I'm ready for the Selection taping. One last check in the mirror leaves me impressed but oddly missing my tiaras. I could use the extra oomph of royal confidence. My red power suit will have to suffice.

As I step out of my bedroom, I sense a new tension in the ranks of guards standing throughout my hall. It's quite a bit more than usual: guards and tension. 

In a bold voice, I announce, "Let's go."

I notice the appreciative gleam of their eyes as they take in my appearance. The only one who is able to keep his eyes on mine is Heath, who shoulders aside the others to stand in front of me.

He ducks his head to say quietly into my ear, "There is serious unrest outside the castle walls."

I nod, even though I hadn't noticed that on my update feed.

Heath looks concerned.

"Pardon me for asking, but are you sure you want to do this tonight?" His eyes search my face. I think he knows more than most about what I am planning. He is so quiet at times, I forget he is there.

Propping my hand on my hip, I stare at him coolly and reply, "I am sure."

He pauses, longer than is polite.

I remind him, "You are my guard, my employee, first."

His face hardens.

"You are my friend second," I say, in a softer voice. His shoulders go back and he gives a curt command for the others to fall back and follow us.

Heath leads the way to the communications wing.

"Why aren't we taking the elevators?" I ask.

He answers, "We're in code green: open spaces, eyes alert, possible breach precautions." His body is tense and he is scanning the castle like we are in enemy territory. It only strengthens my resolve to do what I can to settle things down in Illea.

After the first flight of stairs, I see a familiar wide-shouldered, lean form running down the stairs in our direction. Blast. I was hoping to avoid Kile until the taping. I steel myself for a possible encounter, while lining my body up behind as many burly guards as possible. Maybe Kile will think it's my dad behind this entourage.

I try to breathe evenly. He is running at breakneck speed. Maybe he'll pass me. Maybe he's running to see Kadan...please...please...

The guards confirm he is not a threat and then pay him no mind as he draws closer. 

Except Heath. He looks back at me with a questioning frown. I give a slight shake of my head. He moves to block the line of sight between us. 

But he's too late. 

Kile's eyes weave through the cluster of guards and find mine. I feel the heated connection immediately and my body wants to glide into his arms and stay there, lost in his gaze. The hope and love shining through his eyes is clear and honest. Something I doubt I will find anywhere else. I know we don't say it, but what is between Kile and I is important. I won't let anything change that. Or spoil it. I hope someday he understands. And forgives.

Kile edges closer to me, panting. "We have to talk. Privately."

His hair is unruly and his forehead gleams with perspiration. I want to put my cool palm on his cheek and ask him what's wrong. Instead I look put out and check my diamond encrusted watch. The guards all remain professionally impassive.

"Sorry, no time. We have a taping. You should get ready." I blink rapidly at him but otherwise I think I do a good job of looking like a statue.

"Please?" he begs, his eyes darting to the guards and then narrowing. "What you said yesterday..."

"I meant it," I start to walk past him.

He grabs my elbow.

Three or four guards reach to restrain him but Heath says something fast and low and they freeze. Heath watches me for a sign. I give another slight shake of my head. I can handle this.

I shoot Kile a deathly glare. "Hands off, Mr. Woodwork."

He drops my arm, his eyes glazing with tears.

"Eady, stop this. Whatever you're doing."

"What I am doing is picking a husband. I will invite you to the wedding. You are one of my oldest friends."

Kile stiffens and then blows out a frustrated breath. "Can we talk for one damn minute?"

"No, I said it all earlier. I am late for a taping." I barely recognize my monotone voice. "I have to go."

Frantically, he says, "I'm worried about you. Please, don't make any drastic decisions until we talk. Really talk. Alone. Please."

"Don't worry about me. It's not your job," I say, pointedly. He flinches, always one to get my point expressly. "I will see you in an hour at the eliminations." I glance at his t-shirt and jeans. "You'll want to change. Ask Hale if you need help."

Kile pulls at his hair, and I ache to claps his hands in mine and quell his frustration.

"I cannot believe you're doing this for real now," he says, throwing his hands up in the air. "It's a sham, Eady. A ploy to distract and entertain. It's beneath you. We both know it. Before, I thought you deserved it because I didn't know the real you. You aren't a public puppet to be used for political plays. Don't let them try to use you like that. It's wrong."

Fuming now, I wave the guards off.

Heath's lips are in a thin line but he gestures for them to step aside. He seems unusually cooperative.

I yank Kile by the hand up a landing into an alcove with a cushioned window seat.

Now we have a bit of privacy.

"Stop this!" I splutter.

He reaches for me but I dodge him, so he tugs his hands through his messy hair again.

"Whatever you're about to do...don't," he says desperately.

"You say "them" using me is wrong? What's wrong is how I was using you. Can't you see that?" I hiss at him. "This," I arc my arm through the air. "Is all wrong for you. You know it deep down."

"What I know deep down is that you are throwing away a real life for something fake and hollow. You won't be happy."

I almost scoff. When is my happiness ever the goal? At least I can try for his.

"Kyle, I need to help my people. This is the way Dad said to do it."

He looks stricken, perhaps realizing how futile this argument is.

I gulp back a sob and say, "I shouldn't have blackmailed you, but I'll make it right."

"It's not about that anymore for me. I'm sorry it started that way. I really am- you're special, Eadlyn, I want, I mean, I fell—"

"No, Kile. I'm being selfish like always. I was using you. For comfort and because I feel great around you--not just physically. You are like a safe place for me. But I'm holding you back..."

"No, I—" his wide eyes break my cold heart.

"I'm sorry I said you were chicken. You're not. You are a loving son who cares deeply about everything around him. I see great things in you and I shouldn't be keeping them for myself. I should be sharing them with my people."

He grabs my waist, fire burning in his eyes.

"I don't want you to be with any of those other guys," he says fiercely. I can see he is about to kiss me. I tell him no with my eyes and crane my neck back.

"Thanks," I whisper, in a choked voice. "I didn't want you to let me go too easily...my pride you know, I'm a vain woman."

"No, you're not—"

"Shhh. Enjoy the world outside of the castle walls. That's an order."

I force myself to break away and stalk off to my guards. The more I hurt others and lie to myself, the easier it gets.

Author's note: I am loving the comments! Thank you! I feel all your feels about Keadlyn. It's great to know you love their connection as much as I do. I started this whole book because I couldn't wait for the next one to come out in the store. So I had to make one up myself. I think we are a little more than half way through. Thank you again for the votes and comments...I appreciate it! 

~Megan