The Decision- A sequel to 'The Heir' by Keira Cass

Chapter Two

That night, after dinner I asked Neena to run me a bath. She sprinkled lavender and rose petals in the water, and brushed my hair whilst I removed my makeup.

I had been staying in the hospital next to Mom for the last few days, she was asleep for about three days as her body was exhausted. It seemed as though all the stress had built up from the last year and Ahren leaving just made her crack.

I had left the hospital twice, both time just to bathe and change clothes.  I couldn't bear to leave Mom. Even though Dad was there the whole time as well, I  knew that I would feel guilty if something had happened to her.

"Um, is Queen America ok?" asked Neena, wondering if she had crossed a line.

"Yes, she's fine. Thank you for being so considerate Neena. I honestly don't know what I would do without you," Neena gave me a warm smile, as if to say I'll look after you, Eadlyn.

I seeped into the bath, letting the hot water engulf me as I let go of the stress from the past few days. I considered visiting the selected, but honestly  I just couldn't be bothered. Too much drama.

"There's a note by the door here for you miss, It doesn't say who from. Shall I bring it to you?" Neena inquired from my bedroom.

                                                                                                          "Yes, please Neena." I dried my hands on a towel next to the bath and dried my eyes from a few sneaky tears which had slipped out. I grabbed the envelope from Neena's hands and  tore it open.

Dear Eady,

I heard about Mom. I feel so guilty, I will be on a plane back to Illea tomorrow, I can't leave you there whilst I am here in France. I asked Daphne not to come because I don't want to upset anyone.

See you soon-

Love Ahren

I threw the note down on the ground. I was frustrated with Ahren, I was frustrated with Daphne, but most importantly I was frustrated with myself. How could I try and manipulate Ahren like I had? It was unfair, and I didn't quite know what to do about it. I wondered if I should tell Daddy about my talk with Ahren. I feared that he would get mad, and I had never really seen him truly angry before.

Mom had never fought with him, let alone me. I let out a deep sigh, and got up out of the bath. Neena immediately wrapped me in a towel and had my night gown ready on my bed. Bed was the only thing I wanted right now.

The next day, I headed downstairs for breakfast. Mom took breakfast in her room, so I checked in on her first. "Hello?" I called out as I knocked on her bedroom door. She was propped up in bed, a tray of fruit and coffee on her lap, looking much brighter than yesterday

                                                                              "Come in Eady" Mom replied. "How did you sleep?" she continued. "I slept well, thanks. Are you feeling ok?" I asked

"I'm doing just fine, Eady. You can stop worrying now. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not going anywhere." These words brought me comfort, as 38 was far too young for someone to die. I sat next to her on Dad's side of the bed, and she put the tray down to give me a hug. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, but I forced myself not to cry. I didn't want to look weak, I needed to be strong for her.

After I left Mom's room to have something to eat, I was immediately greeted by the eyes of the dozens of boys all at the dining table. Although it had been a month since the Selected had arrived, I still wasn't used to them. The first person I saw was Henri, who gave me a sad smile and a small wave. I still didn't know what to think of him, quite frankly. If I really fell in live with him, Erik said it would take years for us to have a proper conversation. This frustrated me greatly, as I couldn't bear to send him home- especially after our secret date in the kitchen.

I was unsure of Kile, too. Though we had kissed several times, and I had kept his horrendous tie tucked away in my drawer, I didn't know if there was a possibility of actually marrying him. This was all too confusing.

I had barely touched my breakfast, and just as I was about to leave the dining hall, I heard a voice call for me, "Your Highness."

It was Hale. "Good morning, Hale" I said in return. His eyes were full of sympathy, I could tell.

"I was just wondering how you were feeling, you know, with your mother and all."

      "I'm ok, just a little shocked. So, have anything to prove to me today?" I asked, trying to lighten the topic a little.

                                                                                  "Well, I thought I could prove to you, that if you ever lose someone close to you, or you think you might, that I will be your rock. I am willing to be the person you lean on, if you want me to, that is."

This melted my heart a little, and I knew that eventually he would wedge himself somewhere inside my heart, refusing to let go.

"Thank you, Hale. I appreciate it. Why don't you meet me outside in the gardens later this afternoon, say four o'clock?" I inquired. After that, I felt like he deserved a better date than last time.

                                                                              "Of course, Eadlyn. See you then?"

"See you then", I replied, feeling a little giddy.