The Selection ~ Next Generation ~ Fanfiction

Meeting the Past Queen

The red hair is unmistakable. Right before me is Queen America. I don't know what to say. A dozen of questions roll into my head.

I squirm on the piano bench. "Hello, Queen America."

"Hello. That was wonderful."

Was she listening to me the entire time? "Oh, thank you. My mother taught me."

"Really? She must have tons of talent."

I really didn't want to think about mom right now, let alone tell the queen about her. "Yes, she did."

"Did?"

I began to tell her, "I loved my mother very dearly, but a couple of years ago . . ." Tears were rising beneath my eyes. Soon, the water was balancing on my lashes like ballerinas. I continued to talk, ". . . she died." I try to conclude without crying. I've already embarrassed myself enough today. First the prince, then the queen.

"I understand." She stares into my eyes. "I'm so sorry."

I can't hold the tears in any longer. Once I stop trying to control them, they fall out. One after another. Queen America walks over and stands by my side. Then, she rubs my back gently. My breathing is messed up from all the uncontrollable tears. Her hands send a wave of happiness into me again.

"I don't recognize you." Queen America says. I have no chance but to explain what has happened today. Queen America is patient, and listens to what I have to say. I tell her that I don't remember anything before I woke up in the carriage, my theory about being an alternative in The Selection, and about the talk with Prince Edmond. I also mention that I was chosen to be a maid.

". . . and then I ran away." I conclude.

"I see." She reassures. "And then you found my piano."

Her piano? She means to tell me that I am playing Queen America's piano? Questions enter my head. "You mean this is yours?" I say placing my hands on the keys.

"Yes. Thank you so much for pleasing my ears. It's been a long time since I've heard such good piano music."

"So, you don't play much? I thought, since you retired, you'd have more free time."

"Oh, no. It's far from that." Her tone makes me sure that she never gets free time. That's one of the reasons that scares most girls out of wanting the throne. She sits on the bench with me and begins to play a familiar tune.

I place my hands and begin to play the chords. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all."

Then, the most unexpected thing happens, I play a duet with Queen America. She knows her music well, which leaves me to wonder what caste she used to be. She must have been a five, and she pursued music. I ponder what her selection was like. 35 girls, one palace, and all of them wanted to marry King Maxon.

"You're amazing." I tell her.

She looks at me for a moment. Her eyes meet mine and she speaks, "I should ask Prince Edmond to reconsider your placing."

I knew what this meant. She was going to tell him to send me back home. Just the thought of that makes excitement roll off my tongue. "You would do that?"

"Yes, of course."

I pull her in for a quick hug, "Thank you!"

"Would you like to come with me to talk with him?"

Would I? He already made a fool of me in front of other girls. I reacted strongly, so he most definitely hates me. So, do I want to come with her?

"Yes, let's go."