The Selection

🗡A Dangerous Suprise🗡

That morning, my maids had scuttled in and drew back the curtains, revealing a stormy gray sky. The sound of rain pattering on the window was enough to wake me from my deep slumber.

"Good morning, miss." Jade said, walking into the bathroom to prep the bath.

"Good morning," I replied. Instantly, my mind went back to last night. Where Daniel said he only wanted me. And our kiss.

Later on, he had asked me to not mention our relationship with anyone, but made an exception for my maids. Daniel had explained how the public was longing for drama and entertainment with the Selection, so we needed to keep everything a secret. He also solemnly explained how he would have to go on dates, and even kiss other girls to sell the act to the public.

As I stepped into the bath, Nia asked, "So, how did it go last night?"

"Wonderful," I said. "You see, Daniel has a thing for me. He said that I was the girl he wanted, and he's the boy that I want. And, we kissed."

They all let out a gasp. "That's spectacular!" Esme exclaimed.

"You'll make a wonderful Queen someday," Jade remarked. My face turned white when she said that. Why didn't I think about that? All I wanted was to be Daniel's, but I was more than willing to be royalty. Sure, I had stuff to know, but I think that with hard work, I could take the job.

After my bath, Nia pulled my hair into a single braid, and I was put into a beautiful sage green dress with off the shoulder sleeves and a lacy material. I wore a simple golden necklace with it, as well as slightly taller nude heels.

When I curtsied after entering the Dining Room, I met Daniel's eyes and we smiled at each other. Before I even sat down, everyone was started by a loud bang. Then another. Then there was so much noise erupting at chaos churning that nobody knew which way was up. Random items were being thrown into the room and everyone tried to escape. Daniel was pushing girls paralyzed in place to move, trying to get everyone out. In an instant, I knew.

Rebels.

"Bastards," I muttered. All of a sudden, a sharp pain set my lower leg on fire. I screamed in terror and Daniel scooped me up, racing out of the dining hall. Dozens of guards led our group to a giant portrait, which surprisingly opened up to a hallway. They ushered us in and we rushed down the stairs. Daniel was still holding me.

After entering through an at least three feet thick door, we were in a large bunker-like area. There were a couple seats and cots, then canned food, medical supplies, blankets, and even some weapons lined the shelves. The pain in my leg returned and it took all my strength not to scream.

Daniel laid me down on a cot and alerted a guard, who got bandages and treatments from the shelves. "Are you ok?" Daniel asked.

"Not really," I admitted. "My leg feels like it's burning." A giant red gash was seeping with blood on my left leg. I grimaced and forced myself to look away, because the sight of blood always made me feel sick.

"Darn rebels." Daniel muttured. The guard, who introduced himself as Officer James, dabbed at my wound with a wet cloth. He then rubbed a few treatments on, which hurt badly. It was bandaged securely and the guard went off.

"I'm so sorry, Aria." Daniel whispered. 

"It's ok," I responded. "The other girls are probably scared right now. It would make them feel better if you comforted them."

Daniel gave me a smile and made his rounds, cheering up tearful girls. I looked around the room at everyone. The royals were in some seats, making themselves busy. Princess Brielle braided her hair, and Princess Quinn read a book. Occasionally, she would glance up and give someone a dirty look. I was one of her death glare victims. Some of the girls looked numb, others were crying, and a few were acting as if nothing happened.

Mara and Selena walked up to me. "Are you ok?" Mara asked, looking at my bandages. "What happened?"

"Something hit my leg and it bled a lot." I responded.

"You act like that's ok!" Selena exclaimed. 

"I'll be fine, and It's not like I never experienced bad pain as a Seven." I replied. They seemed to consider what I said. 

"So, how was last night?" Mara asked. 

"Great!" I smiled. "We went to a parlor and pretty much just talked."

"About what?" Selena questioned.

"Uh, how different our lives were. At least, when we were comparing my life back at home to his royalty."

Hours passed, and we were finally permitted to leave. I was shocked to see the state the rebels left the palace in.