Here's the next chapter for you!

Raleigh, Adelaide, and Everly were created by Cookiedoodles168

Elle was created by Fanficmonster123

Eirelyn was created by me.

Please enjoy and review to tell me what you think! It's a pretty long chapter and almost all of it in Payton's POV!

Remember to leave a review!

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 (Payton):

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

The Elites already chosen (Sara):

1. Victor created by Anastasia the Goddess of drama

2. Greyson Marcus Goldberg created by Fairytoto1

These girls and boys were chosen because they are the only girls created by their respective authors. The six remaining slots for the Payton's 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, the same rules apply for Sara.

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.

Chapter 23- Good Dates, Bad Dates

Payton POV

"I hate this," Payton moaned, looking at his personal valet, Anderson. Anderson was only a few years older than him with a strong build, tousled sandy brown hair and blue eyes and truth be told, he was more a friend than anything. "How am I supposed to find my wife? I've already eliminated nine girls and have one in the soon-to-be eliminated pile."

"Who would that be?" Anderson asked curiously, tying his tie into an infinity knot instead of a regular one.

"Isadora Spritz from Hansport," He said already feeling a bit guilty. "I just don't feel anything with her." He said. And she kind of scared him, but there was no way he'd admit that to Anderson.

"That's nothing to be ashamed of Your Highness," Anderson said calmly, holding up his dark charcoal gray jacket for him. "You're not eliminating them yet and you have to choose the girls that you think you connect with." He smirked lightly then, "However, there will be no connecting with girls if you're late to breakfast."

Payton looked at the clock and saw that it was almost nine. Anderson was right, if he was late for breakfast his mom would kill him. "Hopefully I'll be back tonight," He said, hurrying out of his room and into the dining area. Most of the girls were already there as was most of his family.

The girls and men stood at his entrance, bowing or curtseying to him as he passed. He didn't really pay them any attention, he just nodded as a sign for them to sit back down and finish their breakfast.

"You're late," Kriss said, a frown of disapproval on her face. "You shouldn't keep the girls waiting."

Ah, yes, the girls, how could he possibly forget about the new constants in his life. Payton made sure to pour himself rich black coffee and load his plate with scrambled eggs, toast and bacon before he even looked up at the girls. He was relieved that most of the girls had gotten used to palace life and weren't staring at him like the days before and actually eating. His eyes landed on a now-familiar head of dark red curls and for a moment he met those pretty bright emerald green eyes before she looked back down at her plate, blushing and he couldn't stop the small smile from forming on his face. Part of him wanted to offer another date to her, but he knew that it would put an even larger target on her back, so for the moment he just ate quietly, blocking out the hum of low conversation as he ate.

It wasn't until he was almost finished that he spoke to his dad, "Did you need me for anything today?" He asked.

"Well, you're free until eleven, that's when my council is meeting today and I had some reports delivered to your office last night," Maxon said, a smile appearing on his face when Payton scowled. If there was one thing he hated doing, it was financial reports. "In your free time, I suggest that you offer dates to girls you haven't gone out with yet. Make sure you don't miss any, you don't accidentally want to send your future wife home," He joked.

"Did that happen to you?" Payton asked curiously, but he kept his voice low so the girls and men wouldn't hear.

His dad hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No. Just remember, laziness breeds unhappiness." He then stood up, causing every single head in the room to turn towards him. "Ladies, Gentlemen, I hope you have a wonderful day today." He said before leaving the room.

"Lady Raleigh, please meet me in the library when you've finished breakfast." He said, eyes moving to the girl with dark brown almost black hair. He saw her almost choke on her juice before she quickly wiped at her mouth, her cheeks reddening as she met his eyes and nodded.

Payton then stood up, kissing his mother on the cheek and ruffling Leandra's hair playfully before leaving the dining hall. He had barely made it out when whispers started up again and he was barely down the hall when the clacking of heels caught his ears. He stopped and turned to see Sara marching after him, a frown on her face. "What is it?" He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Haven't you learned anything?" Sara asked, narrowing her blue eyes at him. "You shouldn't ask a girl out in front of others. More than half the girls are glaring at Lady Raleigh now and you should have heard the horrible things they said to Lady Eirelyn."

"They bad-mouthed her?" Payton asked, brows rising, he certainly hadn't heard about that. Asteria hadn't said anything and of course, he hadn't talked to Eirelyn after their date.

"Of course, they did! What did you think would happen with the Prince asking a girl out to a first date in front of everyone?" Sara demanded. She shook her head at him, "Just remember to be a bit more careful next time, girls are vicious."

"I'll remember," Payton said, but he didn't sound very committed, "I better get to the library and meet her," He left his sister in the hall, worry filling his thoughts at her words. Was he really causing unintentional malice with the girls? He hoped not.

He reached the library in record time, looking up at the rows and rows of books before setting up the events of his date with Lady Raleigh. He had remembered what she told him when they first told him about a game that she liked to play and he had wondered if she was any good.

"Payton?" He glanced up to see Raleigh standing uncertainly at the door to the Grand Library, her deep dark blue eyes taking in the shelves of books, a look of apprehension on her face. "please tell me you didn't plan a reading session," She said, sounding as if she was only half-joking.

Payton smiled back, "Of course not, but I do have something planned that I think you may enjoy," He straightened up, fully turning to her and in the process, revealing the game that he had set up.

Immediately Raleigh's eyes brightened and a smile broke out across her face. "You want to play chess?!" She asked excitedly.

"Only if you're game," Payton said, pulling out a chair at the table for her and she immediately sat down, practically shaking with excitement.

"Just don't complain about losing to a girl," Raleigh said lightly, but he saw the challenging look in her eyes and he couldn't help but grin widely.

"Please," Payton said, taking the seat opposite her, "I don't plan on losing."

Raleigh laughed and then their game began and he allowed her to make the first move. He was sure that he could beat her and they were so absorbed in the chess game that he barely took note on the time.

Both of them were concentrating hard and before he knew it, Raleigh had completely wiped the floor with him. She won faster than he could imagine. "You're good at this game," Payton said, smiling at her.

Raleigh blinked, the focus going from her eyes as she smiled at him, a blush on her cheeks. "Thanks. I've always loved chess, it kind of reminds me of ballet. You need to be thoughtful in both, and there is a precision in both that calms me down."

Payton smiled, "I remember you saying that you were a ballet dancer, but that you hurt your leg." He looked softly at her, a gentle understanding in his eyes.

"I loved ballet," Raleigh said, "Getting to move in such a way and so elegantly. It made me feel like I was dancing on air." Her happiness quickly melted away to be replaced with bitterness and indescribable sadness. "I can't dance as I did before. Even if my leg heals, I'll never be as good as I was."

"But you can still dance," Payton pointed out, "Doesn't that count for something?"

