I kept my smile on as Claire and I went to her room to have our make-up retouched. My heart was aching.

"The dance was fun!" She exclaimed.

I nodded and smiled, "Yeah, it was fun twirling a lot and being lifted to the air."

She giggled, "Yeah I had fun in that part too. Zeke has strong arms."

I smiled, Yeah, I know. I've danced with him a million times.

"I believe he got it from his father. Despite his age, he was still strong." I commented.

"Who do you think he got his personality from?" She asked.

"Defunitely not his father." I said and laughed, "His father is too nice!"

Claire raised her eyebrow, "But Zeke is nice too, you know?"

It was my turn to raise my eyebrow, "I know he's nice, but his father is nicer. Besides, hasn't he teased you yet?"

She shook her head and smiled dreamily, "He's always nice to me."

I almost scoffed. Sure he was nice to me in some cases but most of the time we'd be teasing each other or arguing.

"He's a real gentleman." She commented.

I nodded, "Yeah. Now that we're not sweaty and icky, let's go to the Dining hall, shall we?"

We walked to the hall and every Selected was there and the royal family was not. There was yet another empty seat, Aisha's former seat. Claire's side moved to cover the empty space.

When the royals came, we all stood up and curtsied. King Francis took an empty seat and he was beside William.

"Ladies, this is King Francis of Italy. He will be our guest for today until the party. He is Princess Celestiana's father. Her family will be here on the day of the event." The Queen announced.

We ate after her announcement.

"Lady Louise, I apologize for not taking you on that promised date. Can we move that on the day after the party?" Tony asked.

Louise smiled, "Of course, Your majesty."

"I'll come to your room in the afternoon. Lady Julianne, Lady Christine, and Lady Harriet. I'll have to move our dates too. Will it be okay if I move it to two days after the event? I'll be preoccupied tomorrow."

"It would be okay, Prince Thornton." Harriet replied.

"Of course, Your highness." Julianne replied.

Christine nodded. Tony smiled at their responses. We'll be practicing the whole day tomorrow. No one would notice us gone because they arranged a special dancing lesson in their own rooms.

"Tomorrow, there will be instructors sent to each of your rooms and they will teach you the dance." Tony announced.

There was silence again after that. I finished my dinner early so I stood up and curtsied, "Excuse me."

The Queen nodded and so I left. I went to my room and jumped at the bed. My bed wasn't as comfortable as the one in the Princess suite, but who was I to complain?

I sighed into my pillows. My mood has not improved and I don't know how to stay optimistic. Before the Selection began, I thought that the girls coming in the palace would be my friends and everyone would be nice. I told myself that it wouldn't be a competition. I told myself that Tony and I could still hang out. I told myself that the noise would be comforting. I told myself I'd act like I didn't know the prince. I told myself that whatever happens and whoever Tony chooses would be fine with me.

Oh how wrong was I?

"Haidee? Let's get you in a night gown." Georgia called.

"The bath is ready!" Hannah yelled from the bathroom.

I willed myself to keep it together and do things normally. Moping would do me no good.

After bathing, I was dressed in a black night gown. I sat down on my bed.

"I can't help but notice that you're not feeling well, Haidee." Vivianne stated.

Georgia and Hannah nodded to agree.

"Yeah, are you okay?" Hannah asked.

I smiled at them, "What are you talking about? I'm okay."

Georgia raised her eyebrow, "You're not. We can see."

I sighed, "I don't know. I guess that this Selection is taking a toll on me."

They looked at each other and approached me. They embraced me.

Hannah stroked my head, "It's okay, Haidee. It's normal to feel that way."

"I've been surprised that you were okay with it with the first few weeks. You're a strong girl, Haidee. A petty competition won't break you." Georgia said.

I smiled in their embrace. They were like sisters to me. They always cheered me up when I'm feeling down. I wish I could repay them somehow.

"How about sleeping together? Do you have company." Vivianne suggested.

I smiled, "I'd love that. Sleep beside me."

Thry went out of the room furst to get their pajamas and a mattress. When they got back, they placed the matyress beside the bed. We decided that Georgia will sleep beside me and Vivianne and Hannah will sleep on the spare mattress.

"Good night, everyone." I said.

"Good night, Haidee." They said back.

Then I slept soundly with the comforting presence of my maids. I have the best maids ever.

In the morning, I woke up with a piece of paper on my face. I took it off and looked around me, hopefully to see who would leave this.

"Haidee, You're awake." Hannah commented. "I already prepared your bath. Georgia and Vivianne just got dressed."

"Do you know who left this?" I asked and showed her the paper.

"No, but when we woke up, we already saw that." Hannah answered.

Then whoever left this note came into my room at night. I noticed that the paper used was from my stationery. So that means that the person just wrote, whatever is in it, here inside my room.

I opened the letter.

Dee,

My heart skipped a beat as I read the first word.

