The Selection

Chapter 23

This story/plot belongs to Kiera Cass

𒊹︎︎︎ᴥ︎︎︎𒊹︎︎︎
 

The next morning, I woke feeling a little guilty. Frightened even. Just because I didn’t return Jungkook’s ear tug didn’t mean he couldn’t come to my room any time he wanted. We so easily could have been caught. If anyone had any idea what I’d done. . .

  It was treason. And there was only one way the palace dealt with treason.

  But another part of me didn’t care. In the hazy moments of waking, I relived every look in Taehyung ’s eyes, every touch, every kiss. I missed that so badly.

  I wished we’d had more time to talk. I really needed to know what Taehyung  was thinking, though last night had given me some clues. It was just so unbelievable—after trying so hard to not want him—that he might still want me.

  It was Saturday, and I was supposed to go to the Women’s Room, but I just couldn’t stand it. I needed to think, and I knew that wouldn’t happen in the endless chatter floating downstairs. When my maids came, I told them I had a headache and would be staying in bed.

  They were so helpful, bringing me food and cleaning the room as quietly as possible, that I almost felt bad for lying to them. I had to, though. I couldn’t face the queen and the girls and possibly Jungkook while my mind was so solidly fixated on Taehyung .

  I closed my eyes but did not sleep. I tried to clear up just how I felt. Before I got very far, though, there was a knock at the door. I rolled over, catching Anne’s face as she silently asked if she should answer it. I sat up quickly, straightened my hair, and gave her a nod.

  I prayed that it wouldn’t be Jungkook—I was afraid he’d be able to read my crimes on my face—but I wasn’t prepared to see Taehyung ’s face walking through my door. I felt myself sit up taller and hoped my maids didn’t notice.

  “Pardon me, miss,” he said to Anne. “I’m Officer Kim. I’m here to speak to Lady Y/n  about some security measures.”

  “Of course,” she said, smiling brighter than usual and gesturing for Taehyung  to enter. In the corner I saw Mary nudge Lucy, who let out a tiny giggle.

  When he heard the sound
, Taehyung  turned toward them and tipped his hat. “Ladies.”

  Lucy ducked her head and Mary’s cheeks looked redder than my hair, but they didn’t answer. Anne, though she also seemed taken by Taehyung ’s good looks, was put together enough to speak at least.

  “Shall we leave, miss?”

  I considered this. I didn’t want to seem too obvious, but some privacy would be nice.

  “Only for a moment. I’m sure Officer Kim won’t need me for long,” I decided, and they whisked right out of the room.

  Once they had disappeared behind the door, Taehyung  spoke. “You’re wrong, I’m afraid. I’m going to be needing you for a very long time.” He winked at me.

  I shook my head. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”

  Wasting no time, Taehyung  took off his hat and sat on the edge of my bed, setting his hands so our fingers just barely touched. “I never thought I’d count the draft as a blessing, but if it gives me the chance to apologize to you, I’ll be forever grateful.”

  I was stunned into silence.

  Taehyung  looked deep into my eyes. “Please forgive me, Y/n. I was so, so stupid, and I’ve regretted that night in the tree house since the second I climbed down the ladder. I was too stubborn to say anything and then your name got called. . . I didn’t know what to do.” He stopped for a second. It looked like he had tears in his eyes. Was it possible that Taehyung  had been crying for me the way I’d been crying for him? “I’m still so in love with you.”