#(&danielle)

Another pair of arms join the hug, “the house is so quiet without you,” Evan says.

We stay like that for what feels like hours.

“Darcy you look gorgeous,” my dad says as he spins me around.

“Yeah you clean up pretty well,” Evan says with a wink.

I smile at my dad before shooting my brother a deadly look, “maybe you should try it too then.”

“Oh,” I says with a smirk on my face, “look what I can do.”

I take a few steps away from them and then start walking.

“You can walk?” Evan says, “I think we already knew that, Darce.”

The smile isn’t leaving my face, “no look,” I lift the hem of my dress and show the heels I’m wearing.

My dad claps his hands, “wow look at you.” His eyes glint a little, “my baby girl.”

Evan puts his arm around my dad’s shoulder, god how much I’ve missed them.

I walk some more to show them that I’m actually capable of doing this. Thanks to Aran.

“Wow Darcy, so you can actually be like a girl.” Evan says, but it’s obvious that he’s impressed.

A third voice joins the conversation, “she’s practically a pro now.”

I lift my head and see a familiar head pop up behind my family. My face flushes a little, “I'm not actually, have you seen Danielle? She's the pro.”

I stop walking and introduce them to each other. “Dad, Evan, this is Ben. And Ben, this is my dad Patrick and this is my brother Evan.”

Ben shakes my dad’s hands first and then Evan’s, the smile not leaving his face. That damn smile. “Nice to meet the both of you, been looking forward to it.”

“Likewise, and I can see you've been treating my daughter pretty well.” My dad says, and it makes me smile.

“I’ve done my very best,” Ben chuckles, “you’ve obviously done the same for the past 19 years.”

I can tell my dad  appreciates the joke, he always does. “I see room for improvement.”

Evan leans in and whispers in my ear, “at least one child turned out perfectly fine.” I nudge him in the side. Hard. He winces a little, but tries not to show.

A short laugh comes out of Ben. “Well then I hope we’ve helped with those while she’s been here.”

My dad shortly glances over at me, “she's always been wonderful in my eyes, but now I feel like the whole world sees it too.” It’s weird to hear your dad say stuff like that, especially when you’re right there. I feel my face flush a little but the smile remains.

Ben nods once, “it’s been wonderful to get to know her while she’s been here.”

Now I’m definitely  going to interfere, “okaay, enough about me.” I nudge my brother in the side, this time softly, “Evan say something.”

I know Evan is not a fan of this direct approach, but I don’t know what else to say and he has been awfully quiet. Evan runs a hand through his hair, “uhhh I like your... outfit?”

Ben laughs as he tugs at his cuffs, “thank you. Highly uncomfortable but I suffer through it nonetheless.”

I don’t recognize my brother in this moment, and apparently my dad is confused as well.

Evan leans in to take a closer look I guess. “You look very hot, how many layers are you wearing?”

Did he just call Ben hot?

I know he meant temperature-wise, but this just sounded so weird. And he will not hear the end of this. Definitely not. I will remember him of this moment forever.

Ben doesn’t seem to mind, “three including the jacket. Tie doesn’t exactly help,” he smoothes it down with a sigh. “Still, today was a day to dress more formally so here I am.”

“Yeah I see, you look great though,” my brother says with a small uncomfortable smile on his face. I can’t stop myself from chuckling. I’ve never heard my brother say anything like that. To another guy.

I hear Ben laugh again, “appreciate the compliment. You’re looking sharp yourself.”

Evan mutters something that sounds like a thanks man.

“This is a weird situation isn't it? You're meeting the parents, times six.” I say to Ben.

“I’ve never been more nervous to meet a dad in my life, especially six.” He manages a chuckle as he rubs the back of his neck.

Aw poor boy. “But you're doing great,” I turn to my dad, “dad, how's Ben doing?”

My dad gets the hint, “you're doing wonderful, son.”

Ben lets out a small breath and straightens his posture. “That’s a relief, thank you.”

After Ben has left to the next parents, I chat some more to my family.

“Evan, you called him hot,” I tease him, “and you said he looked good.”

My brother brings his hand to his face, “Darcy seriously?”

I laugh, even my dad can’t seem to keep it in.

“You forced me to say something.”

