The Selection

21- Parental Guidance

"She's in here!" I was startled awake by the sound of a guard, opening the door. I sat up, realizing I was lying with Lucas. At some point we had moved to the small cot, wrapping around each other to fit comfortably. I knew it looked bad but nothing had happened. When Lucas realized our position and the people staring he grabbed the sheet, pulling it over my chest. 

"Your Highness, are you alright?" 

"Baby girl!" My mom pushed past the guards and pulled me into her arms. "I was worried sick. Are you okay? What are you doing in here? What are you doing with him? Where are your clothes?" 

"I'm okay Mom," I assured her, holding onto her tight. "The door in my room was jammed so I got to the nearest safe room. I ran into Lucas in the hall and he protected me." Before I realized what was happening, my mom pulled Lucas into a hug.

"Thank you." She breathed out. 

"Your Highness, your father wants to speak with you."  A guard I couldn't see spoke from the hall. 

"Harley, please make sure Mr. Friar gets back to his room safely. Come on Baby girl. Lets go get you some real clothes." I took my mom's hand and we went back to my room. "So, is he the one?" She whispered with a knowing smile.

"He's one of six." I blushed. 

"You have to give me more than that." 

"No spoilers." I teased. 

"I'm your mother. There are no spoilers." She retorted, lightly shoving me. "I think he's my favourite. Or that Farkle kid. Don't tell your father, I'm pretty sure he's rooting for Mr. Matthews." 

"Is he going to be mad about Lucas and I in the safe room? Because nothing happened."

"You know how he is." My mom sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "If you weren't down to the Elite he might eliminate Lucas on the spot but he has a kingdom to appease. Plus we're both just grateful that you're okay." I had my doubts but I decided not to voice them. 

I got dressed and made my way to my father's study. My presence was announced as I reached the door. 

I stood in front of my father, waiting for him to say something. He continued reading over the document in his hands. Without looking up, he spoke, "Leave us." All of the staff vacated the room, leaving us alone.

"If this is about last night-"

"I want him gone." He finally met my eyes and I could see the anger behind his. 

"Dad-" 

"Your reputation as a harlot is a danger to the kingdom." The words were spoken calmly but the venom dripped from his tone. "Therefore he is a danger to the kingdom."

"Nothing happened last night." I insisted but he scoffed in return. 

"While I realize it was too much of me to ask that you maintain your purity for this last month but the selection is nearly over and all I ask is that you don't create more scandal. The rebels don't need more fodder for their cannons." I tensed, feeling nauseated by the implications. "He will be sent home tomorrow. End of story."

"No." I folded my arms, leveling him with a glare I had inherited from both of my parents.

"Excuse me?" He slammed his hand on the desk, startling me. I tried not to show it. I had to stand my ground.

"That's not the best decision for anyone. If I dismiss him now the public will assume something happened that didn't. Plus the audience would not take well to me dismissing one of the Elite." 

"Fine. You are not to be alone with this man. You can interact in group settings to keep up appearances but you will not under any circumstances see him privately. You will not speak to him unless every single person in the room can hear what you are saying. If you can not follow these rules I'll have him arrested for treason-"

"What? He's done nothing wrong! He saved my life!" 

"If only he could save your virtue." He picked up the document he had been reading before I came in, signaling to me that the conversation was over. I turned to leave when he said one last thing. "He won't win. As far as I'm concerned he is eliminated from the running. That's an order from your King." I pushed past the door, my thoughts racing about what my father said. No matter how I felt about him, Lucas would not win the selection. 

After the attack and the unpleasant conversation, I wanted to be alone. Unfortunately, I knew I had to check on the boys, especially if word got around about my night alone with Lucas. I missed breakfast due to the conversation with my dad so I invited the 6 boys to tea. I sat at the head of the table as they filled the seats on either aside. A camera sat directly across from me. Lucas went to take the seat next to me but I met Zay's eyes in a silent plea. He seemed to be confused but slid into the chair Lucas had pulled out.

"Thanks, buddy. I always knew you were a gentleman." Zay grinned. Lucas rolled his eyes but took the chair next to Zay, at least giving us a bit of a buffer.

"I have invited you all here to apologize for once again putting your lives in danger. I know you have all sacrificed a great deal to be here-" My conversation with Lucas about his family weighed on my mind. "-and I am grateful that you've have all decided to stay and see this through until the end." I fell silent, not sure what else to say. "I truly am sorry for everything." I sighed. I could feel my eyes drift to Lucas as I spoke and I forced myself to look away. I stared down at my tea instead. I had no way of telling him the truth about why I was pushing him away. The last conversation we had he told me he was falling in love with me. The guilt was eating me alive.

"Is everything okay Your Highness?" It was Farkle's voice that pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Of course, thank you for asking. I am just a bit tired from the stress of last night." I offered a tight smile. "I'm sorry I am not better company. I intended to ease your concerns and I fear I've made them worse."

"Nonsense." Zay shook his head. "You're only human M. We don't need you to be the perfect princess with us." Everyone seemed to agree with him.

"If you're going to be one of our wives, you can trust us with the hard stuff. We'll stick with you no matter what." Josh, who was sitting across from Zay spoke as he placed his hand over mine. "We're in it for the long game, remember?"

"Long game." I agreed, under my breath. I thought back to my conversation with my mom. My dad would be thrilled if I chose Josh. He was definitely easy on the eyes. He was mature and would definitely be a good partner to rule the kingdom with.

"We care about you Maya." Brandon piped up.

"All of us." Charlie agreed.

"Thank you all." I smiled, looking around at all of them, careful not to let my eyes linger on one longer than the other. The support from all of them made me blush. I didn't deserve it. I had put them all in danger so they could have a chance at being with me. I was taking advantage of their needs and their vulnerabilities for the sake of a tv show. "I'm sorry to cut this afternoon short, but I have some royal business to attend to. Feel free to stay here as long as you like." I excused myself, trying to walk calmly until I was out of sight. I ran to my room, crawling under my covers, hoping I could make all my fears disappear.