Cornemuseur | Three | St. George | Was part of Prince Ashton's Elite | Running Kestrel Jewelry | Happily married | Finally got her own pet ((oc selection account))
Ignore this... I just wanted to have some organization in my fics for future reference since it was all over the place lol. Organization for when I wanna be like “I wonder how I wrote back then”
Hey. So all of us ex-selected here might seem a little crazy but I promise we’re nice people and we went through this too so we understand what you’re going through. That said, if you’re interested in learning to just off roofs in a safe manner hit me up ;) and maybe if you do you’ll end up finding your new Prince Charming for when Haiden inevitably picks only one of you, it worked out just fine for me.
Challenge 4 | Birthday Ball and a Visit from the Former Selected
Due to some time constraints, I’ll be publishing this challenge before I publish eliminations. They’ll hopefully be up soon, but in the mean time, we’ll get a head start on the next challenge:This challenge will count against you in the Selection, or for you, and is not optional. You can use anything to fulfill this challenge (edits, gifs, fics, etc.)
Prompt: This week you’ll be attending a ball in Prince Haiden’s honor for his 20th birthday. Along with that, we’re expecting a visit from 7 of the Elite from the last Selection, so you may speak with them as well.
How are you feeling as a member of the Elite?
What did you do at the party?
Did you speak to any of the former Selected? Why or why not?
How much further do you expect to come in this competition?
The former Selected that will be attending are as follows:
@avalonbrooks
@winter-havilliard
@yanely-genovious
@roxanawatelovesbritishliterature
@gracebella-sinclair
@cillia-elizabeth-rountree
@lady-cornemuseur-prinz
You will have one (1) week to complete this task, and there will be more to follow. This challenge will close Wednesday, March 22nd
Hey. So all of us ex-selected here might seem a little crazy but I promise we’re nice people and we went through this too so we understand what you’re going through. That said, if you’re interested in learning to just off roofs in a safe manner hit me up ;) and maybe if you do you’ll end up finding your new Prince Charming for when Haiden inevitably picks only one of you, it worked out just fine for me.
A/N–>As always, thanks to @kilewoodwork for RPing Ashton’s dialogue! There are references to past rp dates that are not in fic form in this. This is the last challenge we’ll probably be writing, I guess…so have fun reading!!!
Seeing my family again had been the best thing that could have happened. Especially because we we’re finally all there. Even Xander. Since he’d been drafted we hadn’t really been all together like that, and in a way I had to thank Ashton for giving us such a chance, even if he had no idea of what he’d done. Moments like those made me realize I would never regret entering the Selection…even if things didn’t turn out the way my heart hoped they would. Meeting Ashton had changed my life in more than one way, and I would always be grateful for it.
The family visit hadn’t come out without it’s drama though. With all of Illea knowing about Winter and Cody now, and Cillia getting arrested for something that had been greatly exaggerated to get her in trouble. Somehow, I wasn’t really surprised when I heard Magnus had done something as well to get himself arrested too, but at least they were both lucky to get help from Gracebella and I knew they’d gotten out.
Still, things had been a bit busy this week and I hadn’t really seen Ashton that much. After I got him out of the ballroom the day Cody and Winter’s relationship was exposed we’d only occasionally talked as he was on various meetings. He’d handled it pretty well though, and things were calming down.
I knew I had to see him again soon. I didn’t know why, but I just really wanted to see him and be with him. Okay, maybe I knew why…
I opened the top drawer of my desk and looked for a piece of paper, stumbling with the “Ace of hearts” I’d been holding on to since the Selection began. I wondered what Ashton would think if I told him I’d kept the card that had stuck to my leg before our very first date. Would he think it made no sense? Sometimes I wasn’t really sure it made any sense myself.
Either way I left the card back in it’s place and wrote down one of my small letters to him:
Ash (sorry, I meant Pauper),
I know things have been complicated since the incident in the family ball a few days ago. I still wish I could have helped you out more with that, but it seems like things are calming down now… I thought it was the perfect time for you to take a little brake. Hopefully I can at least help with that ;) Maybe meet me in the gardens? Sincerely, Lady Cornemuseur.
****
Pipes,
I’ll see you there
Once I saw Ashton staring out at the gardens near a bench I approached him, aiming the video camera I’d gotten at his face. “Hi there” I said smiling.
“Why the camera?” Ashton asked, and I could almost hear the amused tone hidden in his voice.
“It’s no secret that you like filming.” I pointed out, lowering the camera. “I wanted to try doing something you like.”
He chuckled. “Okay”
“So, anything in particular you would like to randomly point a camera at? Because I sadly don’t posses the skills to make a film, and this will probably just be me doing voice overs when I see something interesting during our date.” I admitted.
“I’ll see what I can do.” he assured me, holding out his hand for the camera.
I raised an eyebrow at him with a grin on my face.“A man with a plan, I like that.” I snickered, placing the camera in his hand.
“Lead the way, darlin.” He said gesturing at the gardens.
I smirked at his choice of words, but started walking anyway. “Anything in particular you want to do today?”
“Nope, you pick” he replied, and when I started walking backwards to face him, I found him looking at me through the camera lenses. I was pretty sure he wasn’t filming, but part of me wished he was. It was probably a stupid wish… “Have you had any lunch yet?” I finally asked, pushing away my initial thoughts. I wanted to make sure he had eaten something before we did anything. Ashton had a very busy schedule, which wasn’t really surprising with him being a prince, but I knew he didn’t always use his free time for the important things…like getting enough sleep or eating.
“I normally skip lunch” he admitted with a shrug and I immediately stopped walking to frown at him.
Normally? He normally skips lunch? I’d already guessed he skipped it a few times… but normally implied it was a habit. “Okay, we’re definitely taking a trip to the palace’s kitchen first then.”
“Alrighty.” I was glad he wasn’t really protesting.
As we made our way to the kitchen I stared at the empty hallways. It was weird how different it felt now. The palace had always been too big, even at the beginning with all the selected. Sure, you might have run into someone a couple of times, but it was never too crowded. Not even last week with so many of the Elite’s families here, yet now that they were gone and the Elite had been cut down to the four of us, I could suddenly tell the difference. In the last few days I’d asked myself if maybe it felt like that because we could all tell Ashton was close to choosing–even though I still didn’t know who he would choose. Sometimes I wasn’t really sure he knew either.
“So…things have been a little wild lately. You holding up okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Did you eat breakfast at least?”
“Yeah some toast”
“Well, that’s better than nothing…” I mumbled, and an idea hit me out of nowhere. “Oh! I know what we can do after eating!” I smiled. I hadn’t really come with a plan of what we would do today, so part of my head had been rummaging through ideas. One had finally stuck. “Ever gone hunting for shells?”
“When I was 5 maybe”
“How about we go help you remember how that is after lunch?” I suggested, reaching for his hand.
He chuckled, the way he always did when I said something he found particularly odd. “Alright”
When we finally reached the kitchen I stared at some of the cooks working in a further corner. They were probably getting prepared for dinner, so I didn’t want to bother them. Ashton would just have to stick with my cooking. “What do you want to eat?” I questioned. “I can make sandwiches…or… sandwiches. Have I mentioned I’m good at making sandwiches?”
“I gathered”
“Perfect, sandwiches then” I smiled as I started looking for some bread. Ashton mumbled an amused “Mmm” and I realized here in the kitchen was the perfect place to tell him the story I’d been thinking about ever since I heard he had a thing for tomato paste.
“You know what else…there’s this really weird thing I did one time when my mom wasn’t home and I was hungry. I’m pretty sure you’ll want to try it.” I started to explain without looking at him as I gathered some cheese and ham. I couldn’t believe I was actually telling him such a weird story. “You see, fourteen year old me wasn’t the great cook you see standing in front of you now, so when you have no idea how to cook and you’re really hungry you get creative…and that’s how I ended up reaching for some mozzarella cheese and tomato paste.”
“Tomato paste you say?” he repeated curiously.
“I knew that would get your attention. Yes, tomato paste.” I affirmed.
Ashton grinned and I returned the gesture as I placed the ingredients I’d gathered in an empty table. “That’s why I never judged you about it.” I explained. I never woke up to eat it in the middle of the night like I heard he did…but it did become my ‘go to’ those few times my mother wasn’t home and I just wanted something to ease my growling stomach. I had to eat it alongside cheese though. It tasted better that way.
