HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY GUYS!

Here's the next chapter for you!

Asteria and Isadora were created by me.

Risa was created by Angeley

Ebony was created by Fanficmonster123

Hope you enjoy and please leave a review to let me know what you think!

And I know this may seem soon but I want you to start sending me suggestions on who you want to be the Elite. I at least want ONE girl from each of the people who sent in OC's for Payton's Selection.

The Elites already chosen:

1. Eirelyn Leger created by MichaelXClaire1996 (me)

2. Vera Martinez created by Anastasia the Goddess of Drama

3. Catherine Zussledorf created by Smiley111

4. Alexandra Redmond by Fairytoto1

These girls were chosen because they are the only girls created by their respective authors. The six remaining slots for the Elite are open game for any of the OC girls. Just message me or leave a review on who you think should be an Elite.

If there is a particular girl you like and you think she should be in the Elite just message me or leave a review. Remember, look over ALL the girls, not just the ones from the newest chapters so you can meet them all before deciding who you want in the Elite.

P.S- If you already have a boy selected that you want in Sara's Elite just review or PM me for them too, same requirements as the girls. All the creators must have an OC.

Chapter 22- A Date with Royalty

Asteria POV

Asteria gaped at the Payton, her sapphire blue eyes wide with disbelief. "She slapped you?" She asked, her voice quiet even though she wanted to scream. What was wrong with that girl? "What are you going to do?"

"She's still, here isn't she?" Payton asked sheepishly, hand on the cheek she had slapped. "I told her not to tell anyone what had happened but here I am telling you. I was hoping you could help me Asteria."

At that Asteria felt her eyes widen even more, "You're asking me to help you? I thought this was a date," She smiled in amusement, "I mean you did offer me tea and sweets and we're alone."

She had to admit, she didn't think Payton would have asked her to be his second date but when he had asked her after breakfast, how could she say no? Of course, she should have immediately realized that something was off in the way both he and Eirelyn had avoided to look at each other. "I mean even though she is my best friend, we are competitors to be your wife."

She watched Payton's eyes widen as if he just realized what he said, "I'm sorry Asteria you're right. I just thought you weren't interested in marrying me."

She laughed, "You're right, I'm not." At his dumbfounded look she went on, "I wanted to meet you and I wanted Eirelyn to meet you but I have to admit that I never thought that you'd take to her so fast. What do you need help with?"

Payton kept blinking, "So you're not interested in marrying me? And you'll help me?"

"I'm in love with someone else," Asteria said softly, before continuing more eagerly, "But of course I'll help you with Eirey! What do you want to know?"

"Well, last night I asked if she was serious about the Selection, about becoming my Queen and wife. Or if…. She could ever love me." Payton admitted. "She didn't respond to any of those questions. I… also told her that I thought she could be my future Queen."

Asteria blinked before laughing, "Right after the first date? Are you crazy? Any sane girl would freak out," She paused, a soft smile forming on her face, "But I think the way she reacted is a good thing," Asteria said softly. "It means you make her feel something and she's not sure how to respond. With Eirelyn it's always better to have an overreactive response than none at all."

"So, you think that there's a chance?" Payton asked cautiously.

Asteria bit her lip and took a sip of her tea. "I do but Payton," She said giving him a gentle look, "You have to give the other girls a chance too. Think over what you really want and then get back to me. If you do want to try with Eirelyn then I'll help you. If not… then it's best if you let us both go home."

Payton nodded, "Thank you Asteria," He smiled genuinely and asked something that took her completely off guard. "If you love someone already why'd you join the Selection? Wanting to meet me doesn't seem like enough motive."

"He's already with someone else," Asteria answered looking down into her teacup. "The girl he's with is warm, sweet and understanding. She also lives away from all the glitz and glam that surrounds me. The boy I love hates the paparazzi, the invasion of his private life, just like you."

Payton chuckled, "Well if I've learned anything it's that privacy is a luxury so I can't blame him for not wanting to be in front of cameras." He finished his tea before standing up. "Thank you, Asteria."

"You're welcome Payton, remember, just let me know what you want to do about Eirey. Just if you can, please don't break her heart."

"I won't," Payton said with a smile, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Thank you for giving me your time Asteria."