“Son,” my dad says once he somewhat managed to contain his laughter, “you tried.”

“You could’ve talked about literally anything, but you decided to flirt with him.” I wink at him.

Evan’s face turns red, “I… I was not flirting with him.”

They’re calling us for dinner. I would lie if I say I wasn’t hungry.

Let’s be honest I’m always up for food.

I feel a gently nudge suddenly, “I did taste the cookies this time,” Danielle laughs softly.

“And weren't they like they best thing you've ever put in your mouth?” I say as I smile up at her.

There’s an amused look on her face, “... they were really good!” her voice then drops down into a whisper as she discreetly gestures to the gorgeous woman next to her, “I wish she was that good at baking.”

I see the woman raise an eyebrow, “what are you saying about me now?”

Danielle says, “um... Hey Darcy, this is ma mére, Corine LeBlanc.” Of course my goddess friend has an angelic looking mother. “and mére this is my friend Darcy...”

I smile at Danielle’s mom and shake her hand, “so nice to meet you.”

The woman smiles politely at me. These people have amazing genes, holy cow both Danielle and her mom are beautiful. “Nice to meet you too, lady Darcy I have watched you all on TV,” she looks around before turning back to me, “but is nice to see you in person.”

“It must be quite strange to see your own child on TV.” I gesture towards Danielle.

Corine says, “not really, she doesn’t look that bad,” she places a quick kiss on Danielle’s head. They’re cute.

Someone clears his throat behind me. Oops. Introducing my own family might be the nice thing to do. I turn around, “oh sorry this is my dad Patrick, and that's my brother Evan.” I tell Danielle and her mom as I gesture towards my dad and brother.

My dad smiles kindly at both women and extends his hand to both of them, “pleasure to meet you.”

I don’t know what has gotten into Evan, or why he thinks he needs to bow like some kind of jester. “Lady Danielle, or should I say lady Beautiful?”

What on earth?

“Nice to meet you Mr. Duncan,” Danielle’s mom says to my dad as she shakes his hand. Evan gets a quick hello. Well what did he expect? He’s making a fool out of himself..

Danielle follows her mom as she shakes my dad’s hand and smiles a little. She then turns to Evan and frowns, “No, you really shouldn’t. But... hi.” Danielle turns to me looking confused.

Evan doesn’t seem to get the hint. He keeps smiling at her, “lady Gorgeous then?”

I nudge him in the side and mutter to him, “Evan behave.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see my dad shaking his head. First his son flirts with Ben and now with Danielle. Why?

“Danielle. Just Danielle.” Bless her for trying to stay polite. “We should get going.”

We all start walking together, “It must have been a long trip from Honduragua,” Danielle’s mom asks my dad.

“Yes it was quite the trip. Especially when you've never left your hometown before. How was your trip from... Kent if I remember correctly?” now that my dad is talking to Danielle’s mom, I decide to talk some sense into my dumbass brother.

I softly say, “can you please act normal please?”

Evan doesn’t get the softly part, he blurts out, “I think I might be in love.”

My eyebrows fly up as a response. “You've only just met her?”

A snicker from Danielle pulls be back into the normal conversation, “I have heard the south is a nice zone to live.”

“I don't know about the other southern provinces but Honduragua is nice. You should visit one day,” my dad says.

Evan smiles at Danielle, “I can show you around, lady Dazzling.”

I can’t believe him right now.

Danielle lets out a breath, “ I’m confused cause I already told you my name but you must have missed it...” my friend looks at me with an apologetic expression on her face. I feel bad for her. Why can’t Evan act normal? Or at least try to be normal?

“Don’t pay attention to him,” I tell Danielle.

I feel something pinch my arm. Or should I say someone. “You’re my sister you’re supposed to help me,” Evan mutters in my ear.

I pick up little sentences of the conversation between my dad and Danielle’s mom. But I can’t really join in on it, because I can’t leave Evan alone. He’ll chase Danielle away, and I can’t let that happen.

“...Your dad is nice and you are like the complete opposite of your brother, so what went wrong with him?” There’s a little joking tone in Danielle’s voice, but she has a good point. Evan is supposed to be the wise older brother, and now he’s acting like some crazy fangirl.

