Kerttu's Selection

Their First Interviews Pt. 2 - Chapter 11

"So Berry, how's it feel living in the palace?" Kile interviewed, leaning back into his chair.

I hadn't had a lot of time to talk with Berry so I was excited to see his response. "Kile, it's been interesting. I don't know if I'm a fan of the constant sun."

The interviews went on, most of them very average. Jakob came back, igniting the crowd with fun. My favorite interview was probably Adim's. He had shown his hand sweat to the audience which got him several awwwwwwwwwwwws. The show ended with Shaan.

"Hi, Shaan."

"Hi, Kile," he responded smoothly.

"Is it true you're a bad boy?"

Shaan chuckled huskily, running his hand through his hair. He shrugged. "It really depends what you mean by that."

"Her father didn't like that answer very much." The cameras cut to Dad who was frowning slightly but smiled when the cameras reached him. "You had the first date with Princess Kerttu. How was it?"

Shaan grinned, relaxing into the chair. "It was amazing to have one on one time with our future sovereign. She is not only funny but engaged. Her energy simply cannot be matched."

"With those kind words, we are signing off. Goodnight, Illea." The cameras cut off and I immediately went to the boys.

"You guys were amazing!" I gushed. I pulled Jakob in for a hug. "You killed it out there. Plus, I got Laila to make you that sundae you were talking about."

"Really? I'll see you guys later." I laughed as he rushed to the kitchen.

"Shaan, too many compliments," I teased.

"I was being honest," he stated before moving so that we were shoulder to shoulder. "Is it cool if I come by later?" I nodded, not wanting anyone else to catch on. I was eliminating seven of the boys tonight. I didn't want to publicize that. It didn't feel right.

I asked them to stay behind. One of them was Tyler. He gave me a stiff handshake on the way out. I felt terrible. I had just crushed someone's dream.

I was walking down the hallway, fighting back tears. Jakob was walking my way, carrying his sundae. He pulled the spoon out of his mouth and studied me.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"No," I sniffled. "I just eliminated five more people."

He pulled me into a hug, the cold bowl pressed against my back. "You did ten the first week. Why was this harder?"

"The first week wasn't serious. And it was all the people just looking for the crown and the attention, you know? But this week? It was the people who wanted to build a relationship with me and I-"

Jakob leaned backed so that he could look at me. He wiped one of my tears, leaving an ice cream smudge on my face. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. Let me get a napkin"

I laughed. "No, it's fine. I like looking like dessert."

He grinned. "Look, Princess Kerttu-"

"Kerttu's fine."

"Kerttu, this is all about you. We're involved, sure. But this is mainly about you. If you don't feel anything, they owe it to you as their future queen and human being to go home and not make you feel bad."

I hummed. "Who would have thought the soon to be famous comedian would be good at giving advice?"

"Hey!" he exclaimed. "I always have to have a back up plan. Thank you so much for that! You really are the best."

"Of course." We hugged again and then went our separate ways. Hopefully Shaan was already there.

**Do you like Jakob? Shaan? Adim? Berry? Who you shipping?**

**Thank you for reading!!!!**