"No problem Prince." Asteria said, "What are you going to do now?"

He sighed, "I have to figure out what I'm going to do about Eirelyn but at the moment, I have a few more dates to do and meetings to sort out.

Asteria smiled, "Have fun," She curtsied to him before leaving him alone. As soon as she was out of sight Asteria sighed, the smile on her lips growing. This was going to be fun.

Payton POV

Payton sighed as he looked through the folders of the Selected girls. He had already gone on dates with both Asteria and Eirelyn now who else could he go out with? What was the best thing that he could do? He was so lost in thought that he didn't even hear the knock on his door.

"Hey Payton," He jerked his head up to see Leandra standing behind him, her chocolate brown eyes curious as she peered over his shoulder at his folders. Looking for another date?"

"You know me so well," Payton smiled at her, "I am, I just don't know what to do. Who should I date next? I eliminated nine girls already and had two dates. Now I have no clue who to ask."

"Maybe you should start with the ones you aren't sure about," Leandra suggested. "That way you can just get them out of the way and spend more time with the ones you think you could fall in love with."

Payton blinked at his sister, stunned. For a fourteen-year-old, she could have some pretty good ideas. "I think that would work. There are some girls I have my doubts about."

"Then take them out on dates," Leandra said an excited smile on her face. "How were the first two by the way? Eirelyn Leger and Asteria Newsome?"

Payton chuckled warily, "They were both not what I was expecting. In both good and bad ways…."

Leandra frowned a bit at that. "Are you keeping either of them?"

Payton hesitated, honestly, he was still uncertain about Eirelyn. Should he keep her or not? He knew he made it sound like he would when speaking with Asteria but the truth was he still didn't know. Was she worth the risk? The fact that she never answered his questions made him uncertain. "I'm still thinking about it. I think I'll date a few more girls before eliminating anyone else." He finally said, looking at Leandra who had started to look impatient at his lack of an answer.

"That's a good idea, especially since the press has already talked to all the girls you eliminated. Did you read the paper?" Leandra asked, looking amused again and Payton grimaced.

He had read the paper and many of what the girls had said about him were not favorable. Apparently, there were many tears and Lady Leslie, the one who had claimed him as her future husband had blatantly stated that he had cheated on her which was ridiculous; but it made him wonder what it must be like inside her head. "Why are girls so dramatic?"

"Because there's nothing better to do," Leandra said simply, causing him to laugh. "When do you plan to have the dates?" She asked, changing the subject on him again.

"I think I'll have lunch with one, then after some paperwork, I'll take another on a stroll through the gardens. Then maybe I'll have a private dessert on the roof. That makes four dates in one day."

"That's good," Leandra said smiling. "You better hurry up then and ask the girl you want to lunch."

"Right," Payton sighed, pushing himself off his seat. First, he'd talk to the chefs and his parents so that they'd know that he wouldn't be there for lunch and then he'd get the girl he wanted to eat lunch with.

Payton stood in front of the door of the girl he'd asked for a date, hesitation in his eyes. Truthfully this was only his second date since he had gone to Asteria for advice instead. With a deep breath, he knocked on the door and waited. It seemed to take a long time before one of the maids opened it and he heard an alarmed squeak come from somewhere in the room.

The maid, Payton had no idea who she was, turned around, an anxious look on her face. "Please Lady Risa, the Prince has come to take you to lunch."

After a few more seconds Lady Risa finally appeared in the doorway and Payton had to admit that she looked nice. She was not classically beautiful like Lady Everly, Lady Adelaide, and Lady Julianne or striking like Asteria or Eirelyn. In comparison, Lady Risa had a subtle beauty that he could see in her porcelain skin and black hair and eyes.

Her maids had dressed her simply in a creamy pink dress and a matching headband that stood out in her straight midnight locks. But in this case, Payton had to applaud them; for Risa, simplicity seemed to work best.

"Are you ready Lady Risa?" Payton asked kindly, offering his hand to the shy girl. He had noticed that she was anxious and quiet.

"Y-yes Prince Payton," Lady Risa said, her hand trembling a bit in his as she took it. Together they walked through the palace halls and to the sunroom; he believed that it would be the best place to take her. Not many people would be passing through that area since it was lunch and he wanted to be somewhere where no one would bother them. He didn't want Risa more anxious than necessary.