“I knew I liked you.” Ashton replied, still grinning and it was impossible to stop my heartbeat from skipping.
It didn’t even matter that it wasn’t the first time I heard him say it. Hearing him admit that didn’t only bring a smile to my face anymore. I knew an opportunity to tell him how I felt could be coming my way…actually I could have told him the day I realized it. That afternoon after he came to my room with Eli last week. After he found out I’d dyed Tomato’s hair red with Cillia and Eli had left when he thought we were about to argue. When Ashton and I ended up having a conversation in my bathtub with Tomato. Talk about weird situations out of context…
I smiled shyly and couldn’t avoid drifting closer to him. “Is that so?”
“It is.”
I tentatively reached for his hand. I was digging my own grave. I knew it. I didn’t know if Ashton felt the same way I did…but he needed to know. “Well…” I bit my lip, trying to ease my nerves. “Maybe I..” I paused, unsure of what I was about to do. Not because I wasn’t sure of how I felt, but because I knew what it would mean. Ashton raised his eyebrows, waiting for me to finish. I took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes. He needed to know how I truly felt. Sometimes you just had to take a risk. Sometimes you have to be willing to get hurt to truly let someone in. “I think I do more than just like you.”
“How much more?” he asked and I squeezed his hand, gulping in an effort to untie the knot in my throat. He looked down at our linked hands and then back at me. “There are varying degrees of more.”
“I know” I said smiling nervously. “I’m trying to be brave here, give me a sec.”
“You could write it in tomato paste” he ventured. Joking, but the tone in his voice was soothing.
In another moment I would have laughed a lot more, but I still appreciated the gesture.“That would be so romantic of me.”
“Quite.”
I smiled, looking up at his blue eyes. Reassuring. There was no point in hiding what I felt from him.
“I love you Ashton”
Ashton beamed back at me, a radiant smile taking over his features, giving me the last ounce of courage I needed. I squeezed his hand again. “I love the way you smile when I talk to you and the way you try to make me laugh when I’m nervous and how you care so much about others.”
“That’s… very nice” he swallowed. “Nicer than I deserve.”
You might think that, but I disagree. I clenched my jaw, feeling a bit nervous again. The voice in my head that sometimes reminded me Ashton might not feel the same way I did trying to take over. “It’s how I feel.”
“Hey,” he said sliding his hand to cup my cheek “thank you”
I stared at him and swallowed. He hadn’t left much distance between us, and then he leaned down to kiss me. I was taken aback for just a second before I leaned into the kiss. He deepened the kiss and I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around his neck. Feeling my insides spark with warmth.
“Just… just tell me when to stop, okay?” he paused, his lips still brushing mine.
I smiled and nodded as I kissed him again. “Let’s just… not take clothes off yet“
He chuckled against my lips and it was the best sound I could have heard as he said “Okay” and kept kissing me. I deepened the kisses, keeping him as close to me as I could. It wasn’t the first time we kissed and I’d slowly let our kisses last longer, but I had never let it come to this. This time I poured all of my feeling for him into it.
He pulled all my hair back and placed his hand at the back of my neck, seemingly not wanting there to be any distance between us as well. I buried my hands in his hair and smiled between kisses, admitting that as lame as it sounded, I’d never gone this far with anyone…that I meant what I said. I wanted him to know. I could feel him smile against my lips as I said it and after that we stared at each other. He gave me a warm smile before giving me one last kiss quickly and pulling away. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling back at him even if I tried. Which I didn’t.
“To the shells?” he finally asked.
“Definitely, just let me make you my amazing sandwich.”
“Mmkay”
I smiled again and this time I was the one to give him one last kiss quickly. “Sorry, can’t let you skip lunch.”
“How many do you have?” I asked as we walked near the shore. I already had a few shells gathered in the hem of my dress.
“Not very many, they’re all broken.”
I laughed. “You need more practice” I said, trying to cheer him up as I turned to look over at his shells. I raised my eyebrows as I saw the few amount of shells in his hand. Half of them were broken. He was really bad at this. “a lot more… Okay, let’s try this.” I looked down at his feet to confirm he’d taken off his shoes and then grabbed him by the wrist, guiding him into the water.
“It’s cold”
“You’re really whiny when it comes to water you know?” I replied with amusement. First he whines about the dog water and now this?
“I’m really whiny all the time”
I burst out laughing at that, and stared down at the water covering our feet. “Yes, yes. Very true”
“It’s cute though, right? Part of my charm.”
I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t stop myself from laughing again. “You and your stupid charm”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
I shook my head and kissed his cheek, to which he responded with a smile. Then I elbowed him playfully and explained how we could use the tide to our advantage.
“That’s a lot of standing in the cold water” he pointed out, as if opposing to the idea, but he still leaned down to roll up his pant legs. I smiled at the action. “Yes well, it’s the price of shelling”
“That’s an ugly word” he countered and I snorted.
“What would you call it?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t like that.”
“Maybe when you’re the king you can make the dictionary people come up with a new word for it. Problem solved.”
“Good idea, I’ll write it down on my list.”
”Perfect. I wonder what else is on that list.”
“Plenty”
“Hum, care to share one of your ideas?”
“Nope”
“I could persuade you to tell me” I joked.
“Try me”
I tilted my head, thinking if I should accept the challenge. The possibilities of that working out were null. “Well, it probably won’t work but…” I walked over to him and pressed my chest against his, placing one arm over his shoulder and letting my other hand slowly stroke his nape, then I put on a mischievous smile, leaving a very small distance between our faces. “I’m just asking for one of your thoughts, Ashton”
“See, I know what you’re trying to do, so it isn’t as effective”
I laughed with a shrug as I got the response I expected. “I suck at seducing anyway…” I probably should have taken a step back then, but I didn’t feel like it. “I might want to kiss you though”
“I might be okay with that”
“Might is really vague though…” I said, remembering how Ashton loved using words like those. ‘Maybe’ was his favorite one so far.
“Guess we’ll just have to find out”
I looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Might as well.” I mumbled, closing the distance between us and kissing him.
He kissed me back without hesitating. “Seems I’m too good to resist”
I hit the back of his head at that and glared at him, but was unable to hide a smile. “Don’t make me change my mind.”
“Yes ma'am” he grinned, kissing me again and I deepened the kiss, smiling. Then he bit my lip. I looked at him with an unavoidable and slightly surprised grin on my face. “Oh, well it looks like I’m the one too good to resist” I teased, but he replied with: “You are.”
I looked at him for a few seconds before giving him a big smile and then hugging him, placing my head on his chest. I could hear his heart beating loud and clear. “You know, I never imagined a prince would tell me something like that”
We stayed like that for a moment and when I looked up at him, he was smiling down at me. “How do you deal with it all?” I asked him.
“All what?”
“You know, all of it. Being a prince, having the Selection, addressing the reporters, dealing with all of us…most of the time you make it seem like a stroll through the park” He always impressed me with how calm he managed to act in front of others when it came to things like that.
“I’ve been taught how to do this since I was old enough to talk. It’s my only option”
“Do you… like it?” I ventured, not sure if he would give me a straight answer.
“Yeah” He immediately responded, and for a moment I thought that was going to be all his answer, but then he continued. “I want to be king. I’m not some fairytale prince who doesn’t want the crown. I want the responsibility and the power, but I want to help people. I want to make a difference.”
“That’s good to hear” I smiled.
He gave me a shy smile back and I was surprised to see it. Ashton rarely acted shyly. It made my heart do one of it’s weird flips to know he was actually being shy with me. “I’ve never told anyone outside my family that, not in so many words” he admitted and I stared at him fondly.
“You have no idea how much it means to me to know I’ve earned such trust.” I always wished for him to trust me like this. He blushed with a shrug and I squeezed his hand, smiling. It probably came out as shy as his at the thought of him trusting me.
We stayed like that for a couple more minutes, with the tide brushing against our legs, staring at each other with our hands linked together. It was peaceful. Comforting. Perfect.
“Ready to head back?” he said after a while.
“Yeah…” I paused looking at the sea. Seemingly never ending until it reached the horizon. “just…one last thing.”
“Hmm?”
