Betrothed (The Selection series and Red Queen Fanfic)

Chapter 13 - Crush

"You must be kidding me" I laughed. But when I looked at Elara's face, deadpan.

"She's not, Del. Its true what she's telling you" Mom says.

"No! It's not!" I argued.

"I'll show you" Mom replied calmly, staring at Amielle then whispering under her breath, Amielle suddenly did 5 push-ups. Then Mom broke her contact. Amielle looked confused on what he was doing.

"W-what?... Hey!" Amielle says standing up and wiping off his sweat.

They laughed at him but I couldn't. I wipe off the cold sweat running down my forehead. Mom's touch made me flinched. I'm still stunned and unable to speak.

Then I felt my claustrophobia coming.

"I need air!" I gasped running out of the door meeting the fresh air of the gardens.

"Del?" Cal called.

"Not now, Cal. I want to breathe," I began. "First the betrothal of me to Maxon, my best friend. I can't pull him away from his love. Second, me being silver/red? Having powers?.... That's so much!" I broke down.

Yesterday I'm smiling, Today I'm crying?! Seriously universe!!!!

"Hush... It's fine, We'll help you. Don't worry I'm here. You're going to be fine" Cal says calming me down.

"Oh Cal! I don't think I can do this" I mumbled, burying my face under his arms. He gripped tighter not minding the tears wetting him and my sweaty body.

Once I calmed down, I looked up.

"It's awkward. Me crying for the first time we met" I laughed. He chuckled, his hands are cold maybe that's because of his blood.

"Your hands are cold" I said.

"It's normal for silvers to feel this way. But don't worry if your cold, I'll be your heater" He said holding my hands and it became warm.

I laughed and he did. I toyed with his bracelet while looking at the setting sun. His dark hair, pale skin and dark eyes suits him. His body built was very muscular for a prince, I got it the idea of it. He's like Maxon but He can lead an Army, He's more of a soldier.

Maxon isn't like Cal, he's not a General but I know he was a great leader. And he's my best friend and I can't marry him. Especially that I know I will never have a place in his heart to be his lover.

"We should go inside. Its pretty dangerous out here" I suggested.

Cal nodded and we walked together, laughing about things. Clearly, he's taking my mind off those news that's ruining me. We reached the hallway and Amielle's there with his knowing smirk that always got me.

"Take it off!" I hissed.

"You look cute together!!" Amielle cooed in a joking manner.

"Shut up!" I snapped. Then walked away from both of them.

.........................

Cal's POV

Delancy is beautiful, very well-mannered Princess. She's also strong and bold, she beat her brother. But then she cried when she knew about her family history I wanted to help her.

"She has temper tantrums but she's a nice girl" Amielle says.

"So that's why you're very protective to her" I replied.

"Uh-huh" He nodded.

She walked away gracefully and she's not stopping.

............

"Cal, I know you're really into the girl" Maven says as we reached the second floor, east wing, where the guests rooms are.

"She's extraordinary, Mavey" I replied him.

"I know.... but you need to watch out to that Kieran guy, Delancy seems to have a crush on him" Maven says deeply.

"I will... Good Night, Maven!" I waved.

"Good Night, Cal... Dream about your girl" He laughed and I chuckled.

I lay on my back still thinking about Delancy's unbelievable character. I can't sleep so I decided to go to the library to know about their history.

....................

Delancy's POV

"You sure you will finish this?" Mathew asked as I reached for the brown folder.

"Yes!" I chuckled at him, snatching the papers from him.

"No! This is my work. War strategizing? Your insane!" Mathew exclaimed.

"All my lessons from Maria she always tackle about me caring for the people and well, budget cuts but Dad taught me how to be a leader, now please let me do this. I can't sleep, Insomnia got the best of me tonight... You can polish this anyway" I explained.

I heard him sighed ready to give in.

"Fine. You can do it just for you to feel tired and sleep. I'll check those papers when you're done, Good Night my Brainiac sister" He laughed.

"Good Night our future king" I winked at him.

I was about to start but I can't find my glasses. Then I remembered, Both my glasses and laptop were in the Main Library. I decided to work there because it seems I could concentrate better there.

I walked hastily, crossing from west wing to east wing. I descended the stairs and ran, my slippers hitting the marbled floor quietly and my silky robe flying.

Cool breeze entered the palace because of several open windows. It reaches my skin under my robe and night gown. Once I reached the library, I opened the double doors and entered.

To my shock, I dropped the folder an papers fly everywhere. I stared at Cal with wide eyes and he did the same. It took my couple of seconds to noticed the flying papers. I quickly complied the fallen papers, cursing under my breath and Cal helped me.

"My apologies, Delancy" Cal says rubbing his palms on his pants.

He's wearing pants and thin shirt that shows off his muscular built. Making me gulped at the sight.

"It's fine, I'm just going to uh... get something" I replied with a high pitched voice to cover my embarrassment.

I walked towards the working table I always loved. I sighed loudly and closed my eyes to steady my heart beat. I put on my glasses and began to work. Cal quietly sat on the couch reading a history book.

My trance of thoughts were cut short when he spoke.

"You're planning war?" Cal asked amused to what I'm working on. "Can I see it?"

"Sure... Here!" I said handing him the papers. And continuing to type on my laptop.

I took a look at his face. Eyebrows furrowed, focusing on what he is reading, occasionally running his fingers on his hair, looking so hot. Heat crawling on my cheeks and I quickly looked away. I typed on the keyboard with pressure.

Cal spoke and I looked at him with a smile.

"Your plan is good but I think it should have an adequate number of troops to face the opponent. You also need to assure that they won't go outnumbered... You should also increase the numbers Medical teams that will help your soldiers" Cal spoke slowly but surely.

"Are you a Soldier?" I asked unconsciously.

Seriously he was! What was I thinking?!?!?

He came here in a tuxedo not military suit. But his hair was cropped short like a soldier, his body was qmuscular and he always look ready.

"In fact, I am a soldier. A general that will lead my troops to battle Northern part of our lands" Cal laughed and I stared at him intently.

"Don't worry, I don't bite" He says.

I plastered a nervous smile.