Chapter 10

Jolene was going to be quite busy today, she had a full day lined up with dates. The first boy was Hunter Jones. A Five, a photographer. They were planning to play cards and have a light lunch together in a small alcove of the castle.

She figured for some of her first official dates she didn't have to do anything too fancy, after all how was she supposed to plan a date if she didn't even know what these boys liked? This seemed simple, easy enough, and they didn't even have to leave the castle.

She made her way to the area they agreed on, a small bench with cushions and she found a small deck of cards already set on a small table by the wall. She moved the table by the bench, and picked up the deck of cards, starting to shuffle them.

Hunter arrived as she was shuffling, and he gave her a small bow, she nodded and he sat beside her on the bench. She cut the deck, and gave him half to shuffle. She continued to shuffle, and eventually took back his half and put the deck together again.

"So, Hunter, how are you this afternoon?" Jolene asked, drawing cards. "Go fish first?"

Hunter nodded, taking cards as well. "I'm fine, how are you, Your Highness?"

Jolene shrugged, "Could've been a better morning, I had quite the stack of paperwork to get through. But I'm curious to see how this date goes." She discarded and drew another card. Still nothing good.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Your Highness. Hopefully our date will go well then." He replied, discarding a card and picking another.

Jolene discarded 2 cards this time, then drew 2 more, she had a group, and put them down, drawing 4 more cards to fill her hand again. She figured they'd just play until they get bored.

"Me too, where are you from, Hunter?" Jolene asked as he drew a card.

"Waverly, but I've traveled a bit with photography." Hunter replied, shrugging, "Nothing fancy though."

"Oh come on, photography can't be boring." She teased, "Do you have any 3's?"

Hunter shook his head, "Go fish."

"Damn."

"Anyway, photography is more boring than you think. We sit there for hours sometimes waiting for the perfect shot, or get up early for the right lighting. Or we travel only for one building." Hunter answered,

"What about weather shots? Like you actually have to sit in the rain?"

"Do you have any 5's? And sometimes. Sometimes it's rain, sometimes we have small tents we sit under to help protect us and the camera." Hunter replied, drawing a card after Jolene told him to go fish.

They continued drawing and discarding cards, Jolene asking him more about photography.

"So what do you do for fun?" Jolene asked as they took a break from cards to eat the small sandwiches that had been delivered by a servant.

"Besides photography? What else could I want?" Hunter replied, shaking his head.

Jolene tilted her head, "Seriously? You're all about your job? I suppose that's useful, so am I."

Hunter nodded, "I know, you're quite driven, it's remarkable."

Jolene smiled to herself, "Thank you. You know, don't tell anyone, but I kind of wish I could go to a comic-convention. Or something like that. I'm a bit of a geek, but uh, don't let that distract you from my ambition."

Hunter smirked, nodding, "Of course. Your secret is safe with me."

Jolene snorted, "Thanks, are you good at keeping secrets?"

"I'd say I'm pretty good at it."

Jolene raised a brow, but nodded, "Also useful."

Hunter shrugged, "Sometimes. But I'm not a big drama person, so I would rather forget I know something than keep clinging to the secret."

Jolene nodded, she took a bite of her sandwich. She swallowed, "How wise. Drama only leads to trouble. But I do enjoy hearing it."

"Your cousin seems like he has the drama of every single person in Angeles on lock." Hunter replied, tilting his head.

Jolene laughed, "Yeah, don't let him fool you though, he doesn't know a lick about blackmail. All that knowledge and he can't even use it besides telling anyone he knows about something he heard."

Hunter's brow knit, "Blackmail? You truly think it's commonplace?"

Jolene shrugged, "My dad's had plenty of people try to blackmail him, but it never works, my dad is very public about things. I just don't give a damn what people think, so blackmail isn't really a worry for me. But I do know how to use it if I need to. Call it a soft skill for the job, if you will."

"Have you ever used it?"

Jolene smirked, chuckling to herself, "Only on Marcus when I've got dirt on him and I broke that vase when I was 15. Had him take the blame, trust me, the punishment was way better than if his parents knew what he did at 14."

Hunter laughed softly, "Seems fair enough."

Jolene picked up her cards again, "Anyways, where were we?"

Hunter hummed, "Right at my victory I believe." He laid all his cards on the table, and sure enough they were all the same.

"Ugh! Well played." Jolene murmured, throwing her cards down on the table.

"Another round, Your Highness?" Hunter offered, gathering the cards and shuffling. Jolene smiled.

"You're going down this time."


Her date with Lance would be a dinner date, something fancy, but it would mainly be talking she was sure, a nice contrast to Hunter. Although she had to admire Hunter's dedication to his job, and his dry humor was rather easy to amuse with her wit. But she was ready for some bigger socialization.

