Esperanza's laughter was interspersed with sobs, but Leo could tell she had enjoyed the questions almost as much as him. She had always loved his annoying sense of humor.
"Leo Valdez, if you ever pull a stunt like this again..."
"Mamá, it was just a joke. Jason dared me, it was a stupid joke... I didn't mean anything by it, " He rocked her back and forth, and her death grip began to soften.
"Don't worry about me, I'll just go to the palace, enjoy the food for a bit, and then come back with an interesting story for my grandkids."
Esperanza looked at him with tears streaked on her face, but the pride there was unmistakable. Leo grinned at her. This was going to be interesting, and they both knew the royal family would be in for a surprise. The same thought seemed to occur to Esperanza, and worry darkened her features.
"Leo, you cannot afford to offend them. If you do something that goes too far, this is the most powerful family in the country. You could get hurt. You could-"
"-I will be careful, Mamá, I promise. For you. I won't do anything stupid."
Esperanza looked into her son's eyes for a moment, then nodded. She trusted him, but even if she didn't, she knew that it wouldn't matter. She had no choice.
YOU ARE READING
The Selection: VALDEZ EDITION
FanfictionPrince Perseus has reached a marriageable age, and all throughout the land young maidens are invited to compete for his hand in the Selection. This elite competition is reserved for only the best, the most beautiful- DA FUQ? WHO IS THAT??? Enter our...
