The Daughter Of Illéa

Chapter 75

Arena Glass, the short, black haired, beloved daughter of nature, was eliminated the next day. She took it lightly, not cracking a tear, but a smile as she ascended to her room to pack her belongings. Though, her actually leave would wait until after this evening's...this centuries, choosing ceremony.

I wasn't prepared mentally. Physically? Well, my maids did a heck of a job.

I looked nothing like Normal Palace Dressed Delilah, but as if you put regular old me into a dress and sent me to prom.

The dress was green. Not a lime or a grass, but the color of the pine on the evergreen trees beyond the south walls of the palace. It's Augustus' favorite color, you know.

It's got a sweet heart neckline, hugging my torso until my belly button. There, does the dress sprout out like a ballerina, stopping a hair after my mid-thigh. The dress itself was simple, but stunning.

My feet was molded into these cream colored heels, tangling up my ankle like a visible boot. I even had gloves to match, to keep my hands from getting clammy.

My makeup was done lightly if anything, brushing my face with the nude colored tones. A braid circled the crown of my head, my blonde hair twisted under it in a odd, but beautiful up-do.

Though the whole entire outfit would look the same--average, if the two accessories weren't there.

The necklace. It's wooden white beads my Aunt Francine made me before my descent to the palace nearly a year ago. It's shocking I still have it. It's shocking I'm wearing it, but nothing can overcome this piece of Atlin around my neck. Not pearls or diamonds.

The next piece of my outfit was what defined me for years. Resting on my nose and over my eyes, laid the glasses that got me called four-eyes for the longest amount of time; got me called beautiful by Gus after my run-a-way first date. I didn't where these a lot, but they still saw this selection go down, and saw my love turn into sadness, and now they're about to witness the greatness decision Illéa has ever known.

"Beautiful is an understatement-" Wanda began, but I stopped her.

"I love y'all..." The whispers of encouragement stopped. "...and I hope I get his hand in marriage, but not just for me, but because all three of you will be honored and looked up too in the palace. You guys saw me grow..." I fiddle with my thumbs. "...into more then just a woman, but a potential princess...a potential queen. You helped me become someone a girl could only dream, even without a mother." I look up, and through the lens of my glasses, Martha's crying, Tinsley's consoling her, and Wanda's poking out her bottom lip like an infant.

"Now come on," Wanda said, tucking her lip back in. "You have to get to the ceremony on time or that-"

Nothing what she said about China was appropriate, but most definitely called for.

Angeles citizens, celebrities, even the Russian leader was on the second row. Everyone was there.

"Remember as we practiced." Cornelia whispers next to me, doing some last minute adjustments behind the closed doors. I was behind one, and China behind the other, each waiting to walk down the two separate isles when announced.

"The cameras are watching, and keep it regal ladies...Delilah." Oh, did that woman know me well.

I hear through the wooden double doors, the ceremony has begun.
"Welcome, welcome, to the beloved home and Capital, of this nation. Today, we have brought to you the ceremony that would change Illéa's face and soul, as we ignite another young woman into the royal family to help Augustus Maxon Schreave the I, in leading this nation to success. Now without further or do," King Everette pauses, "my son, the heir, Prince Augustus."

The crowd bellows in excitement with whoops and claps from the Illéan supporters.

"Thanks father." He takes he microphone, coughing slightly. "Welcome, Illéa. Today is a very, very special occasion. However, it cannot be special without these ladies.
China Ming-Ming Siguo,"
Her doors open, and in she goes, her red gown flowing behind her.
"and Delilah Esmerelda Primar."

The doors are open and I'm exposed to society. All the fans are standing, watching me sputter in my spot, and begin to walk.

I could hear the quiet remarks as the brushing air conditioning of the room hits me. "Stunning," some would note, or even go as far as saying "Beautiful."

The photographers spazzing around the guests, trying to get an up-close focused picture on my nerve wrecked expression. That is something they won't ever let me live down.

On the stage stood the Queen, beautiful and nine months pregnant with twins. I applaud her. The King stood at her left, his hands pressed into hers. Princess Alexandrea was big now, no longer an infant, but a toddler at the King's hip. Princess Aria? Well she was sitting front row with her husband and two weeks old child in the hidden crease of her stomach.

The setting couldn't be more perfect. Even with the Lilacs and Sunflowers making a very positive and original setting on my side of the hall, as China's was summoned with Cherry Blossoms and Mint Leaves.

Though the room wouldn't be the same, without the man in midst of the battle between love and alliance, standing on the pedestal before the nation.

Have you ever been in a court room? And they have the two enclosed arenas around both of the people before the judge? Well, I stepped into mine, and she stepped into hers as then tension was put to full measure.

"Okay, no pressure." Gus said into the mic when his father gave him a pat to the back.

"uhm...Delilah." He began. "You are unlike anyone I've ever met." I force my eyes to the ground, but even in the steadiness of my focus, I can tell I'm blushing and he's smiling. "You've fought for me, and you've fought me. Something about you gives me this adrenaline, this sense of butterflies or caterpillars...whatever they call them." He laughs.

"But what I feel, might not have the best intentions for this nation."

My stomach pummels over a two-hundred foot cliff, down into the pits of hell, and soaks up all the terrible possibilities the demons are putting into my mind.

"China..." He smiles. "...your a beautiful woman, with great leadership skills. With you, the possibilities won't end for a while..."
He takes a large breath, "but with you also comes the barreling thought that I never took a chance at something great..."

My head sky-rockets, as his handsome attention diverts back to me.
"Del, with you, possibilities won't just end for a while, but will be infinite...like my love for you."

He's several yards away, and yet I still fill my fingers picking at the handle of this cage, trying to get out and to him.

He drops to his knees, and in the moment I unlock the gate, sprint, stop before him, the biggest smile planted on my face.

"Don't even bother asking, it's always been a yes, you idiot." I sputter, tears soaking my lips in it's salty fashion.

Illéa laughs and claps as he pushes the diamond onto my finger and brings me into his arms for that kiss that consumes my soul.

This is it.
He chose me over her.
He chose love over alliance.
And I couldn't be happier.

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SWEET & SIMPLE
sorry, lol it's been so long but yeah, that's what's happened.
However there is 2 MORE CHAPTERS so please stay tuned!