The crowd cheered as my heart broke into a million pieces. Tony pulled Claire to the side where Fidel and Beall were.

"People of Illéa," Tony said, "Please bless the marriage of Lady Claire," He said then placed her hand on Beall's hand, "And Prince Beall Schreave of France."

The cheers stopped for a moment then it started again with uncertainty. If possible, my broken heart started to mend. Claire looked stunned but she smiled and curtsied to her future husband. Beall whispered something in her ear but she shook her head and smiled.

Louise turned hopeful again but she glanced warily at Fidel. I knew she wasn't stupid to figure out that there was a chance that she might be given to Fidel. Tony turned and looked at Louise. He smiled and held out his hand for her, "Join me, Louise."

Louise took his hand but there was still uncertainty in her eyes. Tony held both of her hands and stared at her. The mended parts of my heart broke apart again.

Julianne squeezed my hand and whispered, "Don't cry, Haidee. You're better than her, okay?"

I pursed my lips and nodded. Be strong, Haidee.

"Louise," Tony started, "I've only met you for about five months but you grew on me. You were the first girl outside of my family to know my hobby of sketching. I like how you turn childish with me but proper when needed."

Louise looked like she was trying hard not to cry but she kept nodding her head as if she was already saying yes.

"I like how you're humble and don't think badly of others. I like how you're so nice. I like how you look when you paint. Especially when your shirt is covered in it." He smiled.

I clutched my gown. I really wanted to get out of here. I didn't want to hear about the part where they were getting married. I need an escape plan.

"I like how you try your best to please everyone. I like how innocent and caring you are. You were the first person to find me in my hiding place. You're like a cloud that covers the sun when it gets too sunny. Like a lily in the middle of a sunflower garden." He said.

I took deep breaths so I wouldn't cry. Even Celestiana looked doubtful now and it didn't help my mood. Especially Louise's crying face. She was so happy that I almost wanted to tear off that smile on her face. Julianne squeezed my hand every now and then.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Of course," I answered quickly, "Why wouldn't I be?"

She frowned, "Don't even pretend. Come on, let's go to the comfort room, okay?"

I sighed in relief and nodded, thankful for the escape. We stood and she pulled me past the crowd.

"You're a wonderful girl and any man would die to have you." He said.

I wanted to block out his voice. His words. Those words that crushed my already broken heart.

"And maybe that's why I'm weird," He said suddenly, "Because I don't want to die to have you. I want to live."

I choked back a sob. Julianne squeezed my hand, "Come on, let's move faster." She said.

"I want to live." He repeated, "With another girl."

I stopped in my tracks and stared back at the middle in surprise. Some gasped and started whispering. Tony released her hands, "I'm sorry, Louise. Everything I said was true, but there's another woman I love."

Louise's tears streamed down her face uncontrollably but she nodded her head, as if she thought this would happen.

"And this is the only thing I can do to make up for your loss," Tony continued and motioned for Fidel to come forward, "The prince of Spain has taken interest in you. If you would accept, he would love for you to go to Spain with him. Start a relationship and if things work out, get married."

Louise smiled through the tears and I almost wanted to take back what I said about taking her smile off her face, "Yes, of course." She said.

Fidel smiled and took her. He led her away, probably to calm her down. Claire and Beall went back to our table but Tony stayed in front.

He took a deep breath and smiled again, "May I invite again Eldora and Yuta, Celestiana and William, and Lady Haidee in front."

Julianne smiled, "You go, girl."

I nodded and went to the front. I couldn't look at Tony in the eye. I think what he did was too harsh. He told her all these wonderful things only to dump her in the end, but still, I felt a little relieved.

I felt bad about feeling relieved, believe me I do. I want to comfort Louise right now and tell her how she deserves better and how Tony was a jerk, but at the same time, I didn't want to.

I shouldn't get my hopes up. The former selected are in here too. What do I know? Maybe he'll bring the others back into the competition to select his wife.

When I got to the front, I placed myself in between Eldora and Celestiana.

"People of Illèa, you must be confused." Tony said, "But this is what I'm going to do. I know what I did and right now, nobody is left in the Selection. But that's why I invited the former selected." There were murmers and some gleeful chatter from the evicted, "I will be choosing my wife from the eliminated. So, girls, please join us in front."

28 girls rose from two consecutive tables. 14 girls each. Among those girls, I saw Gayle who was smiling at me. I gave her a wave which she returned. But there were also unwelcomed faces. Like Beatrice, Harmonia, Diamond, Margarette, Clover, Natalie, Violet, Carmel, Irene, Leigh, and Diana.

But Mae, Jane, Mary and Elena were some of the few girls who were pleased to see me.

"Dee, go join them." Tony whispered to me.