"Did you have a good morning?" Payton asked in way of conversation, she was being so quiet and looking down at her feet. Though he didn't know if it was because she was nervous to look at him or because she kept tripping in her heels.

"Yes," Risa said, a small blush dusting her cheeks as she peaked up at him. "I'm… not used to these situations so it was hard for me at first being surrounded by so many people. Some of the girls laughed at me," She trailed off and Payton stiffened.

Who had laughed at her? Risa was she but she seemed sweet. He would have asked her who it was if he thought she remembered or rather if she was brave enough to speak out. "I'm sorry about that," He said instead as they reached the sunroom.

The regular furniture had been taken out and instead there was a good-sized, rich hardwood table with a white tablecloth, set for two and with the lunch plates set in front of each seat, a cloche set over the plates. He also took note of the cart that held the pitchers of water and juice on the top shelf and the bottom, he was willing to bet that it held coffee and tea.

With a small smile he pulled out a chair for Risa and she sat down without a word, looking down at her hands. He had barely sat down when one of the waiters who usually worked in the dining hall appeared and poured the two of them water before removing the cloches off their food; revealing lemon chicken with some green beans and rice pilaf.

"Thank you," Risa said softly, giving the waiter a rare smile.

"You're welcome Lady Risa," He said before looking at Payton, "Just ring if you need anything else, Prince Payton," He left them then and Payton couldn't help but smile. Shy as she was, Risa had instinctively acknowledged the palace staff, something he was sure some of the other Selected girls wouldn't have done.

"So," Payton said, "Some of the girls made fun of you?" He didn't want her to feel alone or unwelcome at the palace. If she was being bothered, he wanted her to tell him, even if he doubted, she'd tell him their names, even a hint of who they were would work. He already had a list of suspects in mind anyways.

Risa shook her head, "It's no problem Pri-Payton," She insisted, "I'm used to that treatment since I'm a seven. But…." A small smile appeared on her face, "Some of the nicer girls stood up for me. Elodie, Celia and Alina have been nice to me and told the other girls off."

Payton smiled, "That's good, I'm glad that you're making friends Risa," He said, taking a bite out of his meal before continuing. "How are the other Selected?"

"Okay," Risa said smiling, before pausing in cutting her chicken as a blush spread across her cheeks. "Did… you just call me Risa?"

"Is that okay?" Payton asked, "I want you to call me Payton, I'd rather have things be less formal between my selected and I."

"I like it," Risa said softly and the two of them continued to eat their lunch together until they were both almost finished and to Payton's surprise, Risa was the one who spoke up first, "What are your siblings like?" The question was blurted out like she was desperate to fill the silence

Payton paused, "Well, my younger brother is Liam, he's the second oldest and he's a goofball. He likes to pull pranks so watch out. One of his redeeming qualities is probably the fact that he's engaged to Evelyn." He paused, brows furrowing slightly, "Then there's Sara, a dreamer and someone crazy enough to have a Selection when she doesn't need to."

"Leandra is the second youngest and a diva. I mean, she means well, but sometimes I think she just gets too excited over something, she's still young. And then there's the baby of the family, Julia. Since she's still a kid, I doubt that she knows what's going on and she's so happy all the time. I wish I could be like her." He said with a sigh before finishing up his lunch. He noticed that Risa had only eaten more than half and wondered if it was okay. "Do you not like chicken?"

"Oh," Risa blushed, startled, "It's delicious Payton, it's just…. growing up a seven…. well I never really had this much food and not at this quality. It's just strange to me and I don't eat a lot. I hope I didn't offend you."

"Not at all," Payton said quickly. He had forgotten that some girls didn't have the opportunity to have what he had and he felt stupid. There were several fives, sixes, and sevens in his Selection, and he had just assumed that they had all grown up living decent lives while that wouldn't have been the case. "Do you have any siblings?" He asked, deciding to go back on topic.

Risa shook her head sadly, "No, but I've always wanted siblings. It was lonely growing up in Sota with just my mom and dad. Ever since I came here it made me want siblings more, hearing all the other girls talk about their brothers and sisters and seeing you interact with yours."