Willa was styling Jolene's hair into a twist, and pinned it in place with a black jeweled clip that was shaped as a dead tree branch. It was honestly a favorite of Jolene's, and she was pairing it perfectly with her dress. It was technically red, but had black sheer fabric over the red to give it a dramatic flair. The sleeves rested off her shoulders, and as she stood the fabric made a satisfying scrape. She put on her black ankle boots- she didn't care if the style didn't quite match, but boots were boots.

She turned to Willa and smirked, "What do you think?"

"Perfectly petrifying."

Jolene laughed, "Well, the goal is to impress him, not quite scare him off."

"Since when does Her Royal Highness Princess Jolene Marie Roxeanne Schreave need to impress a guy?" Willa asked, raising a brow.

"Well, I want them to be in awe of me don't I? As long as I hold the power we're good. Besides, I need a husband for the throne at the end of this anyway, might as well try and reassure the boys they're all here for my affection."

Willa chuckled and shook her head, "Of course, Your Highness. I believe you're ready. As Sir Lance isn't allowed up here, I'd recommend you go and find your agreed meeting place."

Jolene nodded, "Yes, of course, thanks Willa, I'll call for you later tonight."

Jolene walked down the hall, her boots making slight thuds as her dress swished around her ankles. She walked to the first floor of the palace, and came to the end of a large hall where there was a small white table with two chairs and a candle ready to be lit in front of a giant window looking out into the gardens.

Lance was standing, looking out of the window. He was wearing a white dress shirt under a blue vest, and a black tie around his neck. He turned as Jolene approached, and she smiled at him.

"Sir Lance."

"Your Highness, how are you this evening?"

"I'm well, thank you, Sir Lance. How are you?" Jolene replied, he pulled out her seat, and Jolene couldn't help the soft smile that played at her lips. Lance then went to sit in his own seat.

"I'm doing just fine."

"How is the Selection treating you?" Jolene asked, taking a match and lighting the candle between them. She rang a small bell, and a servant came to inform them what the menu looked like.

After the servant left Lance replied, "It's alright I suppose, a lot of studying, Ian is definitely giving us a lot to study, but I guess it makes sense. I've talked to a few of the other guys, they all seem pretty relaxed and friendly."

Jolene nodded, "Good, good. I hope you gentlemen don't mind that I'm taking this rather slow, I'm not one to jump into things. I do also have many responsibilities as future monarch."

"Oh, I don't mind, but I know some of the guys seem a little anxious. But they're finding ways to occupy themselves." Lance said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyways, I can't imagine running both a Selection and getting ready to run a country."

Jolene huffed a laugh, "It's rather demanding. When I'm not thinking about you boys I'm up doing work late, and worrying about other circumstances. The Selection isn't as easy going as it seems."

"I hope you can find someone who makes it easy going though."

Jolene found herself smiling a third time, "I hope so, thank you." Jolene cleared her throat, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but- do you know which of the boys are most anxious to meet up with me?"

Lance laughed, "Well I was a bit, but I know Rustin is excited to question you for his blog, Martin always blushes when you're mentioned, I think he's got quite the crush on you. But all of us do."

Jolene blinked. She didn't think any of the guys had liked her, let alone crushed on her. "Do you?"

Lance blushed, "Y-yes, erm, I think I've always had a bit of a celebrity crush on you. But I know this is way different than just seeing your media image."

Jolene nodded, "Unfortunately I'm not all smiles and noble honor, I'm also not just wild and unruly. I like to believe there's more than me than meets the eye."

Their dinner arrived, and they began eating. Lance told Jolene about his family, how he was the middle of 5 kids, and he grew up on a farm.

"And you own your own bakery? That's quite impressive! Are you sure you'd want to leave it to be a Prince Consort?"

Lance shrugged, "For love, yeah, I think I would. Besides, I could always just open more, after all, doesn't mean the business itself has to close."

Jolene hummed, "I respect that, I'm not sure I could ever give up my ambitions for relationships. I suppose it's a flaw, but I have my visions and I want to reach them."

"Well, you are Princess, I guess a Selection is actually helping you on that path." Lance replied, setting his napkin aside, finished with his dinner.

Jolene chuckled nervously, "I must admit, it does, but my plans are all political, I have so many big ideas I can't wait to work with."

Lance nodded, smiling, "I'm sure you'll be a great Queen, you seem so kind, capable, and smart."

Jolene blushed, wanting to reject the compliments, but she just said, "Thank you. I hope I continue to be when I rule."

Soon the servant brought out an apple strudel, and Jolene ogled the treat. "Oh! This looks delicious!"

"I hope so, I made it."