Raleigh's brows furrowed, "If I can't be the best that I can be, then what's the point?" She asked, self-anger in her voice. "There's no point in dancing."

Payton stayed quiet, a thoughtful look on his face, he had planned something else for his date with Raleigh, but now he was a bit more apprehensive to offer it to her. He almost decided not to do the second part of the date, but then he thought about the sad puppy eyes that would be directed towards him if his plans fell through and he sighed. "Would you come somewhere with me?" He asked, taking Raleigh by surprise when he stood up and offered his hand to her.

"I'd love to," She said, blinking for a moment before taking his offered hand and rising to her feet.

The two of them made their way out of the library, only stopping when Payton stopped a maid in the hallway, holding out a folded piece of paper to her, a serious look on his face as he leaned in close to her so that Raleigh couldn't hear their conversation. It ended when the maid nodded her head, taking the paper from Payton and hurrying on her way.

"What was that about?" Raleigh asked curiously.

"You'll see," Payton said, a bright smile on his lips as he led her through the palace and down a series of hallways. They went past the indoor movie theater and at the end of the hall, there was a red door, trimmed with gold and it looked fairly new. "Keep an open mind," He told her calmly before pushing the door open and opening the light.

Immediately he felt Raleigh stiffen, her grip on his arm tightening momentarily before she took hesitant steps into the room that he had revealed, a look of awe and disbelief on her face as she looked around.

"Is this…. A ballet studio?" Raleigh asked, looking from the wall made out of mirrors to the ballet bars with the white rails and sleek, polished hardwood floors. "Why do you have a ballet studio?" Raleigh turned back to him.

"Julie's been begging my parents to learn ballet for a while now," Payton began, "They consented a few months ago so they built this mini studio for her, completely brand new…. But she doesn't have a teacher." Payton explained.

Raleigh couldn't believe what she was hearing, "You want… me to teach her?" She asked in disbelief. "Payton, I was injured dancing. I can barely dance myself! I'm the worst possible teacher for a Princess of Illéa!" She said, her voice rising as she began to panic.

"I think that you're the best teacher that she could have," Payton countered, "You're kind and hard-working. I believe that you can do it, you just have to think you can too,"

Raleigh stared at him stunned, clearly unable to believe what he was saying, her mouth opening and closing multiple times as if trying to say something but nothing was coming out. "I-" She finally was about to get out when a happy, cheery voice interrupted her.

Payton turned to see Julia rush into the ballet study, honey blonde hair pulled into braids and her sugar brown eyes glowing with excitement. "Wow! Payton is this really for me?!" She asked, looking around, bouncing up and down on her feet. "Is she my instructor?!"

Payton was about to speak but a new voice cut in, "Calm down Jelly Bee, Lady Raleigh looks a bit overwhelmed." He turned in surprise to see Liam and Evelyn enter the studio too and separately. Usually, Liam had his arms tightly around the English Princess but there was a clear distance between them. "What are you guys doing here?"

Liam shrugged, "We were with Julie when she got your message, "His eyes went to Raleigh who froze. "Are you teaching her?"

"I…" Raleigh looked at Payton helplessly and he gave her an encouraging smile. "I injured my leg, I'm not as good as I was before."

"That shouldn't stop you," Payton was surprised when Liam spoke up, "I think you should teach Jelly Bee. You'll get stronger as you teach her. Besides, you can't say you're not good if you don't even try."

"I don't have the right uniform or slippers," Raleigh said weakly, but she knew it was a weak argument and frankly so did Payton.

"We can get you what you need," Payton said quickly, feeling pleased with himself, he could tell by Raleigh's face that she was about to give in.

Raleigh looked desperate to look for an excuse, "Am I really suitable to teach a Princess though? There has to be someone more qualified, I'm a six,"

"But Lady Raleigh," Julia spoke up, looking at the girl with the dreaded puppy eyes that Payton knew would appear. "I want you to be my teacher. You're so pretty and graceful. I want you to teach me."

Payton grinned at that, there was no way that Raleigh would deny Julia now. No one could say no to those puppy eyes and he really did think it would be good for Raleigh in the long run.

"Did you plan this?" Liam asked, scooting closer to Payton as Evelyn went to join Julia in convincing Raleigh to teach the younger Princess.

"I thought it would be a good idea," Payton said, "More importantly," He said, turning to Liam with curious eyes, "What's wrong with you and Evelyn? You guys usually have your hands all over each other. I can't even look at you two without catching you kissing or cuddling. You always have your arms around each other and before we barely see you guys apart. But now, I don't think I've seen you kiss once. I've also seen you guys alone more than together this visit. What's happening?"

As Payton spoke, he noticed Liam gradually stiffen, his jaw tightening at his continued questions. "It's fine," Liam said and Payton could tell he was lying. "Evelyn just has things she's dealing with back at home. Personal things Payton, that I don't feel like telling you."

Payton's eyes widened at the harsh and defensive tone that Liam used with him. He wasn't like this so Payton knew that what was happening between Evelyn and Liam had to be pretty bad. "Okay," He said, shrugging. He wasn't going to dig with Julie and Raleigh in hearing distance.

His attention went back to his date when she made her way over to him, a small blush on her cheeks, but he noticed that she seemed to walk straighter and there even was a small smile on her lips. "So, what's the verdict?" He asked, glancing between her and his baby sister.

"I'll teach her," Raleigh said causing Payton to smile.

"Good, I was hoping you'd decide that," He glanced at his watch, wincing, he had thirty more minutes before his meeting with his dad and the council; where had the time gone? "I'm afraid I have a meeting to attend, Raleigh, can I escort you back to your room?"

"I'd like that," Raleigh said, her smile growing as she took his offered hand. "It was nice talking to you Princess Evelyn, and especially you, Princess Julia," Raleigh said, curtsying to the both of them.

Evelyn smiled, "You as well Raleigh, I look forward to watching your lessons."

Raleigh nodded and Payton led her out of the room, "Is she going to be watching your lessons?"

"Yes," She said, "She wanted to see Princess Julia learn," She frowned a bit, "Is something the matter with Prince Liam and Princess Evelyn?"

Payton forced a laugh, "Don't worry about it," He said, uncomfortable that Raleigh had been able to notice something was wrong after just meeting them, "They may be a Prince and Princess, but they still have their fights."

"If you say so," Raleigh said sounding unsure as they reached her room. She faced Payton and curtseyed, "Thank you, I had a good time."

"I did too," Payton said honestly, he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her knuckles. "Enjoy the rest of your day Lady Raleigh."

"You too," Raleigh said, watching him leave with a giant smile on her face and honestly, Payton had the same smile. It had been the best date he had ever since the Selection had started. She hadn't slapped him, he hadn't sought her out for advice and she hadn't lectured him about the nation's financial status or money. He could only hope that the rest of his dates were smooth sailing.

