Leighton supposed she should have felt relief, it was a new day, she was no longer required to remain in her room. But what difference did that make? Most of the rooms in the palace were off limits to her and she could never leave the palace unless the circumstances called for it. It was lonely and monotonous but it was her life and she had to find a way to make the best of it. Trying to decide what to do was always difficult, asking for a new book or magazine was off the table as Lincoln was upset with her and she was unsure if he had told their father anything. She could always go to the music room and try to find some inspiration, or play something gloomy to commiserate the rainy day that was keeping her cooped up indoors. Heaven forbid she got wet. Leighton let out a frustrated sigh, life was becoming more and more unbearable without her mother, uncle, and half-brother Elis to keep her company. A knock at the door pulled Leighton from her thoughts and she stilled where she laid on her bed.

"Are you decent?" Came the unmistakable voice of her father.

Of course he didn't ask for permission to enter, just asked if it was appropriate for him to. Leighton took a deep breath to compose herself, before she answered with a yes. She quickly sat up on her bed and fixed her hair as the door opened. She forced a small but pleasant smile on her face as her father stepped into the room.

"Good morning, Leighton," Julian greeted his daughter. Normally he was more warm with her, but today he sounded impersonal, as if this were merely a business meeting. "I have been meaning to talk to you about everything."

Leighton's expression faltered and she looked down to prevent her father from seeing the perplexed look on her face. It had been two weeks since her mother had been ripped from her, and she had only seen her father at meals when he decided to attend. Otherwise, she had been left with only Lincoln for company. Why would he suddenly pay her a visit now? Did she do something else wrong? She nodded to show her father that she had heard him, but kept quiet unsure of what to say or if she even wanted to speak to him in the first place.

"I can see how all of the changes have been hard on you, and I must say you are handling this well." Julian stated as he walked further into the room but instead of walking towards his daughter he walked towards her bookshelf. "Marissa has told me she has reached out to you, but you have not responded to her letter. Would you like to tell me why?" He asked as he scanned over the books in his daughter's possession.

"I didn't mean to be rude," Leighton immediately defended herself, careful to keep her tone soft and casual. "I just needed some time to myself." And besides I don't need a governess anymore, she thought.

"But you still were, Leighton," Her father chastised. "I expect you know how to remedy this."

Leighton let out a silent sigh of frustration, then glared at the back of her father's head for a brief moment before relaxing her features into the demure, neutral expression she always wore. "I will send an apology letter."

Then her father turned to face her, his annoyance ever present on his face. "That's it? An apology letter? No, Leighton, you will invite her for tea and apologize to her face. She has given up much of her life and her time with her own children to aid in raising you and you will show her the respect she deserves."

Leighton quickly nodded and opened her mouth to speak but her father held a hand to silence her. "I understand there have been a lot of changes but that does not give you the excuse to turn your back on others, you are a princess, your duty is to your country and your people. Perhaps the Selection will remind you of that," Julian lectured, narrowing his green eyes on his daughter.

"You're right, I was being selfish, I'm sorry father." Leighton forced out, as she twisted the ring she always wore on her index finger. It was a simple silver band with an aquamarine stone, she knew it had little value, but to her? It was priceless. Her grandmother had given it to her mother, who had given it to her.

"The phone will be brought to you shortly, best to think of what you would like to say." Julian said as he began to make his way to the door. Then he paused and glanced around his daughter's room once more. Nothing was out of place, the room was perfectly tidy, but what bothered him were the family photos that obviously included his wife. "You will rid this room of any traces of your mother by the end of the day, and if you do not, I will have someone do it for you."

Leighton covered her ring with her hand. As far as she knew, no one knew it was a gift, but did she take the risk and keep it? Leighton simply nodded and gave the only answer she was allowed to. "Yes father."

"Good girl," Came her father's response. Leighton maintained her composure until her door was closed, and she was once again left to her own devices. Only then, could she let her mask fall.

Lincoln shifted through the forms of the thirty-five women who would be participating in his Selection. He had hardly given them any thought when their names had been announced three weeks ago, but now that they were his responsibility? He supposed he ought to know the basics about them. Part of him wanted a new batch of women, surely they still had the applications, how hard would it be? But he had reflected and prayed on it the night before and had come to the realization that this was all a part of God's plan, it had to be. The truth came out in the nick of time and the Selected were being spared the humiliation of dating the product of adultery. The door to the study opened, and he knew it would be his father, anyone else would have needed an appointment.

"Doing some research I see," Julian commented as he reached out to grab one of the forms. "It is not the best circumstances for the Selection, I admit. But Reverend Sterling is convinced that this is the right timing and it has the added benefit of the Selected being well aware of the importance of obedience and chastity."

Lincoln nodded his agreement. "I did not think of it like that, but I suppose he's right. My fear is the range of women, we cannot be certain that they all embody the ideals of a true Illéan woman. It only takes one rotten apple to ruin the bunch."

"Which is why you must be careful during this process, Lincoln, whomever you marry will have considerable influence over the other women, she will be the gold standard of what every young girl in our nation strives to be. She must be perfect, we cannot afford to make another mockery of the crown," Julian cautioned as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I know this is a challenging task, but I believe you can handle it. Do not let love cloud you, think about who is best suited for the task at hand, love can always follow."

Lincoln scoffed. "Love isn't real, love is a tool used to drive men into temptation and believe me, I will not be falling for it."

Julian watched his son for a moment. "Don't let what your mother did ruin love for you, what she did was spun out of lust, not love. That is the most likely reason for her to have betrayed me. You can and will find someone who loves you, and whom you love in return. But do not mistake lust with love."

Lincoln nodded, though his father suspected that everything he said went in one ear and out the other, but Julian decided to drop the matter for now.

"We have sent word to the aides to advise the Selected that they will continue with their role in the Selection, once we have written confirmation that they understand their role in this, the announcement will be made to the country." Julian informed his son. "Do you feel you are ready to take on this burden now, or do you need more time?"

"I would like to make the announcement on this week's Report, I want the Selected here on Monday. They will have just under a week to prepare themselves for their lives to change, that should be more than enough time," Lincoln decided. Why delay the inevitable? He wanted to get this over with to prove to Illéa that the monarchy was not crumbling but was stronger than ever now that they were rid of his whore mother.

"Are you sure? There's no rush, they'll wait as long as needed." Julian assured his son.

"I've never been more sure of anything." Lincoln answered. "Additionally, the Selected will not be paid for their time here. Why should they be? This is a privilege, and if their families cannot get by without their help, at least it's one less mouth to feed. I will not have someone trying to prolong their stay due to greed."

Julian smiled. "A wise decision. Reverend Sterling will be here soon, care to join us?"

"I'd love to." Lincoln answered, then collected all of the forms of his Selected into a neat pile. As much as Lincoln wanted his father's advice on the Selection he doubted it would be sufficient, but perhaps the reverend would be of more help. Afterall, his wife had not had any extramarital affairs.