I came here last night (If you read this in the morning) or tonight (If you ever woke up at night) to check on you, but I saw that you were already asleep with your maids. I just wanted to ask if you were okay. I noticed that you seemed down since we practiced. You also left dinner early. You know you can talk to me about your problems. Meet me in the gardens in the morning before you go to the room for practice. I'll be waiting.

-Tony

I unintentionally smiled. I went to the bathroom and fixed myself quickly. I told Vivianne that I'm going to wear something easy to dance to so she made me wear a white tulle dress that reached two inches above my knee. I ate the breakfast served in my room and brushed my teeth after.

They fixed my hair into a bun. I also wore white heels. I told them my goodbyes and walked to the gardens.

I saw him sitting down on a bench but I stopped when I saw him talking to one of the Selected. He was talking to Gayle.

I composed myself and I decided not to run to the room where we practice. If I'm going to get him then I need to be strong.

Gayle smiled happily, curtsied then walked away. I took a deep breath and approached him. He saw me walkinv towards him so he smiled and waved.

I smiled without humor and he seemed to notice it. He patted the seat next to him.

"How have you been?" He asked as I sat down next to him.

I sighed, "Good."

"Stop lying."

There's no point in lying to him. He recognizes every lie that I make. "Terrible, but it's bearable."

"What's the problem, Dee?" He asked and put his hand on top of mine.

I closed my eyes at the touch and I took a deep breath, "It's petty. You're probably going to laugh at it."

He raised his eyebrow, "Why would I?"

"Because," I began. "Because it's about the Selection."

He looked confused, "What about it? Is someone hurting you again? Tell me their names." He said seriously.

I shook my head, "No, It's not about the other girls. It's about me."

"Why?" He asked and squeezed my hand to comfort me.

"It's just that I've been surrounded by a lot of talented and beautiful girls. I-I feel insecure."

"What? Why would you?" He asked and held my shoulders to make me face him.

I looked down, not daring to look at his eyes. He held my chin up.

"Dee. Don't compare yourself to the others. You're a different person."

My eyes got a little teary, "I bet you tell all of the girls that."

His eyebrows furrowed, "What?"

"I heard you tell that to Claire yesterday." I confessed.

He sighed, "Dee, I tell everybody that because it's true. You should always remember that you have your own strengths. Don't dwell on other's achievements."

"You can't stop me from being insecure, Tony. I can't help but think that I'm worthless when I'm with them." I told him. "They always gossip about their dates with you and how you tell them all these things and I always compare it to me. Sometimes, some even come to me to brag about their dates and to ask a favor for their benefit."

A tear fell down on my cheek. How petty. Here I was talking about a small problem and crying about it, how embarrassing. I wiped the tears, thankful that I didn't wear any make-up today except lipstick.

"This is too hypocritical of me since I've got your time before the Selection even happened but I can't help but think that you no longer have time from me."

"Deeㅡ"

"Wait. I know you have to split your time with 23 other girls and I know you're busy with your work. But can't I just miss those days when there wasn't a competition? You can't tell me that this is what I signed up for because this all started with that blasted fingerprint you made me put on that contract." I ranted, "You can't blame me for thinking that you forgot me. I'm glad that you're having a fun time with the other girls, really. I'm even proud of you for conquering your fear of talking to women. But I just feel out of place these days because they've all been talking about how great their dates were and I have nothing to say. I can't tell them how great the time we had back when the Selection happened because it's a secret." I paused to wipe a tear, "They tell me that I'm a favorite but I don't feel like that at all. I feel like I'm still here because Celestiana wants me to stay and not because I have a chance with you. Sorry if I became insensitive. I know you have your own reasons but I just needed to let all of it out. I can't talk to my friends about it because that would feel wrong." I wiped the tears coming out from my eyes again.

"Deeㅡ"

"Wait, I'm not finished." I told him.

"No, listen to me, Dee." He said sternly.

"Let me finish first, okay?" I asked softly. I took a deep breath, "Tony, I-I like you and that's why I can't bare to see that I'm practically in last place among all of the girls. I know you're coming to like some of the girls here and I can't keep you from that. You can kick me out if I don't have a chance, I can't stay here with the thought that I can't get you." I wiped my tears again.

Tony sighed and pulled me into a hug. His left hand was caressing my hair and his right was around me, "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."

I cried harder at that. I really don't have a chance.

"But you don't understand." He said. "I only spend my days with the other girls because I thought that if I spend time with you the most then the girls would hate you and maybe your friends would leave you. I don't want that for you. I want you to experience having a friend inside the palace despite the competition. I thought I was being unfair to the other girls because they notice that I always make time for you. I want to spend time with you, trust me I do. But I held myself back." He pulled me closer and I raised my arms to embrace him back, "I'm really sorry you had to feel that way about yourself. Dee, you should know that you have a special place in my heart and no one can ever remove you from there. You were the first one to ever treat me harshly despite knowing that I'm a prince. You were nicer to me when I was pretending to be a guard. You're the only person I allow to call me by a nickname. You were the first person to ever tell me that you thought I was just handsome. You were also the first person that told me about all the nice things about me. You were the first person I taught. I'm planning to make you stay here even if you don't want to. I'll show that contract with your 'blasted' fingerprint to you everytime you want to leave. I'm not going to make you leave, Dee. And I'm not planning to."

