Prince Killian

It had been a day since Yasmin was missing. 24 hours and still no Yasmin. Her face was plastered on all the television screens, as if the people didn't know who to look for. And I had barely left my room.

A knock came at the door, and Bea peeked her head through, ''Want some company?'' The skin around her hazel eyes was puffy, her blonde hair was a mess and she looked just as bad as I felt. I nodded.

She came in, carrying a plate of the most delicious treat the British had given us; scones. ''I thought you might be hungry, as you skipped breakfast. And I remembered your love for these.''

I took the plate from her, eagerly biting into the puffy pastry. ''Thanks.''

She sat on the bed, sitting across from me, folding her legs beneath her. ''How are you holding up?''

''No news is good news, right? I'm trying to stay positive.''

Bea nodded, ''I'm sure she'll be back before we know it.''

I looked at Bea, just now realizing that she was probably just as worried as I was about her best friend. ''Are you okay?''

She played with the edges of my sheets, before nodding again. ''I guess. I'll be fine when they find her.''

''Me too.''

It had always fascinated me how Bea and Yasmin were such close friends. While Yasmin loved her silky dresses, her shiny jewels and tiaras, Bea loved wearing things that weren't something a Princess would wear. She did love sparkles and standing out, but she would also combine a ball gown with combat boots without a care what anybody might think. That was what had drawn me in. Her free spirit. Bea was rebellious and without a filter, Yasmin was not. But they were both outgoing and charismatic, which was why they also fit so well together.

''Why are you staring at me like that?'' Bea's voice snapped me back to reality.

''I was just thinking how we used to be closer before.. everything happened between us.''

''Well, we did kind of go off the deep end together.''

''I'm not that person anymore.''

''Neither am I.''

I sighed and plopped another scone in my mouth, ''What do you think of the Selected?'' It was hard to focus on the Selection right now, with Yasmin being gone, but I couldn't neglect them either.

Bea shrugged, ''They seem nice. Not all of them though, but most of them seem like good girls. I don't know if you'll find a wife you'll really like though.''

''Why do you say that?''

''I know you, Killian. I know what you like and what you don't like. But I also know what you need. And you don't need another relationship like we had. You need someone who will ground you, someone who can calm you in your worst moments. Like when you punched Tristan.''

I rubbed my face in frustration, ''Yeah, that was bad. I just couldn't think clearly. All I could think about was Yasmin and how he was supposed to protect her.''

''I understand, but you should also explain yourself to the Selected. They saw you attack him. And do they even know about your past issues?''

I crossed my arms in front of my chest, ''No.''

''You should tell them. They have the right to know what kind of person they are possibly marrying. It's not something small.''

''I've had it under control for a year now.''

''And I'm proud of you for that. Really, I am. But that doesn't diminish the fact that they should know.''

I sighed, running my hands through my hair. ''You're right. But first, I'm finishing these scones.''

Lady Rania

Shortly after the attack was over yesterday, a guard had come to my room to inform me that my brother Rehan, another Palace Guard, had been severely wounded in the attack. I had rushed to the Hospital Wing and stayed by his side for as long as they allowed me to. Apparently, he had seen the rebels take away Princess Yasmin and he had tried to stop them. But that didn't end well. He had a bullet lodged into his shoulder that had to be operated on, and the doctor informed me that he would be sent home after the surgery to recover.

I had spent the entire morning with Rehan, before they took him away for surgery.

I was greeted with gloom faces when I walked inside the Women's Room. Everyone was still pretty upset about the attack, some, like myself, even contemplating going home. If the Princess could be taken by the rebels, then why not us? They were supposed to be protected better than we were.

I sat down next to Aenwyn, who was staring intently at a paper scribbled with letters. She looked up, gave me a small smile and focused her attention back on the paper. I looked closely, and realized it was the alphabet. I shrugged, and leaned in closer to Arizona, who was reading a book. ''It's so quiet in here.''

Arizona was about to open her mouth to say something, before Sawyer exclaimed, ''Way too quiet! We need to lighten the mood. I can make drinks.''

Rowan scoffed, looking at her nails, ''Your drinks probably taste like mud water.''

Sawyer stood up, a defiant look in her mismatched eyes, ''Just you wait.''

She dashed out of the Women's Room, and came back with a tray full of bottles and glasses and a grin plastered on her face about ten minutes later. ''It took me some convincing, but one of the maids agreed to help me to the alcohol. I'll show you what I can do. I'll make you my signature drink. Vanilla Whiskey.''

Rowan rolled her eyes, and watched as Sawyer started working on the concoction.

The doors to the Women's Room opened, and a maid peeked her head in. ''The Prince requests to enter.''

Sawyer nodded to the maid. ''Even better, now he can taste my amazing drink as well.''

