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

Chapter Fourteen

The air was thick with humidity, and there was a very subtle chill as well. The earlier traces of any sunshine had disappeared into the silvery wash of clouds. We were just into October, and the only thing  I was actually looking forward to was Halloween. Every year the halls were decorated extravagantly with golden drapes, sweets overflowed bowls, comical carved pumpkins were displayed with candles in them and down in the underground floors of the palace, maids and seamstresses were hard at work making costumes for the annual party. My mouth watered a little at the thought of the lollies and sweets which would soon be all over the palace. In October, dental hygiene go wait.

    I sat with Mom in the women's room, trying to distract her from Silvia's passing. She was a little shaken, and slipped out of focus if she didn't try to pay attention. I didn't mind though, I understood where Mom was coming from. I used to be friends with a one of the adviser's daughters, Celine. We weren't best friends, but I enjoyed her company. She died from a car crash when we were eleven, I was rather sad when she died. 
    "Mom?"
    "Oh, sorry Eady. I'm just a little stressed today."
    "That's ok, really." Mom's face was a little pale, the fine lines around her eyes were slightly more noticeable and she had taken off her makeup and put on her jeans after the funeral.
    "So, who was it you were thinking of taking out again?"
    "Calvin. I thought we could try archery or something, but I thought it might be nice for the Selected to have the lunch with the politicians and advisers first, since that was cancelled after the last attack."
    "Yes, that would be good. Who will finish their etiquette lessons though?" I heard Mom's voice break a little after that.
    "Look, Mom. We really don't need to do this now. I just thought it might be a good distraction for you."
    "That's nice of you to try and help like that, Eadlyn." Mom's eyes had a watery glaze over them as she gave a a sincere smile and hugged me. "I love you."
    "I love you too, Mom. Go up back to your room and don't work too much today."
    "Ok, but I don't want you working too much either. You need to rest."
    "I'll come by your room after dinner if you want." If Dad was working, I really didn't want her to be alone.
    "Ok, I'll get a maid to fetch you." Mom got up and left the room after our embrace, and I packed up the papers splayed out on the table. It was going to be a long week.

I really wanted to try explain things to Kile, but then there was Henri, and the tiny spark of compassion I had with Erik, not to mention Hale. My mind was aching at the thought of trying to narrow down my Elite, so I decided to have a nap. Just as I turned the corner, I saw that Henri was in a seemingly deep conversation with Erik. Henri was using his hands in motions to try and explain something, and his cute face was constantly changing expression as if it would help with explaining the topic.
    "Princess Eadlyn," Erik said as he gave me a bow. Henri suddenly realised why Erik had stopped and did the same.
    "How are you good today?" Asked Henri with a grin plastered on his face. 
    "I'm well, we had some sad news recently so it's been a bit dull."
    "Oh, yes. I am very sorry for what you had happened, Eadlyn." Henri's face had drooped from smiling too sympathetic. He whispered something to Erik to translate.
    "Henri said that if you would like to talk about anything, he is a very willing. He wants to make sure you are going to be ok."
    "Thank you, Henri, that's really kind of you. Um, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to show me how to make korvapuusti? You know, like what you made in the group date?"
    Henri thought for a second, trying to make out what I had just said. After a few seconds he finally replied. "Yes, yes! When can you make korvapuusti?" The joy on his face was contagious.
    "Well, I'm a little busy with my work and the funeral, so how about Friday, around eight?"
    Erik translated to Henri, and Henri nodded his head enthusiastically.
    "Excellent. If you'll excuse me I'm a bit tired so I'm going to rest. I'll see you on Friday." Wow, I was supposed to make plans with Calvin and it went in the other direction five minutes after planning. I didn't mind though. I would plan the lunch by myself and pass the plans on to the advisers later. What I needed now was a nap.
When I finally reached my room, I found Neena waiting. "How are you Miss Eadlyn?
    "I'm ok. What's that?" I asked, insinuating to the note left on my bed.
     "I don't know, it was there when I got here. I haven't read it, as I thought that it was best left for you to do.
      "Thank you, Neena." I picked up the letter, it had Kile's handwriting on it. I felt a lump in my throat form as I lifted the flap of the envelope.
    Eadlyn,
    When I was randomly entered into the Selection, I was as surprised as you were- believe me. I never even thought that we could have been together, purely because we hated each other. However, things change. I don't quite know how your mind works, you're confusing, really. I liked how things were going with us, but when you said you couldn't imagine us having a future, I realised that I was actually competing to be a Prince. I mean, I don't think I could run a freaking country! 
    You can do that though, because you have a powerful mindset. If I stayed, I wouldn't be able to be an architect. I don't think it's good for me to stay in the competition.
-Kile

