Princess of Illéa

Chapter 18 - The Bet

Fortunately, America was found by the guards and brought back to the palace. I learned that she spent some time in the infirmary, treating some injuries.

The day of the German Federation reception comes. Despite dating me, Celeste is still officially in the Selection, and we reluctantly had to stop seeing each other so that she, Elise and Natalie could focus on the delegation reception. As if they have arranged it (perhaps they really had), Mom and Maxon are always close to me, making sure that I am never alone.

The truth is that ever since Clarkson not only hit me, but strangled me, I've been afraid of being alone. Afraid of being alone again and him taking advantage of it. The first night Celeste slept with me, the second Maxon volunteered to sleep with me, and the third it was my mother's turn.

I welcome the guests, but I don't interact much with them. I stay close to America and Kriss, since they're not responsible for today's reception so they're not the focus of the guests, and I feel comfortable around both of them, especially America.

To tell you the truth, these days I've been so lost in my own thoughts that I haven't noticed the reception that Celeste's group has prepared. I only find out after it's happened, when Celeste enters my room.

"It couldn't have been more awful!" she comes in complaining.

As soon as I have company for the evening, Leah and Aria leave after saying goodnight.

I chuckle at the face Celeste makes when she complains. Even on a bad day, she's still beautiful. I mentally thank her for distracting my mind. I get out of bed and walk over to her, stopping her talking with a kiss on the lips. That's enough to take away all the stress she's been through today.

With one hand behind her back on the zipper of her dress, I suggest, "How about I distract you tonight?" I say seductively.

She smiles at me with the same malice in response to my suggestion. Soon we're both naked on the bed, Celeste lying on her stomach with her head on the pillow while I'm between her legs. Only a sheet covers us.

A knock on the door interrupts us. Celeste is the first to hear, and then shakes my shoulder, pushing me away from her.

"Someone's at the door." she whispers.

The knocking continues, now more hurriedly. "Kitty?" I hear Maxon's voice on the other side of the door.

I jump out of bed and run to the bathroom to grab my robe and cover up before letting him in. Celeste covers herself with the sheet. As soon as my body is covered, I go to the door and open it.

"Oh, hi, Max." I say, holding the door ajar so he doesn't see Celeste naked on the other side.

"Are you all right, Kat?" he asks worriedly. "You look out of breath, and you're sweating."

My brother really is very innocent. Or maybe he's just a very worried brother.

"Yes, I'm fine." I answer quickly. "Did you want something?"

His concern doesn't diminish. "Mom and I thought one of us should see how you were tonight and spend the night with you," he says, and since I can't think of any excuse or lie for him not to come into my room, he goes in. "since we think Celeste might be very stressed and tired after today, so..." 

He stops talking when he sees Celeste in my bed, covering herself with the sheet.

"G-Good evening, Your Highness." Celeste says, her face equally wet with sweat.

Maxon seems to put the pieces together after a few seconds. He looks at Celeste and realizes that the only thing covering her is my sheet, then looks back at me, understanding why I'm sweating and out of breath. He stutters and then leaves, apologizing for having interrupted us.