The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Abril nodded, running her fingers down his arm as she thought about it. If they were going to have a girl, she didn't want to send her into a marriage to strengthen country alliances. She would want her to choose what she wanted. She hated how the country's laws were a lot of the time. It wasn't fair.

Solace blushed deep red when he smirked, embarrassed for her response.

[AnnaCat17]

Pavel wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, kissing the side of her head. "We will figure it out. Dont worry. That is one area where thankfully the path is already worn for us."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"That's what I'm worried about," Abril sighed, snuggling closer to him. "If we have a daughter, I don't want us to force her to marry a stranger, regardless of what that would do for the country."

[AnnaCat17]

Pavel pursed his lips, unsure of what to say to comfort her. "We all must make sacrifices for the crown. I know its not ideal but we will figure it out as we go. There is no need to get worked up now."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Right," Abril said, about not getting worked up about it now. "We might even not have to worry about it." She gave him a kiss on his chin, settling down to watch the movie.

[AnnaCat17]

-one week later-

Pavel tried to stay noticed at the back of the limo, leaving the others to enjoy the drive to the beach. He staired out the window silently, lost in his thoughts.

Romeo and Victory were laughing happily as they teased one another and drank heavily. Romeo kept an arm drapped around Elliott's shoulders, enjoying having her so close.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Atlas was sitting in the front with the driver, his expression serious as he watched the road in front of them. His attention kept getting pulled to Victory as she laughed, his heart skipping a beat at the musical sound.

Elliott happily leaned into the embrace, her head resting against his chest as she gazed out of the window. She listened to Victory and Romeo talk as she watched the scenery outside, excited to go on a beach for the first time.

Abril sat in the back with Pavel, playing with his hair. She let him think, choosing not to start a conversation with him and to sit in a comfortable silence instead. She would have had a drink had she not been pregnant.

Solace sat quietly, her hands in her lap. She was only coming with them so they would have someone to tend to them, she tried to remind herself. It wasn't for her to enjoy the vacation.

[AnnaCat17]

Romeo chuckled happily and bumped his knee into Victory's. "I swear, you could say the most terrible thing and it would still sound great with your southern voice."

Victory giggled and sipped her drink. "Do you think that's true?" She asked, poking Atlas' shoulder.

Sutton drank quietly, watching Victory and Elliott talk. He glanced over at Solace before handing her a drink. "Relax. We are being forced on vacation."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Atlas smiled faintly, trying not to blush at the sudden attention. "Yep," he replied, trying to sound casual.

"You are, Sir. I'm not. I'm here to work." Solace did take the drink, though, examining it gingerly.

[AnnaCat17]

Victory giggled happily and playfully pinched his shoulder before looking at Romeo and Elliott. "So when are you two going to get married? Its the only positive wedding i have to look forward to."

Pavel glanced at Victory, knowing she was referring to his and Abril's engagement. She wasn't happy when it was announced but wouldnt admit it to Abril. No one was happy but he didnt blame them.