“I’ve never seen him like this, I think he has hit his head or something.” That’s literally the only possible explanation for his weird behaviour.

Evan is still smiling at Danielle, “you're funny, lady Charming.”

Danielle reaches for her shoulder, her mom has her hand there and judging by Danielle’s face she’s in a little bit of pain. “Can I ask-um ... what happened to your mom?” her voice is like a whisper.

I glance in my dad’s direction, he seems to be having an interesting conversation. And Danielle’s mom is chuckling. Wow. I’m impressed.

I lean forward a bit. Danielle is sitting across from me and I don’t want the entire room to hear our conversation. “Our mom left a couple of months after I was born, never heard from her again.”

I lean back in my chair again, letting my hands rest on the table. I look over to my dad, he’s the best dad in the world. He has had to raise 2 kids on his own, that’s hard. And then there’s the caste situation. Life has never been easy for him.

From the corner of my eye, I see Evan staring at Danielle. Idiot. He looks like a hungry turtle looking at some lettuce. There’s some passion in his eyes. Gross.

“Oh...” Danielle clears her throat, “I’m sorry to hear that.” She has a concerned look on her face.

Danielle’s mom turns to us, “is everything okay?”

I smile a little, “yes thank you everything is fine thank you.”

My dad notices Evan staring at Danielle, “Evan you're making the girl feel uncomfortable, stop it.”

But my silly brother doesn’t listen, it doesn’t even seem like he’s trying at all. “I can't, her face is like a magnet and I can't seem to pull away.”

Danielle leans an elbow on the table to block Evan, poor girl. “You probably won’t see me around much these days...”

I kick Evan under the table, “thanks a lot, now you've chased away the only friend I have in here.”

He doesn’t flinch at all, there’s not even a hint of pain in his face. How? The shin is rather painful to kick, and he doesn’t even react? Instead he is still staring at Danielle with that stupid smile on his face. “No she means you won't see her, because she'll spend all her time with me, right lady Marvelous?”

I drop my head in my hands. I can’t believe this is my brother.

“Not a very clever idea to flirt with a selected, boy.” Danielle’s mom says in the most calm way ever. And she also gestures to the guards positioned all around the room.

Evan finally turns his attention away from Danielle, but now his sweet smile is directed towards her mom. “I highly appreciate the warning for the guards, I'll continue more discreetly,” and he turns back to Danielle again, and he actually winks. God why?

“Evan!” I nudge him full force in his side, “stop being a creep or I'll go get the guards myself.”

My dad is chuckling, I guess we’re quite the entertainment.

“It’s okay I can just ignore him.” Danielle says to me.

I sigh and shake my head, “I promise, he normally isn't like this.”

I hear my dad mutter something to Evan, “she doesn’t seem interested in you, son.”

Evan is still looking at Danielle, he mumbles back, “that's what they call playing hard-to-get, at some point her act will vanish”

We chat some more during the rest of the meal. I try my hardest to keep Evan in check, but it’s no use. He can’t be tamed.

My dad on the other hand seems to have a great time, he keeps talking with Danielle’s mom. I can’t help but smile at him.

It has been a couple of days since us all were witnesses of the fight between Ben and Wyatt. It was definitely hard and awkward to see, but it did remind me of the fights I’ve had with Evan. No matter how bad the fights were, the family bond remains and the grudges will vanish.

What did surprise me was Ben saying he wanted to end the selection. The thought of going home didn’t necessarily scare me, but to hear those words out of Ben’s mouth did come as a surprise.

I’m looking out of my bedroom window. The view of the garden is still the most beautiful view I’ve ever had.

The flowers are still blossoming. All those colours.

Two knocks on my door startle me. I have a feeling who this might be.

I walk over and open the door. Not knowing what else to do with myself, I decide to wave a little, “hey.”

Ben smiles a little, “hi. Is it okay if we talk for a bit?”

“Yeah yeah come in,” I open the door a bit more so he can actually enter the room.

“I just thought I'd come say sorry for what I said the other day. It wasn't... okay of me to say what I did.” Ben I standing there, scratching his nape.

I close the door and decide to head for my bed. I feel a little awkward and sitting is always better than standing. “Do you really want us all to leave?”