“I want you to know that I trust you to find a way to make a difference in this country… and… who knows…” I chewed the inside of my cheek, staring at the water below me. “Maybe I’ll be around to help you find it.”
“Thanks pipes”
I looked up at him with a tentative smile, knowing very well that I was blushing. “You’re welcome.”
We both walked the few steps back to the shore before he turned around and added: “I mean it. Thanks for the date, and for believing in me”
“Anytime” I said, smiling brightly at his words.
Back in the palace he accompanied me to my room.
“I’ll see you soon.”
I nodded and gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you too…for keeping me here” I told him, feeling the need to thank him for it all as well. He gave me that charming smile of his and then left me in my room.
When he was gone I plopped down on my chair feeling a bubble of happiness surrounding me. Eli was right, I had it bad. I looked over at my desk. The ‘Ace of Hearts’ was on the top, where I had left it after writing my letter.
I’ve given you my heart Ashton. Now the only thing I can do is wait and see if you’ll give me yours.
“Why do you seem more nervous than Piper does?” Sydney asked Xander in a whisper, but you could still tell she was smirking.
My brother pointedly ignored her, keeping his sight on the door where our family could come through any second now. Sydney however, didn’t take that as an answer and discreetly pulled at his suit.
“It’s been awhile, okay?” He grumbled in annoyance at her insistence. “The last time I saw them was more than two years ago, when I finished my training.”
“But shouldn’t you be excited to see them then?” She queried.
“This is me being excited.” Xander retorted.
Sydney glared at him, and after making sure no one else was staring our way, she hit him with her feather-duster. Xander finally turned to scowl at her and this time I had to snort back a laugh.
“Shouldn’t she be helping Kady with something?” Xander hissed at me with squinting eyes.
I shrugged with amusement. “Don’t ask me.”
Xander sighed and turned to look back at Sydney, who responded with sticking her tongue out. He shook his head with a grunt, taking a few steps forward as he looked back at the doors. Another family came through, but it seemed to be Holly’s.
“You two are impossible.” he grumbled, crossing his arms.
“Don’t do that. You will wrinkle your suit.” Sydney teased.
My brother let out another exasperated sigh, but he uncrossed his arms. I turned to Sydney and we shared a mischievous smile before she headed for the next thing she would actually clean. I kept on smiling though, knowing very well that she was one of the reasons Xander was so giddy.
I walked up to him and linked my hands behind my back. “You know… mom will notice. It won’t take her long.”
Xander’s lips turned into a thin line. “Yes, I am very aware.”
********
I had to restrain myself from running up to hug my parents as soon as they crossed the doors, but I managed…only long enough for them to get halfway through the room, but it still counts as something.
“I’ve missed you so much.” I said, wrapping my arms around them both.
“We’ve missed you too, honey.” My dad mumbled into my hair, and even though I couldn’t see his face I knew he was smiling.
“Is that vanilla I smell?” My mother mumbled, sniffing my hair as she hugged me.
I laughed, but felt my cheeks heat up. Thankfully they couldn’t see my face and hug me at the same time. “It’s a long story.” Involves a certain Prince’s nose.
“I’m here too, you know?” Someone whined from behind my parents. Eli.
“Sorry, sport. Didn’t mean to exclude you” my father laughed as he and mom let go of me to let him pass.
I smiled as soon as I saw those green eyes of his glaring at me. “Oh Eli, I would never forget you.” I assured him as I walked over to squish him in a hug. “How could I ever forget the biggest annoyance on the planet?” I joked as he returned the embrace.
“Now Piper, why would you talk about yourself on third person?” he laughed.
“Shut up” I snapped back at him, but I was grinning from ear to ear as I ruffled his hair.
“You’ve grown.” Xander mumbled sheepishly as Eli and I finished hugging. His eyes locked on him. He’d been silently standing a few feet away this whole time and Eli stiffened next to me when he noticed our oldest brother.
Xander’s eyes were filled with pride as he stared down at Eli, but I also noticed that ‘something else’. The regret. The regret of not being there to watch him grow or be there to help him. The regret of missing so many great moments with him. He’d given me a similar look the first day I arrived in the palace, but somehow it was even more noticeable with Eli. Maybe because Eli had been barely a kid when Xander had to leave.
“Xander?” My mother was the first to speak, her voice choked with emotion.
It took him a moment, but he finally looked up at her and as soon as he did a huge smile lit up his face. “Hi mom.”
“Young man, why have you not given your mother a hug?!” she chided him, running up to hug him herself.
My father quickly followed and when my mother started the chattering I looked down at Eli, who was still standing next to me. I squeezed his shoulder, but he only clenched his jaw.
“Eli?” I asked in a hushed tone. “Are you okay?” I could tell he wasn’t. That was the look he always got when he didn’t know what to do. When he desperately wanted to do something, but felt like he couldn’t. After a few more seconds he responded by shaking his head in a barely visible manner. My parents and Xander had paused whatever conversation they were having and were now staring at us. It was like it was only the five of us in the room. Every family seemed to be on their own thing.
“Hey, Eli” my brother said approaching us. It wasn’t hard to tell he was nervous by the way he smiled. “Care for a hug too?” For the way he gulped I knew he actually dreaded the response.
Eli didn’t answer though, and Xander looked at me as if waiting for me to save him somehow. I could only encourage him to try again with my eyes, so he took a deep breath and nodded, walking the last steps toward us. Eli still didn’t look up at him, so I bent down a little to offer him an encouraging smile too. I was surprised to see his glassy eyes. Clenching my jaw, I felt anger stir up inside me, but I wasn’t sure what it was directed at. Maybe at myself for not being able to help.
Xander crouched in front of Eli and the reaction in his face was immediate. A frown of worry taking over his features. “I’m sorry” he mumbled.
Eli shook his head. “You didn’t do anything.”
“Probably true, but I’m still sorry things had to be this way.” He said, offering him a wary smile. Eli stayed quiet and I looked up at my parents, but they didn’t seem as worried as I felt. That doesn’t make–
Eli suddenly threw himself at Xander, wrapping his arms around his neck as he mumbled how much he’d missed him. He let some of the tears that had been forming in his eyes silently run down his cheeks and Xander just hugged him even tighter. Like he wanted to make up for all the hugs he could never give him in the past few years. Like he wanted to express how much he’d missed him in one hug. Like he never wanted to let go of him again.
I turned to look at my mom and dad once more. They were smiling as they held each other’s hands. That’s when it dawned on me that they’d been expecting this to happen. They just knew us that well I guess.
I smiled and joined my brothers on their embrace. Xander quickly wrapped his arm around me too, and I hugged Eli. I had missed this more than I thought.
******* E L I *******
Piper had been right about the library.
I was tempted to take more books with me, but I realized there was no point in borrowing so many if I didn’t finish some first. Besides, my pile was already way too big.
I stumbled out of the library carrying the pile of books carefully and headed to Piper’s room. She’d pulled some strings–though I still had no idea how–and they’d let me stay with her during the visit. It was kind of stupid considering I was fourteen, but I hadn’t really argued against it. I thought I had been prepared for her to leave all those months ago, but it was worse than I had originally considered.
“Hey, need some help?” a voice next to me asked, and for a second I thought it would be Paisley again. That girl was a ninja, I swear… But as I recognized the voice and looked up, I found Ashton standing in front of me, his hands inside his pockets.
I looked over my shoulder, wondering if maybe he was addressing someone else, even though I knew how ridiculous that was. He was clearly looking at me and there was no one else nearby, so he had to be talking to me. Still it was hard to believe and I shifted awkwardly because of the weight in my arms. The only thing that came out of my mouth was an uncertain “Uh…”
“You’re Eli, right?” He continued, and I stammered again.
“I…um…” I was not prepared for this. I cleared my throat, trying my best to compose myself. I had to remember he was just like any other guy. “Yes. How do you…”
“I’m good with names.” he said before I could finish my sentence. “I’m Ashton.”
No kidding. “Yeah, I could see that.”
“Sorry, I guess it was a little obvious”
“You’re kind of dating my sister and all, so yes. I think it is.” I pointed out dryly. He coughed awkwardly, slightly uncomfortable, and I had to do my best not to smile in victory.
“So help? Or are you good?” he repeated.
