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

Chapter Six

I had been in the safe room for what felt like a few hours. Lots of guards and staff had come into the room. So had Kaden and Austen and The Selected, but there was no trace of Mom or Daddy. I was utterly terrified at the thought of them being killed. I had no idea about what the Rebel's were capable of, and I was to afraid to find out. I was sitting with Henri and Erik, comforting Henri. I could tell that Henri was absolutely terrified, as his poor face was ridden with worry. I was terrified myself, but just when I was about to burst into tears myself, the door burst open. It was Mom and Dad. I ran to their arms losing all of my decency in a matter of seconds. I didn't care if I looked like a mess in front of everybody, because my parents were the only thing that mattered right now.

"You're ok!" I sobbed into Mom's chest, feeling her warmth around me.

"Yes, Eady. We're fine. I'm so sorry we had you feeling so worried."

"On another note," Dad paused for a minute to think for a bit. "I think the Rebel's are back. I don't know why, but I intend to find out." I could tell that all plans made for tomorrow were canceled, because as far as I was concerned, this was far more important.

A while later, the guards allowed us to leave through the back, as glass was shattered all over the floor and considered it a safety hazard. When I reached the main hallway, I could see the damage. Curtains were torn, windows broken and papers littered the floor. The maids who were in good health worked with the guards to clear up most of the mess, and we had staff coming that day to fix all the windows and replace the curtains. I was about to return to my room, when something crossed my mind. Where was Neena? I ran into my room, calling her name. Nothing. I asked other staff if they knew where she was. Nothing. I called for all through the palace. Nothing. I ran through the seemingly endless building, until finally I reached the infirmary. The sights shocked me right through to my core. I tried to stay as composed as possible as possible, but I could see dozens of injured guards and maids. I walked down the isle full of people, when someone familiar caught my eye.

"Officer Ledger, are you ok?" He had a cast around his left elbow down to his wrist and his knees were bandaged.

"I'm fine, your Highness. A supposed rebel took me from behind and broke my arm."

"But what about you legs?" I asked.

"They're just weak, I pulled some muscles and strained them a bit, they were weak to begin with so they were damaged a little more easily."

"Oh my gosh! Are they going to be ok?"

"They'll be fine." I gave him a sympathetic smile and told him I would call Miss Lucy. I kept wandering down past the rows of beds when I saw Neena. She looked exhausted, and her usually beautiful black hair was pulled back off her face, revealing a gash on her forehead.

"Neena! Are you ok? I was so worried." I felt a weight life off my shoulders from knowing that she was ok.

"Oh, thank goodness you're ok your Highness. I'm fine."

"Don't be silly, call me Eadlyn you goose!" She laughed, and sat up a bit straighter on her bed. "What happened to your head?" I asked.

"When the attackers threw rocks at the windows, a chunk of glass grazed my forehead. The doctor will give me some stitches, and I'll be ready to help you this evening."

"Not a chance, Neena."

"What?" She asked, confused at my statement.

"I said not a chance. I'll get ready for dinner myself, and afterwards we are going to be having some relaxing fun. Be at my room at 7:30, no later! I insist."

Neena smiled at my gesture.

"Thank you, Miss Eadlyn. I really appreciate it." I grabbed her hand, and held it for a second, trying to giver her some comfort. After a few seconds I let go and made my way to find Mom and Dad again. I was making my way towards their room, when all of a sudden I heard someone call my name.

"Eady! What happened in here?" I turned around to find Ahren standing in the foyer near the stairs with his small suitcase in hand.

"Ahren!" I ran up to hug him. "Thank goodness you're home!"

"What happened? Is everyone ok?" I could see the terror in his eyes.

"Dad thinks we had a rebel attack, even though we haven't had one in about 18 years."

"Is Mom ok? I heard about her heart. I can't tell you how guilty I feel."

"It's ok, Ahren. She's perfectly fine. I'm going to see them now, if you want to come."

"Ok, let's go, just give me a moment first. Excuse me," he said to a nearby maid, "Could you take this to my room please?"

"Certainly, your Highness." She gave him a quick curtsy and ran up the stairs with his bag.

We walked up to Mom and Dad's room in silence, not really knowing what to say. When we reached the room, I knocked on the door, and called out for someone to hear. "Hello? Mom, Dad? Someone's here to see you."

"Just a minute Eady." Mom replied in a few seconds. She opened the door and practically burst into tears when she saw Ahren.

"Oh Ahren, why on earth would you frighten me like that?"

"I'm sorry Mom, are you ok?" I could only just make out what he was saying from Mom's hug.

"I'm ok, I had a little trouble with my heart but Dr Ashlar said I'll be fine."

We walked into their room, and surprisingly, unlike most rooms, there wasn't any damage. When Dad saw Ahren, he practically ran up to him and engulfed Ahren with his strong arms.

"I heard about Daphne, son. It's ok. I know how you feel."

"Thanks, Dad. That means a lot." I could tell that he really needed to hear Dad's approval.

"I've asked the staff to do something simple with dinner tonight. Lots of work and stress is really the last thing they need right now." Mom said. I could tell that she hated the thought of people worrying too much about their work right now. Mom was like that, coming from a family of fives. She knew how much a little bit of rest could do.

"Uh, Dad, could I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, love." He took me into his private study which came off from his room. "Anything wrong?" He looked at me, genuinely concerned.

"Well, I think I need to do another elimination. Some of the Selected really couldn't handle the attack, and two have already left." This was true, Winslow and Ivan had asked to leave, so I told them to think about it. They cam to me a bit later saying that they really did want to leave. Quite frankly, I didn't blame them. "Anyway, I need to be sure that this was only a one off thing, so that I don't send people home for something that wont' happen again."

"Eadlyn, it might be wise to go ahead with the elimination, but only get rid of those who you really don't think can handle these types of situations."

"Why, Dad?"

"Because these new Rebel's are going to attack again." He said in a slightly hushed tone of voice, and I could tell that he really meant it.