The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter was so happy to see his family. His oldest sister had stayed behind with their father, but everyone else had come to visit. They ran across the room to hug Karter. But then seeing Gabel run out of the room, he had them check out their room while he went to go check on him. He stood nervously in the doorway, uncertain if he should interrupt them or not.

Eleanor was in a parlor, sitting comfortably on one of the plush chair. She was sketching out a wedding dress, deciding how she wanted it to look. Maybe she'd even make it for herself. She ignored the happy laughter coming from the hallways, continuing to draw in silence in the empty room.

Lysander slouched, training after two sharp looking guests wearing their finest clothes. His father snapped at him not to slouch, so he straightened up his posture. He wasn't happy to see his family, and they didn't care to see him. It was the palace and royalty they wanted to see. They examined their room, snapping at Lysander if there was something they didn't like, as if it was his fault and as if he could fix it. It was exhausting. Jakob wandered around with his sister, watching the happy families reunite.

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo glanced up from the couch where he was holding Gabel to look at Karter. "How is your family?" He asked softly as Gabel continued to whimper into his chest and cling to his shirt.

Dacey glanced worriedly at Lysander as she sat his arent's bags on the bed and began to unpack them. She new better than to say anything, and though part of her wanted to console him once he was alone she was reminded of the last time they spoke and felt it was better if she left him alone. She couldn't imagine the prince knew his family was like this. From what she had heard, they were the type of people the prince enjoyed to torment.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Good." Karter worked up the nerve and walked over, lightly sitting down on the coffee table and gently touching Gabel's back. He didn't need to ask, it was clear Gabel's family hadn't come.

Lysander followed his parents around, staying in their shadow. He made sure to hide the watch the Prince had given him under his sleeve. No doubt they'd take it from him. He glanced at Dacey out of the corner of her eyes, wishing he could spend the evening with her instead of his parents.

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel tried to calm down, but he couldn't. He felt like his world was crumbling down around him. He knew the prince wouldnt pick him and now he had no where to go when he was sent away. He leaned into the prince's embrace but it only made his heart ache more. He wanted someone who loved him, not pitied him. He forces himself to move out of the prince's lap and to sit beside him. "You two should get back to every one. Im ok now." He whispered as he wiped his tears away.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Are you sure? They're busy getting unpacked. I can stay with you," Karter offered, not wanting to leave him while he was upset. "Do you want to go for a walk or something?"

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel hesitated before nodding. Perhaps fresh air away from everyone would be good for him.

Matteo kissed the top of Gabel's head before leaving him in Karter's care. "Thank you." He said quietly to Karter, squeezing his arm as he passed.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter nodded,patting the hand of his arm. He led Gabel out into the garden, glancing back at him to make sure he was okay. He rested a hand on his back, rubbing his shoulders as they walked.

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel kept his arms crossed tightly across his chest as they walked along. Eventually he found his voice. "Im sorry im keeping you from your family. I told you not to worry about me like this. Im just being dramatic over nothing."

Vice knocked on the door to the parlor before going in and giving Eleanor a faint smile. "Nora, aren't you coming to lunch?"

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"No, you're not. I'd be disappointed if my family didn't show up." Karter let his hand drop.

Eleanor shrugged. "Maybe later." She didn't look up from her sketch. "Shouldn't you be with your family?"

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel swallowed roughly, fighting tears. "I knew they wouldnt come. My parents were livid when they found out i was gay. I was thrown out the night they announced my name for the selection. I shouldnt have been surprised by this."

"Im about to head back to them. I figured id come get you since you said you wanted to meet them." He walked over and sat beside her, looking down at the drawing. "That looks beautiful."