The smile was still on his face when he entered the board room, but it quickly slipped when he saw the tense look on his Dad's face. He looked stressed and seemed to have aged years since breakfast. "What happened?" He asked immediately, going into what Liam had jokingly called his "Prince mode", the serious persona he took on when dealing with affairs of the State and his people.

"The rebels have burned down some crops in Dominica and they left two decimated families in their wake," The answer didn't come from his Dad, but instead it came from August Illéa, the descendant of Gregory and Spencer Illéa who answered. He used to be the leader of the Northern Rebels, but upon his Mom's marriage to his Dad, the Northern Rebels dispelled. In part because his Mom had actually been a northern rebel in her youth and because August supported Maxon as King, seeing that he was different than his father and all those who came before him.

It also wasn't a secret that August's family had a claim, maybe an even better one, since they were Gregory Illéa's direct descendants to the crown that Maxon wore but August had continuously assured Payton and his dad that he didn't want the crown, all he wanted was equality for the people and for Illéa to prosper; saying that he wasn't fit to be a King. It was a shame that his son didn't follow the same thought. It was clear to anyone that paid enough attention that Marid Illéa wanted to be King.

Lastly, it was also strange to see him in the palace, in council meetings with his dad since he'd left the palace five years ago. Even though he had been appointed Lord Chancellor to King Maxon a mixture of frustration that the caste hadn't been removed and King Clarkson's malice had motivated him to leave his position and the palace, taking his family with him. Payton had clear memories of Maxon trying to convince August to stay, but the man had been adamant about leaving since the change he had fought so hard for was a slow process.

While he had been genuinely sad to see August and his wife, Georgia go, he was filled with relief that Marid had been forced to go as well.

"Payton?" He was brought out of his thoughts when Maxon spoke his name and he immediately noticed everyone else in the room looking at him expectantly, causing him to speak the first thoughts that came to his mind.

"Are we giving compensation to the crops burned? Are we sending our condolences to the families of the deceased?" Payton asked.

"Of course, we are," The current Prime Minister and his Aunt said. Lady Brice Mannor was King Clarkson's illegitimate daughter from an affair and when his dad had found out, he had Brice taken away from her mother to keep her near him and to protect her. Now she was his Prime Minister and frankly, a really awesome aunt. She was also very lovely and petite with the same blonde hair as Maxon, but instead of the chocolate brown eyes that his dad had, her eyes were blue like Sara's. "We're also sending guards after the rebels and have guards moving to try and intercept them. Fortunately for us, August is lending some of his men to help us." There was a tone in Lady Brice's voice that made it clear that she was not pleased with the fact that August had a handful of men loyal to him.

August nodded, noting her tone. "They were former northern rebels under my command," He said looking to Maxon and Payton, "They should be able to help your guards find routes the rebels may have taken, especially the ones only a few rebels may know,"

Maxon nodded, some of the stress leaving his features, "Beyond that, there's also the trade agreement we made with New Asia all those years back. Their trying to change the terms of our agreement."

"I read the reports you sent me," Payton nodded, "The trade agreement needs to be renewed and they think that they can change the deal," He felt annoyance run through him, the new terms greatly benefitted New Asia, while Illéa would lose many former resources. "It's a power play. They know that I'm having my Selection now and that means I'll ascend to the throne in the next year or so. They think with a change of ruler and change of Great Officers of State, that Illéa will be vulnerable for a time." He hated that they thought he was weak. It was clear that New Asia at least thought he wouldn't be as good a King as his Dad.

Maxon looked at him, a look of pride on his face. "That's correct and that's why we'll show them how wrong they are. The trade agreement isn't until a few months, so we have time to plan a counter-agreement."

There was a lull in the discussion and for a moment Payton thought that council would just end earlier, but then the foreign affairs advisor spoke up, a nervous look in his dark eyes, "Your Majesty, there is talk about Princess Sara's Selection overseas,"

"What about?" Maxon asked, a hard look on his face.

"Well, some leaders of the other nations feel as if they've been cheated," The advisor, Payton thought his name was Cormack said, "Usually a younger child of a King, especially a daughter would be married to a noble or royal of another country. They think that by allowing Princess Sara to have a Selection isn't right because it takes away their chances to have an alliance with Illéa."

Lady Brice scoffed, crossing her arms as she glared at Cormack. "If they want an alliance with Illéa then there are more ways than just marriage,"

"But marriage is the easiest way," Cormack shot back insistently. "Your Majesty, I urge you to end Princess Sara's Selection. Issue an apology to the male selected and their families."

"No," Maxon said, looking at Cormack harshly. "We already have the selected men here. More importantly, we'd lose the trust of the people if we were to end the Selection for Sara now."

"But-" Cormack tried again, but this time Payton interrupted him, leaving no room for further arguments.

"My Father has given you his decision. Sara wants this Selection because she's hoping she'll find the man she's supposed to fall in love with, and I want Sara to be happy, instead of shipping her out of Illéa to marry someone she doesn't love. Besides, you Sara marries has absolutely nothing to do with you because you're not family, so she's none of your concern. Worry more about this royal family than ones outside of our country."

No one said anything after that and a moment later Maxon dismissed his council, announcing that they'd meet again in a few weeks. "Payton, you did well today," He said as they exited the board room together.

"Thanks," Payton said, smiling sheepishly. "You don't think I overdid it when it came to Sara do you?"

"I think you defended her choice wonderfully," Maxon said, an amused light in his eyes, "But Payton, Cormack is the foreign affairs advisor. It's his job to worry about what the people in foreign countries think, especially royalty."

Payton mentally face-palmed at that. Of course, he would tell a guy off for doing his job. "Anything else?" He asked.

"Not at the moment, just remember you still have reports and other work that you need to do as well as make time for dates." There was a pause and Payton knew what his Dad was about to ask next. "Speaking of dates, do you have any more planned today?"

Payton nodded, "I'm meeting with Lady Everly at one and scheduled a movie viewing with Lady Elle around 3:30 and then a moonlit stroll with Lady Adelaide."

"Do you have any girls that you plan on eliminating?" Maxon asked.

Payton shook his head, "Well, there is one… but that's all," He was about to continue speaking when a voice cut him off and he turned to see that August had joined them.

"It's only been a few days, Maxon," August grinned, "Give him some time to know these girls. Didn't he already eliminate nine on the first day?"

Payton looked down, slightly embarrassed. Did August think it was too soon? He felt a hand clasp onto his shoulder and saw the older man give him a reassuring look. "I'm not trying to criticize you, it's better to realize that you have no connection than trying to find one," a small smile formed on his face as he continued, "So you have a date at one? Do you have time to eat lunch with two old men beforehand?"

