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chapter eighteen, the last five standing.
TODAY WAS THE DAY, Aaron would be choosing to let go of four of the girl remaining, only keeping five to pick from. To say Francesca was nervous would be an understatement, the girl practically woke up shaking in fear that she might be forced to go home to her treacherous family. So, she got up and got ready for the day and decided a walk would calm her down.
However, it only made her nerves worse as the King and Queen had now decided to join her. Was she going to be kicked out before the rest of the girls? Was this it? Was this the end for the life Francesca had grown to love?
"May I say something?" Francesca asked politely, pleading God to not allow King Agnar and Queen Victoria kick her out. The king nodded his head, offering the girl a warm, welcoming smile.
"You two have a family I yearn for, and admittedly, Queen Victoria, you treat me how I wish my own mother would treat me." Francesca admitted, a large weight lifting atop her shoulders. The three stopped walking, Victoria took it upon herself to step forward and cup the younger girls cheek.
"You reminded me of everything I wanted in a daughter, but never got," Victoria said softly, her voice cracking with emotion. She had only known the girl for such a short amount of time, yet, she couldn't help but feel protective of the girl. It felt like God had graced her with the one gift she wanted above all, a daughter.
"Miss Heart, I know we have not talked much during the past few weeks, or at all really," King Agnar started. He took a second to look over the girl, the girl who he had saw being life back to his wife and son, single-handedly. "You should know you always have a family in us, it's not every day the King and Queen of France show favoritism to a noble person, let alone girl. But you are special and we see that, you are good. If you are in need of a family, we are here. I mean it, even if he sends you home later today. If you desire to stay, not as a bachelorette, but as a guest, as family, we will have a personal servent assigned to you."
Francesca took her hand up to her eyes, attempting to dab away her tears so that she didn't ruin her makeup. Victoria took her handkerchief and wiped the young girls tears away with a smile.
"You have no idea how much that means to me, your grace. I have never felt more welcomed than I have now, although I do not think that me staying is wise. Once Aaron chooses his bride, I can not burden his life anymore."
"You wouldn't be burdening him, dearest. He wants you here, even if he does have to send you home soon. You are his best friend and I have never seen him more happier than he has been with you," Victoria explains, taking Francesca's hands in her own.
Just as Francesca was about to reply Aaron appeared, a look of confusion on his handsome features. "What are you all doing out here?" He asked, he had no knowledge that his parents even talked about Francesca, let alone to her.
"We are talking, son," King Agnar grinned, walking over to his son.
"Well, come on. I have to announce the list and you all have to be present for it,"Aaron said gently, holding his hand out to take Francesca's. The girl hesitantly gave him her hand, letting him lead her to the room that the other eight girls were in.
As Francesca entered, she instantly walked to her spot in the line. All of the girls were lined up, nervously awaiting their fate.
"Listen, I know you are all nervous right now, and rightfully so. So, I figured I'd just go right to it. The people leaving will be: Clara Reneé, Kate Crawford, Marie Valentine, and Anna Barks. That leaves Madilyn Smith, Rebecca Alberthy, Elizabeth Taylor, Alice DuPont, Chloé Devling and Francesca Heart still in the running." Aaron explained, a small smile on his face as he said Francesca's name.
Francesca let out a sigh of relief, she would be staying. And maybe she would be chosen? No, no that's stupid. Aaron would never choose her. Not in a million years would he want Francesca Heart.
