I DO NOT OWN THE SELECTION SERIES. SHOUTOUT TO AVA NAVA AND ABIZEAU FOR CREATING THESE CHARACTERS.

Schreave Palace. Province of Angeles. 1 month and 4 weeks into selection.

Princess Melody took a few days to herself after sending Sarah home. According to the guards who had escorted the young university of Bankston student out of the palace, it had not gone well. The gossip that the guards were spreading around was that miss Galavas had wept and wailed like a child as she packed her bags. When she was taken to the airport to catch her flight back to Bankston, right before she boarded the aircraft, Sarah made a move to run back and it was believed that if the guards had not been there to escort her, she might not have gotten on the plane. It was hard for Melody and she decided that she needed a few days off from dating anyone. She knew that as the remaining 9 selected dwindle down in numbers, it would only be more challenging for her because there were people that she really cared for. Yet, at the end of the day, she could only choose one to be her spouse and fellow royal. Her father and mother, instead of being supportive, were constantly badgering her to get back to her dates. During this time of emotional stress, Romeo Monroe had taken it upon himself to be a source of comfort for the crown Princess. He would sneak into her room and allow her to vent about the choices that she was forced to make.

"I mean, I have to hurt people if I don't choose them and my parents don't even care." Melody whined as Romeo would put his arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner.

"I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, but you aren't alone." he assured her as he gave the princess's hand a friendly squeeze.

Schreave private wood. Province of Angeles. later that day.

Finally, when Melody was ready to continue the dates, she decided to start with the girl from Belocurt: Ranamaya Bhattachan. She approached Rana and asked if she wanted to go on a hike with her. Rana agreed and the two ladies journeyed into the private woods that was owned by the royal family.

"So, how long have you been a mountain guide?" The princess inquired as the two hiked through the marked path.

"About 5 years, give or take." Rana replied nonchalantly.

"I don't think I could do what you do, it would be too dangerous for me." Melody said with a chuckle.

"If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal." Rana remarked as she rolled her eyes. It still irked her how much of a sheltered baby Melody Schreave could be at times.

"I probably should get out here more." Melody admitted as they kept moving down the path. "It's just that...life gets so hard and I get stressed with everything."

"If life gives you a mountain, put on your boots and hike." The hiker shot back as she laughed inwardly at the idea of the heir to the Illèan throne having any actual problems. She would never have to worry about having a roof over her head or food on her plate. The only thing that crown Princess Melody had to worry about was looking good for the press.

"You have a lot of strong quotes Rana." The princess remarked as they reached the end of the trail and began to walk back.

"Well, it happens when you actually spend time in the real world." Rana insisted as she always kept a few steps ahead of Melody, who caught onto the small bite in her comment but didn't say anything.

Schreave royal garden. Province of Angeles. Later that day.

After the hike had ended, Rana went out to the royal garden in an attempt to relax. She was thankful that whenever life got too much to handle, and these days it was, nature was always there to comfort her.

"So, how was your date with the Princess?" Theodore Madden asked as he appeared out of the brush. Rana was surprised for a moment, but soon got over it.

"It was OK." She replied quietly as Teddy came up beside her.

"So, are you already picking out a wedding dress?" He asked as Rana scoffed at the very idea.

"I have no desire to marry Melody Schreave; now or ever." She insisted as Teddy smirked.

"Join the club, we meet once a week." He teased as this earned a small laugh from the mountain guide.

"I'll bring snacks." Rana teased in return as she and a Teddy looked at each other. Each thought that the other was very attractive and they shared a disdain for the entire selection process. Before either one of them truly knew what was happening, Teddy leaned in and kissed Rana on the lips. She returned the kiss for a moment before pulling back.

"What was that?" she asked in shock.

"I'm sorry, I had to do that." Teddy replied as he looked equally shocked by what he had just done.

"You realize what this means, right?" She asked as Teddy nodded.

"If you want to forget this ever happened, I get it." He replied wistfully. Forgetting the kiss would have been the smart thing to do, but Rana was tired of having to compete for the hand of a child that she had no interest in at all.

"Screw it!" She exclaimed as she leaned back in and kissed Teddy deeply on the lips. The two were caught up in passion as they continued to kiss and wrap their arms around each other amongst the beauty of the royal garden unaware that they were being watched by a wickedly gleeful Yesenia Avalos.

AN AFFAIR HAS BEGUN TO BLOSSOM, HOW FAR WILL IT GO? REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.