King Florence stepped up the the balcony, looking at the Selected with no clear emotion. Only moments before was his voice ringing from the castle, enraged, and Nija ducking her head in shame. Xadien held his peace, lips pursed and breathing ragged. In the end, they were sent to their rooms.

Florence's eyes were kinder after he had taken his time. From then, he called each selected up with a calm, smooth voice. He was much kinder when he was not angry, as one could tell, and it showed. His features were set in serenity, his posture regal, and he was clad in a dark suit.

His voice suddenly pierced the silence. He called a name.

"______."