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

Chapter Eight

A/N

WOW! Thank you guys so much for getting this book to over 200 reads! This is something I never even dreamed of happening, and it means a lot to me that people spare a little part of their day to read my book,

Many thanks-

Leah <3

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I was still mad at Ean for what he said to Ahren, how dare he! I mean, this is the royal family you're talking to for goodness sake, he could have at least treated Ahren with a little respect.

"Who does he think he is?" I asked Neena rhetorically, glaring up at the ceiling from my bathtub.

"Really Miss, I have no idea." Neena said, answering my question anyway. "He's handsome, but that doesn't mean he's any good of a person."

"What confuses me though, is that he seemed kind of charming when we met, well he was cocky too, but still. . ." Knowing how frustrated I was, Neena handed me a small plate of delicate little chocolates and sprinkled more lavender into my bath. "Neena, you're amazing. How do you do it?"

"Mind reading!" Neena exclaimed jokingly with her eyes squinted and her hands rubbing her temples. This made me laugh. Neena didn't joke too often, but when she did, it was really funny.

"Neena, would you pour me a glass of that red wine on my table please?" I asked, giving her a mock pout.

"Certainly, Miss."

"Didn't I tell you to call me Eadlyn, Neena?" I said as she handed me the glass with colours of deep reds and burgundy.

"I don't know, it just feels a little awkward considering that you're the future queen and all."

"Well, as your future queen, I demand that you loosen up."

"Alright, Miss Eadlyn." Neena said, making sure I heard that she was using my name.

"Thank you, Neena." I said giving her an assuring smile. I seeped deeper into the hot water, and finished off my wine. The water seemed to wash away my problems for the half and hour that I soaked.

"Neena," I began, staring at the wardrobe full of garments, "I don't know what to wear. I want to look powerful tonight. Should I wear this one, or this one?" I asked, pointing to a coral, knee length dress with a black blazer, and then showing her the second option. It was a slightly shorter, navy blue dress with gold embroidery on the bodice.

"Definitely the blue, Eadlyn. It's stunning."

"Well, you did make it."

"I know." Neena said, showing how pleased she was with herself by flashing a perfect toothy grin.

I chose to wear a deep plum lipstick with my outfit, secretly hoping that I wouldn't smear it all over my teeth. Embarrassment was the last thing I needed.

When I walked down the stairs towards the dining hall, I scanned quickly to check if anyone was there yet. Ahren was sitting with Osten, Kaden and Mom were already waiting. Dad, of course, was late due to his work.

"Hey," I whispered to Ahren.

"Hi, Eady."

"Have you gotten an apology from Ean yet?"

"No, not yet." Just as Ahren finished his sentence, a maid came up behind us.

"Uh, um, excuse me, your Highness. I have a letter for you." The maid said quietly, her hands shaking slightly. She must have been new, I could tell.

"Thank you, you may go." Ahren said with a polite smile, taking the letter from the maid's hand after she gave him a deep curtsy. I recognised the hand writing from Ean's entry form.

"You should read it now, before everyone get's here." I said, hoping that it was a proper apology and not just five words long.

"Nah," Ahren said, shaking his head. He slid the envelope into his pocket. "I'll read it later." I shrugged, pretending not to care, but if anything I wanted to read the letter more than him.

One by one, the selected filled the dining hall. I noticed Henri and Erik, and Henri gave me a wave and a goofy smile, Erik bowing before taking his seat. I remembered the night Henri were alone in the kitchen, that night was amazing. I wished I could replay it all over again, reliving that kiss. I knew that there definitely could be something for me with Henri, but I didn't quite know how we would run the country with the lack of language on our side. Then there was Erik. I didn't quite know how to react to that situation, he wasn't even a competitor in the Selection. Still, I felt something.

Eventually, everyone came into the room and sat down, even Dad finally stopped reading his paperwork and came down to eat. The smell of roast pork with crackling filled the room, making my mouth water. As I ate, I did a scan around the room. Ean was looking rather pleased with himself, and I wasn't sure if he was pleased about writing a perfect apology, or if it was because he wrote down the perfect insult. Fox was chatting with Leeland, both of them noticed me and smiled. Naturally, I smiled back and nodded my head a little.

When the plates were being taken away, and everyone started to leave, I noticed Hale was looking at me. He walked over my way, and gave me a low, exaggerated bow.

"Your Royal Highness." Hale said, with a mocking tone.

"Careful, I could have you executed for that."

"What? For addressing my one and only future queen of my beloved country with the utmost respect?" Hale's mocking voice made me laugh.

"Exactly." I said, fixing my posture and giving him a frown.

"Maybe I should be a little bit more rude, then."

"Wise choice, loyal subject." We stood for a while, looking into each others eyes. He gave me an other bow, and kissed my hand.

"Good night, Princess Eadlyn."

"Good night Hale." I replied, and with that, I left for Ahren's room to see if he had read the letter.