"Sometimes I think they'll give me a heart attack with their pranks or antics. But I wouldn't trade my siblings for the world," Payton agreed, smiling as he thought of them.

Risa smiled and the two of them made small talk for a few more minutes before Payton escorted Risa back to her room. Once the door was firmly closed between the two of them Payton sighed. He had enjoyed lunch with Risa but she was so quiet and he felt like she was still holding back from him. She was also really timid, and he needed a Queen that spoke up. Shy and timid was nice, but he'd have to wait and see with Risa.

He gave one more look at her door before making his way to his office, suspecting that he had work to do and he was right. He saw that he had a bundle of financial packets to do. Great. He sighed before getting to work. How did his dad do all this every single day? Within the hour, his back was sore from sitting in his chair and his eyes were blurry, the number and words mixing all together.

Tiredly, he rubbed at his eyes before glancing at the clock, shocked to see that it was already almost three. Where had the time gone? He stood up, stretching his back out and hearing a few pops as his back cracked. He had another date to do.

Payton rolled his shoulders before walking out of his office and back to the Selected wing where he knocked on the door he wanted. "Yes?" A maid opened the door, dropping into a curtsey when she saw who he was, a smile on her lips, "Your Highness,"

Payton smiled back at her, "Is Lady Isadora here?" He asked.

The maid smiled and nodded before going back into the room and a second later. Isadora appeared at the door. She was dressed in a soft, simple gray dress and her hair hung loosely along her back, but she was still pretty, her dark gray eyes studying him intensely. "Your Highness," She said curtseying to him smoothly and Payton couldn't help but be impressed, her curtsey had immensely improved since the last time that they had spoken. "What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to walk with me in the gardens?" Payton said, his smile slipping slightly when he saw her scrunch up her nose, a frown tugging at her lips.

"I'd love to," Isadora said and Payton noted that she didn't look interested at all in the prospect of walking with him.

The two of them made their way into the garden and he felt further discouraged when she barely looked at the flowers. She looked bored.

"What do you think of these Lady Isadora?" Payton asked politely, leading her to the Euphorbia flowers that he had looked at with Lady Lindsay on the day he had officially met the girls. He plucked one of the bright red flowers and offered it to Isadora.

There was a moment of hesitation, but Isadora took it, sniffing gently before her face scrunched up and she broke out into a series of sneezes.

"Bless you," Payton said offering her his handkerchief which she took gratefully. "Are you not a fan of the garden?"

Isadora immediately shook her head, "I have nothing against nature but I enjoy running or sports much more."

"I see," Payton said, making sure he remembered that, "How do you like Angeles?" He asked changing the subject.

"It's okay," Isadora said shrugging her shoulders, "I mean, the palace has so much and everything is so extravagant which I think is a waste of money,"

"What do you mean?" Payton asked, his own frown on his face.

"I mean, my family struggles from time to time financially and I can't help but think you waste it on unnecessary things. The money you spend on new dresses or decorations or even the Selection could go to the people." Isadora said.

Payton felt guilt at her words. He supposed that she was right and sometimes he did forget that the lower caste didn't have as much as his family did, despite the efforts of his dad and mom.

"We do the best we can," He said weakly, "And I mean, there are charities that give to families in need."

Isadora frowned at him, "Well you can have all the charities in the world but sometimes it's not enough. And have you ever thought that some families don't want to be seen as a charity case? Most people want to be able to take care of their families on their own."

"What do you think we should do then?" Payton asked, he thought that this was a horrible topic to be on, especially after he had read so many different budget and financial reports just before this date.

"If I were Queen," Isadora began and it made Payton shift uncomfortably. "I would give more money to the people and take away from the things we don't need. I'd also get rid of all the glitter and glitz in the palace because we wouldn't need it. I wouldn't let the rich horde everything for themselves, that's pretty selfish. The rich only think that they're doing good while they're only making things worse." She said all this while directly staring into his eyes and Payton couldn't help but bristle at her words. She was making his family sound superficial and self-absorbed.

"It's not as simple as taking money from something and putting it in something else," Payton said, "If that's what you really think about my family, why'd you enter the Selection?"