I considered saying no, but then remembered Adrien took every opportunity he had to talk with Mari’s new boyfriend, Charlie. Ever since the two started dating a few months ago, Adrien said it was his responsibility to make Charlie “fear him”, and even though I still thought it was dumb and Adrien was annoying…I knew he was a good brother. That’s how I found myself shrugging with a “I guess I wouldn’t mind some help.” How exactly I would make Ashton scared of me though, escaped my mind completely. Maybe I could stick to being rude?
“Alright” Ashton replied, taking half of the books of my pile with ease. “Where to?”
“Piper’s room.”
“Sound good, lead the way.”
I had to snort at that. “Oh, I have a feeling you know the way pretty well too.” I waited for his reaction at that, but he only gave me a skeptical glance before responding: “Seeing as this is my house, yeah.”
“Right.” I mumbled, eyeing him warily.
We continued to walk in silence, but I found it hard not to look at him every few seconds. It was so surreal. Was my sister actually dating the prince of Illea? The Prince. Talk about making the job harder for me. How did you scare off a prince? He seemed decent enough, you know? Tall enough for Piper (even if she wore heels), clearly very healthy, dressed pretty well, and his face was…uhh, acceptable. There was also the whole “being a prince” thing, but…
“What?” he asked, probably noticing my staring.
“Nothing…just thinking.”
“About what?”
This is where I should say something menacing…I think… I shrugged, not bothering to look at him again. “How hard it would be to take you down.” I hate myself right now.
“Pretty hard” Ashton said nonchalantly, but I noticed his sideways glare.
“Hmm, yes, considering your height probably.” I countered, even though I had no idea what I was doing.
“Also stronger than I look” he added.
“Confident much?” I said as I rolled my eyes.
“I work out with the guards every day, it’s just the truth.”
Seriously? “Strength isn’t the only defining factor in a fight though.”
“Please explain.”
“Well, as important as brute force can be in a punch, if you don’t know how to properly throw and aim the punch… it won’t be as effective”
“I think I’m good. I took boxing for 3 years.”
“Really?” I asked with genuine surprise. That was actually pretty– no, wait. I shouldn’t be impressed. Ugh, why does he have to be a Prince of all things. “This guy is just perfect, isn’t he?” I muttered to myself.
“I could teach you some stuff if you wanted” he offered, and I had to clear my throat to hide my eagerness. “That sounds…interesting.” I paused, trying to act like I didn’t really care. I shouldn’t be so easily swayed. “I’d like to try.”
“There are a couple guards who would be happy to help. Your brother could even be there, if you want.”
“Xander?” I snapped my head in Ashton’s direction. “I–I don’t really know if I can ask him to teach me.”
I’d actually been considering asking my brother to do something like that out of curiosity, but in the past few days I hadn’t been able to gather the courage to do so. This was like a free week for him. He didn’t have to be a guard, just the lucky family member of one of the prince’s Elite. What if I asked him and he only did it because he felt obliged to? I didn’t want to ruin his week.
“Well if you can’t, I can.” Ashton assured me, but the thought of that only made it worse. I stared down at the books clenching my jaw. Forcing Xander to do something like that was the last thing I wanted to do.
“You have a brother, right?” I ventured and Ashton nodded with a “yeah”. I had only seen Prince Cody once or twice in the last four days (I still didn’t get why Piper said he looked a lot like me, but whatever). He was probably only a year younger than the Heir, but that still made Ashton the older brother, so…
“Would you—If he ever—” I paused with a sigh, doing my best to organize my thoughts. “Would you be interested in teaching him if he asked you something like that? Wouldn’t it be,” I fumbled for the right word. “I don’t know… Annoying?”
“Of course not.” he frowned. “Dude, I’d love if my brother thought I was cool enough to ask me something like that.”
I frowned back at him. “Really?”
“Totally.”
“Oh…” I didn’t expect that. “It’s just—I’m never really sure what to do sometimes…Xander got drafted when I was ten.” I mumbled.
I knew it wasn’t Xander’s fault. He didn’t choose to leave, it just happened, and when it did it was hard for all of us. I always wrote letters to him alongside Piper, but in the last four years I’d barely seen him once or twice. Piper had been fourteen when he left, so she remembered him a lot more, and her interactions with him never really changed, but in my case…it was like I didn’t know what he expected of me or what I could and couldn’t do. Things had gotten better since that first day we arrived at the palace though.
“And I bet he regrets not getting to see you these past few years.” Ashton said in a reassuring tone.
“I know he does. Don’t get me wrong. I know he cares about me and I care about him too, a lot. But….I don’t know… I don’t want to mess up.” I confessed with a sigh.
“You’re a cool dude, Eli. You’ll be fine.”
I tried to hide a smile as I thanked him. “You’re not so bad yourself.” I acknowledged in a lower tone.
“Much appreciated.”
“Just…don’t hurt my sister, okay?” I finally warned.
Fine, maybe turning the conversation into a brother-relationship advice lesson wasn’t really the best method of intimidation, but at least I learned he’s a decent dude. That has to count for something, right?
“I’m doing my best.” Ashton muttered, but the worry of hurting any of them was written in his face, so I nodded in response, trusting his words.
“What are all these books for?” He wondered, ending the previous conversation.
“Oh, Piper said you have books of pretty much everything here…I wanted to see what you had on architecture.”
“You like architecture?”
“Yes, I’m not really sure why….I just like to see how they come up with these seemingly impossible structures.” Sometimes I thought my interest in it had to do with Mom’s ability to draw. Except I liked buildings and she liked landscapes.
“That’s really cool, Eli.”
Uhhh “…I guess so.”
“You can bring some of the books home when you go if you want”
“Oh, umm I don’t know if I should…” I stammered. He couldn’t be actually offering me books from the palace’s library.
“It’s not a problem.” he shrugged. “We can always get more.”
That makes sense. “Okay…if you say so.”
“I could order you to take them actually.”
Excuse you. I immediately glared up at him.
“I’m kidding dude, chill” he smiled.
“I could still refuse.” I argued, not really finding his joke funny.
“You could.”
I eyed him warily, but smiled when I noticed he meant it. “Mhmm.”
“Once we drop these off, wanna go see the guards and see if they’re down?”
“Sounds good”
“Awesome.”
That’s when we reached Piper’s room. The doors were closed, as always, and Piper had told the guards they could leave a few hours ago. That only left one option. “Piper, I’m back! Open the door!” I yelled.
“Well that’s one way to do it.” Ashton mumbled and I could tell he was amused.
I only smiled at the door. “Oh, just wait for it.”
Just as I finished my sentence Piper’s voice boomed from the inside of the room. “You don’t need to yell Eli! What is wrong with your manners!” The door flung open and there she stood, hands on her hips and a frown on her face. Yep, I’ve missed this. “Seriously, we are in the—” her eyes widened as she noticed Ashton standing next to me. “Oh..”
He only smiled and waved when he freed one of his hands from under the stack of books he was carrying. Piper cleared her throat and smiled at him. “Hi there.”
I went past her, heading inside the room as I rolled my eyes. I knew that look. “Please don’t.”
*********
It was a horrible idea to take a peek on their training. I admit that now…But when Eli told me what he was going to do with Ashton I just couldn’t resist myself. I had to follow them.
Yes, I am very justified, okay? I mean, when the prince you’re falling for and your older brother decide to join forces to teach your little brother some fighting pointers… you get worried. If that ever happens to you, then you can judge me.
Watching them train was very entertaining, don’t get me wrong. The moves I saw were pretty cool and I was happy to see Eli become a little more confident around Xander again. It was great to see them smile and laugh and joke around with out Eli getting nervous. It was even better to see Ashton be there with them, making the jokes himself many times. It felt like I was in a bubble of warm feelings, watching some of the most important boys in my life enjoy each other’s companies. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my morning. I’d even considered coming out of my hiding spot and joining them.
That is until the afternoon hit and the temperature got hotter. Apparently guards just take their shirts off when they’re training and heat rises. Did you know that? Because I certainly did not. Oh, and not only the guards. Ashton has the habit of doing it too. Yep. Ashton took his shirt off. He was shirtless. I mean, I know that’s not a big deal at all for other girls…but I had not been planning on seeing that. Worse part? When he went to get something (don’t ask me what, because I have no idea) I decided it was finally my opportunity to leave, but just when I thought I was free, I ran into him. He was still shirtless and he realized I’d been sort of spying… I scattered away as soon as I saw the grin spread across his face. Now I can’t look at him and not feel a blush rise in my cheeks.
