The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Just for now." Eleanor wrapped her arms around him, gently kissing his shoulder. "I'll come see you later, okay?" She gazed up at him sadly before pulling away and knocking on Vice's door.

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo nodded and walked off. He paused outside of Jakob's door, worried that he would be angry to see him but after a moment he knocked on the door.

Vice answered his door after a moment and looked at Ellie confused, especially when he saw the prince over her shoulder. "Lady Eleanor. Whats wrong?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Come in!" Jakob called, his voice muffled and Maisie giggled. Jakob was sitting in the desk chair, patiently pretending to be Maisie patient. Maisie was pretending to be a dentist, and took the role very seriously as she told Jakob to continue to care for his teeth. She broke into a giggle as Jakob tickled her, flopping onto the bed.

Eleanor wrapped her arms around him quickly, burying her face in his shoulder. "Let's talk inside," she mumbled.

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo walked into the room and looked at them. He couldnt smile at them, even though he wanted to. He was too tired from a night of no sleep and worry. "Im sorry to interrupt but can i borrow Maisie for a few hours?" He asked in a voice that dripped with pain.

Vice nodded and held her, gently pulling her into the room and shutting the door.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

The hopeful expression Jakob wore when Matteo entered the room faded quickly when he realized Matteo had come there for Maisie, not him. "Oh... Alright." He ruffled Maisie's hair, trying not to let his disappointment show on his face. Maisie gazed up at Matteo with concern, wrapping her arms around his legs as she hugged him.

Eleanor laid down on the bed with him, burying her face in his hair as she tried to calm down in his arms. "My dad's being send to the facility Elliott was in," she whispered. "He was in the hospital last night, that's where I was."

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo smiled faintly at her before going out to the gardens with her. "I just wanted to talk to you for a moment." He said once they were in the fresh air. "Have you been enjoying it here?"

Vice looked at her sadly and held her tightly as they laid on the bed with her. "Im so sorry. Is he going to be ok?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Yes!" Maisie said excitedly. "I get to eat yummy foods and play with my friends and have a comfy bed." She held on to his hand, swinging their arms between them. "And Jake gets to have fun too instead of working all day. I like seeing him happy."

"I hope so," Eleanor whispered. "I need him." She clung to him, resting her head against his.

[AnnaCat17]

"He likes it here?" That was good news at least. He smiled at her as their arms swung. "Maisie, why did you sign him up for the selection?"

Vice closed his eyes and pulled her as close to him as he could. "Im sorry lady eleanor. How can i help you?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Maisie beamed as they walked, skipping happily beside him. "Cause he was always busy and stressing about things, and I thought having a boyfriend might cheer him up. He never has time to do anything fun."

"This is fine." Eleanor softly kissed his cheek, moving her lips towards his. "I just need you." She brushed his hair out of his face, gazing sadly at him.

[AnnaCat17]

"I dont know if i count as him having a boyfriend." He sighed and continued walking. "Was there something you were wanting as well? If you wanted him to have a boyfriend there are easier ways than this."

Vice gently kissed her nose as he rested a hand on her cheek. "Try to rest for now. You are upset and i dont want you to do something you will regret."