The Selection: Third Generation

Ch. 21: Projects

Bright light against my eyelids startles me awake. I hear the whispers, giggles, and shushing before I even open my eyes, but my brain is not awake enough to process what is happening.

"Good morning, Your Highness. I hope we did not wake you. Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, a breakfast snack?" I hear Anne ask, connecting the dots in my head.

"No, thank you. All is well, ladies. Would you mind coming back in about five minutes? I promise to have your precious lady awake."

"Of course, Your Highness." She says, admiration in her voice. I still am laying there with my eyes closed, but I turn over when I hear the door shut.

"Good morning, Your Highness," I mumble, burrowing into his chest.

"Good morning, my dear." He whispers, chuckling. He peppers my face and neck in kisses, making me giggle and squeal. "Time to get up."

"Time for you to get up. They have seen me naked. You are the on who needs clothes." This makes him laugh harder than I have ever heard him laugh, which makes me finally open my eyes. I smile as I take in how beautiful he is. He gets up and puts his pants on as I watch and admire his body.

"To get dressed, I may need my shirt back, my dear."

"Ugh, but it is so comfy. Are you sure you really need a shirt?" He laughs again and smacks me lightly with his pillow. I groan and sit up, lifting my arms out in front of me. He smiles before pulling me to the edge of the bed so that he stands between my legs. He teasingly pulls his shirt off of me, kisses me lightly on the lips, and pulls the shirt onto himself.

"I will see you at breakfast, love."

"So will everyone else." I yell after him as he leaves my room, looking quite disheveled, I might add. Not long after, my maids rush back in, all with broad smiles on their faces. They start my bath and I go to pick out my dress for the day with Leah.

"Did you sleep well, Miss?" She asks, holding up a navy long-sleeve dress. I shake my head and she continues her search.

"I slept quite well," I say, trying not to laugh. She glances at me with a big smile before holding up another dress. This time she holds up another gorgeous maroon dress, similar to yesterday's dress. The neckline on this one is crossed to make a V shape and the bottom is much fuller. 

"I adore it. I'll wear that one!" I say, a hand on my chest in awe.

"Perfect, Miss. Now, go bathe and I will get your shoes and make-up ready."

I thank her and we go through the process of dolling me up for the day. I feel much happier today than I have the past week, and even my sweet maids are happier because of it. They seem to radiate my joy back to me, and my morning is great. I basically skip to breakfast, thankful for the winter season bringing me appropriate heeled boots. I stop at a mirror in the hallway just before the dining hall and cannot help but to stare at my reflection. I look beautiful. Radiant. You can see the happiness in every inch of me.

"Lady Arabella," I hear his voice before his reflection can join me in the mirror. I meet his eyes and my chest becomes heavier. He has dark circles under his eyes and his hair is a curly mess.

"Prince Augustus," I greet him, bowing deeply. 

"None of that, Arabella. Stand." He sounds gruff and stern, not like the usual silly Auggie that I have come to know. I stand up straight, staring at his reflection in the mirror and not knowing what to say. "You look beautiful." He says, barely a whisper. I blush involuntarily.

"Thank y-you," I stutter, nervous and wishing he would just let me go to breakfast. My chest is tingly as his eyes are locked with mine. We stand out against the tan wall behind us, me in my red dress, him in a black button-up and gray slacks. He clears his throat roughly before speaking again.