I nodded and went beside Gayle and Mary. I have both of them hugs first before facing Tony.

"29 girls stand before me," Tony stated, "Those of you who do not wish to participate, those who found their loved ones, those who are content with their lives, you may take your seats."

Elena, Samantha, Diamond, Leigh, Flora, Kane, and three other girls left.

Mary squeezed my arm, "I'm going to take a seat now. I know you're going to win."

My eyes widened, "You found someone?"

She grinned and nodded, "He's been in front of me my whole life and I barely noticed him. Now, I gotta go."

I nodded and waved goodbye. I gripped Gayle's hand and whispered, "Good luck to the both of us."

She chuckled and removed my hand from hers, "Actually, I'm leaving. I'm going to New Asia with my family."

I pouted, "Why does everyone have to leave?"

She rolled her eyes, "You act like you care. Besides, these other girls here don't stand a chance against you. Everyone's been betting on you since you said 'I'll behave' on the very first interview you had."

My eyebrows furrowed, "When did I evenㅡOh." I smiled, "I hope you're happy."

She nodded and waved goodbye. I did a head count. 18 girls left.

Tony smiled at us, "My decision will come after a little performance by the royals. So please, make yourselves comfortable." He said and pointed to the seats behind us which suddenly appeared. They were like less fancy thrones. Beatrice settled down like she already knew she'd win.

Eldora and Yuta paired up and so did Celestiana and William. Tony was partnerless.

He glanced back at us, "Alas, I do not have a partner." He smiled.

"I'd gladly be your partner, your highness!" Margarette exclaimed.

Tony started walking to us. More specifically, to me. He made it obvious by staring at me as he approached.

He held out his hand, "Would you do me the honor of being my partner, Lady Haidee?"

I rolled my eyes, "The honor would be all mine, Prince Thornton."

He led me to the middle with a smirk.

"So this is why I needed to learn the dance." I stated.

He chuckled, "I've been caught."

I rolled my eyes but a smile formed on my lips. The music started and we followed.

"So, I was wondering," I said, "Why is there only a little people who dance this?"

He smiled, "Because this dance is for royalty."

My eyes widened and my brain processed that statement.

This was a dance for royalty?

Would that meanㅡno, don't hope too much.

He chuckled, "You look so focused. Does that bother you so much?"

I glared at him, "In fact, yes."

He smiled, "You've danced with royals before. You shouldn't be surprised at this point. You danced with us in William and Celestiana's engagement party."

"Yeah, but Claire was there."

"You danced at William and Celestiana's wedding." He winced, "At least, you were supposed to."

"But Julianne and Claire were there too."

"You danced with Francisco."

"You saw that?" I asked.

He nodded, "Well, yes."

"I thought you were dancing with someone else back then, how could you see me?"

He shrugged and winked, "That's a story for another day."

I rolled my eyes, "But still, this is different. I'm dancing a dance for royals. It's different dancing with royals."

He shrugged, "It's pretty much the same to me."

"Whatever." I stated with a sigh.

"So . . . who do you think I'll choose?"

"How would I know?" I asked, "I'm not you."

"But you said you knew me. So based on your knowledge of me, who do you think I'll choose? Give me three names."

I scanned my eyes through the girls. Beatrice and her followers were scowling at me.

Definitely not them.

I saw Mae' and Lucy's smiling faces.

"Maybe Mae and Lucy?" I suggested, "And . . . Rachel?"

He hummed and nodded as if considering this, "Could be, but one of them is wrong."

I raised an eyebrow and scanned the girls again. I gasped dramatically, "You mean Beatrice is one of your choices?"

He rolled his eyes, "You know she isn't."

I chuckled, "Well then who, your majesty?"

He frowned, "Don't call me that. I'm not king. Not yet."

My smile faded and I turned serious, "Tony. You're just postponing the inevitable. Whether you like it or not, you will be king. These people need you. We need you."

He sighed and shook his head, "I wish I was born as a normal kid. Then maybe none of these crazy things happened."

I gave him a sad smile, "I wish you were born normal too, but you know, You shouldn't complain about the life you have. We should learn to be contented and to keep going."

He smiled, "Preach."

I rolled my eyes but a smile stayed on my face, "Anyway, do you know when Julianne and Earl's wedding is?"

"Well, I think they're planning a day on September."

"Why September?" I asked.

He shrugged, "How should I know? I can't understand the darkest pit in Earl's mind."

I chuckled, "A scary place."

He nodded, "Very."

He put his hands on my waist and lifted me up on the air. When I was back down on solid ground he said, "You've gained weight."

I glared at him, "You should never tell a girl that."

