled, eyes dancing, "Thanks!"

Jolene noted how long they'd been sitting in somewhat awkward silence, and cleared her throat, he was sweet, and she could give him a chance, but for now she had more people to meet."Well, it was nice meeting you, but the next person will be coming shortly."

"Goodbye, Your Highness, it was nice meeting you."


Taylor Wyrick, one of the youngest in her Selection. He walked in with a pastel green suit, with a silver tie and pocket square. His shoes were shiny, brown leather. She hadn't seen brown shoes at all today, it had taken her by surprise, and was even more surprised to find that she had been noticing details of each guy's outfits.

He walked in, bowing quickly, "Your Highness."

Jolene smiled, "Hello Taylor, I must say your outfit looks amazing!"

He smiled as well, but to Jolene something seemed off about it, "Thank you, as does yours."

Jolene hummed, then pointed the couches, "Care to sit down?"

Taylor looked to the couches, then nodded, "Of course."

Once they were settled in, Jolene began asking questions about him. His interests and dislikes, she found out he liked Back-Alley Boyfriend - or maybe like was too small a word for it- and she would bet that he'd either become fast friends with Danny, or completely ignore him due to celebrity meeting shock.

"I'm also Catholic, religion is a big part of who I am." Taylor concluded.

"Oh, that's interesting! I don't have very many devout Selected that I'm aware of. I'm not very religious myself, but I'm glad you have something to believe in!" Jolene replied, smiling gently.

"Believe...I do study the Bible as often as I can."

"Oh...do you read anything else?" Jolene asked, tilting her head.

"Sometimes."

"Sometimes…" Jolene repeated, glancing away. Hopefully religion wouldn't be the only thing they talked about during the Selection. But at least she knew something important to him. "Well, it was nice to meet you, Taylor. Our time is up. But have a good day."

Taylor nodded, standing. He rubbed his arms, then left the room. Jolene didn't see a reason to eliminate him, he seemed decent enough, if only a little awkward with conversing. But she didn't have time to think about it before the next person walked in.


Martin Gamero and Luna walked in not long after Taylor left. Jolene locked eyes with Martin, and offered a small smile, but Luna ran up to Jolene, her tail wagging like crazy. Jolene laughed, petting the dog. Luna looked over at her owner, her mouth open and tongue sticking out.

Martin laughed as he saw how excited the dog was, "Wow, I didn't expect her to be that open with you upon first meetings. She's friendly, but she usually doesn't run at people."

Jolene smiled to keep her face from contorting to one of hidden guilt. Luna had met her before, and no doubt recognized her scent, but her owner wasn't aware. "I don't mind."

"Well, this is Luna, and I'm Martin." He reached down to pat Luna's head, and the dog leaned into his touch, panting happily.

Jolene smiled even wider, "She's very adorable, and it's nice to meet you, Martin."

"It's nice to be here, Your Highness." He paused, then said, "I should tell you Luna is here as a service dog."

Jolene nodded, "You'll have to forgive me, I didn't study medical records or anything, do you mind me asking what for?"

Martin grimaced, "Usually you shouldn't ask, it could lead to a downward spiral for some. I usually don't tell people...but since I'm here to win your heart, I should be honest. PTSD, my job does take its toll."

"I see, it must be difficult being on such traumatic scenes." Jolene glanced down at the golden retriever. "You don't have to tell anyone else if you don't want to."

"I probably won't. But the medical wing had us submit forms, and they know." Martin replied, running a hand through his hair.

Jolene nodded, "Fair, as long as you're comfortable. And if there's anything else we can do to make you feel safer, please let us know."

Martin smiled, but it seemed more distracted than sincere, "Thank you."

Jolene sighed, "This-" Martin looked to her, and she suddenly lost her words, "This, uh, this won't affect your chances, just know that."

Martin smiled again, this time more focused, "Good to know."


Rhys Graham, the lowest caste here, and the one Marcus had dubbed with a "totally moan-worthy bad-boy aesthetic". She hated to admit when Marcus was right….but Marcus was right. Rhys had a nose piercing, his ears were pierced, and she was sure he had tattoos hidden under his suit.

Rhys stepped into the room and bowed, "Your Highness," he greeted, then stood and looked her up and down, "May I just say that you are stunning."

Jolene blinked, and felt a small blush creeping into her cheeks. "Oh...thank you. You're certainly eye catching yourself."

Rhys offered a lopsided grin, "Why thank you."

"So…" Jolene wrung her hands together, and silently counted a few types of cookies before continuing, "Rhys, I noticed you're a mechanic, any certain types of vehicles? Or all of them?"

Rhys seemed to perk up, "Oh, all sorts of vehicles, but motorcycles are my favorites, I ride them."

"I ride them too."

That seemed to catch him off guard, but if anything the look in his eyes seemed to grow from polite conversation to admiration. "You ride motorcycles? How often? How many do you have?"