Jolene looked up to Lance, "You made this? Free sample." She giggled to herself, and let Lance cut the treat. He put a slice on a plate and handed it to her. It smelled so good, little hints of cinnamon, apple of course, and a sweet glaze on top. He got a slice of his own, and waited eagerly for her to eat the food first.

Jolene laughed, and forked a piece into her mouth. The sight and smell were delicious, but the taste was heavenly! No wonder Lance had his own bakery!

"Lance! This is amazing! You have a real talent! You have to keep baking!"

"Is that an order?" Lance asked, tilting his head playfully.

Jolene sighed, "Well, no, but a friendly suggestion." She smiled, "I'm serious, If you'd be interested, I'm sure I'll need a wedding cake in the near future."

Lance perked up, "Really? That would be such an honor! Of course!"

Jolene laughed, Lance was quite sweet. Maybe she'd keep him around for a while, she'd have to see how her other dates go. She knew she probably needed another elimination after these first dates. It would be hard, but it was necessary. But for now she was determined to just enjoy her dates with these boys.


Her final date of the day was with Brent Quinten. Night swimming, although it wasn't truly night swimming if they were inside, and the entire pool was lit from the lights above. But she was willing to look past the formalities because she hadn't been swimming in so long.

She was wearing a dark green bikini with a diamond set in the middle of her top. Honestly she felt a little awkward sitting there waiting for Brent to arrive. She twirled a strand of her hair, glancing to the pool. She smiled to herself, and walked over. She dipped one foot in, then the other. She thanked whatever god was up there that the palace owned a heated pool, because she was not about to go swimming in ice water.

She slid the rest of the way in, and sighed at the warmth surrounding her. She swam backwards in a small circle, humming to herself. The door to the pool opened, and Brent walked in, smiling at seeing her already enjoying the water.

"Well, Sir Brent, good of you to finally join me. I was starting to think I'd been stood up." She teased, raising a brow.

"Sorry I'm late Your Highness, my valets couldn't seem to decide on the blue shorts or the green."

"I see they decided on the blue." Jolene noted, laughing softly.

"They did."

Jolene had to admit she thought they made the right choice. The blue swim shorts contrasted his tanned skin perfectly. His chest wasn't exactly sculpted, but he did look very good. She wondered if it was only to keep appearances, or if he genuinely liked working out.

Brent jumped into the water, sending a wave towards her. She gasped and sputtered, glaring at the water as it rippled before he re-emerged. She cupped her hands and moved them across the water, sending a mini wave in his direction. He chuckled, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"So tell me Sir Brent," she began, swimming in a circle around him. "Just how many movies have you been in?"

Brent chuckled, "Why did I think that wasn't what you were going to ask me?"

Jolene raised a brow, "What did you think I was going to ask?"

"Something boring, like my favorite color or something?" Brent replied, but shrugged, "A lot, almost 10 by now I'm sure. Though they're mostly mystery or action movies. It may sound lame, but my dream is to be in a romantic comedy."

"Huh, usually people try to move out of that category." Jolene chuckled, "But good for you.10 movies is quite the accomplishment so young." Jolene continued as they swam the length of the pool, "Besides, who needs a romantic comedy when you have the Selection?"

Brent snorted, "Exactly, it's a real life movie."

Jolene nodded, "But I suppose a romantic comedy is still yet to be discovered. So far it's just been drama and horror."

Brent tilted his head, "Surely the Selected aren't so horrible?"

"It's not just the Selected."

"Oh." They fell into a silence, and Brent took a deep breath. Jolene knew a question was coming, and she could guess which one. "Your Highness, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly did Jacob do?"

Jolene bit her cheek, she really didn't want to give him the details, but she supposed some answer was necessary. Perhaps to warn the boys for the future.

"Jacob left me in a time of need. What's worse is he didn't get help as he'd promised. He'd left me, just left me. Someone found me, so it was okay, but I could've been seriously hurt or stuck for so long."

"Stuck?"

"Not important, but take it as a warning. None of you should even consider anything like-"

"Your Highness, with all due respect, I feel as though none of the men here could ever do that. You were right to eliminate him, and I hope no one else damages themselves by hurting you again." Brent had interrupted her, but she found herself relieved at his words.

Maybe she just wanted someone to reassure her, but how was she ever supposed to trust someone here if her trust would be constantly put into question? She sighed, nodding to herself. She would need to take this slowly. No one ever said she needed to choose someone in a month or two. Perhaps she could have a longer Selection.

After all, love was built on trust, was it not? Trust took time. At least for her it did. Jolene ran her hands over her hair, flattening it. The water made it easy, and she grimaced at the thought that her hair would later be knotted. Pool water always disagreed with her hair.

