Betrothed (The Selection series and Red Queen Fanfic)

Chapter 82 - Taken

When I woke up, I rubbed my eyes using the back of my fist but I yelped in pain when my eye hit something hard and a bit edgy. I looked at my hand and saw it.

My engagement ring.

The time I saw it sparkling in the sunlight, everything that happened last night came rushing to me. Those moments made me feel happy instead of the pain it caused me because of rubbing my eye. Just then, a knock came on my door and I found myself wrenching it open. I came face to face with my now fiancé with a butler beside him.

"Good Morning, Your Majesty. What can I do for you?" I said, not rising from my morning curtsy.

"Can I take my breakfast with you, Del?" He asked casually.

"Certainly, Your Grace" I answered formally.

Albeit, I'm his fiancée, I still have my boundaries and has to respect him as King. Perhaps, when the butler get out of the room I can make Cal cry.

just kidding!

I moved away from the doorway and let him and his butler inside. Silently, I watched as the butler prepares the breakfast in my balcony with Cal helping him. I was watching him in completely awe but then realized how stupid I must look, I bolted inside the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth and fix my hair. When I got of the bathroom, Cal was alone outside the balcony already sipping his coffee in silence.

I decided to walk behind him and kissed his cheek, I was about to go to my chair when he pulled me to his lap and gave me a morning kiss.

"Did you informed Maven about the engagement?" I asked, wondering if my sister screamed at the top of her lungs, alerting everyone in the palace.

"I decided to inform them personally," Another sip from the cup. "You know, when you leave for Gardenia tomorrow"

"But I thought Royal brides are supposed to be here. With you"

"You're right. After telling them the news, We will go back here to prepare for the wedding" He said.

"Eager much?" I teased.

"Very"

After our breakfast, Cal went to work and I was left alone with my thoughts. I decided to drown myself in music. I connect my phone to the beats pill I brought with me. Troye Sivan's Youth was played by shuffle, followed by One Direction's History and Zayn Malik's Pillowtalk.

I was engulfed by the wondrous music and magical words from my book that I wasn't able to notice Amielle slipped inside my room.

"Hey! You still have lessons with Julian Jacos in the library" He informed me.

Shocks! I forgot!

"Thanks for reminding me, brother!" I called out while sprinting towards the library.

I knocked on the door and waited for someone to call out.

"Come in"

I went in, the walls almost engulfed me with its gigantic maps plastered on it.

"It seems that you're interested when it comes to maps, Your Highness" A male voice commented.

I turned to meet an older man with spectacles in a gold and yellow garb.

House Jacos, the Singer house.
The house of Cal's true mother. The Singer Queen.

"My Lord" I sunk into a curtsy.

"Thank you for acknowledging me, albeit , you don't have to" He said humbly.

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable"

"Don't worry, dear. It's fine," He put his arms around my shoulder and led us to the study table. "As you can see, I'm your fiancé's uncle"

"So, Lor-"

"Please not, dearest. From now on, I want you to call me, Uncle Julian"

"As you wish," I smiled. "Uncle Julian"

Julian Jacos smiled at me before asking what was I supposed to ask a while ago.

"I was wondering what will do today?"

"Clever question," He said, pulling me towards the largest map of the library. "Today, I will teaching you the lands of Norta. Or simply the geography of Norta"

I attentively listened to him while he pointed several cities whilst slowly explaining them. For me to have a glimpse of those cities, he prepared a presentation for me as well.

"This one here is Ocean Hill," He said happily before hitting the button to reveal a palace, smaller version of the White Fire. "Ocean Hill was given by Cal's father to Queen Coriane, my sister. That's why it's very important for me, my nephew and his father"

"Oh! I-I didn't know"

"Not that I expect you to," He swallowed the tears that were rising. "Cal doesn't want to talk about her that much. It only pains him not to remember her. His father too, it's still painful for him to know that he wasn't able to protect his love from her enemies"

Uncle Julian looked at me in sincerity.

"Beware, Delancy. No matter how much they fear you, those other girls from other houses that weren't picked envy you. Cal won't take it if anything happens to you. He lost that much already. First was his mother that he wasn't able to remember, next was his first fiancée. He will do anything to keep you safe, since you're a threat to everyone. Not trust anyone except for your family"

"W-what a-are y-you talking about?"

"Anyone can betray anyone, Your Highness" He said.

I was about to ask him for more information when a knock came on the door, interrupting our lessons. Julian was quick to react, he opened the door and it was a sentinel.

Lucas Samos. House of Samos, Magnetron, a cousin of Evangeline.

He's not like his cousin, he's much warmer than her and his family thought that his kindness is his weakness.

"I'm here to accompany the princess to the luncheon" He said to Julian, but loud enough for me to hear.

Julian looked at me, he gave me an encouraging smile before giving me to Lucas. Lucas and I strode the hallways with him in a respectful distance.

"Will the king join us in the luncheon?" I asked.

"I don't think so, Your Highness. He was attending a meeting with his council the time he asked me to fetch you for the luncheon. But don't worry, Princess, your brother and your parents will be there. As well as the former king and queen Tiberias the Sixth" He answered me completely.

"Thank you so much, Lucas. I'm glad you didn't end up like your cousin" I said casually, just like how I talk to my guards.

With light words and colors.

"Likewise, Your Highness. I'm grateful for your kindness to people Silver nor Red" He said, giving me a grateful bow before retreating to the hallways and let me enter the luncheon alone.

"