"Because my family needs money," Isadora said truthfully, "And I wanted to give this a chance, but since my time here I've seen such extravagance and I have no idea where you get the money from, especially since you have two Selections going on. I've also seen so many stuck-up, self-absorbed people in this Selection."

"It's only been a few days," Payton said annoyed, "How can you already be judging this process?"

"Because it's stupid," Isadora said boldly, before pulling away from Payton, "If you don't mind, Your Highness, I'd like to head back to my room. I think I was allergic to that flower."

"Go ahead, I hope you feel better Lady Isadora," Payton said flatly. She curtseyed to him once more before leaving him in the gardens.

Payton sighed and rolled his shoulders. He was tense and stressed, his date with Lady Isadora hadn't gone anywhere as good as he had hoped. He had definitely not expected to get into a debate about money and how his family should spend it. She did make a few good points though. And it was one of the things he wanted to fix when he was King. He would make sure that the poor had more funding, he already had some projects on his desk was a shelter for the homeless.

Other than that, this wreck of a date solidified Payton's idea about Isadora, even if she didn't go off on him about how his family wasted money, he didn't think that they were compatible. His heart didn't speed up when he talked to her and he wasn't nervous at all. He just hoped that she didn't go off on him when he told her that she was going home.

"Rough day?" Payton jumped at the soft voice behind him and turned to see Lady Everly standing behind him. She was dressed in a cotton blue dress that hugged her body nicely, her light blonde hair coiled up into a chignon and her pale blue eyes seemed to glow as she looked at him.

"It could be better," Payton admitted, seeing the blush form on Everly's cheek as she gazed at him and he smiled. "How are you, Lady Everly?"

"I'm okay," Everly said smiling at him and he couldn't help but think about how pretty she was, "It's just been a long day in the Women's room."

"I've heard that some of the girls are snooty," Payton said smiling back at her. "Is that why you came out here?"

"I just needed some fresh air," Everly said fiddling with something in her hands and that's when Payton noticed the folded papers in her hands.

She followed his gaze and she blushed a bit, "I'm a teaching assistant for Kindergarten," She said sheepishly, "Before I left Atlin, we were working on how to do traditional origamis."

"Can I see?" Payton asked curiously. Most people didn't know it, but he had an interest in the arts.

"Of course," Everly said, holding out the origami for him to see, there were three altogether. One was a traditional Japanese crane, a second was an intricate rose and the last….

"Is that a dragon?" Payton asked impressed, brows rising in surprise as he saw the last one. It was intricate and looked like it was crafted delicately. "It's beautiful. I wish I could do that."

Everly blushed, looking pleased with herself, "You can have it if you want." She said, her smile growing as he took the offered origami dragon.

"Thank you," Payton said, he really did appreciate the gesture, "No one's ever just given me anything…." He looked closer at it, studying the folds and trying to figure out how she did it. He had always admired the skill it took to do origami but he honestly never was able to fold the paper properly.

"I can show you how to do it," Everly said eagerly, pale blue eyes glowing as she noted his interest.

"I'd like that," Payton said, his smile softening. This really was not where his date with Isadora would lead but he couldn't complain. "Would you say at about one?"

"I'm free," Everly said happily, she curtsied to him, "I will see you tomorrow Payton," She said, turning to leave and Payton chuckled when he noticed an extra skip to her step. He couldn't wait until tomorrow either.

Edward POV

Edward sighed as he lounged in his room, he didn't feel like interacting with the lower, poorer contestants and he didn't feel like interacting with the rich boys either. None of them caught his interest. He was better than all of them together. Only the Princess mattered to him. It was a shame that she wasn't paying much attention to him at the moment. He knew that she had been on dates, but unfortunately, they had all been with the lower caste males. It was happening so much that he was seriously worried that there was something wrong with her. Didn't she see what she was missing out on?

He sighed again if she didn't come to him, he guessed that he could always go find her. He played around with the idea in his head for a bit more before nodding to himself. It wasn't like he had anything better to do anyway.

Without a word to his butler, Edward shrugged on the dark charcoal suit jacket that his butler, Franklin had given him and walked out of his room. He wondered around the palace grounds without any destination and fortune was on his side because it couldn't have been a few minutes later that he ran into Sara and even better, she was talking to Princess Evelyn.

