The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"You'll be okay, Romeo," Elliott whispered, gripping his hand tightly. He had to be okay. She didn't know what she'd do if she lost him. She needed him.

Atlas watched them tend to her, worried and afraid she was going to die. He sat down in a chair to wait it out, clasping his hands together to keep them from trembling.

Solace shook her head but didn't continue to argue with him. She focused on everything else instead, finding Atlas in the crowd. He didn't notice her. He seemed to focus on something else. She'd rather have him than Sutton beside her right now. Atlas was friendly and caring.

"No, Pav. I won't need to call you because I'll be going with you." Abril wrapped her arms around him, gently resting her head on his shoulder. "I told you I'd follow you anywhere, didn't I? If they won't rethink this decision then I'll be leaving with you."

[AnnaCat17]

Sutton looked worriedly over at Solace. She looked terrified. He couldn't help but feel like all of this was his fault. If he hadn't convinced the prince to take the pills none of this would have happened. Slowly he reached up and took one of her hands, his lips brushing the back of it gently. "The pain killers will kick in soon. Just squeeze my hand to get out the pain until they do."

Pavel hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair. "I love you Abril... Im sorry I hurt you." he looked up as the door suddenly opened, seeing his mother and brother looking at him scared but when they saw he wasn't hurt they both seemed to relax. Pavel released Abril and turned towards his mother who walked over and hugged him tightly.
"You promised me you would tell me if your father did anything else to you. You should have told me he was going to send you away." She scolded gently, hiding her shaking hands by gripping the back of his shirt.
Pavel closed his eyes as he held his mother. "I didn't want you to worry. I thought it was best."
She shook her head and kissed the side of his head. "the best thing for you is to be with Matteo and me. You belong with your family."
Matteo crawled up onto the bed, watching Pavel worriedly as he took hold of Abril's hand, wanting reassurance that his brother would be ok.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Solace tensed at first, afraid he'd hurt her as he took her hand in his. But then she held on to it, gripping it tightly, her knuckles turning white. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus on his hand that she held rather than the pain.

"I love you too," Abril murmured, gently rubbing his back. She looked up at the Queen and the young prince, gently up to curtsey. She gave them some space as the Queen hugged Pavel, sitting on the edge of the bed. She held on to his hand, reaching over and gently ruffling Matteo's hair.

[AnnaCat17]

As soon as her hand clamped around his Sutton found himself regretting trying to be nice to her, feeling like his fingers were going to brake. He forced himself to not pull away from her, allowing her to grip him as tightly as she needed to get through this.

The Queen softly kissed Pavel's forehead before pulling away, letting matteo leap into his alp and hug him. She looked over at Abril as the two brothers embraced. "Lady Abril, may I please have a word with you in the hall?" She asked gently before leading her out of the room where Pavel couldn't hear them. "I know that I have been kept out of the loop in regards t most things due to Pavel and his father not wanting to worry me but I have enough sense to know that whatever happened between you and Pavel was all a lie. If I am correct in this belief I humbly ask for your help with a few things that are on their way for Pavel."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Solace's grip on Sutton's hand slowly loosened as the painkillers kicked in. She relaxed, the tension in her body fading as the pain left her. She didn't let go of his hand, unaware that she still held it.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Abril said, nervous. She got up and followed her out of the room. "Yes, Your Majesty. The King threatened to have me executed if I did not do what he wanted," she murmured. She couldn't help but feel nervous. "I will help with whatever is needed, Your Majesty. Prince Pavel won't be leaving, will he?" She was worried. The Queen couldn't lead unless there was a King. Pavel didn't have any connections to the crown. Matteo was too young. They certainly had to give Pavel the crown, right?

[AnnaCat17]

The Queen shook her head. "No, Pavel will not be leaving. A forced abdication of the throne doesn't count so since he was under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs it doesn't count and he remains a prince. Granted that wont be for long." She glanced at the door to the room worriedly before looking back at Abril. "The king was found dead, supposedly killed by the rebels but honestly I don't care who did it. he deserved it for what he did to my baby. I am not allowing Pavel to be told of this until he has recovered. His coronation will be held once he has recovered and told of what has occured but with that comes many other issues. I love Pavel but with everything that has happened he is going to be taking the throne at a very bad time for both him and the country. with his decision to not get married still in effect I am worried about how he is going to handle everything, especially since Romeo will be unable to work for a while given his condition." The Queen was clearly hesitant to ask Abril for a favor but forced herself to anyways. "I recall Pavel mentioning that you enjoy planning parties. For his coronation and in the weeks following many diplomats and royals from other countries will be coming to visit. I am worried that preparing for their arrival and hosting will be putting too much of a burden on Pavel in addition to everything else he has to deal with. I was hoping you could be convinced to assist with the preparations and hosting until everything has settled and Romeo has returned to work."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril was relieved to hear that. She was glad Pavel would be staying, and that he'd be keeping his connections to the crown. She was also very relieved to hear confirmation that the king was dead, though she had suspected it. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not tell him about the King." She nodded, feeling a bit shy to hear that Pavel had talked about her. She held her breath, nervousness and excitement fluttering in her stomach. "I will help with the preparations and hosting as you wish, Your Majesty. I'd be honoured." The Queen wanted her help with such an important task. Abril couldn't wait to start planning.

[AnnaCat17]

The Queen smiled faintly. "Thank you Lady Abril. Ill ensure you are compensated for your time and, if you prefer, accommodations here at the castle so you dont have to worry about commuting. Ill have information about the customs of the people coming provided for you and, though he is going to be on bed rest and wont be able to physical help, Romeo should be able to help answer any questions you may have." She considered Abril for a moment. She could understand why Pavel had been so in love with this girl. "Thank you Lady Abril. I know he will appreciate the help."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"That would be wonderful, Your Majesty," Abril said, glad she wouldn't have to worry about getting to and from the Palace everyday. She nodded, glad she'd be getting further information and help with this project. "It's no problem, Your Majesty. I'm happy to help."

[AnnaCat17]

The Queen smiled courteously before going back int the room to be with Pavel.

Victory slowly woke up a few hours after the attack had ended. The room was quieter, most people done being treated and now resting. Victory looked up at the ceiling tiredly, unable to figure out how she had gotten there but was relieved she hadn't died like she thought she was going to. A shudder ran through her and a faint whimper as she recalled what happened, pressing a hand to her face as she tried to calm down but her heart was already racing. She had been left there to die. She could remember the people stepping over her to get somewhere else, to protect someone else, figuring she was as good as dead anyways.