I sniffed and pulled away from him. He wiped my remaining tears.

"I like you too, Dee." He said and smiled.

I smiled at him and wiped my tear-stained cheeks, "Thank you."

He kissed my forehead, "You don't need to thank me."

I smiled, "But I want to."

He pulled me up, "Come on, let's get you washed up first."

"Okay." I said.

He escorted me to my room and he waited outside. Georgia, Vivianne, and Hannah all looked at me.

"Oh my god, Haidee! What happened? Why were you crying?" Vivianne asked worriedly.

I laughed, "I'm okay now."

They didn't ask anything else and they made me wash my face. They put lipstick on me again. Once I was ready, I left my room and let Tony escort me to the mini ballroom.

When we were in front of the door, I asked him, "Is it obvious that I cried?"

He shook his head, "Nope. You look beautiful."

I smiled and punched his shoulder lightly, "If anyone asks why I cried, I'm blaming you."

"I'd tell them that you cried because I'm too handsome."

I laughed and shook my head, "Where did you pick that up?"

He smiled, "From you. Let's go inside now. They're all waiting for us."

We opened the door and we saw them already dancing. Tony and I rushed to our place. It was the part where the girls go to the middle and circle with the other. I put my hand on Claire's.

"Where have you been?" She asked.

"I woke up late." I replied.

"Then why are you and Zeke together when you entered?" She asked.

"I ran into him on the way here." I answered casually.

We went to the back and formed a circle. I went to Prince Erik and shared a smile with Tony as our eyes met.

We walked to the left and halted. Claire, Celestiana, Queen Eadlyn, and I went back to the center and curtsied. I twirled back to Tony's father.

"You seem happy." The prince consort commented.

I smiled, "My problem was resolved."

"That's good." He commented.

Turned to William and curtsied with a smile.

"Having a good day?" He asked as he bowed.

"Yup." I stated and turned back to Prince Erik.

"Could you sing a song tomorrow?" Prince Erik asked.

"Of course, Your majesty." I answered with a smile.

"Please, call me Father." He stated with a smile.

I was taken aback but I smiled, "With pleasure, Father."

"You can sing any song you want." Prince ErikㅡI mean father said.

I nodded, "I already have a song in mind, but can I sing it with two friends?"

He smiled, "Of course."

I smiled, "Great."

When it was time for lunch, I grabbed Claire's arm and dragged her to Julianne's room.

"Hey! Where are we going?" Claire asked.

I didn't answer and once we were im front of Julianne's door, I knocked and she opened it.

"Haidee? Claire? What are you doing here?" She asked as she made us sit down on her bed.

"I don't know. Haidee just dragged me here." Claire said with a shrug.

"The Queen's wife told us to sing at the party." I told them.

"What?!" They chorused.

"Are you sure? Because I can't believe that he'd say that I should sing. I didn't even sing at that play! I'd believe it, however, if you said that he wants you and Julianne to sing." Claire pointed out.

I sighed, "Fine. The truth is that he asked me to sing but I said I wanted to sing it with the two of you."

"Why me?" Claire asked.

"You mentioned that you sing two days ago." I answered.

"You remember that?" She asked incredulously.

I smiled, "I have a great memory."

"So what are we singing?" Julianne asked.

"I was thinking a song from Princess and the Pauper. Though you didn't sing it at the end. It's called Written in your heart." I suggested.

They nodded.

"That's a great song, considering that it's an engagement party." Julianne commented.

Claire smiled, "It's a good thing that I watched the movie when it was found to be undamaged after the American War."

"Wait, I think I have the lyrics." Julianne said and walked around the room. She was looking at her drawer when she spoke, "We didn't sing it at the end but I sang the first verse in the beggining so I have the lyrics. There it is." She said and pulled out a piece of paper.

Written in Your Heart

Like a bird that flies
In the morning light
Or a butterfly in the spring
When your spirit rides
On the winds of hope
You'll find your wings

And your always free to begin again
And your always free to believe
When you find the place that your heart belongs
You'll never leave

You and I will always be
Celebrating life together
I know I have found a friend forever more

Love is like a melody
One that I will always treasure
Courage is the key that opens every door

Though you may not know where your gifts may lead
And it may not show at the start
When you live your dream
You'll find destiny
Is written in your heart

Though you may not know where your gifts may lead
And it may not show at the start
When you live your dream
You'll find destiny
Is written in your heart

"Let's split up the parts first, shall we?" Julianne asked.