He looked at his watch and saw that it was 12:15, the council meeting had ended ridiculously fast this time around, but he thanked his lucky stars, it meant he had time to eat and wouldn't be late for his date. "Just a quick one,"

Maxon stopped maid passing by, telling her to get three lunch plates up to his office before the three men quickly made their way to Maxon's office and a few minutes later, some maids and staff set up a quick table to set their plates on.

"So," August said casually, starting up the conversation, "Which girl is the lead runner?"

Payton almost spat out the sandwich he had just taken a bite out of, "It's only been a few days!" He said, repeating August's own words back at him.

August laughed, "Yeah. Are you ready for the Report tomorrow?"

"If there are certain girls you want to be interviewed you can just tell Raquelle. That way some girl won't speak out against you," Maxon suggested.

"I haven't even had time to spend with half the girls," Payton said, "How can they have something bad to say about me?"

"Because you haven't spent time with them," Maxon said simply. "I think you'll learn quickly how petty some girls can be when you've done absolutely nothing wrong."

After that Payton didn't say anything else and just listened to August and Maxon speak about simple subject matters. When it was ten minutes to one, he excused himself had made his way to Everly's room.

He knocked on the door and one of her maids opened it a second later with Everly close behind. He smiled at what she chose to wear today. The dress was sky blue with thin spaghetti straps and a floral design, the skirt stopping just below her knees and paired with the dress were tan colored pumps and a white headband with flowers on it; her light blonde hair was set to freely flow down her back in gentle waves.

It took a moment for Payton to realize that he was staring. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," Everly said smiling sweetly at him and he swore his heart skipped a beat. "I brought the origami paper and everything." She held up the small square papers for him to look and he even saw a sleek looking instruction manual there as well.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Payton said, feeling heat go through him as she took his offered hand. He led her through the halls and to the backyard patio and to a table that was shielded against the sun by an umbrella.

Everly sat down gracefully when he pulled out the chair for her and immediately set up the origami papers while he settled into a chair himself. "What do you want to learn?" Everly asked, looking at him with kind patient eyes.

"Let's start with a crane," Payton said after a moment, the dragon she had given him yesterday had looked neat but he didn't think he'd be able to fold that.

"Okay," Everly said, giving him one of the square decorated papers while she took one herself. "So, first, you want to start by folding it like this," She started to fold her piece of paper carefully before shifting it and folding again.

Payton paid attention to what she was doing and folded as carefully as he could, but he could already tell that something was wrong with his. His paper seemed to be folded into a thinner piece than Everly's but he didn't say anything in case she thought he was a fool.

"Then go like this," Everly instructed, focusing on her own piece of paper as she flipped the designed piece of paper onto the other side and fold it in such a way that the corners were aligned.

Payton tried to follow what she did but no matter how many times he tried, he couldn't align the corners in any way. By the time Everly looked up at him, his paper was creased all over and there was even a rip in one corner. "I guess I suck at this," He said sheepishly, a blush appearing on his face as he looked down at the disaster he had created.

Everly laughed, and it sounded like the tinkling of bells, making him blush even more. "It just takes a while to learn. Origami is an art after all," Her blue eyes were glowing and there was so much warmth in her eyes, he didn't know what he had done to deserve her looking at him like that.

"And yet, you're teaching it to five-year-olds," Payton noted, watching as she gracefully stood up so that she could move her chair so that it was right next to his instead across from him. "They must look adorable trying to

"Don't worry," Everly said, getting rid of the paper he'd been working on and replacing it with a new one, "You're the cutest student I've ever had to teach,"

Payton blushed at that but didn't say anything. "So, what do I have to do to make a crane?"

"You just have to make sure that the creases are pressed down nicely and that when you fold the paper, everything is aligned the way it should be. Like this," Everly said, and like it was the most natural thing in the world, Everly reached out, pressing against him as she took his hands and guided them in folding the origami paper into a crane.

As she did so, she spoke her instructions again to him but Payton couldn't pay attention. All he could think about was how her hands were soft and warm on his and how her body pressed against his side because when she moved his hands for him on the paper, she had to be pressed against him and she didn't even seem to realize she was doing it. He noted that she also smelled sweet, like lilies or honey, maybe both.

"-yton. Payton." Everly snapped her fingers in front of his face, gaining back his attention. He thought that she would have been annoyed at losing it but instead she just looked amused. "Did you hear anything I just said?"

"No, actually." He said truthfully, "Guess I'm a bad student." He joked smiling at her and loving how she blushed, but he did regret that she pulled away.

"You're an okay student," Everly said back, straightening in her chair, but not moving away from him. They were silent for a moment and Payton was about to ask her to teach him how to fold a crane again when Everly spoke up. "So, how has the Selection been going for you?"

"Isn't that the million-dollar question today?" Payton asked, "It's okay, I mean, I haven't had many dates yet, but I think I'm doing a good job. But I don't want to talk about other girls or the Selection. Tell me about yourself,"

Everly paused, thinking, "Well I was in the foster care system until I was twelve, then when I was in Atlin the Randolph family adopted me,"

"How was your time in the foster system?" Payton asked unable to hide his curiosity, he had heard that depending on where kids were sent, it could be pretty bad for them. He immediately regretted his question though when Everly's angelic face closed off and a dark look settled in her eyes. "It could have been better." She said softly and it was clear she didn't want to talk about it with him. At least not yet.

"Tell me about your family and friends back at home," He quickly amended, wanting that look off her face. Or even your students.

Her face immediately lightened up and she told him about her best friend, Charlie Coveny, who turned out to be the niece of Mikaela Coveny, a Selected from his dad's own Selection. She also told him how her mom was a clinical psychologist and her dad was a high school science teacher.

Payton couldn't help but smile at that, her parents seemed like good people at least and what's more, is that they also had careers that helped people in some way. "What got you into choosing Kindergarten? Why not a higher-grade level?"

"Well, kindergarten kids seem to be neglected because most teachers don't want to teach kids so young. But that's just where I chose to start off. When I'm older I want to teach the kids, who are struggling or slower with studies or are neglected at home. The kid's others have given up on. How will they ever have a chance in this world if no one is willing to teach them? I know that it'll be hard and the kids will be resistant at first because of the circumstances that were forced on them but isn't that what teaching is about? I mean, the harder the task, the bigger the reward. I can't wait for the moment where I'm able to see them succeed and make a life for themselves."

Payton stared at the amazing, selfless person in front of him. Who no doubt had seen some dark times but was determined to help those like her, to support and take care of them as much as possible. In his eyes at that moment, she just looked so determined and honest that he couldn't help but lean down and kiss her. His lips had barely brushed against hers when she jolted back in shock.

"Sorry," He said a frown appearing on his face. Was that the reaction he'd every time he tried to kiss a girl.