The maid disappeared, and Killian came into the room. He had thrown on a casual sweater and jeans, clearly not very willing to make an effort. His green eyes looked tired and he had bags under his eyes. But he still managed to plaster a smile on his face, which I found admirable. ''Ladies. I'm sorry for my absence, and I know you must all be frightened because of what happened yesterday. I just want to ensure you that we are doing everything to keep you girls safe and –''

His gaze fell on the tray of alcohol, and his eyes widened. ''What's this?''

Sawyer was just done with her drink, and she extended a glass to the Prince, ''I thought it would be nice to make everyone a drink, since we all need to loosen up a bit.''

His expression hardened, jaw clenched and his eyebrows knitted together. ''You thought it was a good idea to get drunk?'' His voice was surprisingly low.

Sawyer's smile faded, and she didn't seem so sure of her idea anymore. ''Yes..''

''Leave.''

She frowned, ''What?''

''I want you to pack your bags and leave the Palace. You're out of the Selection.'' He turned around, left the room and the doors shut behind him.

Rowan barked out a laugh as soon as the Prince left. ''He made a good choice.''

Sawyer looked about ready to hurl the glass at Rowan's face, but she took a deep breath and set down the whiskey. ''Well.. I guess it's time for me to go.''

Lady Evelaine

The mood at dinner was strange. We had just said goodbye to Sawyer, who the Prince had eliminated very suddenly. I knew no one would admit it, but we are all glad it wasn't one of us. And in a way, this made us closer to finding out who would be the One.

I glanced over at the Prince, who was in an intense conversation with the Queen. I assumed it was about the sudden elimination of Sawyer, and he seemed to be trying to justify his action to her. The Queen put a hand on Killian's arm, and nodded in understanding.

I, like many of the other girls, admired the Queen. Not only was she beautiful, she was classy and charming. She seemed to be the perfect wife and Royal.

My eyes shifted to the Prince, who seemed bothered. He had barely touched his food and was constantly raking his fingers through his brown tresses, something I had noticed he did a lot when something bothered him. He was an interesting man which I would love to discover. For now, he was a closed off book, but worth reading.

I looked at the rest of the Royal's table, and besides the empty chair of Yasmin, the King was also absent from this meal. Perhaps he had a lot of work to do.

When our plates were cleared off and it was time for dessert, Killian cleared his throat. Fourteen heads turned in his direction, and his hands tightened into fists. ''You all must be wondering what happened when I eliminated Lady Sawyer, and I understand. I have some explaining to do.''

He dismissed the staff until it was just us, the Prince and the Queen left in the dining room. His mother squeezed his arm, and he started again. ''My reputation as a 'party prince' is quite known, and my constant partying and.. companionship of different girls was discussed in the media a lot. A year ago, my behavior changed. I..''

He seemed to have difficulties with the next part, but he continued anyway. ''I was on the brink of alcohol poisoning. I wasn't merely drinking for leisure, I was addicted. It got very, very bad. I've been sober for a year now, but I need you girls to know who I am. I am a recovering alcoholic.''

I heard some gasps, but I didn't even bother looking at the other girls' reactions. I was focused on Killian. A weight seemed to have been lifted off his shoulders, and his jaw that was clenched just a few moments ago unclenched.

''I completely understand if you would rather go home after knowing this information. It's hard, and I need my wife to be supportive and deal with this along with me. If you feel like you can't handle this, then I won't hold it against you that you'd rather leave.''

His eyes scanned over the Selected, but no one moved. He smiled. ''Enjoy your dessert, then.''

Everyone hurried out of the room after dinner was finally over, probably eager to discuss what we had just heard. I lingered for a while, until it was just me and Killian who were left.

''Lady Evelaine?''

''I just wanted to let you know that I know how you feel. I myself had a previous addiction to hard liquor as a teen, owed to stress and pressure. I stopped at 15 and became committed to religion. It has helped me deal, and I by no means mean to convert you or push an idea on you, but it might help you as well. Or something else of that sorts. It helps to have something to hold onto.''

His smile turned into a genuine one, the first one I had seen this day. ''That's very considerate of you.''

''Well,'' I curtsied, ''have a good night, Prince Killian.'' I turned to leave the room, but his hand on my arm made me stop and turn back.

''Would you like to go on a date tomorrow? I could really use the distraction.''

I smiled, ''I would love to.''

Yesss, I'm finally done with exams! And I have the rest of the week off so I'll try to update more this week.
So yep, first elimination has taken place. I thought it was about time, haha. I just want to say that I love all the girls that were submitted to me and are in this Selection, and it's gonna be very very hard for me to eliminate more. Just know that if I do, I did it because I feel like she won't fit with Killian.

A few questions:

- Which of the girls do you think fits best with Killian?
- Who would you like to see in the Elite (top five)?
- Do you think Killian acted rashly and irrationally in eliminating Sawyer?

I hope you liked the chapter, thanks so much for your lovely reviews as always and thanks for reading! Keep reviewing!

~Wolf