"Princess," He called, raising his voice to be heard. He smirked when Princess Sara's intense blue eyes went to him and he knew that she liked what she saw, who wouldn't? He was blonde, tan and had nice blue eyes. He also knew that the suit that he wore fit him like a dime. "I've been looking everywhere for you. Feel like a date?"

"That's strange," Sara's voice was full of sarcasm and he frowned at her tone. "I thought I was the one who was supposed to ask you out, being the Princess and all."

Edward offered her a smile, "Wouldn't you prefer a man who takes initiative?" He then turned to the English Princess, Prince Liam's fiancée. "Princess Evelyn," He said, bowing as politely as he could. She was pretty with nice blonde hair and bright brown eyes. He also noticed that she didn't look that impressed with him.

"That's true," Edward said, nodding, "But you've already been on dates with some other men, and all of them are the lower caste. Are you saving the best for last or something?"

"Maybe I just want a date with men who aren't full of themselves," Sara shot back, annoyance in her blue eyes and he smirked back at her, even though he could feel his own ire stir inside him.

"Sounds boring," He said with a shrug, "So how about that date?"

"I'll think about it. Now if you have nothing better to do, I'm going to ask that you either return to your room or the Men's lounge." Sara said.

Edward felt annoyance fill him at her dismissive nature but held his temper. "As you wish, Princess," He bowed stiffly to her and Princess Evelyn before turning on his heels and marching away.

"He's an interesting one," He heard Princess Evelyn say behind his back.

"More like a prick," Sara said dismissively and Edward clenched his teeth. "I can't stand guys like that," Edward didn't hear what was said next but he felt that it was nothing good. Why couldn't the Princess just accept him?

He was about to go back to his room when he heard a conversation from around the corner, it sounded like some of the other male Selected so he did the only thing he could think of. He stopped and hid in a corner, just out of sight. Maybe he would hear something that would work to his advantage to win Sara's Selection.

"-I'm just saying," A male voice said, "The palace is amazing, Princess Sara is so nice and the money that my family is receiving is definitely a bonus."

"Are you only here for money John?" A new voice asked.

"Of course, I'm not Conner, but it is a bonus," John said. "What do you think Zaire?"

Edward frowned when it took a moment for Zaire to answer, "I think the money is great. I'm like you John, I'm a six with not enough money to feed my family, so of course, the money helps, but I'm more grateful for the chance to date Princess Sara."

"The money is definitely one of the most important things for me," John said, some regret in his voice, "I come from a big family, and the money I get from this Selection is feeding them. At least I know that my family won't go to sleep hungry and that they'll get to eat at least two meals a day instead of none at all like we did sometimes." John said.

Edward frowned at that. John's family didn't have enough to eat? He knew that sixes were poor but he was sure that they'd always have food. It couldn't be that tough right?

"The money I have is going to my daughter," Conner said, "I want her to be able to go to college and make a good life for herself. I'm also hoping that my being here makes things easier for her. I hate how people look at her since she was born out of wedlock, some twos and even threes look at her like she's not even human just because her mom and I aren't married."

"Twos are pompous asses," Zaire agreed and that alone almost made Edward jump out of his hiding spot and yell at them but he stilled himself. He was getting a lot of good information from his fellow contestants to use against them. "Most twos I've met act like everyone else is below them and that all we're good for is to clean their shoes and serve them."

It's the truth. Edward thought to himself. "they don't realize that sixes, sevens, eights, and even some fives go to bed hungry because we can't afford to buy food to feed our families. They don't know how hard we work for them without thanks just to get some money," Zaire continued. "It sucks and I hate it."

The conversation continued on to useless things and Edward quietly walked away deep in thought. He now had ammunition against those guys but he also thought about everything he heard. There was no way that it was all true right? Surely things couldn't be that bad for the lower caste; there would be riots on the streets by everyday people! Not just attacks by rebels.

Edward quickly shook his head, he couldn't think about that. He had a Princess to date and a crown and title to win. And nothing would stop him.

Payton POV

"So," Payton said, looking at the girl who sat across from him, "What do you think of the desert?"

Lady Ebony gave a noncommittal "hmmm" sound as she ran her fork through a piece of a chocolate mousse cake. "No offense Prince Payton, but I think the hotel my family owns makes a better cake."

