The Selection

Chapter 55

This story/plot belongs to Kiera Cass

𒊹︎︎︎ᴥ︎︎︎𒊹︎︎︎

I tugged at my  dress. "Isn't this a bit grand for the occasion?"

"Not at all!" Mary insisted.

It was late afternoon, but they'd put me in an evening gown. It was purple, and very regal and big its the biggest one i have ever seen, and they'd pulled up my hair so elegantly, I was positive this was the prettiest I'd ever looked at the palace. I wished that I could go see Queen Amberly, sure that even she would be impressed.

"I don't want to linger," I insisted. "It's hard enough to go as it is. I just want you all to know that I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me. Not only for keeping me clean and dressed, but for spending time with me and caring about me. I'll never forget you."

"And we'll always remember you, miss," Anne promised.

I nodded and started fanning my face. "Okay, okay, I've had enough tears for one day. If you could tell the driver I'll be right down, I'm going to take a moment."

"Of course, miss."

"Is it still improper for us to hug?" Mary asked, looking at me and then Anne.

"Who cares?" she said, and they crowded around me one last time.

"Take care of yourselves."

"You, too, miss," Mary said.

"You were always a lady," Anne added.

They stepped away, but Lucy held on. "Thank you," she breathed, and I could tell she was crying. "I'll miss you."

"Me, too."

She let me go, and they walked to the door, standing together in a group. They gave me one last curtsy, and I waved as they left me alone.

So many times in the last few weeks I had wished I could leave. Now that it was here, seconds away, I was dreading it. I walked onto the balcony. I looked down at the gardens, gazing at the bench, the spot where Jungkook and I had met. I didn't know why, but I suspected he'd be there.

He wasn't though. He had more important things to do than to sit around thinking about me. I touched the bracelet on my wrist. He would think about me, though, from time to time, and that comforted me. No matter what, this was real.

I backed away, closing the door and heading to the hallway. I moved slowly, taking in the beauty of the palace one last time, even though it was slightly marred by broken mirrors and chipped frames.

I remembered walking down this grand stairwell the first day, feeling confused and grateful at the same time. There were so many girls then.

When I reached the front doors, I paused for a moment. I'd gotten so used to being behind those massive blocks of wood that it almost felt wrong to go through them.