I felt faint for a moment. I was so confused, why didn't I see a future with Kile? Why was I so unsure that he couldn't be a prince? Why was I so unsure that he couldn't be my prince? 
    "Neena, could you make some tea please?"
    "Of course, are you ok?"
    "Well, not really."
    "What's wrong?"
    "It's just that I feel as though I can't decide. I have twelve potential husbands waiting to be chosen, but I have no idea who it will be."
    "Does the note have anything to do with it?"
    "How did you know?"
    "Maids are meant to be nosy. Part of the job description," said Neena as she gave me a warm smile.
    "It's from Kile. He wants to leave, but I don't want him to. I really like him, but I don't know if I can see a future."
    "Well," said Neena as she handed me a warm cup of sweet tea. "I think you should ask him to stay. You can't rush this, love takes time. I would know."
    "What do you mean?"
    "Well, Mark and I took time for our relationship to develop. It's still growing, even now."
    "Yes, but you've been with Mark for how many years?"
    "Three." Neena's expression changed from concerned to completely smitten.
    "That's sweet. What do you plan on doing after he finishes studying and you leave the palace?"
    "I have some plans," Neena began before picking up my available hand and started giving me a hand massage. Neena's hand massages were absolute heaven. "I want to get a house together, we were thinking of staying in Angeles or Kent. I'm not fussy, really."
    "If you stayed in Angeles, you could come visit with Mark. I'll miss you too much when you go."
    "Thank you, Eadlyn. That's really nice of you." I really wasn't looking forward to Neena leaving, I felt as though she was one of the few real friends I had.
    "Anyway, is there anything else you wanted to talk about, in regards to your love life?"
    "Not really, just a lot of confusion."
    "I get it," she said, still gently rubbing my hand.
    "Thank you Neena, really. What would I do without you?"
    "Probably struggle to choose which dress to wear." I laughed at her silly comment.
    "You're probably right, Neena. I think I'll have a nap now. I'm exhausted."
    "Alright, I'll clear the tea tray and come wake you for dinner later. Ok?
    "Ok," I said, giving her a warm smile as she left the room. I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I fell asleep in minutes, the sound of Neena coming into my room waking me up.
    "Miss Eadlyn, you need to wake up. Your Father is asking for you in his office. Something about the recent attacks on the palace.

"What is it, Dad?" I asked as I sat down in the leather seat next to Dad.
    "We have a lead on the New Rebels. It's a group of people between fifteen and twenty-five. They're rebelling because they don't like me getting rid of the castes. 
    "But, how did you find out?"

    "One of the junior guards was part of what they call 'The Youth Rebellion', was careless enough to leave a note by his bed. Officer Ledger was doing his rounds when someone presented it to him."
    "How are we going to solve this though? The younger citizens don't understand what things were like with the castes. There were so many restrictions, if you couldn't fit in with your caste, you weren't allowed to lead the life you wanted."

    "I know, we're still trying to locate the main camp and capture them. I was thinking that we could send troops South-East and cover the coast. What do you think?"
    "I think, that although this is important, you need to go rest. You look exhausted, Daddy. Silvia's just died, you're supposed to be mourning. Take a break." I could feel the tears well up a little in my eyes.
    "I know. I just like the distraction."
    "Mom needs you right now. You know how much she loved Silvia."
    "You're right, Love. Come here." I stood up and Daddy gave me a comforting hug, wiping the tiny tear which had escaped from my left eye. "Let's go find your Mom."

I didn't want to cry anymore, I was strong. I am Eadlyn Schreave, and I am the most powerful person in the world.