Payton choked a bit, and Ebony laughed, "Is that right?" He asked, taking a gulp of water.

Ebony nodded confidently. "My family owns a bunch of hotels in Sumner and I've always helped in the kitchens. Honestly, I want to open my own restaurant someday."

"I'd love to taste your food myself," Payton said smiling. "I don't doubt that you can make something better,"

Ebony laughed and the sound sent warmth through him. Honestly, Payton wasn't sure about Ebony when he first met her, but the girl was quickly changing his opinion on her. She was fun, loud and confident. She was also extremely pretty with smooth, golden tan skin, copper brown hair that was curled into ringlets and rich dark brown eyes. The shimmery bronze-colored dress she wore also accented her slim curves.

"We should cook together and then you can try it." Ebony suggested, "I think it would be fun."

"I've never cooked before," Payton said nervously, already imaging the inferno that could form in the kitchen if he was near a stove or oven.

"It's never too late to learn. You can also be a judge," Ebony said excitedly.

"Judge?" Payton asked in confusion.

Ebony nodded, a large smile appearing on her face. "Yeah, one of the other girls here, Alyssa is also a cook. We want to have a cooking competition one day to compare our skills."

Payton didn't respond at first, thinking. Was he allowed to have group dates? He couldn't remember his dad mentioning any that he had done during his Selection. There were events where all the girls had to make an appearance but never group dates. "It sounds fun," He finally said, "We can try it, just let me check the calendar."

"We can do it tomorrow," Ebony suggested, "I can even plan it!" At that, she clapped her hands together, excitement in her eyes.

Payton shook his head, "I can't tomorrow, I have meetings with my dad and his council as well as other dates."

Ebony nodded though she seemed a little down. "That makes sense," She paused, "So how have your other dates been?"

"They've all had mixed results," Payton said, running a hand through his hair. He felt so tired. Why was he dating so many girls again? "This is one of the better ones."

He noticed Ebony look relieved at that and they went on to talk about lighter subjects such as her family's hotel and her parents, friends and siblings until it was time for him to escort her to her room at the end of the night.

"Well Chef Ebony," Payton began, a smile on his lips. "I can't wait to taste your food. I'm sure I won't be disappointed."

"You better vote in my favor at the cooking competition," Ebony teased, a happy smile on her lips before she closed the door between them.

Payton smiled as he made his way back to his room on the third floor, all in all, today hadn't been the worst day. He knew some of the girls that he'd be eliminating in the second round so that was good, but he still had a few more dates to do before he could really decide.

Payton had just loosened his tie when a voice interrupted him, "So, how did your dates go today?" Payton turned to see Liam leaning against his door, a small smirk on his mouth.

"Okay," Payton said cautiously, "There are still some girls I need to know before I do another elimination but they all went okay. I'm exhausted though."

"You're doing better than Sara. Some of the more… self-assured men approached her for dates and she turned them down. It even happened once in front of Evelyn." Liam laughed.

"That's not the rules," Payton said frowning. "Do we have to talk to them again?"

"No," Liam shook his head, "Sara wants to do things on her own so unless they get really aggressive, I say we leave it to her. She's been putting them in their places so far."

Payton nodded, "Did you need something?" He asked as he started to unbutton his shirt. He really was tired and he really wanted to sleep.

"For you to stop undressing," Liam said sarcastically. "I'm not a girl so I don't want to see you undress. You're burning my eyes, you're not as good looking as you think."

"You just don't want to admit that I do look better." Payton shot back, grinning, "But seriously get out. I have to get up early tomorrow."

"Sure Princess," Liam rolled his eyes, "I'll let you get your beauty sleep, we don't want to horrify the girls if you look like the Grinch tomorrow." Then without any reason at all, he sent a rude hand gesture towards Payton before ambling towards his own room, causing Payton to scoff as he shook his head.

This Selection was going to be way more troublesome than he had originally thought, but he had a feeling that in the end, it would all be worth it. He'd find the One.

Again please review and let me know what you think!

Who do you think will get eliminated? I promise the next chapter will have more Princess Sara and her selected.

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 23. Good Dates, Bad Dates