It’s even worse when Xander and Eli remind me about it. Ashton, you annoying blabbermouth. I should hate you, yet I don’t. Not really.
*********
“Piper! There’s an article about you!” I dropped all my music sheets when I heard Eli’s yelling. A few seconds later he was in my room, his eyesreading whatever the magazine said.
“Articles about the Selected happen all the time, you know.” I said starting to collect the sheets that had fallen to the ground. I’d gone to look for one of my favorite songs, so mom could play before she left. I wanted to hear her play at least once and I’d heard the Women’s room had some pretty good acoustics.
“No, you don’t understand! I think this one is important.”
“Since when do you even read those” I mocked him.
“I don’t read them! Paisley just told me about this one.”
I turned around to look at him with a smile. “I thought you said Paisley was annoying.”
Eli cleared his throat. “She is.”
I sighed. “You know this is why you don’t have many friends.”
“Pipeerrrr” Eli groaned.
“You know it’s true.” I said placing my hands on my hips.
“Look just because I say she’s annoying doesn’t mean I automatically hate her. I’ll admit that much. I mean, I get along with Adrien and I think he’s annoying as hell.”
“Hmm, good point.” I nodded, but I knew in real life he liked spending time with Paisley. I just wanted to hear him say it. When Eli actually didn’t like someone he would find a way to avoid them, no matter how hard it seemed.
“Yes! Now look!” he said shoving a magazine page into my face. And there I was in the pizza place Ashton had taken us too, my hand pulling him into a kiss that he gladly returned. He’d practically made the whole restaurant look at us with his dramatics. That had been a great day.
“Oh, that.”
“You knew about it?”
“I was pretty sure I heard a camera go off somewhere.” I shrugged. “No big deal. Just a kiss.”
Eli raised an eyebrow with a smirk. “Dad saw it. His opinion was very interesting.”
This is worse than insulting his naming capacities.
************
Oh, no. This is bad…
You know that moment when you’ve been hiding something from so many people and for so long that you just know it’s about to blow up on your face? Well…Windy was about to blow up on all our faces. It was easy to tell by the rising anger on Cody’s face, the confused frown Reyna Havillard was giving her daughter, and the glint in Fiona’s eyes as she expertly choose her words. She knew it. It was obvious to her now. Whatever exchange had been unfolding the last few minutes between Gracey, Cody, Winter and the two mothers, it had been enough to reveal the last piece of evidence she needed. Now Gracey’s mother was the hunter preparing a trap. A trap Cody and Winter were about to fall in.
The young prince’s voice had been growing in volume the last few sentences as Gracey desperately tried to get her mother to step back and leave. Many eyes were starting to dart over to the small group and it didn’t really help that they were in such an open area.
“Piper?” Eli’s voice mumbled next to me and I finally noticed he was standing a few feet away, frowning at me in confusion. Paisley stood nearby, her eyes fixated on what was about to become a disaster.
I clenched my fists unable to give him any answers and started looking amongst the crowd for Ashton, but instead I found Xander’s confused and worried frown. I could only shake my head and keep looking. As I did, more people turned their attention to the whole commotion and just like that it happened. Before I or anyone else could do anything to stop it. Before I could find Ashton in the crowd.
Cody’s words came tumbling out like a river that a dam had been holding for years. All the precautions they had been taking, and all the people they’d tried to keep the secret from…it meant nothing. It was thrown away. Now everyone knew about Cody and Winter…and that’s when I found him in the crowd. He seemed disappointed, but also trapped. He was probably unsure of what he could do or what this would mean for his brother and him…but any second now he would have reporters drowning him in questions. That’s how I found myself running over to him, reaching for his hand and getting him out of there.
Match each Selected to one: Spiky combat boots, A carton of orange juice, A glass slipper, Furry blankets, A beautiful but vicious vampire, Pretzels, An eye of a tiger, Sharp-ass eyeliner, Porcelain teacups, and a bunny.
Spiky combat boots: Yanely @yanely-genovious.Orange juice box: ME OBVIOUSLY (Piper).Glass slipper: Cambia.Furry blankets: Cillia @cillia-elizabeth-rountree.Beautiful but vicious vampire: Winter @winter-havilliard.Pretzels: Roxana.An eye of tiger: Avalon.Sharp-ass eyeliner: Gracebella @gracebella-sinclair.Porcelain teacups: Alizé @ladyalizemabo.Bunny: Holly @ladyhollygwen.
“I want to display something that will actually help, you know?” I said, impatiently pacing my room. “I want to make sure it’s something that will help people. Our people. The plans we make for this presentation might actually be taken into consideration if they’re good, so I have to make the best out of this. I have to come up with something that will make a difference in Illéa.”
I stopped pacing the room to face him. The sunlight coming through my window made his golden hair shine. “Have any ideas?” I asked.
He tilted his head, dark eyes staring at me as I stood there waiting for a response—that I knew would never come—his tongue sticking out of his mouth.
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Tomato you’re not really helping.”
Tomato barked at the mention of his name and my eyes instinctively darted to the door. Of course, as usual, nobody outside heard. Thankfully I’d managed to make him understand he couldn’t bark, and if he did, it couldn’t be loudly. If he barked loudly he would have to sleep on the bathroom and Tomato was as fancy as his real owner. He liked sleeping in a palace bed.
I released a breath in relief and then glared at the puppy sitting on my bed. I could almost swear he was smiling mischievously. “Don’t do that again.” I ordered as I walked over to him, but as soon as he saw me approaching, he rolled over on his back. Waiting. I rolled my eyes, but then crouched in front of the bed to rub his belly and he at least tried to lick my hand in gratitude.
As much trouble as he was I really loved his company. I’d always wanted a pet back home, but even though my family of Fours was in an acceptable position economically, expenses for taking full responsibility of a pet were still avoided. The closest thing I had to a pet was Garfield, a stray cat from our area that I managed to feed with a small bag of food each month (courtesy of my parents). It was my job to ration it so it would last. He wasn't really a pet though. He probably didn't even know I’d named him and just liked coming to our house because there was food in the yard waiting for him.
There was also the fact that I really wanted to help Ashton with this. It seemed like he really liked Tomato and he’d said if I could train him maybe Tomato could stay permanently and wouldn't have to be a secret anymore. I knew Ashton could use a pet in his life, as it could bring a bit of normalcy into it. Knowing that made me even more determined to make this work.
I was still honored by the fact that he’d actually suggested I train him, even if I had no past experience with such things. If anyone can do it, it's you. You’re pretty incredible, Pipes.
I shook my head as I felt my pulse rising. They were just words... I needed to remember that… Tomato took advantage of my daze to lick my face and made me snap back to reality for a second. The scene hadn't even been that romantic when you thought about it. I'd been kneeling on the floor with Tomato, and Ashton stood nearby. Smiling. That confident gaze in his bright blue eyes and… okay, what’s wrong with me?
The puppy settled next to me, looking for comfort in my side after I stood up and plopped on my bed to rethink about that day—as I'd realized I couldn't really seem to take my mind of it anyway.
After we’d managed to get Tomato unnoticed into my room (with the help of some bedsheets) I learned that Tomato had actually been a late birthday present gift from Avalon. The mention of his birthday had made our conversation change as I asked when had his birthday been. Apparently it had been all the way back in July, so Ashton said it didn't really matter, but still I’d insisted on needing to know so I could send him a present next year...even if I wasn’t in the Selection anymore. He hadn't believed me at first. Even admitting that he didn't think I was lying, but maybe instead thought I was crazy.
“Well you're probably right, but I'd like to know why you think so?”
“Why would you want to give someone you might not be with a present?”
A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts again, so I stood up and whistled so Tomato would know he needed to hide. The young puppy hid under the bed and I headed for the door. When I opened it I found a prince standing in front of me...but not the prince I’d been hoping to see.
•••••••••
Cody seemed surprised to see me even though he had been the one to knock on my door.