He laughed, "No, no. It wasn't meant as an insult. You were so thin when you first arrived here. I'm glad you aren't a stick anymore."

I scoffed, "I never knew you thought of me as a stick."

He smiled, "The prettiest stick there ever is."

I smiled, "That's more like it."

My arms formed an 'o' as I did a pirouette. His hand supported my waist as I turned and it sent tiny tingles of electricity in my body. When I was done spinning, I was leaning to the side with only his arms supporting my weight.

I gulped when I saw his face close to mine. My cheeks felt hot and he smirked at that which made it more red. I glared at him and continued to dance.

I felt as light as a feather despite the fact that I've 'gained weight'. I danced as gracefully as any royal would. I almost felt like my feet didn't touch the floor.

I did a lot of pirouettes as Tony circled me. The dance almost came to an end. Our ending pose should be side by side with one of our hands holding and the other either behind our backs or holding our skirts.

I heard that the music was coming to an end so I did one last pirouette and held my hand up to grip his hand.

But I found none.

The crowd applauded. Did he forget the last pose?

My eyebrows furrowed and my heart pounded. My first time dancing a royal dance, failed because of Tony forgetting the last pose. My heart pounded more when I saw him.

He was down on one knee, holding an open velvet box. Inside was a ring. A small ring. Its gems were a sapphire and an aquamarine. Our birthstones. Its ring was encrusted with small diamonds.

My eyes teared up and I almost went into a fit of sobs. Almost? Well not really. I did cry. But I didn't wail. I kept a hand on my mouth to keep myself from letting out a cry of happinness.

Tony took a deep breath, "Dee," He looked away and took another breath. Then he faced me eye to eye, "When I saw you when we were kids, I thought you were just a girl who looked like my brother's wife." He closed his eyes and took another deep breath. I noticed that his hand was shaking ever so lightly and his lips were quivering.

I looked at the ceiling to hopefully prevent the tears from falling. Naturally, it didn't.

"But you're not." He continued, "You're a girl who is very versatile and can do whatever task is given to her. A girl who has a lot of spice." He smiled, "Remember the first time we talked? Alone?" He laughed and wiped a tear that fell from his eye, "You told me I was just handsome."

I kept my face hidden by covering it with my hands. I don't know why. This is supposed to be a happy event. Why am I crying?

"You knew almost everything about me then," He said, "And you know me more now." He took another breath, "You were the first person to break me out of my shell. With you, I feel like a normal boy. We've had fights. A lot of disagreements. But look at us now. We've been through a lot." He paused, "You were the first person I sang a duet with. I've kept my promise to always make you my first dance. I like how you smile. I like how you became so close with my relatives even if sometimes it was a little too close."

I glared at him through the tears. I tried for my most intimidating face but I knew it failed horribly with my tear-stained cheeks, "I didn't flirt with them. You know that."

"I like how we fight." He smiled, "I like how you gave in to my request that you stay longer here before you leave for your home. I like how you cared for me when I was sick."

I removed my hands from my face and glared at him, "You never told me you didn't like medicine." My voice sounded hoarse and nasal from the crying.

He laughed, "That hardly matters now. If I compared Louise as the cloud that gives me shade when it gets too sunny, you're the sun. You always shine, you know?"

I probably looked horrible right now from all the crying, but I don't care. I didn't even remember that people were watching.

"You light up my world. Clouds are temporary things that provide people a chance to be shaded from the sun. But I realized that I'd rather be burned from your light than be protected in the shadows. The shade is my comfort zone, but with you, I'll risk leavimg it. I'll be the moon. Without you, I wouldn't be able to shine. Let's light the world together. Let's guide them." He was also in tears now but he kept holding it back so he can still speak. "In a field of sunflowers, there is a lily. And that's Louise. But you, you're every sunflower. The field is my mind and heart. You're always in there, it's like I can't forget you. You're constantly running in my head that sometimes I can't even focus. I told you didn't I? No one can ever take your place in my heart. Everyone might say that 'of course he would choose her' but let's not mind them. It's our lives. Let's control our own destinies. Together. Remember the contract?" He chuckled, "Well it's going to be fulfilled now if you say—"

"Yes!" I exclaimed.

He breathed out sigh of relief and spread into a wide grin. He rose from his kneeling position and I couldn't help but to run to him and hug him. He hugged me tightly but separated us and slipped the beautiful ring on my finger.

He brought my chin up and kissed me. The cheers got louder and if I was in my right mind, I would've felt conscious but now. I felt like a huge burden was removed from my shoulders. I felt free. I felt alive.

"I love you, Dee." He whispered.

I kissed him again, "I love you too."

Then a resonating bang was heard from the giant doors. A gun shot.

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DONT HATE ME ASDFGHJKL