"No," Everly seemed breathless, her cheeks reddening as she blushed. "You just… took me by surprise." She said honestly. Her pale blue eyes met his again and in a clear voice she said, "Do it again."

Payton only hesitated a moment before he leaned down and kissed her. This time she didn't pull away, this time she held him close as she kissed him back. Her lips were warm and soft against his and she seemed to fit perfectly against his chest. They pulled apart only to pull together again, their kisses staying sweet and gentle, almost chaste and when they broke apart for the final time Everly had a blush on her cheeks and a giant smile on her face.

For his part, Payton was pretty dazed. It seemed as if a fire had been lit inside of him and all he wanted was to pull her back against him so that he could kiss her some more. He was about to do just that when Everly spoke.

"…. Should we get back to the lesson?" She asked, breathless.

"Yeah," It was all he could come up with, but he did note that the light pink gloss that she wore was smudged and her lips were a bit swollen and red and her hair which had been perfect moment before was now out of place, with strands sticking up and a few even sticking to her lips. It was probably wrong, but he felt proud to have brought out that reaction from her.

They did the origamis for the rest of their time together, with Everly patiently teaching him and him screwing up. He wasn't even able to fold one crane properly when his watch beeped. He glanced down and saw that it was 3:15. Shit. He had planned to spend only an hour with Everly and he had gone over by an hour and fifteen minutes! Plus, now he had another date to get to in fifteen minutes.

"Do you need to do something?" Everly asked sweetly, looking at him with her beautiful pale blue eyes.

"Yeah…" He said, really wishing that he didn't have to leave her. "Can I take you back to your room?" He asked, standing and offering her his arm. She blushed and nodded, taking it.

As they made their way back to her room, they stayed quiet, it wasn't even until they were by her door that Everly spoke, "Thank you, Payton," I had a really good time."

Payton felt warmth rush through him at her smile, and he couldn't help but grin back. "Sorry I was such a horrible student,"

"I've had worse," Everly laughed. She went up on her toes and kissed his cheek, stunning him. "I hope to see you again soon," She sounded nervous as she said it but Payton knew that they'd have a date again soon.

"Of course," He said and emboldened from her kiss on his cheek, he once again leaned down and kissed her, but this time she was expecting it. She kissed him back and unlike when they were out on the patio, she was more courageous while kissing him and this kiss was deeper than the sweet, butterfly kisses, she'd given him before; a tease to what would come next the closer they got. "I…. have to go," Payton finally said reluctantly, pulling away. "Have a good rest of your day, Everly."

There was a hint of sadness to her eyes, but she nodded and he quickly left, knowing that if he didn't leave then and there, he would miss his date with Elle. And worse, he probably wouldn't have ended up leaving.

He checked his appearance in a hallway mirror before reaching Lady Elle's room and was relieved to find that he did not look disheveled like he thought he did. He may not have a lot of experience with dating but even he knew that appearing for a date looking rumpled was not a good thing. Especially when the girl you were taking on a date knew you were also dating more than twenty other girls along with her.

He stopped in front of Lady Elle's room and the door swung open, almost hitting him in the face. He blinked stunned to see that it wasn't a maid who opened the door, but Elle herself. She looked striking…. and also, obnoxious and impatient.

Unlike Raleigh and Everly and every other girl, he'd gone on a date with, Elle looked glamorous and intimidating. She wore a white completely off-shoulder dress, the sleeves started at her mid-biceps and cut off just before her wrist, the neckline of her dress was just above her chest and the hem was just above her mid-tights. Along with the dress, she also wore black heels that made her his height. Elle's make-up was dramatic and perfect and her honey-blonde strands were twisted into ringlets without a strand of hair out of place.

Payton swallowed thickly making sure to meet Elle's crystal blue eyes and noted that they looked smug. Of course, they would be. He was struggling to not look at her…. Assets. The dress she wore hugged her body so tightly that he could see every single curve of her body and it did not help that the dress she wore had no neckline if he looked, which he wouldn't, he would be able to see the how rounded and perfect her breast looked. Was it just him or was it getting hard to breath? Was it hot?

"You're late," Elle's voice snapped him back to attention, though he made sure to keep his eyes over her head.

"I am?" He turned away from her so that he couldn't see her as he glanced at his watch. "It's 2:28, I have two minutes to spare."

"A future King should be thirty minutes early to everything," Elle said, tilting her head up.

"Right," Payton said, immediately regretting his choice of date. "Did you see the film roster? What movie did you choose?"

"Oh," Elle smiled coyly at him and he really did not like that wicked light in her eyes, it spelled trouble for him. "We should go right?"

"Yes," Payton began to walk away from her but she cleared her throat. He looked back and saw that she wasn't following him. "Are you coming?"

"Aren't you going to escort me?" Elle asked, the smile still on her face.

Suppressing a groan, Payton went back over to Elle and offered his arm, ignoring how she practically clung it as they walked, her cleavage pressing tightly against his bicep, he kept his eyes straight ahead the entire walk. They were almost to the theater when Payton spotted Anderson near the entrance to the theater hall, talking to none other than Eirelyn. He watched as Eirelyn handed an envelope to Anderson, both laughing at something he said and all Payton could think was this: Please don't notice us, please don't notice us. Eirelyn's the last girl I want to see while in this situation.

Obviously, Elle had other ideas because she suddenly giggled loudly and ridiculously as she clung even tighter to him, drawing both Anderson and Eirelyn's attention to the pair.

Payton watched helplessly as Anderson's eyebrows shot up high and Eirelyn's mouth open slightly in disbelief, her green eyes wide.

He watched as they disappeared from his view as he entered the theater and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the big screen in front of him. At least, since they were going to watch a movie, there wouldn't be any talking.

As they settled in the plush, deep red seats, Elle, unfortunately, snuggling deeply against his chest, her arms wrapping around his waist so that he couldn't move away.

He was left hopeless and in horror, as the movie started, because not only were they watching a chick-flick complete with dozens of blonde girls dressed in varying shades of pink, but he'd been wrong in assuming that Elle would remain silent. She talked throughout the whole movie of singing blondes dressed in pink. About her ex-boyfriend Ben Taylor, nonetheless. A man who was in his sister's Selection and apparently one that Elle couldn't get over.

Honestly. He didn't know what was worse, the fact that Elle seemed to be trying to be as close as humanly possible to him, the movie itself or the fact that Elle wouldn't stop talking about Ben and the fact that she didn't even seem to realize she was talking about him.

Once the movie was done, Payton quickly escorted Elle back to her room and hurried to hide away in his room. He couldn't believe that after such an amazing date with Everly, he had ended up with such an awful date with Elle. There was no way she was staying after the Report; he didn't think he could bear it.

A chuckle drew him out of his frenzied thoughts and he turned to see Anderson leaning against the wall, an amused smile on his face. "So how was your date with Lady Elle?"

