Chosen

Chapter 4

Oh my god, what's wrong with me?

"Ah yes, we of course both remember our little meeting all those years ago and are forever grateful to your father," Cedric smiled. "We were very sorry to hear of his passing."

"Thank you," I said softly, not knowing what to say to that.

"We are so happy to be reunited aren't we, Finneas?" Cedric pulled Finneas by his elbow.

"Hm," Finneas glanced at me then looked blankly past me.

I guess that was a yes?

God, he is a dick.

But then he looked back at me and kind of... smiled?

I realized then I was glaring at him. I immediately fixed what I'm sure was a fake smile on my face.

Damn it. I had to focus on keeping all my emotions off my face the way Raina is always pointing out to me. She always knew exactly how I was feeling just because of my expressions.

"What do you like to do for fun?" Cedric called my attention back.

"Uhh- work?" I said like an idiot, thrown off by the look Finneas was giving me- a stupid little smirk.

He was mocking me.

"A good work ethic is always admirable. Right, Finneas?" Cedric grinned at him.

Apparently, he thought Finneas' dumb look meant he liked what I said. I saw through it.

"Very," he actually spoke but looked at me so demeaningly.

I felt anger rise in my chest.

Just cause he's like... the ruler of the world... still doesn't give him the right! I remember him being a rude little kid but I guess I had hoped he would grow out of it. I was wrong.

"Excellent!" Cedric yelled, clapping his hands together once. "Would you two please do us the honor of accompanying us to our home for the Season to see if we could be a match?"

"Of course, Prince Cedric!" Lillian said eagerly and hurried forward.

She grabbed his arm that he offered. 

The crowd muttered excitedly and even though I was hoping they would leave now they all still looked at us intently.

I noticed then that everyone was looking at me specifically. Stepping forward in a daze, I took Finneas's arm he had barely raised to me.

I looked up at him to try to catch his eye to see if this was a joke but he looked ahead. Up close I could see he looked pale and had dark circles under his eyes. He yawned.

What a diiiiick.

The crowd cheered and called out our names. My sister and Mama made their way to the front. Raina was clapping with her hands up in the air. My mom was actually crying. I couldn't help but grin at them. At least I made them happy... for now. At least we would get some financial help even if I'm the first to be sent home. I waved at them and the crowd cheered louder, waving at me trying to get my attention and wishing me luck.

This is weird.

A week ago these people had no idea who I was. Now they wanted me to kiss and bless their babies. Okay, that was an exaggeration but this was ... a lot.

"Come on," Finneas said near my ear, chill bumps raised on my arms.

I guess I was cold?

He pulled me to the side near the carriage. Cedric and Lillian were still waving and calling out happily to the crowd as they followed us slowly- but I wasn't going to complain about getting away from this.