The Selection: Third Generation

Ch. 22: Snow Day

The sun reflects off of the nearby pond, hitting me right in the eyes and I have to turn away from it. We are all out in the gardens, having snack foods and tea with the royal family. There is a large open tent set up in the yard to keep us out of the sun. It is a bright, cloudless day. It is a little warmer than it had been this week, but we are all still bundled up in fancy coats. Everyone is mingling and the atmosphere is really nice. Currently, I am sitting on a bench under the tent with Annalise, who is telling me how much she misses home.

"-and I have been writing so much, but it just is not the same, you know? I miss their laughs and hearing their voices all animated when they tell me stories in person."

"I understand completely. Having all of our families here for Halloween was amazing. I am so glad that we got to see them, or I would be so much more homesick than I already am." I say, shooting her an understanding smile.

Suddenly, the sun is completely blocked by someone standing in front of us and we both look up at him. As soon as we realize who it is, we stand and curtsy.

"Good morning, ladies. I was wondering if you would join me for a walk, Lady Arabella?" The King asks with his deep voice. He always seems to be talking so loud, but so quiet at the same time. His voice rings in authority constantly. 

"Of course, Your Majesty." As I follow him out of the tent and into the garden, my hands fiddle in front of me. The King leads us a short way from the tent and sits on a large bench in the gardens. He gestures for me to sit across from him on another bench, so I comply. We are in a secluded spot, blocked from the others' view by hedges on each side of us.

"Lady Arabella, I have been very impressed by you, time and time again, throughout the selection. You have shown you are intelligent, beautiful, gracious, kind, and more. My wife and children have great things to say about you." The king stops from saying more, waiting for some kind of response from me. I take the hint and take a deep breath before replying.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. You may be thinking too highly of me, but I am honored." I bow my head slightly to him, keeping a small smile on my face. My hands stray to my coat, straightening out the soft, navy blue material.

"You are most welcome, Lady Arabella. I am afraid you may be right, though." My heart drops to my feet and I feel my face becoming red. "Among such great attributes, I had a worrisome conversation with my younger son the other day. I am sure you can guess at what it was about."

"Yes, Your Majesty," I say quietly, eyes downcast as shame pulls at my heart.

"I do not appreciate you toying with my boys. What exactly are your intentions?" He leans forward onto his knees, a serious look on his face. I sit up straight and meet his eyes with all the seriousness I can muster. 

"Your Majesty, mistakes have been made, but I am here for your son, Prince Carlisle. It was never my intention to toy with anyone's feelings or leave anyone feeling hurt. Both of your sons are great, and Prince Augustus was a great friend to me whenever I struggled and his brother was not around. I know now that I let that turn into something it shouldn't have. I would never want to jeopardize what I have with Carlisle, nor his relationship with his brother. Prince Carlisle is the best thing to ever have happened to me. He shows me how much of a better person I can be, and he never ceases to amaze me at how much of a great person, and leader, he is. He has so much to give this world, and I want to be a part of that." I know with how the king meets my eyes throughout the entire spill that he believes me. He stares at me for a moment after I speak before he smiles, breaking the tension.

"All is well, then, Lady Arabella. My son has spoken to me of his intentions for you, and I approve wholely. Welcome to the family," he says standing and putting his arm out for me. I stand and take the gesture, letting him lead me back to the tent. My heart is pounding so hard I am convinced everyone here feels it. King Ethan leads us over to where the Queen and Carlisle are talking, smiles on their faces.