"Horrible," Payton said, glaring at his valet. "You know that. She wouldn't stop talking about her ex-boyfriend throughout the movie. Do you know what she chose? A Dozen Pink Ladies: The Musical! I've never seen so much pink in my life! Anderson make sure that movie never makes it to our movie roster again! Burn the DVD even…. and then there were her clothes! Is she even allowed to dress so revealing?!" Payton ranted.

Anderson burst out laughing, doubling over and resting his hands on his knees as he laughed his heart out at his charge's misfortune.

Payton waited for his valet to recover, a glare set on his face as he crossed his arms. As he waited, he noticed an envelope on his desk and then he remembered something. "Anderson…. What was it that Eirelyn gave you?"

"It's for you," Anderson said, recovering from his fit of laughter, even if a few chuckles still escaped him. "Lady Eirelyn wanted me to give it to you."

"Really?" Payton picked up the envelope, noting that it was rectangular in shape, a bit smaller than a manila folder and made with much better, thicker material. "What is it?"

"I don't know, open it and see," Anderson suggested before going about his business.

Payton made sure Anderson was out of the room before opening the letter. He pulled out a sheet of paper covered in what may have been some type of foil and as he did, a smaller piece of paper fluttered to the floor. He bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a note addressed to him. It read in loopy, cursive handwriting,

Dear Payton,

First, just let me say again that I'm sorry for…..

Slapping you at the end of our date.

Secondly, I'd like to thank you for not sending me home.

I don't have the answers to the questions you asked me

but I do know that I enjoy being around you,

and that I want to see you

even if I don't know how I feel about you

I hope to talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

Eirey

P.S I hope you like the gift

Payton blinked at the letter, a smile spreading across his face. Eirelyn had said she enjoyed being with him! Carefully, he unwrapped the larger piece of paper from the foil and was left awe-struck.

Eirelyn had sketched out the lake that he had taken her too, even putting in details of trees and how the lake shimmered from the sunlight. She even drew Misty, the horse into the sketch with perfect detail.

What really caught his attention though was how she had sketched how she must have seen him that day. His blonde hair slightly messy from the ride to the lake and the breeze, the first two buttons near his collar unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up. She even made him look content and happy with the way she had drawn his lips into a small smile. This was one of the best drawings he had ever seen.

Without a sound, Payton traced his own features drawn in charcoal by Eirelyn's hand, a warm feeling burning in his chest as his heart sped up. She'd done this for him. How long had it taken her to painstakingly put in all the small details? Did she have to start over if there was something that she hadn't liked? He didn't know what to think, but he did know he felt an overwhelming need to see her. He had to see her.

He was about to burst out of his room when Anderson stopped him by appearing in front of his door. "Where do you think you're going?"

"To see Eirelyn," Payton said, impatience burning in his veins. "Move out of my way Anderson."

"The King has left some reports on your desk. He wants them done before dinner." Anderson explained.

"But if I don't see her now, I'll have to wait until tomorrow!" Payton protested, but he knew he was in a losing battle; Anderson might be his friend and valet, but if it was an order from the King, then that took had more power than what Payton wanted.

"Why not talk to her after dinner?" Anderson asked as Payton grumpily got to work on the reports.

"Because I have a date with Adelaide after dinner," Payton replied.

"Then reschedule it," Anderson said.

"Are you kidding me?" Payton gave his valet a scathing look, he knew it wasn't Anderson's fault, but now he was in a horrible mood. "With her family background?"

"Then I supposed your doomed to wait for tomorrow," Anderson shrugged, clearly amused by Payton's dilemma and causing the Prince to ignore him for the rest of the time before dinner as he continued to work on his reports.

At dinner, Payton tried in vain to catch Eirelyn's attention, but she just wouldn't meet his eyes. Instead, she kept her attention on her plate or the girls sitting at her table. Asteria was there of course and Payton noticed with surprise that Raleigh and Everly were also at Eirelyn's table. But they didn't have his attention at the moment. Eirelyn did.

Dinner went by slower than he could believe and Payton hated it, why couldn't the day just end?

"Dude," Liam said quietly from his right, "What's the matter with you? You look like you're about to blow up."

"It's just been a long day," Payton said, refusing to say more. He'd gone from having two good dates and for the most part, succeeding in the council meeting to having a horrible date and being unable to see the girl he really wanted to. The day was ending on a sour note and could possibly get worse.

When dinner finally ended, Payton immediately approached Adelaide, taking her out and around palace grounds, the moonlight lighting the path for them as they walked.

"So, how do you enjoy palace life, Lady Adelaide?" Payton asked politely. The girl walking arm in arm with him seemed completely bored and uninterested and he couldn't help but feel slightly insulted.

"It's okay, my home is almost as big as yours." Adelaide said noncommittally. "everything is so extravagant here, so it's not that different for me. I would even say that my house is even more glamorous than yours."

Payton chuckled, "I can believe that knowing the family you came from. I have to be honest, I'm a little surprised that you entered the Selection."

"My Aunt Lavinia entered for me," Adelaide said and he didn't miss the scorn in her voice, "Something about getting back into society. But let me tell you this," She turned hard hazel eyes on him and he gulped. "I've been stuck here with twenty-six other girls for only four days and I've come to realize that I haven't missed out on much. The girls are either meek or so vicious that I'm surprised that hair hasn't been pulled out."

"I'd rather be on my ranch, with my horses than stuck here with a bunch of girls and horny males," Adelaide continued. "I want to leave."

Payton winced, "Can you please just stay for a bit?" He didn't want to think of the field-day the news outlets would have if Adelaide Huntingdon-Rhodes left so early in the Selection. "I know that this isn't something you want to do, but will you at least stay until I formally send the second batch of girls home?"

"And when will that be?" Adelaide demanded, her eyes studying him.

"Not before the Report," Payton admitted. "And there are still a few more girls I have to date before I can really decide who to send home."

Adelaide looked thoughtful for a moment before she sighed, "I'll stay for two weeks. That should be enough time to appease my aunt too."

"Thank you," Payton said, offering her a smile and she smirked back at him.

"Don't thank me, Prince Payton. If you have to beg girls to stay, then you're obviously doing something wrong." She left him then, practically strutting back towards the palace, leaving him behind like a fool.

"She isn't wrong," Payton muttered to himself, suddenly feeling less confident about seeing Eirelyn the next day when he remembered how he had told her he wanted her to stay. In its own way, it had been asking her to stay. Maybe that was all he could ever do.

Everly POV

Everly practically floated back into her room after dinner. She had never been so happy. The date with Payton had gone better than she could ever hope, she didn't even feel like the same person she had been. She was usually closed off and guarded with every new person that she met. But with Payton….. she was on cloud nine. She had been so open with him.

