“So, from the pictures, it looks like perhaps a childhood friendship is growing into something more?”

Kile stared at me, and I shook my head. No way was I going first on this.

He finally caved. “Honestly, I don’t think either of us ever thought about the other as a possibility until we were forced to.”

Our families laughed boisterously.

“Although, if he had gotten a haircut years ago, I might have considered it,” I teased.

Gavril shook his head at us. “Everyone’s dying to know: how was this infamous kiss?”

I knew it was coming, but I was mortified. This was much worse than I imagined it would be, having my private life on display.

Mercifully, Kile addressed it. “I think I can speak for both of us when I say it was a surprise. And while it was special, I don’t think we’re going to put too much stock in it. I mean, I’ve been spending time with these other guys, and so many of them would make a wonderful prince.”

“Really? And would you agree with that, Princess? Have you had one-on-one time with anyone else this week?”

It felt like Gavril’s words were on a delay. I didn’t hear them until I’d processed everything Kile had just said. Did he mean that? Did he not feel anything at all? Or was he only saying that to maintain some level of privacy?

I snapped back into the moment and nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, a few.”

Gavril eyed me. “And?”

“And they were very nice.” I wasn’t really in the mood for this in the first place, and Kile had made me doubt sharing anything at all.

“Hmm,” Gavril said, turning to the group of the Selected. “Maybe we’ll get some more information out of the gentlemen in question. Sir Kile, you may head back to your seat. Now, who were the lucky men?”

Baden raised his hand, followed by Hale.

“Come on down, gentlemen.”

Gavril started applauding and the room joined in as Hale and Baden approached and yet another chair was brought in. I considered myself pretty intelligent, but I could not think of a way to beg them to keep their mouths shut without actually using words.

Only then did I realize how easily Kile managed to do just that. I supposed there was something to be said for knowing each other forever.

“Now, what’s your name again, sir?” Gavril asked.

“Hale Garner.” He pressed down his tie, though it was already in place.

“Oh, yes. So, what can you tell us about your date with the princess?”

Hale gave me a shy smile, then turned back to Gavril. “Well, I can tell you that our princess is as smart and gracious as I always believed she was. Umm, and that we do have a few things in common. We’re both the oldest children in our families, and it was fun to talk about my work as a tailor with such a well-dressed young lady. I mean, she looks like a million bucks.”

I ducked my head, trying to take the compliment playfully while staying on my toes.

“But beyond that, I hope you’ll forgive me if I keep most of the details to myself,” Hale added.

Gavril made a face. “You’re not going to tell us anything?”

“Well, dating and falling in love are typically private things. It’s kind of weird to talk about at this stage.”

“Perhaps we’ll get more out of the next gentleman,” Gavril said impishly to the cameras. “Remind us of your name again?”

“Baden Trains.”

“And what did you and the princess do?”

“We played music. Princess Eadlyn is as talented as her mother.”

I heard Mom’s “aww” in the background.

“And?”

“And she’s a lovely dancer, even when she’s sitting down. Just so everyone knows, the princess is very up-to-date on current music.” Baden laughed and a few people joined in.

“And?” Gavril pressed.

“And I kissed her hand . . . and I’m hoping for more kisses in the future.”

I wanted to die. For some reason Baden’s request for a kiss was much more embarrassing than talking about one that had already happened with Kile.

The room made encouraging noises again, and I could see Gavril was trying to milk this. Unfortunately for him, there really weren’t any more juicy details. Kile was the only one with anything remotely shocking to share, and that had already been soaked up.

“You look so disappointed, Gavril,” I remarked quickly.

He made a little pout. “I’m simply excited for you, Your Highness, and want to know everything that’s happening. And if we could ask our millions of viewers, I’m sure they’d agree.”

“Well, don’t worry. You, and all of Illéa, will be happy to know that tomorrow I will be hosting a small party for the Selected and members of the palace household. Cameras will be there for the entire event, so everyone will get to peek inside the Selection process.”

The room burst into applause again. I could see Josie practically floating out of her chair, she was so excited.

Gavril sent Hale and Baden back to their seats with the others before launching into questions again.

“What kind of party can we expect tomorrow, Your Highness?”

“We’ll be out in the gardens, enjoying the sun and spending time getting to know one another.”

“That sounds like a wonderful plan. Very relaxing.”

“Well, it will be, except for one tiny detail,” I added, pinching my fingers in the air.

“And what is that?”

“After the party there will be an elimination.”

Murmurs filled the room, and I knew, regardless of how the public felt about me, meeting the boys tonight would make them curious about who stayed and who left.

I continued, hushing the crowd with my words. “It could be one person, it could be three. . . . I don’t know. So, gentlemen,” I said, turning back to the Selected, “come prepared.”

“I can’t wait to see how this all turns out, and I’m positive it will be a wonderful event. Now, one final question before we call it a night.”

I sat up taller. “Go for it.”

“What are you looking for in a husband?”

What was I looking for? My independence. Peace, freedom . . . a happiness I thought I had until Ahren questioned it.

I shrugged. “I’m not sure anyone knows what they’re looking for until they find it.”

CHAPTER 17

HOW DID JOSIE GET HER hands on another one of my tiaras? I’d just about had it with her. She was going to parade around in front of the cameras in her best dress and my tiara pretending she was royal for the millionth time in her life.