He shakes his head, “not at all. I was speaking from a place stress. I just needed some space and would’ve done practically anything to get it.” Ben sighs as he runs a hand through his hair, “it wasn’t right, but it’s the truth.”

My fingers fidget, I seem to do that all the time lately. “I get it, and I'm sorry for all the stress.”

He lifts a shoulder, “it's not your fault. I need to learn to manage it better is all.”

I suddenly realize Ben’s still standing, “please sit if you want to,” I say as I gesture to all seating options available in my room. “You know you don't have to do it all on your own, there are people who can help.”

Ben decides to sit in a chair facing my bed, “I know that now. Learned the hard way.” there’s a sad smile on his face.

I feel so bad for him. Things have definitely not been easy lately.

“Sometimes that has to happen though, learning the hard way I mean.” I remember the time I thought I could lift a steal beam by myself. But then it crushed my foot and I literally learned the hard way to never do that again.

Ben nods a bit. “Hopefully not too often anymore,” a tired laugh leaves his mouth as he slumps back into the chair.

I narrow my eyes at him, he looks very bad. “Are you okay?”

“Yes and no. I should be... eventually.”

Eventually? “Ben you're worrying me. You don't have to tell me anything, but maybe you should talk to someone?” I look down at my fingers, I can’t seem to keep them still.

“Talking to you girls has actually helped.,” I hear him let out a breath, “I mostly just need time, to fix things. Or at least try to.”

I look up again, “you'll be able to fix everything, I'm sure. Like I've said, you're a good person Ben.”

A crooked smile appears on his face, “I appreciate that, Darcy.”

“I'm happy to see you can still smile.” I reach up to put a strand of hair behind my ear, “also if you ever feel stressed again you should try yoga, I think you'd be really good at it.” It’s a tiny joke, but I strongly feel the need to lighten the mood.

He laughs a bit, “my body doesn’t bend that way, but thanks for the suggestion.”

“Oh you just need to stretch the muscles first and then after a while you'll be way more flexible.” Like I’m the yoga expert here?

“I’ll let you know how that works out for me,” Ben says as he points at me.

I can only imagine him actually doing that, the thought makes me chuckle. “Oh please do, Bennet.”

Ben tilts his head. “How are you doing? Everything alright?”

No.

I’m not even fine.

But instead I say, “yeah I'm good I'm good thanks.” I fidget the fabric of my dress between my fingers.

I haven’t slept properly since the attack.

There hasn’t been one night without the nightmares.

My pillow is soaked from my tears every morning.

And my scarred arm freaking hurts. But that’s the least of my problems right now.

“You sure? The same offer stands that you can talk to me, but only if you feel comfortable.” Ben says.

No I’m not okay, is what I want to scream. But I can’t bring myself. “But I don't want to bother you with my silly stuff when you've already got so much on your plate.”

“You sharing this with me is not a burden. I care about you, Darcy.”

I stare down at my hands. The fabric of my dress is all wrinkled up in my fingers. “You do?”

“You're all important to me.” I look up to find him smiling a bit.

“But some more than others, am I right?” my gaze quickly lowers again, I can’t bear to look at him.

“More like... important to me in different ways. If that makes sense.”

And I know exactly what he means. “No I think I get it, there's the romantic way and there's the platonic way.” I force myself to look up again.

“And I have a feeling where this is going.” He’s smiling a bit, but the only emotion present is sadness.

“What? No Ben I like you and I'd do anything for you. But I'm also not blind, I see the way you look at the others.” Did I really just say that?

“No I... I know what you meant. That’s what makes me sad because,” he sucks in a breath, “I’m sorry that I don’t feel the same way you do for me. You’re wonderful, Darcy.”

“It's okay,” I smile a little. Strangely enough my heart is not breaking, it’s just my ego being hurt. But my heart is still one piece. Yes I do like the guy, I mean how could you not. But I’ve noticed the glances at the other girls, and I think that’s what prepared me for all of this. “ I really truly hope you find what you're looking for, you deserve that.”

“I hope you do too. Genuinely.” He smiles a bit as he stands with his hands in his pockets.

“Thanks for everything,” I walk over to open the door, “I'll pack up my stuff and go back home and you won't be bothered by me anymore.”