She remembered how while she usually didn't like it when strangers touched her, she had brushed against Payton as if it were nothing and when he'd kissed her, it felt like she was flying. He was so strong, solid and warm and the kisses they had shared made her heart sore.

She remembered how he looked at her with those kind light hazel eyes of his, as if she amazed him somehow and how his honey blonde hair seemed slightly untidy after their kiss.

Payton was truly as kind and sweet as she remembered him. He hadn't changed much from that fifteen-year-old boy she had met in the rain while she lived in the foster system in Angeles.

He even kept looking at her during dinner, as if he couldn't stop himself, an eager light in his eyes. She hoped that he noticed her looking back at him.

Everly really hoped he chose her in the end. Despite how she promised herself that she would be cautious in the beginning and that she wouldn't fall in love with him too fast, she was realizing that it was all for nothing. She had already fallen for Payton. Hard. She just hoped he didn't end up breaking her heart.

Raleigh POV

Raleigh made her way back into her room after dinner. It had been a long day and she was surprised by the fact that she now had a student to teach. How was she supposed to teach a Princess of Illéa to dance? Was there a decorum she had to follow? Was she allowed to tell Princess Julia she was doing something wrong? What was she supposed to teach in?

When she opened the door to her room her maids, Tammy, Lauren, and Patty immediately crowded around her, excited looks on their faces. "What is it?" Raleigh asked, surprised by their excitement.

"A package Lady Raleigh!" Tammy said, her short brown hair swishing across her cheeks. "We think it's from Prince Payton!"

Raleigh looked beyond her maids and there was a package on her bed with her name on it. Curious, she took the box and noticed a letter tucked into the ribbon and opened it first.

Dear Lady Raleigh,

I'm glad that you accepted the job to teach Jelly Bee how to dance

She would have been completely unbearable if you had said no.

Here's some equipment that you may need to teach Julie, I doubt Payton though

Of getting you anything to work with. One of the faults of being a Prince;

He sees the big picture but sometimes forgets the smaller picture.

What's in the box should fit. If they don't, just see me and I'll handle it.

The key is for the door of the ballet studio since you'll need to get in to

Teach Julie. Also, feel free to use the studio whenever you feel like it.

Best Regards,

Prince Liam Schreave

Raleigh stared dumbfounded at the letter before turning back to the box on her bed. What could Prince Liam Schreave have gotten her that Payton wouldn't have thought about?

Slowly, she unwrapped the box and opened it, gasping at the contents. There were two sets of ballet leotards in the box; one the traditional pale pink with white tights and the other was black with red accents. There were also pointe ballet slippers; two pairs as well and they followed the color schemes of the ballet leotards.

Raleigh didn't know what to say, why had Prince Liam done this for her? She remembered hearing that Princess Julia was extremely close to him so maybe that was why? As she picked up the black leotard, she saw the key to the ballet studio, it was gold and antique-styled and attached to a silky red ribbon, a tiny pair of ballet shoes dangling from the key as well.

Raleigh felt a blush appear on her cheeks at his kindness and as she looked at his gifts, part of her wondered how she could repay him.

Payton POV

Payton sighed. That's it. He was done with this day. How could a day start off so good and end so badly? He couldn't believe his date had just walked away from him. He settled himself heavily on the stone bench in the courtyard garden, rubbing his face tiredly. He didn't feel like going to bed just yet and the cool summer night air calmed him.

What was he going to do about his other dates? He still had so much to plan and it seemed like he had so little time. Why did this have to happen to him? Why was finding a wife so hard? Why was it only the fourth official day of his Selection?

Those questions nagged on his mind over and over again. He was already so tired. He was wondering if it had been this hard for his dad when he heard something small clatter to the floor.

Payton's head jerked up and he looked around. There was nothing and no one around him, so what had fallen? He stood up slowly, eyes going to the lush flower bushes in the courtyard before going down to the floor and that's when he saw it. It was a stick. He bent down, looking at it curiously.

The stick was thick and hard, small enough to fit in the palm of his hand, but not larger, obviously run-down at the very ends and if it had been continuously rubbed against a different surface and dark in color. He also noticed that it was actually more in the shape of a square instead of being circular. He ran a finger over the smooth end of the object and it came away a bit dusty and gray. Honestly, it reminded him a bit like…. charcoal.

Immediately Payton remembered the drawing that Eirelyn had made for him and his eyes went up, and a smile formed on his face when he saw Eirelyn peeking down at him from over the railing of her balcony, a pencil balancing on her ear and a sketchbook in her hands.

Her green eyes immediately widened when she saw him looking at her and she immediately ducked out of his sight and into her room.

He chuckled to himself before deciding that he wanted this night to end on a hopefully good note and that he would not be waiting until tomorrow to see her.

Payton hurried back into the palace and up the stairs to the female selected wing of the palace, knowing exactly where he was going. When he stopped in front of Eirelyn's door he gave a few gentle knocks and the door opened to reveal Eirelyn; her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and there was a smudge of charcoal on her nervous face.

"Ladies," Payton said, directing his attention briefly to her three maids, "Will you give us the room?"

All of Eirelyn's maids giggled before curtseying to him, "Take as much time as you need Your Highness," one said as they hurried out of the room, leaving him alone with their Lady.

Payton wordlessly closed the door behind him and took a step forward as she took a step back. He frowned at that, "I believe that this is yours?" He asked, holding out the stick of charcoal and she took it, fiddling with it in her fingers.

"I didn't mean to bother you," Eirelyn said, looking anywhere but at him and he noticed that she wore a silky creamy-white robe over her nightgown, which he was thankful for; he didn't think he could have this conversation if she was more revealed. "I was drawing the night sky and then I noticed you. You kinda scared me since the last time I looked, no one was there."

"It's fine," Payton said softly, looking at her. "I got your note…. and your drawing."

"Did you like it?" Eirelyn asked eagerly, finally meeting his eyes and he saw the uncertainty in those green pools.

"Do you really see me like that?" Payton asked it was the one question that kept nagging at him.

"Like what?" Eirelyn asked, confusion replacing the uncertainty.

"I looked like a normal young man. With no crown and no care in the world. Like I didn't have the weight of billions of lives on my shoulders. I didn't look like a Prince." Payton explained, struggling to find the words. "In your drawing, I look like…." He couldn't say it.

Eirelyn immediately understood, "You look like you. I admit that when I see you talking to advisors or guards in the hallways, you always look so rigid and formal, serious. As if the weight of the world is on the shoulders. But when we went to the lake that day…. You looked different. If I have to describe it it's like you were just…. Payton. Not a boy who's going to be King one day. Not a man who's trying to live up to the picture and standard everyone else is trying to paint you as. That's the Payton I'd like to see again."

