Emily In The Selection (book 2)

Chapter 3

"Amelia was a great friend," I spoke through the shy tears, "And that was something I didn't have much of when I arrived at the palace. She was always caring and loving. Oh, so loving. I'm not saying she matched the stereotypes, but she was always there for me when I needed her. It was almost like we shared the same life, even though we also shared drama and some crazy, ridiculous times. I loved Amelia like a sister, and I hold her in my heart."

Once everyone was settled, we began speaking. Amelia's family and some of the selected began speaking on behalf of Amelia.

I was never one to hold a grudge, but I still felt angered at Amelia for what happened. Despite our drama, I missed her soft hugs and our crazy friendship. Seeing her lifeless face in the casket was enough to break tears.

"You spoke wonderfully, darling," my mom smiled at me as I sat back down.

I smiled back. Of course it'd be my mother to break the silence at a funeral.

Someone then spoke from there and directed us to the burial, where I only cried more. From there, we given the date of the King and Queens funeral, which was sooner than expected.

My heart ached enough for me to take. Once we were dismissed, I walked apart from my family. I preferred to be alone. However, I had company waiting for me back at my room.

"Emily," Karen set down a magazine.

"Karen? I just saw you like five minutes ago. How'd you get here so fast?" I asked with a slight laugh.

"I left a little before the burial ended. I'm still a maid, you know. Still have a job to do."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I figured I should take a break before things got busy," she smiled with a wink, "Besides, Chelsea didn't go to the funeral. She's been working, and isn't quite happy with me. I'd rather not disturb her."

"Why wouldn't she be happy with you?" I said as I took my earrings out.

"Oh, just because I'd been listening to you during your little showdown with her."

"Ugh, it doesn't involve you-"

"Yes, but in all honestly, you are the one who dragged me to your side-"

"The King and Queen's funeral is in two days. Be ready," I turned sharply.

• • •

I made my way into the ladies room after I had changed. I expected Amity and perhaps Kathleen and Hannah in there as well. However, there only one in there was Jessica.

"Ugh," I scolded and began to turn away.

"Emily, wait!" she stopped me before I could exit.

"What could you possibly want?"

"...I'm sorry about your friend."

"What makes you care?"

"Because I'm responsible for her death. And the rest of the royals."

"Ah, and you're feeling a bit of regret?"

"No," she laughed, "I'd do again in a heartbeat."

"Then why are you apologizing?"

"Felt like I owed it to you. I know the truth about you."

"And what would 'the truth' be?"

"You'll find out soon enough," she winked.

"What is that supposed-"

"Leave! Before I get all flustered... you know what I'm capable of," she placed her hand to her forehead.

I exited. Better to leave confused than work up Jessica. However, she wasn't the only one I was trying to avoid walking around the palace. I stumbled into Chelsea on my way out.

"Surprised I didn't run into you in a closet or something. I can't count how many ridiculous scenarios I found you in."

I simply turned with my head held high. My confidence would kill her.

"By the way, I know the truth about you!" she called from behind me.

Chelsea wasn't capable of much; no match to Jessica. I wouldn't run from her.

I turned back and whispered softly, "What is the truth?"

"Or shall I say, the truth between you and Ryan," she said with a smirk.

"That would be 'Prince Ryan' to you," I corrected.

"No, the pathetic waste of space was nothing more than a person let alone a prince. He inherited the throne from his parents, which aggravates me more than anything. You should earn respect, you can't simply be born with it. And now that the man-whore is dead, his title is also."

My jaw hung open, "I get that you're grieving, but where does any of this come from? Are you even listening to yourself?!"

"Yes. I have never liked the royals, nor will I ever. And now that I know about you, something makes me hate you even more."

"So it was all an act? The whole nice thing? I thought you were a nice maid who enjoyed the experience of working under royals. What else should I know?"

"You shouldn't know anything. But if you so desire the truth, then fine, you get it. For starters, I was born in the palace. My parents worked here. This job was forced upon me, but I was never able to escape it. I don't mind, though. I can't find this kind of entertainment anywhere else. I hated the maids, and still do. Tes and the guard used to date and be all lovey dovey, until I ruined it, of course. I made them fight and I was extremely satisfied when the guard became a rebel to take her away. My doing. I had been waiting for the royals to die as well, and now that the day is upon us, I couldn't be happier. However, I still have some unfinished business. I never voted for the cast system or any of the shit the royals wanted us to do. I'm not the 'perfect-little-lady-like-top-class maid' who stands for our country in honor of service or defense! I hate it!" she turned and grunted.

I turned away also, heading to my room as she headed to hers. Tears formed in my eyes. I couldn't believe it, after all I'd been through. I ran to my room and laid on my bed alone, craving Ryan.

Jessica and Chelsea got me thinking, perhaps there was something about me that they know that I have yet to find out. Perhaps they were working something up together. After all, Jessica was being exceptionally nice and Chelsea was forming just the opposite. Something was obviously going on, it wasn't just a game, and I intended on finding out what.

EXTRA:
Okay, well that took forever for me to update!!!! I'm soooo sorry!!! I love you all so here's a small update that will hopefully hold you over until I finish the next one! ;)