Jolene laughed, "I have one and my brother has one. I ride it as often as I can, and I can usually fix it on my own when it breaks down."

Rhys grinned, "That's quite impressive. I liked you before, but now it got even better!"

Jolene huffed out a laugh, "Well, at least we'll have stuff in common throughout the Selection."

Rhy nodded, "Absolutely, it's a nice change of pace being here."

Jolene smiled a bit, "I'm glad. It's odd having so many guys in the castle. I'm only used to sharing it with staff and my family."

Rhys grimaced, "Yes, I imagine 35 males in your home must be an odd sensation. But at least you get to choose who stays and who goes."

Jolene thought for a moment, "You know," she nodded to herself, "That's very true. I do."

Rhys offered another smile, and Jolene was surprised at the polite, eager boy in front of her. She hadn't been expecting it, but if anything, she was glad he wasn't a typical bad-boy, moody, closed off person. As he stood to leave he threw a wink over his shoulder, and again she felt the blush creep into her cheeks.


Karim Mahendranath, was a few people after Rhys, and he was surprisingly just as charming. He smiled gently as he stepped into the room.

"Your Highness, a pleasure." He spoke, taking her hand and kissing the back.

"Oh, I'm sure the pleasure is going to be all mine." Jolene replied as he straightened up. "It's nice to see such a good grasp of elegant manners. I'm sure Ian will celebrate after meeting you." She chuckled, then pointed to the couches.

Karim walked around the couch and Jolene followed closely behind. They settled across from each other, and Karim spoke first. "How are you, Your Highness? Meetings going well?"

"Yes, well, mostly, there are a few that didn't go so well...but for the most part I'm pleasantly surprised." Jolene replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her hair was already starting to fall, so she hoped the rest of these meetings would go quickly.

"Well the Selected with bad meetings surely don't deserve you." Karim spoke, his eyes were different colors, and while the blue shimmered, the brown seemed to be burning softly.

As fascinated as she was with the eye colors, Jolene caught on his words, "Well, no one deserves me, no one has a right to me, good meetings or not." She raised a brow, and narrowed her eyes a bit.

Karim's smile faltered, "No, no that's not what I meant. I only meant that they shouldn't be in a competition for someone they already didn't get off on the right foot with."

Jolene hummed, "Well, as true as that may be, ultimately first meetings can sometimes be only a small glimpse of someone's character." She couldn't help the snip at the end of her tone, a small warning that he was also capable of false meetings.

Karim nodded, a small grimace appearing, "I suppose that's true. But either way I know you'll make good decisions."

"I will." Jolene replied, then stood, "It was nice meeting you, Karim, but our time is up."

Karim nodded and stood, bowing, "It was nice meeting you as well, Your Highness." Karim left the room, and Jolene sighed, she was going to need to choose her remaining Selected carefully. But first she had a few more first meetings to attend.


Rustin Park, the Youtuber, when he walked in, she was surprised to find he wasn't holding a camera or phone or anything.

"Jolene! Excited to be here." Rustin announced, grinning widely. His freckled cheeks squished upward.

Jolene's nose scrunched, "Princess Jolene, that's my title, use it during first meetings."

Rustin blinked, clearly surprised at the harshness. "Okay.." He shoved his hands in his pockets, "So, what kind of fun places do you have around the castle?"

"Fun places?" Jolene asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah, you know, secret rooms, hidden tunnels, scary dungeons." Rustin listed, counting on his fingers. Jolene flinched at "scary dungeons" he couldn't know about their 'prison' where Endra was locked up, but it still worried her he might somehow have access.

"Not many that I'm aware of, but there are servant paths, and of course the rooms for rebel attacks if they occurred." Jolene replied, trying to keep an even tone.

"Ah, well, I may explore, is that allowed?"

"Are you going to stop if I say no to exploring?" Jolene asked, crossing her arms.

He didn't reply for a moment. "Probably not."

Jolene rolled her eyes, "Then why ask?"

Rustin shrugged, "Because I'd still like permission to do it."

Jolene hummed, "I'd prefer you didn't go alone."

Rustin grinned, "Easy peasy! Gotcha."

Jolene was honestly nervous for him to be exploring, but she supposed that would be an easy date idea. Who knows, maybe it could be fun to explore hidden parts of the castle. Or maybe they could explore other old buildings.

"Well, our time is up, I'm afraid, please don't go missing before dinner tonight." Jolene finally said, indicating the door.

He shrugged, shooting her a finger gun, "No promises." He then walked out of the door, and Jolene stared after him in a mixture of awe and horror.


Hello everyone! Finally got to updating this story, I could have sworn I updated this month already, but I guess not. Here you go! Met all the guys formally now, I'm not sure if anyone has favorites yet, but if you do let me know! Jolene is definitely going to have a long path ahead of her hehe.

See you in the next chapter~! Oh! And keep an eye out for my new story Bloody Lies and Secret Ties!