Payton looked at her stunned as she spoke. Did she really notice the difference between how he was while he was dealing with state affairs and when he was just himself? Most people seemed to think that the person he was while in front of the council and the camera was the same person he was while the attention was away from him but that just wasn't true. He was relieved to have someone notice. Notice and say it to him.

"I wish I could be him more, to be vulnerable, relaxed and to let my guard down," He said tenderly. "But I can't afford to, if that Payton showed his face in front of his people, the Illéa may just burn then and there."

"That's more likely to happen with the Payton I saw this afternoon, you looked frantic with blonde Barbie clinging to you," Eirelyn said, clearly trying to lighten the topic.

"I was more panicked that you saw," He said chuckling drily. "But that's not why I came to see you. You said you wanted to see me and that," The smile he sent her was sweet and genuine, "That you like being with me." He took another step towards her and this time she didn't move away. She didn't even flinch when he gently wrapped an arm around her waist and pull her in for a tight hug.

"I like being with you too," He said softly, warmth flooding through him. "And you don't need to thank me for not sending you home. The fact that you're still here is enough for me," He felt his joy grow when she snuggled closer against his chest, but her next words almost turned the blood in his veins to ice.

"I don't want to leave right now, but I might in the future,"

Eirelyn POV

Eirelyn felt warmth spread through her at the tender look that Payton gave her, it made her heartbeat erratically, and the blood rush through her veins. Her heart was just about galloping when he pulled her against his chest in a tight embrace. Being in his arms made her legs almost turn to jelly but she steeled herself. If she was going to stay in this Selection then things had to be crystal clear between them.

"I don't want to leave right now, but I might in the future," She said, bracing herself for his hurt which she knew would come and she was right. Immediately Payton stiffened before pulling away and his beautiful light hazel eyes which had been so tender before were now guarded. It broke her heart to see; how Payton had to put on a mask for everyone else to show he was strong, she didn't want him to be like that with her.

"I told you in my letter that even though I wanted to see you and liked being near you that I didn't know what I felt about you," She reminded him, taking a breath to steady her nerves. "That's the truth. I'm so confused Payton. My heart still breaks every time I think about James and what may have been, but then I think about you and then…" She trailed off, not knowing what to say. What could she tell him? That just being able to see him a couple of times a day made her feel light as a feather and safe? That his presence made her feel like everything could be okay, even when he wasn't talking or looking at her? That he made her feel something completely different and new and that she didn't know what it was? That he made her feel like there was a chance she could fall in love again? No, she couldn't say that any of that, especially the last one; she couldn't give him false hope.

"Then what?" Payton asked, looking into her eyes as if he were searching for something.

"It makes me happy," Eirelyn said, it was close enough to the truth. "As I said, I don't have the answers to the questions that you asked me and I don't know how I feel about you, but I want to find out. I also want you to be yourself with me. Payton without the crown, just you and me."

A slight smile curled Payton's lips and his eyes were less frosty than they were a second ago which relieved her. "How do you think we can manage that?"

"Well, if you ever need to talk or want to just hang out, just send me a note. It doesn't have to be a date," Eirelyn said shrugging.

"Sounds like a date to me," Payton said now he was full-on smiling. "Talking about dates, I doubt you were going to draw me on our next date, not before. Isn't that cheating a bit?"

Eirelyn rolled her eyes, shaking off the worry with a laugh, she was glad he was quick to smile, "We haven't talked in like three days, I had no idea if you were going to send me home or what, so I wanted to give you a picture to remember me by."

"But then what will we do on our next date?" He asked playfully, his eyes going around her room and brightening when they landed on her violin. "You can play me a song, or," He gently tugged the sketchpad out of her arms, she hadn't even realized she'd still been holding it. "We can stargaze," He admired her sketch, "Maybe both."

"If we do both, we'll have nothing to do on our future dates," She teased, yanking her sketchpad back from him." She really enjoyed this version of him. He wasn't taking care to be proper with her and there was a boyish glee on his face that made her heart melt.

"We'd always figure out something to do," He countered. He peered past her and out towards the balcony. "We can even go on a date tomorrow after the Report."

"The Report?" Eirelyn immediately felt her face pale at the thought of herself being in front of cameras for the whole nation and some foreign countries to see. "I think I'm going to be sick just thinking about it."

Payton looked down at her in confusion, "Eirey, you're a performer, you're literally out in front of thousands all the time at concert halls."

"Well, it's never filled for people all over the continent to see. And don't some foreign powers pay really close attention to the Selection? And I don't talk to those people in the audience, I just play my instrument." Eirelyn said.

"You'll do fine, if you get nervous, just look at me," Payton assured her, his eyes once again going to the night sky, "But it is late," He noted before looking back down at her, regret in his eyes. "We should both get some rest." He leaned down, brushing his lips against her cheek before heading for the door.

"Wait!" Eirelyn said, sounding a bit too frantic for her liking but there was one more thing she had to make up for first. Her insides were a bundle of nerves and she genuinely felt both extremely giddy and sick at what she was about to do. What if she screwed up again? She really was a bundle of nerves.

"What is it?" Payton asked curiously, he had barely turned back around to face her when Eirelyn wrapped her arms around his shoulders, a nervous but determined look on her face.

"There's one more thing I want to make up for," She said softly, going up on her toes as she leaned towards him. She saw the moment when Payton realized what she was doing but he didn't move a muscle as she gently pressed her lips against his.

This kiss was a bit more hesitant on both their parts and honestly a bit awkward, both probably wondering if she'd slap him again. And though she did understand it, Eirelyn couldn't help but feel disappointed in the pit of her stomach; her disappointment even burned her lungs. Payton hadn't kissed her back; he knew what she was trying to do and had actively not kissed her back. "Have a good night," She sighed, keeping her eyes downcast.

"Eirey," He sighed in a voice that sounded strained.

"Yes?" She kept her eyes down until she felt him reach out to gently tilt her head back up to look at him. He looked torn and uncertain like he was desperately trying in vain to hold himself back.

"I think…." He swallowed thickly, his eyes closing as he ran a hand tiredly through his hair. "I've been thinking a lot about our situation too and… I think that for both our sakes, we shouldn't kiss until you can move on from James and you figure out how you feel about me,"

If she was being honest to herself, then Eirelyn had to admit that her heart broke a little at his words. "That's…" she swallowed, "a really good idea. Good night Payton." She leaned up to briefly kiss his cheek before pulling away and heading back out to her balcony.

She felt Payton's eyes burn into her back for what felt like hours before she heard his footsteps recede and her door closed, signaling that he had left her room.

God, Eirelyn closed her eyes, suddenly feeling exhausted. She was such a mess and she didn't know how to fix it. Or if it could even be fixed. She was royally screwed.

Thanks for reading and please remember to review and tell me what you think!

A lot happened in this chapter! No rest for the Prince!

Next Chapter: Chapter 24: The Report