Ben walks over to me and places a hand on my shoulder, “you don't have to rush. Take your time. And you were never a bother to me.” There’s a genuine smile on his face.

I smile a little, this guy is honestly the kindest person ever. “Thanks and good luck with everything.”

“You too. Goodbye, Darcy.” He smiles one last time before he steps out and closes the door.  

Wow so that’s it I guess.

I’m going home.

The thought doesn’t scare me, not even a little. On the contrary, I get a warm feeling in my stomach. I’m going to be with my dad and Evan again. Walk around freely wherever and whenever I want to. And most importantly I don’t have to wear heels anymore.

I decide to start packing, even if Ben said I didn’t have to rush.

It just seems a little weird to me, to stay here when I’m no longer in the running.

This room. I’ll never see it again.

And the view... I’m going to miss it.

I sit down on the windowsill and let out a sigh.

What a wild ride this has been.

Suddenly I realize something and I hurry to the bathroom.

I open one of the drawers, grab a washcloth, make it a little wet and start rubbing the inside of my upper arm. There it is. My tattoo. My beautiful wild flowers.

Ladies were not supposed to have tattoos, especially not in visible places. That’s what they told me on the day I got here.

A huge relief washes over me, I feel like myself again.

No matter how much fun I’ve had these past months and how much I’ve learned, this life just isn’t for me. I’m not one to wear pretty dresses and heels. Give me some sneakers, jeans and an oversized shirt and I’m completely happy.

With that feeling I lay down on my bed. Well it’s technically not my bed anymore, but who cares.

I wake up feeling revived. I haven’t had a good night of sleep in so long. And no nightmares. That’s something new.

I get up, knowing that there’s only one more thing for me to do here before I go.

Gently I knock on Danielle’s door.

The door opens quickly after, “hey!” Danielle frowns at me with confusion. “... ready for breakfast?”

How do I tell her this? I’ll miss this girl. Like a lot. “There’s something you should know.” I feel myself fidgeting with my fingers again.

There’s an alarmed look on her face, but she speaks rather calmly when she says, “O-K. Come in.” She gestures for me to enter, “is everything okay?”

“Thank you,” I say as I step inside, “uhm I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to say it, I’m out.”

I didn’t even realize Danielle’s maids were here until the moment they leave the room.

Danielle’s eyebrows are up on her forehead, “Out?! But- no. W-why?”

“Ben doesn’t like me, it’s as simple as that,” I say as I shrug.

She puts some of her hair behind her ear before looking back up at me again. “...are you okay? I mean... how do you feel?”

“I’m okay actually,” I nod my head and smile a little, “I kinda saw it coming anyway.”

Danielle frowns at me again, “um... I’m sorry.” She puts a hand on my shoulder before she goes in for a hug.

I hug her back, “thank you for being my friend here.”

She chuckles over my shoulder, “thank you... You actually stood for a lot of sarcasm and silly jokes.”

A soft laugh leaves my mouth, “you’re so funny though, I had a great time.”

Danielle leans back, “but we are going to see each other again, right? If I can vis-” she pauses for a second, “um... please visit me when you can.”

“Yes you should visit, and don’t worry I’ll make sure Evan is not around then.” I know the moment to say goodbye is here and I’m not ready for it. My face turns a little sad, “I’ll miss you.”

She presses her lips together and there’s an embarrassed expression on her face. Poor girl is traumatized by Evan. “Okay! Then, yes I will.” Another small pause, “I will miss you too,” she says as she lets out a breath.

I give her another hug, “good luck with everything Danielle!”

She tightens the hug for just a little second, “thanks. Good luck for you, too!”

I can feel I’m about to cry, but I’m trying to keep myself together.

“Um... you need help with anything?” Danielle asks.

“Thank you, but I’m all ready to go.” I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat. “Have fun at breakfast and with the rest of this.”

I open the door, “I’ll see you.”

Danielle nods once, “see you soon.” She waves but there’s a sad smile on her face.

“Bye,” I say before I close the door behind me.

I walk through the hallway, past my now old-room, down the stairs and through the front door.

A car is waiting to bring me to the airport, but before I get in I turn around once more.

Goodbye palace.