The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Atlas looked around the party, keeping watch while making sure the twins didn't cause any trouble. He moved around the edge of the room, checking to make sure everything was fine.

Eleanor danced with a few people, but her focus was mostly on Matteo. She hung around him whenever he wasn't busy, seeking his attention.

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo couldn't take it anymore. He excused himself from Ellie, telling her he would be back in a little bit and left the room, relieved when after a few minutes the guard followed him.

Victory sat down at the table the others were at and released a tires sigh, trying to ignore the noise coming from the other room. "Did we ever have as much energy as Matteo?"

"You did." Pavel teased her, ignoring the drunken Romeo sitting hunched over beside him. "The rest if us didnt."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor sighed as Matteo left, and she made her way over to the older adults to take a break and check on Romeo. She sat down beside him, gently rubbing his back without saying anything.

Abril didn't mention that Elliott seemed to have the most energy when they had been younger. She watched Solace a few tables over rocking her baby in her arms.

Solace didn't participate in any of the dancing. She tended to her baby, not wanting the kid to get fussy or irritate Sutton. She was always worried about that. She constantly took care of their child, always moving to care for their baby quickly, lest he have to worry about him. She had never asked for help or seek out Sutton's assistance with their kid.

[AnnaCat17]

Romeo smiled gratefully at Eleanor but stay silent as well. He hadn't told her he had seen Elliott and wasn't sure if he even should. he didn't want to upset her or make her worry even more. "Did I tell you guys my darling angel is going out for the selection? Not to brag but I think its clear who the winner is going to be." he said to the others, trying to bring back his usual alluring tone.

Pavel chuckled and looked at Ellie. "Good luck. It would be nice to have you officially be apart of the family."

Sutton nursed his drink as he watched Solace lovingly. He reached over and gently stroked their sns cheek. "Do we need to get him home soon? It is pretty late for him to still be up, don't you think?" He was worried about Solace. Ever since she gave birth she had seemed back to her timid ways and he was unsure how to help her. She seemed happy taking care of the baby, though, so he tried not to interfere and only helped when he knew she wouldn't notice.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor blushed, looking down at the table. She didn't respond, embarrassed that Romeo brought it up. She didn't mention anything about Matteo not wanting to have the Selection. They would get Abril on their side later. She kissed Romeo's forehead, brushing his hair out of his face. "Let me know when you want to go home, Dad," she said. She'd be leaving with him to take care of him.

Solace looked up at Sutton, smiling faintly. "Yes. That would probably be a good idea." She hadn't brought it up, in case Sutton had wanted to stay longer. She kissed their son's forehead, leaning against Sutton's chest, enjoying being with their little family.

[AnnaCat17]

Romeo smiled at Ellie and gently squeezed her hand. "Im alright, Angel. Matteo is probably hoping you will stay the night again tonight and I want you to have fun. I promise I wont drive like this so if I can't get a ride home Ill just stay in my old room here. Ok?" He said gently, wanting her t not feel burdened with him. "I love you."

Pavel smirked at Romeo and Ellie, enjoying seeing his friend happy with his daughter. He spotted someone enter the room and perked up. "Finally. Ill be right back. I need to find Matteo. Someone whose daughter is entering the selection just arrived and I want him to meet them." He kissed ABril's cheek before walking off.

Sutton smiled and wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close so he could kiss her forehead. "Just let me know if you ever need anything Solace. We are a team." He knew his words were falling on deaf ears but he had to try.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor smiled faintly, blushing. She really was hoping that Matteo would want her to spend the night with him. She returned the squeeze. "Alright. I love you too, Dad." She smiled, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him.

Abril smiled, watching him walk away. She was wondering where Matteo had went as well.

Solace relaxed, resting her head against his collar. "Okay." She was feeling pretty tired constantly caring for Pravin. She gave Sutton a kiss, relieved that he was offering his assistance and actually seeming genuine about it.

[AnnaCat17]

Romeo hugged her back, feeling all of his worry from the day lift. "you are the best thing to ever happen to me, Ellie. Thank you for being you." He knew he was drunk and probably embarrassing her but he didn't care. It was his job to be embarrassing dad.

Sutton nuzzled the side of her head. "Ready to go then?"

A guard briskly walked over to Atlas. The guard looked extremely flustered and clearly was struggling to figure out what he was even supposed to say. "Um... General Fox, the King has requested your immediate presence. There... there has been an incident with Prince Matteo."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Eleanor smiled, gently hugging him. "And you're the best thing to ever happen to me." She kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thanks for being my dad."

Solace smiled, nodding. She gave him a kiss before getting up, hugging Pravin as she followed Sutton out of the room.

"Yes, of course." Atlas followed him, frowning. What could have possibly happened? All he could think about that Matteo could have done was a prank, but he doubted the King would be wanting Atlas so urgently if it was.

[AnnaCat17]

Romeo smiled happily at her but his attention was drawn away s he saw Atlas and another guard walk swiftly down the hall Pavel went. "Ill be back." He said as he pulled away from her and went after Atlas, scared something bad had happened.

When Atlas and the guard arrived Pavel stood, red in the face with rage, and with his glare pinning Matteo and another, younger guard to the wall. The two boys were visibly shaking in fear and couldn't meet Pavel's gaze, neither of them daring to move as they stood against the wall by a supply closet they had just been yanked out of. Both of them looked disheveled with the guard's shirt untucked and half unbuttoned and with Matteo's shirt completely off and his pants half undone. Pavel looked over at Atlas but was so furious he couldn't even form words and waited for Atlas to say something in response to the scene.

Sutton helped her up and guided her out to the car. "You, Victory, and Abril should get together soon. You haven't had a day to yourself since before Pravin came."