Labeled (A The Selection Fanfiction)

Chapter Nineteen

Apparently, we are all required to take photos with Connor, and the palace officials though why not have a photo with the Prince too!

It's unfortunate I wasn't there when they made that decision, because I would have easily given them many reasons.

So, because of their incorrect decision, I'm waiting in the alphabetized groups of girls, between Pamela Collins and Emerald Ferrara. I was going soon, and I didn't want to face the embarrassment of missing my turn.

"Pamela Collins." She quickly tosses her hair over her shoulder and discreetly tugs her dress down, exposing more skin, which is totally uncalled for.

I can see Prince Alexander cringe behind his calm facade. Not that I'm looking, I just happened to notice. I don't care about Alexander anymore, so I wouldn't be caught staring.

I am so engrossed in looking away from Alexander that I barely hear my name until it is being whispered all around me.

I don't have to face embarrassment, it comes and faces me.

"Clarissa! Go already!" Emerald ushers me forward.

My cheeks blush, "Er-Right, yeah...thanks."

I stumble and stutter on my way to the couch, and as I trip and fall a firm hand wraps around my arm to steady me.

I quickly pull away, expecting someone else.

"Oh, I am so sorry Lady Clarissa." Connor says in a rush. "Are you all right?" I can't help but notice his blue eyes like the ocean. Waves that could overcome me, and suck me into the pull of the tide.

"Oh, don't worry, I didn't know it was you!" I say it like I'm greeting an old friend.

Connor chuckles, his eyes dangerously darting to Alexander, "Yes, but you're sure you're all right? I wouldn't have wanted to injure the girl who catches Prince Alexander's eye." I was hoping, falsely it seems, that he would've forgotten about the kiss. I can't believe how incredibly wrong his words are now though.

"It's fine, you're too sweet." I giggle. What is wrong with me? Flirting with Connor?

Still, he looks me over, checking to make sure I'm not injured. His eyes linger with my eyes. He leads me over to where Alexander is sitting with the lightest touch of his hand on the small of my back. I can tell the whole room is analyzing this.

I hope Alexander is watching.

"Lady Clarissa." Connor bows to me, unnecessarily, and kisses my hand, more like a gentleman than Sarrione's own Prince.

Speaking of which, Alexander seems to notice and nods rudely at Connor, dismissing him.

He grabs the hand that Connor had just kissed, almost hungrily. The warm feeling of summer sunshine that had been spreading turned to ice in my veins.

"Good afternoon, Lady Clarissa." He says, and kisses my hand.

Jealous much? I wish Beth could see me now.

His arm moves down to my waist, pulling me to sit with him, and I stiffen.

"3...2...1" and the photos start clicking.

Alexander scoots me over, his viselike grip tightening on my waist. My back is now tightly pressed to his chest, and the smile on my mouth is forced. I hope the photos don't turn out looking like I am in pain.

After what seems like hundreds of positions and photos, I am suddenly turned to him, and instinctively I put my hands on his chest to push him away, but the cameraman seems to think it means something, "Yes, you two. Perfect. Hold it right there."