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

Chapter Sixteen

I decided to host the lunch the ambassadors and some of the parliament today. It had been a few weeks since Silvia's funeral and I had decided not to dwell on it. I needed a distraction, and a filmed event for the Selection seemed like the right way to do it. It was hard trying to train Selected men rather than women Dad had said, this was because the Queen plans events and parties typically and the King would be more involved with wars and alliances. Since I had an odd case, we weren't able to give the Selected the same kind of training. They didn't know enough about political affairs if they were being trained for that kind of thing anyway.
    I made my way to the men's parlor and gave my announcement. "Good morning. You will all be expected to attend the lunch planned for the ambassadors today. It will be out in the gardens at two o'clock. I recommend you brush up on your history, discussions will be made by you with the advisers and their families." after that I left as quickly as I came. I loved feeling powerful. 
    I heard footsteps coming up behind me at a rather fast pace. "Princess Eadlyn, may I have a word with you?"
    I swerved around to see Ean. He had a slightly worried look on his face. He was handsome, and I liked his confidence but the last dramatic encounter I had with him threw our relationship on the rocks. "What can I do for you, Ean?" I tried to sound as professional as possible.
    "Well, I was wondering if you would be able to help me with my study." This was out of character for Ean, asking for help.
    "What's wrong with you?" That came out a littler harsher than expected. 
    "Sorry?"
    "That came out weird, I meant what are you acting funny?"
    "I just thought we might be able to spend some time together."
    I sighed. "Last time I checked, I was the one who made the dates."
    "I know, I just thought we, never mind." I looked as though someone had deflated him.
    "You've gone a bit soft."
    "Well, last time we spoke you yelled at me and threatened to kick me out of the Selection, so being quiet seemed like a good idea for now."
    "I never asked you to be quiet, Ean." I took a breath and continued. "I wanted you to show us more respect. You can't just come into my home and insult my family like that. It isn't fair, especially considering the circumstances."
    "I  know, and  I did apologise."
    "After I yelled at you."
    "Well, if it helps anymore, I'm sorry. Now, are you going to take me out or not?"
    "Looks like someone got their cocky-ness back."
    I gave him a smug smile as I looked over my shoulder and walked away. "So?"
    "We'll see."

At the lunch the advisers everyone was wearing their nicest suits and dresses. I opted for a pale blue dress with a black blazer to appear more professional. This was business, after all. 
    "So, Miss Eadlyn. Are you going to send the troops south and through the shoreline or round the east?" Adviser Chaplin asked me. 
    "What? Oh, uh east." I was getting a little tired of talking about the Youth Rebellion and decided to make my way over the the table full of sandwiches. Smoked salmon and capers, brie and slow roasted chicken, cucumber, fresh sliced turkey with some weird cheddar cheese. My mouth was watering before I got over to the table. I was about to pick up the last sun dried tomato and feta cheese when Josie's hand snatched it from the table. "Hey, I was going to eat that!"
    "Too late." Josie stuffed the sandwich into her mouth and gave me a smug grin.
    "You're not even supposed to be here, Josie.
    "I'm hungry."
    "Don't forget out truce, I don't annoy you, and you don't annoy me."
    "I'm just getting a sandwich, relax."
    "Fine, but," I stopped my sentence short after I realised what was on her wrist. "Josie! Give me back my bracelet! Dad gave that to me and you have no right to take it!"

    "Josie," I hear Miss Marlee say. "Put down the sandwich, give Eadlyn her bracelet and go back to the women's room. Now, please."
    "Fine," Josie said with a grunt.
    "I'm sorry she's causing such a fuss today. She was just told that she wouldn't be receiving her own Selection and for some reason had the idea built up in her head that she would."
    "It's ok." I sighed and grabbed two sandwiches.
    "Are you ok?"
    I look back over to Miss Marlee. "What do you mean?"
    "Well, with Silvia, among other things, I wasn't sure how you were doing." 
    "If anything, it's you that I should be worried about, Miss Marlee. I was told that Kyle is leaving the palace to study architecture for a while."
    "Yeah, I know. I'm worried about him but he's been here too long. I need to let him make something of his own life."
    "I understand. I need to do my rounds, but I'll have a chat with you and Mom later, ok?"
    "Alrighty, Eady. Have a nice day."
    I gave Miss Marlee a quick goodbye before scouting the gardens. Most of the Selected seemed to be coping well, even Henri was coping with the bilingual advisers and with Erik at his side to translate. I couldn't believe I had to pick just one to be my husband. I was in or a long ride.

     "Now, Princess Eadlyn. We have gathered a poll from the Report and it seems that Hale, Henri and Alex are the current favorites. Both Mr Graystone and I thought it would be best for you to keep them in the running of the Selection and for your next elimination to be rather soon. The public are becoming restless."
    More dry conversations with advisers telling me who I should chose as my potential future husband. Great. "Uh, yes. I'll sort something out soon." I walked away as quickly as possible whilst seeming polite. I had already reached the Elite, but even with Kyle leaving it wasn't quite enough. I looked over to see a group with Leeland and Hale, and I decided to make them my next targets. 

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Hello! 

I'm sorry it's been so long, but I've had a whole heap of exams and a nasty flu. I will be writing more though, sorry for the short chapter!

xo,
Leah