"Thank you, Sir Brent." Jolene finally answered, "I suppose I've never trusted easily, and this didn't help."

Brent nodded, "I can understand that. I mean I'm usually shy, but I'm trying to be open with you."

Jolene tilted her head, "A shy actor? Well, now that's a surprise."

Brent chuckled, "I know, but we all have surprising sides to us."

Jolene swam a bit closer to him, "And what do you think my surprising side is?"

Brent grimaced, "Am I allowed to speak freely, Your Highness?"

Jolene chuckled, "I don't see why not?"

Brent sighed, "Well, I think the most surprising thing so far, is how insecure you are."

Jolene blinked. Well...she certainly wasn't expecting that answer. "I'm sorry?"

"I mean absolutely no offense, Your Highness, it's just that on television or in the media you always seem to have way above average confidence. You seem to ooze swagger and self-assurance. But in reality, you seek approval, don't you?"

Jolene let out a disbelieving laugh, "I- I mean," she stared absently at the water. It was true, wasn't it? Yes, she did have a lot of confidence in herself, but she was always worried people would call her out on something. Something she had overlooked or couldn't control. Or let alone something she could control and had picked wrongly.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, Your Highness, I know a large majority of people are always looking for approval." Brent continued, worried he'd pushed the wrong button. "I'm sorry, I can go if you want."

"No, no, I asked you a question and you answered, thank you. Being Crown Princess doesn't mean I get to pick and choose the response I get. I've at least learned that." Jolene replied, "But if that's what surprises you about me that means I'm doing a good job."

Brent nodded, but stayed silent. Jolene sighed, "Shall we swim some more? Or would you prefer to call it a night?"

Brent chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, "If you don't mind, Your Highness, I think this date is reaching the end."

Jolene nodded, "I agree, well, good night, Sir Brent, I'll see you later."

"Good night, Your Highness."


Jolene wrapped her black shawl around her shoulders as she walked down the hall. It was cold now in the marble halls of the palace. A bikini was not optimal walking attire. She heard voices around the corner and panicked a bit, wrapping shawl completely around her body. She saw her brother and a Selected turn the corner, and they froze when they saw her.

Damon's face was one of disapproval, and awkwardness, of course. But the Selected appeared amused, and his eyes traveled along her body. It made her face heat up, and she tried to cover it with a frown.

"Damon, what are you doing out this late?" She looked to the Selected, "And..?"

"Rhys Graham, Your Highness."

Yes of course. The Seven. She remembered him now, and she wasn't surprised to see him with Damon. They did have a lot in common.

"Well, Big Sis, I was just chatting with Sir Rhys here, who I might add is a fine man." Damon replied, clapping a hand on Rhys's shoulder.

Jolene looked up at her brother, grimacing, "Why are you like this?"

Rhys snorted, and placed a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh. Jolene felt strangely proud to have made the Selected laugh, but looked to Damon again.

"You weren't out were you? You know Father would kill you if he knew you were out past curfew again."

"Jo, I will never get caught, as long as you don't tattle." Damon replied, sighing.

"Curfew?" Rhys chuckled, "You guys aren't serious? You're adults, and you're royal, can't you do what you want?"

Both Jolene and Damon shot Rhys a look of disagreement. Damon sighed, "If you only knew. Our Father is a major helicopter parent. He has to know what we're doing at all times, and we're not allowed out without a whole guard. That's why I sneak out. It's ridiculous."

"It's to protect us, Damon."

"From what, Jo?"

"From rebels, or others who want to hurt us."

"The rebels are calm, and it's not like they could track us anyway with how little notice we give." Damon replied, shaking his head.

"Damon it's more than that, you don't understand what we know. Me and Father-"

"I know, you have your little secrets. I get it. Dad and I are close, and you and Father are close."

"Damon-"

"It's okay, Jo, really, go wherever you were going. Me and Rhys are still hanging out."

Jolene bit her cheek, of course he didn't understand, he never tried to. He could just ask, and he would have answers, but what did the second born ever do anyway? Christian was her father's closest advisor and trustee, but Damon would never do that for her. He's too wild, too carefree. She was on her own, as always, she supposed she always would be.

This Selection was supposed to find her a partner, but she wondered if she would. I mean, yes, she could find someone who was fun, and sweet, and caring, and adventurous. But how could she ever submit them to a life of struggle, stress, and formality? That's why she needed to find someone studious, someone who knew the importance of duty.

But how was she supposed to find that when everyone here seemed so young and lively?


Hello everyone! Thanks so much for the continued support! We've got 3 dates this chapter, yay! I'm hoping to do more dates in the next few chapters, I've got the order all planned out hehe.

Jolene has also started questioning more than just the Selection now huehuehue. She's also questioning herself! Lol, I love her.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed!