Betrothed (The Selection series and Red Queen Fanfic)

Chapter 69- Story

"Princess Delancy, you're presence is required in the conference room" The officer informed me.

Wendy and Mare were in the meeting with one of the biggest company in the world. But why would they want me with them? Business/Industrialization aren't my forte.

I just obeyed otherwise.

"You called for me?" I greeted.

"Yes! Yes! Please seat here" Wendy gestured to an empty seat beside what I assumed the CEO of the company.

Reluctantly, I sat beside the businessman which was busy shuffling his contracts. The moment that he realized that the princess was beside him, he stood upright then gave me the most graceful curtsy he could manage.

Not that I mind his clumsiness, he's not born to be like us after all.

"Your Highness," He greeted by lightly kissing my left hand. "I'm Enzo Peterson, CEO of the Peterson group of companies"

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Peterson. I'm aware that you're here to open another company in our land"

He nodded then handed me his proposal paper. I read the paper before turning to my sister and my friend.

"What seems to be the problem?" I asked, using mom's hushed yet firm tone whenever she's discussing something important.

"Delancy, majority of the people doesn't even graduated to these courses and we already have plenty of companies and other industrial factories as jobs. So what's the point of building another one if what we have is too much for us" Wendy pointed out.

I sighed.

"It may seem enough for now. Our population is gradually increasing, students are graduating in college, sooner or later they have to look for job openings. Even if we have adequate companies to fend for the fresh graduates of three to five years time, Can't you reconsider the fact that the people of Norta and Illéa will be seeking for a new life here since we will be opening our country for them because of us!" I argued.

They said those are the benefits of getting married to them. And other stuffs actually. It's for the good of their and our country.

At my words, my sister calmed down and thought about the words that spilled from my mouth. I really don't have an idea about industrialization but I used my common sense and visionary talent for the good of Gardenia.

Something my Dad was proud of. I also promised to give my everything for Gardenia until I get married to Maxon since I'll be focusing on Illéa and Amielle will solely handle the military. Maxon may not allow me to touch the camp ground anymore since I will be his queen, wife and mother of his children. Heir of the throne.

Finally, Wendy met my gaze then smiled. A perfect genuine smile.

"Okay, you win. I know you can give some light to this discussion," My sister winked. Mare giggled beside her. Wendy cast a smiling glance at Mare before turning back to meet Enzo Peterson's waiting face. "We will be signing your contract, since my sister Princess Delancy pulled us back to our senses. Congratulations Mr. Peterson, you got the deal"

Enzo was pleased then went to shake the hands of my sister and Mare. They signed papers and me as a witness.

Is that necessary?

Enzo walked to me and gave me a curtsy.

"Thank you, Your Highness. You gave us the opportunity to serve your people. We promise we won't let you down" He spoke.

I smiled then held out a hand.

"Congratulations Mr. Enzo Peterson" I replied before turning my heels to go back to my study to focus on my main duties.

----------------------------------

"Do you think Mom and Dad settled everything yesterday?" Amielle asked, taking a bite from his steak.

"Maybe. Can't tell" Wendy shrugged.

All of a sudden, the door of the dining hall opened revealing our parents walking hand in hand. We all stood up and gave a curtsy. Behind our curtsy is the knowing smile our parents got all the time.

"They sort it out" We laughed then turned to our meals.

It's been perhaps more than twenty years since my parents got married and their love for each other still grows as the time goes by. I don't know I will live up to their story. But it's worth a shot!

"Delancy?" Mom called out.

My head snapped at my named being called. She was beaming at me, radiant as ever.

"Something wrong, sweetheart?" She asked.

"Nothing's wrong mom!" I protested with my high pitched embarrassed voice.

She smiled then turned to her meal, the dinner went smoothly. Suddenly, my chewing was stopped when I heard someone inside my head.

Want to talk about it, Delancy?

I looked at the main table and saw that my mother was beaming at me then gave me an encouraging nod.

Of course Mom! Where?! I asked inside my head.

I will be coming to your chambers later. See you there...

Then the whisper ended, leaving us both in peace.

××××××××××××××××××××××××

A knock came on my door fifteen minutes aftet dinner. I wasn't ready for bed nor the bed ready for me. It's still kinda messy because of the paper works.

"Come in" I called out, desperately cleaning up my mess.

Mom went to view, her hair was free from its usual tight braids and face from polishing make-up. I could see the classic beauty of my mother. She's pretty in her own way.

"So, what was bothering you lately?" She asked.

I heaved a sigh, collecting myself before pouring it to my mother.

"Your story with dad is utterly romantic. I don't know if I can see myself smiling, walking hand in hand, my heart swelling every time I see Maxon," I took a sharp intake. "I don't know if I could do that"

Mom took me in her arms, rocking me back and forth.

"Honey, you don't have to stress yourself about being like me and father," She cooed. "Darling, when you're in my shoes already, you will find it easier to follow our story. Better yet, I want you to make your own story." She says.

"Thank you mom!" I kissed her cheeks.

Wendy also joined us after hearing mom was in my room. After several hours of hanging out and talking about girly things. We decided to call it a night.