“Lad— uh, I mean, Piper. Hi. I just… I was just passing by and— you know—what you saw yesterday, me and Winter— we weren't—we were just...” he kept on stuttering for a few more seconds, averting his eyes from mine, until he finally looked at me and noticed my raised eyebrows. “Right. Okay. You get what I mean...right?”
I laughed at his ridiculousness and after a few seconds his nervous laughter turned genuine too.
Yesterday I’d gone to Winter’s room hoping I could bounce of ideas with her, but to my surprise, when I’d entered the room, I’d found a recently pushed Cody sitting on the floor next to Winter's bed. The look on their faces was priceless.
I knew Winter had found that special someone and I was glad it was someone as amazing and adorable as Cody. He clearly cared about her, even though he was an odd child sometimes. They would make a perfect match. Windy had sailed.
“Yes Cody, I get it.” I finally said as my laughter died down.
“Okay, okay, sorry. We were just talking, but it was kind of surprising when you came in the room.”
“For me, maybe” I joked.
“Oh shush, you didn't even knock.”
I shrugged. “Fair enough. I’ll never dare commit that mistake again… wouldn't want to interrupt when you’re not talking.”
A fierce blush took over his face. “What—we— that's not—I hate you.”
“Not the first Prince to say that.” I grinned, remembering the conversation I’d had with Ash in the shed.
Cody shook his head and clearly tried changing the topic to something that wouldn't have him stuttering and blushing every five seconds. “So got anything planned for the assignment?”
“I thought I had something...but I changed my mind… twice. Now I don't have anything set in stone. I’m running some things in my head.”
He nodded. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”
I leaned on the doorframe. “Yeah, I’m just worried it won't be perfect or as impressive as others. I’ve never had experience with projects like this. What if I miss something or it isn't even doable in the end?”
“Try your best. It doesn't have to be 100% perfect. It's not like you’re queen yet.”
It's not like I even know if there's the possibility of that happening either. “Maybe I’m not queen yet Cody, but I will be presenting it to a Queen.” I mumbled.
Cody rolled his eyes. “Just try your best. I’ve been learning to deal with things like this my whole life and so has Ashton, but some of you girls on the other hand, had zero experience before this. That's why you’re doing these assignments. So they can see if you are learning, and if you are ready to learn more. Show them what you’ve learned. And if you really like my brother...be sure to make your project as good as you can.”
****
I decided I needed to go to the gardens that night so I could think about my project. Going there always made me feel better.
It was Roland's shift, so that meant I could manage an escape. I only ever risked doing those when I knew the guard at shift was close to my brother. That way I knew there wouldn't be any problems when I came back...but I still found their reactions hilarious when I finished my small midnight walks and came back to my room. They never understood how I managed to get out of my room without them even realizing I’d left in the first place, so you can probably imagine their dumbfounded faces as ‘Lady Piper’ suddenly appeared in the main hallway claiming to have been in the gardens.
Xander's reactions were probably the best, as he always came the next morning to nag at me for taking advantage of his peers. It wasn't my fault though, sometimes I just needed to feel like things were normal and I wasn't really in the palace competing to be a future Queen and a Prince's bride. The gardens were incredibly beautiful and I had to admit that the ones in St. George’s park would never meet the mark set by the palace’s, but even though they weren't similar, the royal gardens gave me a vague familiarity to all those hours spent in the park back there.
I remembered attempting—and utterly failing—to play soccer with Xander and Adrien, trying to get Eli to play with me and Mari, staring at my mom as she laughed at one of my dad's jokes while they sat on a bench... His jokes were never really funny in case you're wondering, but my mother's laugh came out easily, like mine.
I preferred roaming the royal gardens at night though, when I could look up at the stars and everything was quiet. You could still see lights and people working inside the palace, but outside it was just you, the bushes and the stars. Of course, that was the time when we couldn't be outside. That's why I resorted to fooling the guards. Many times I used distractions and others I just simply slipped out when they changed shifts. In one rare occasion I took advantage of a sleepy guard. The last time I’d just told the guard I was thirsty.
Sydney had decided she finally wanted to join me on the fun of making weird plans to get out of my room at night. Therefore, when the guard went for the water, I slipped out of my room and headed to the gardens, meanwhile Sydney waited for him to return and received the glass in my place, claiming I was taking a shower. The guard never realized I was gone until an hour later, when I came back. He gave me a squinting glare before opening the door, but he wasn't surprised. It had been Adam after all, my brother's closest friend. He'd probably been expecting it to happen as it wasn’t the first time I fooled him.
The plan that night was to use one of Sydney's uniforms, and just casually come out of the room as a maid. Roland wouldn't think much of it...that is until I came back obviously.
Sydney helped me slip into her clothes and fixed my hair to cover the sides of my face, when I was ready, I left the room looking down at a tray in my hands. Roland didn't even glance at me. I left the tray as I passed the kitchen and hurried to the gardens. Once there I pulled my hair into a ponytail and untied the white half-apron.
“You really outdid yourself this time didn't you?” a voice behind me asked, making me yelp with a jump.
Xander laughed. “Sometimes I forget how easy it is to startle you.”
I glared at my brother. He was still in uniform, arms crossed as he leaned on a nearby wall and a crooked smile spread across his face.
“What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the palace guarding something?” I said crossing my arms as well.
“My last shift already ended.” He shrugged. “And I’m ‘guarding’ you right now. I believe you’re supposed to be in your room.”
I ignored his last comment and turned around, heading deeper into the gardens. “How did you even know I’d be here today?”
I heard him sigh in annoyance before catching up with me. “I realized every time you do this it just happens to be the shift of a guard I know well.”
“Took you long enough to notice” I smiled without looking at him.
“Is that one of Sydney's uniforms?” he asked, dismissing my comment. I nodded and he frowned. “You dressed as a maid so you could come to the gardens?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Not from you” he chuckled. “I guess I just didn't imagine you’d go so far to come here.”
“You’ll understand once you see Roland’s face in the end. This is the first time I've done it to him. I can't wait to see his reaction.”
Xander shook his head with a smile. “You should be considered a menace to society.”
“Maybe.” I grinned, and we walked in silence for a while as I stared at the sky. I hadn't planned on him being here...but then an idea hit me. “Did you know the beach is really close to the palace?”
***
“I can't believe you actually convinced me to do this.” Xander mumbled as we walked on the shore.
I tried to sink my feet as far as I could with every step, loving the feeling of sand covering my skin. It was relaxing. Even better than grass. “Oh Xander, don't act like you didn't want to come.”
He gave me a begrudging humm before adding: “So I heard you got a new assignment.”
“Yeah… it's a project. We have to prepare a presentation of a program that will help better Illéa”
“You sound worried.” Xander pointed out without having to look at me.
We had stopped walking, and were now standing near the water, staring out at the vast sea in front of us. My conversation with Cody hours ago had helped, but not long enough.
“What are you worried about?” my brother pressed on at my lack of a response.
I glanced at him. It wasn't that I was just worried about my program not being good anymore, but what it would mean to them if I messed up. “What if they think I’m not ready to be a Queen? That I can't handle it? I'm not a Three or a Two, I’ve never dealt with anything remotely similar to all of this like some other girls.”
Xander remained silent for a while and I just stared at the horizon where the sea met the sky. Both dark at night. I knew as irrelevant as my worries should be, they did have a point. I'd payed enough attention to Ashton to notice how he worried about his duties. Enough to notice he wanted his choice to be a good Queen. He cared about the future of his country... If my project wasn't good enough and he thought I wouldn't make a good Queen... would he sent me home?
“Do you like him?” Xander finally asked, surprising me with what seemed like a sudden attempt to change the conversation.
“Of course. He’s nice, sympathetic, caring, sweet, way too flirty for his own good…” I was grinning then, but Xander interrupted me.
“No. I mean do you like him, like him.”
“Oh” I paused, and remembered my last conversation with Ashton.
“I care about your annoying royal ass…” I’d admitted, giving him one of my small kisses as he smiled. “I’m actually scared of how much I’ll let myself care.”
“Me too” he’d mumbled back.
Then I remembered our moments in the shed. His selfless offer. Our minutes just standing there, holding each other in an embrace.
“Because you deserve everything you want”. He’d whispered in my ear, hugging me tighter.
I thought about all the other moments we'd spent together. Our first date with the paint fight. His green hair, my purple ends and his bold flirting on countless occasions. The Ace of hearts I kept in my desk drawer. Our little letter exchanges. The two wishes he’d promised me—that I still hadn't decided what would be yet. How he trusted me to train Tomato and keep him in my room. Even our discussion in that random bedroom and the way he smiled that first time I gave him one of my “lame” kisses.
“Yes. I like him, like him.” I said smiling.
It usually took me awhile to decide when I liked someone, but I was certain now that I liked Ashton, and if he let me know him more I knew it could become more than just like.
Xander nodded. “Well then, if that's settled there's only one doubt remaining. Will you make a good Queen? I don’t know if I have the knowledge to judge that… but even if you’re not ready yet, I can assure you that you have all you need to become a great Queen. You're hardworking and honest, you care and want to help other people. You always try to do things as best as you can, with passion and dedication, just like you did when helping Jorge and even that kid, Tommy.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it. “You're worried they will think you can't handle it, but I’m telling you: I believe they’ll see you can.”
My brother’s words were just what I needed. I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thanks”
“That's what siblings are for” he said and I knew he was grinning.
I took a step back and placed my hands on my hips. “Now, how did you know about Tommy?”
His smile grew as he took what seemed like an envelope out of his jacket. “I met with Jorge yesterday and forgot to give you this.” He handed me the envelope. “It’s from Tommy. obviously I had to ask who this Tommy was, so Jorge explained.”
I examined the envelope, it was made of regular paper, seemed to be hand folded. “I don't understand...Tommy wrote me a letter?”
Xander shrugged. “That’s what Jorge said.”
“Wait, why were you meeting with Jorge again?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
He quickly looked at the sea again, burying his hands inside his pockets. “Nothing important.”
Well, that sounds like a lie. “Right.” I mumbled, while opening the envelope. I’d get him to tell me later.
The letter read:
Hey Brunette,
Thanks again for the help… My sister was really happy when I showed her the music box was fixed. She even gave me a hug, and she's not a hugger.
I also wanted to apologize for my attitude the other day. I just didn't think I could take you seriously being a Selected and all. I thought you were just helping because of that dumb competition. Actually I didn't really think you knew what you were doing either, but don't worry, I learned my lesson. And in case you are wondering, yes, I knew you were a Selected. You weren’t fooling anyone about who you were. I mean, you appear on TV almost every week, did you think no one would recognize you?
Anyway, thanks again. I’m glad to know that you aren't just dresses and dates. I’m not really into this stuff, but I guess you could say I’m rooting for you, as well as many other people started to do after your visit. I’m just doing it because you fixed my sister's music box though, so don't get excited Brunette.
Tommy.
I rolled my eyes when I read the word Brunette, knowing he probably knew my name by now, but refused to use it to be annoying. Still, reading the rest of the letter had me smiling. I was glad to know I could help him and his sister, and it felt even better to know that people like him were rooting for me. I guess it was kind of naive of me to think no one would recognize me, but I was happy to know that just like Jorge and Tommy, everyone else had treated me like I was a normal volunteer. Because I was. Just as normal and as important as they were.
***
I’d been taking classes with Miss Lewis since the day after the last elimination, taking Ashton’s offer as soon as possible and having as much fun as I could with it. All I really wanted was to learn about mechanics, and know I finally could. My mental list of reasons why not to get eliminated this round kept growing: Ashton, my brother Xander, Tomato, Kady and Sydney, the youngest prince and the remaining girls I’d befriended during this competition. Now I had to add Miss Lewis’ tutoring classes.
“You did good today, Piper. Make sure to read the next chapter for our next class.”
“Thanks, I will.” I smiled, stacking the books I’d used in a pile, but then decided it was the time to ask for her help. “Umm, Miss Lewis, could I...uh, ask for a weird favor?”
The red-headed tutor pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose and looked at me warily. “What kind of favor?”
*****
“Good afternoon, your Majesty” I said facing the queen, being careful to perform my curtsy correctly. She smiled and then I gave Ashton a curtsy too. “Your Highness.”
Ashton did a brief nod in response and to my surprise the shadow of a grin appeared on his face. I looked back at the queen.
“Lady Piper Prinz?” She said, and I nodded. “Yes, your Majesty.”
She looked at me almost with curiosity before glancing at Ashton, and I noticed the corner of her lips twitch for a second in a contained smile. A smile that seemed to be hiding certain amusement she shared with her son. I couldn’t stop my eyebrow from raising as Ashton nodded at her in response with a less subtle grin. I don’t get it…do I have something in my teeth?
“Very well,” the queen finally looked back at me. “Begin when you feel ready.”
Feel ready? After that? I don't think I can… “Yes, thank you.” I said, clenching my fists behind my back.
It was like being back in highschool, but worse. I always managed school presentations flawlessly...or well, as flawlessly as possible. People always thought I was calm and collected, that I wasn’t nervous or worried, but boy were they wrong.
Was I good? I guess. Was I able to take hold of my emotions? You could say that. But was I calm? No. I was internally screaming most of the time. Now, I was standing in front of the queen, of all people. The queen of Illea, who also happened to be Ashton’s mother, Ashton being the guy I like.
I’m cool. This will be fine. Just imagine you’re back in school doing a presentation for Mr. Lerman… wait, no… Mr. Lerman hated you. Bad example… Okay... but seriously I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING FUNNY. WHY DID ASHTON AND THE QUEEN SEEM AMUSED? Oh, great, internally screaming now.
“My program involves decreasing the Eight population.” I began, pushing my worried thoughts away so they’d become background noise as usual. Queen Sabine, Ashton and the woman advisor all perked up at my proposal, as if curious but also unsure. I didn’t blame them, without an explanation my proposal could sound very skeptical.
I started by showing them the charts I’d made with information from last year's census, demonstrating how an important amount of the Eight population was actually formed by physically or mentally unwell people. I started to explain how they were people who didn't have a choice, people who were born that way or were involved in accidents.
“They’re Eights, barely managing to survive, for accidents they never asked for, or things they didn't even have a choice in.” I continued. “They were told their bodies were a curse. That they weren’t worth anything. Many were born deaf or blind or unable to speak. Some were in accidents that shouldn’t have caused permanent damage, but without the right help they never regained practice with their limbs... and therefore never walked again. Doing more research I even found out that others weren't even in regular accidents, but instead turned out to be old soldiers or guards who ended up like that because of their duty. After losing a limb, they were seen as unfit to work anywhere else, and received no useful help. We are leaving all of this people behind in their times of need.”
As I talked I showed more slides of the conditions these people had to live in and how they had to become homeless beggars most of the time. I felt myself calm down as I talked. Like always during presentations, the more I talked, the more relaxed I became and the more my internal screaming subsided. It helped that this was a topic I cared about. I sounded more confident when it was.
I’d gotten my inspiration for this program when I’d gone outside the palace, accompanied by Miss Lewis, who was not a woman easily persuaded. It took me awhile to convince her, but in the end she agreed when I let he established rendezvous points and times, just in case of emergencies. My visit to the people of Angeles had been what I needed, as it brought my attention to a problem that should be fixed and might be ignored.
“This week I met a family of Sevens. Their youngest daughter, Melody, is a 10 year old. She wasn't born deaf, but three years ago she suffered through a bacterial meningitis that resulted in her deafness. You would think she is lucky to at least possess the ability of speech...but that isn't enough.
“Talking to their parents I learned their concerns for her. How they worry about her future because with her new acquired deafness, the only future she can aspire to is being thrown down a cast and becoming an Eight. You can probably imagine no one wants a deaf worker. They believe that her disability means they must take more precautions… and maybe that's true, some changes would be needed, but I saw this girl work and help in her home and I can assure you she holds her ground. She can manage herself around the house amazingly and has learnt to work around her disability with the help of her aunt's husband—a Three that happened to be a very good and patient teacher.”
While I talked I tried my best to remember Lady Nancy’s lessons. I made sure to articulate the words correctly: with the right tone and meaning behind every sentence. I kept a steady pace and if I ended up pacing the room I did it calmly instead of in a nervous manner. I also kept the right volume in my voice and looked at all the three members of my small crowd. I even took her tip on having a reference point to look at just in case I felt nervous. My reference point might have or might not have been a certain Prince's blue eyes…
“This shows that if people were given the right help and support they could have better lives. These are our people and in their times of need we have abandoned them. That is something we must change and it's the reason why I decided to develop this program.”
My three spectators had been listening intently and took some notes every now and then. I tried not to dwell too much about what they were writing down.
“So what exactly are you suggesting, Lady Piper?” The Queen asked, resting her hands on the table.
“Recovery programs. Programs that would help people in these situations learn to work around their new bodies or even regain the use of their limbs in some cases. Being handicapped shouldn't mean your life is over, the same way being born a certain way shouldn't mean you’ll never amount to anything. Especially not because no one will give you a chance.
“With the right help, more people like Melody could exist, and if people saw the support of the monarchy, employers would start accepting people like Melody. If this happened a great amount of the Eight population would become productive again and would have better lives.”
“It would be a slow process” Ashton commented.
“But an important step for the people of Illéa and an overall improvement. Sometimes you can't change things in one day.” I assured with a smile, and he nodded with the corner of his lips slightly moving upward.
“However” the adviser next to him intervened, “like you mentioned earlier people don't want a deaf worker. What if I said no one wants to help an Eight?”
She was right. I considered that while preparing my presentation. The people that might want to help couldn't, and most of the ones who could help, didn't really care.
Ashton looked from the advisor to me and waited for my response. For some reason it was weirdly comforting to see him not even remotely concerned about me not having and answer. It was like him saying he trusted me to handle it, and I did. I’d been ready for this.
“Sadly, that might be true.” I said, reaching for my prepared papers and handing Ashton, Queen Sabine and the advisor each a set.
Lady Nancy told us we needed to handout sets with all the information we presented, because developing a program involved analyzing and considering everything. We would have to be prepared with more than just words and a visual presentation, so I knew I wouldn't be the only girl who’d be prepared like this. “You see, I don't believe I need that many fundings from external sources for my idea to work. All I need are facilities, equipment and capacitated people.
“Like Prince Ashton pointed out earlier, it would be a slow process. A process that should start in provinces that can be considered important central points like Angeles, Kent, Bonita and Bankston. That would leave nearby provinces some accessibility to the program, even though it would be rough at the beginning.
“In the previously mentioned provinces, I’ve contacted the public hospitals to see which had the possibility of making at least a small space to be used. I found one place in Angeles, three in Kent and four in both Bonita and Bankston. All could be used, but I would recommend only using one or two in the last three, as we wouldn't want to take space from all of these hospitals that need it. Equipment would be a little trickier, and might need the involvement of the monarchy’s funds, but I know that Twos would be willing to lend their own funds once they saw the program was supported by the Royal monarchy.” It wasn't really a secret how some of the richest Two families thrived on looking as good as possible in the public and royal eyes. “Also I know of some Three families who are able to help and would be pleased to do so.” I said smiling at the memory of the Levefvre family back in St. George. Mari and Adrien’s family.
“As for the people capacitated, it would only take Threes who are interested in the field to take upon the studies. For the interest Melody’s uncle showed in helping her, I trust there are people interested in such areas. This would mean new jobs for Illéa's people and a whole new field of studies and options for the Threes. Also, if the program gave the expected results, it would mean many workers would go back to their lives and the Eight population would be reduced as I stated at the beginning of my presentation. As the program grows more people will become less reluctant to lend their fundings or donations, and eventually we would be able to build our own facilities.”
“Slow, but steady.” The Queen chimed in and I smiled at her. Xander's words, followed by Cody’s, echoed in my head.
You have all you need to become a great Queen. Try your best. Show them what you’ve learned.
“Yes. I can't guarantee it's completely foolproof, and it probably isn't perfect, but this is an important issue and if my idea could be the foundation of something bigger I know it would be of great help.”
“Indeed, very well.” The Queen nodded, but she turned her head to frown at her son when he let out the snort of a laugh. He probably found the little message I’d left as a joke at the end of his set of papers. When Ashton noticed his mother’s curious glance and the advisor’s raised eyebrow he immediately returned to the collected Prince facade, but I smiled knowing I was able to get something out of him. “It is an interesting idea, Lady Piper.” The queen continued, still giving Ashton a confused sideways glance. “Thank you for your time.”
“It was my pleasure your Majesty.” I said doing a curtsy to her and Ashton, who was now trying to keep a straight face and glare at me at the same time, but it was a poor attempt of hiding his grin.
***
After my presentation I’d received assurances from “The hoe squad”, who I’d started to get closer to, telling me I probably did great, but I could see most of them were already trying to concentrate on what they would say.
Knowing I could use the walk to calm my own ‘post-presentation’ nerves I told them I’d go for some water, but after my walking I’d ended up sitting on the floor admiring a pillar. Half an hour later, Ashton appeared, so I could only guess he was taking a break between presentations. We didn’t look at each other for a while after he sat next to me, remaining silent until Ashton sniffed the air and laughed. “So you are wearing vanilla scented perfume?”
“Of course, I am. You said it was your favorite smell on our first date. I have to use all the advantages I can. This is a competition, Ash.” I answered with a grin, now assured he’d noticed my little hidden message in his set of papers.
Ashton’s laugh filled the hallway and for a moment I wondered if maybe my scandalous laughter was rubbing off on him. “You know, it’s really hard to predict what you’ll do sometimes.”
“Oh, but I wouldn’t want to be predictable now would I?”
He shook his head. “Oh, no. We wouldn’t want that.”
I smiled, but then remembered the shared amusement with his mother at the beginning of my presentation. “Hey, can I ask you something?”
“I’m afraid I’m in no position to tell you how you did on your project, Lady Piper. That wouldn’t be fair.” He said teasingly.
I pushed his shoulder and rolled my eyes. “It’s not that. I just wanted to know what the Queen seemed to be so amused about after saying my name. It was eating on my nerves.”
Ashton laughed again. “Oh, that was nothing.”
“I doubt it was nothing.”
“Well, fine. I guess she was just happy to know your dad didn’t kill you.” he finally answered giving me an amused look, as if expecting me to catch up on something.
Killed by my dad? what does that even…
“I mean, you did judge his ability to choose names for his children.” Ashton added with a smirk.
I gave him a bewildered look. He wasn’t making any sense at all...unless...oh, wait… OH, NO. I gasped, finally remembering the form I’d filled in when I’d applied to the Selection. It already felt like it had been ages ago. I’d been so bored while filling it in I’d started writing random comments on some of my answers.
Name: Piper Prinz.
Yeah I know five letter names that start with a “p”? What can I say? I blame my dad…I hope he doesn’t read that. (Who am I kidding he is totally reading this before I send it. I’m kidding dad, I love my name, don’t kill me. Love you!).
“You read my application!?” I practically yelled. Ashton seemed to be about to burst chuckling.
“Of course. I read the applications of all the 35 girls who ended up being Selected. Let me tell you, yours was very interesting. A nice change after reading all of those files filled with provinces, heights and talents.”
“I thought only random advisors would read those!”
“Not a very smart assumption.” A mischievous smile spread across his face as he added: “I did like how you seemed determined to show how offended you were by our question of how much you girls weighed. You are right, that shouldn’t be relevant.”
I felt my face turn red. “Oh God...I can’t believe you actually read it! That’s so embarrassing! Wait...that doesn't explain why the Queen…” My eyes grew wide as I noticed Ashton was trying not to laugh again. He’d been waiting for me to get here. I grabbed him by the shoulders. “Please tell me your mother didn’t read it.”
Ashton leaned forward, enough for our noses to brush each other. “You should have heard her laugh.”
That’s it. Someone just end my misery, please.
Ashton laughed at my shocked face and after a couple of minutes of blushing and dying of pure embarrassment, I glared at him.
“You are so lucky I like you, Ashton Schreave.”
He stopped laughing. “Like me? Not just care about me?”
I crossed my arms, staring at the pillar again with a frown. “Yes, you heard me right. Like you. And it actually goes in pair with caring about you. Maybe it could turn into something more...Who knows? It’s not only in my hands to decide.”
Ashton seemed speechless for once in his life, as he stared at me, blinking several times and then smiling. A guard suddenly appeared and informed the Prince the presentations would continue in a few minutes. He nodded and the guard left, then he looked back at me. “That's good to know” he said, then he kissed my cheek and stood up.
