The Selected | ✓

Chapter 9

Mason follows his brother out. Clara sits me down in a chair, and we talk. "I really hate slut-shaming, and I'm sorry, but Celine is such a slut. She's obviously going to be trying to get in bed with both of my brothers, though I bet more Alexander than Mason."

I cock my head to the side. "Why Alexander?"

She rolls her eyes. "Wow, you really are as innocent as you seem. Alexander is the one that isn't interested in anyone. Well, anyone except you, but no one knows that he's interested." I open my mouth to protest, but she continues. "Alexander is older, so if she marries him, then she'll be queen before anyone who marries Mason will be."

I nod. "But still, wouldn't it be easier—" We're interrupted by a loud banging on the door. Clara glances out the window. "Oh no. The rebels."

Rebels?

Oh. The rebels. The ones that attack the palace every now and then. Clara gives me a knowing look. "The attacks are more frequent than they seem. Be prepared."

The knocking grows louder. "Open up! We know you're in there!" Clara and I both freeze.

"That's not the guards?" I ask.

"That's not the guards." She confirms. "This way!" She pulls me into her closet and back through a few rows of dresses. We crouch down and hide.

There's a loud bang! Clara trembles, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders. Footsteps fill the room, shouts of orders. I pull Clara closer, and she hides her face in my shoulder. The one shouts about how if he gets his hands on one of the Selected—I cover Clara's ears. Some things they say are quite inappropriate, and I don't think she should be hearing them.

We wait for what feels like days. Eventually the noises die down and the voices fade, and I uncover her ears but don't let go of her. "Clara?" A woman's voice calls. I recognize it as the queen's.

"Clara, it's safe! Come out!" Four pairs of footsteps travel around the room. It's the rest of the royal family.

"Clara, are you here?" Mason calls. He opens the closet doors.

The princess crawls out from our hiding spot. I follow suit, and see her with her face buried in Alexander's shirt. Mason hugs her as well. The king and the queen wrap their arms around their children, the queen's arms barely reaching around Alexander to stroke Clara's hair.

Unsure of what else to do, I slip out and return to my room.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

My maids fuss over me, helping me change into a plain black strapless dress and sandals. I don't tell them about how I was with Clara the whole time. Alexis braids my hair and ties it with a black ribbon. "All done, miss."

I smile. "Thank you, Alexis. You can go now." She curtsies once and leaves.

A knock comes on my door several minutes later. I open it and see a guard with a letter in his hand. "Lady Cassiana?"

"That would be me."

He hands me the letter. He bows once and then leaves. I shut the door and sit on my bed, tearing open the envelope and pulling out the letter.

Lady Cassiana-

Clara told us about the attack. My brother and I wish to hear more about it from you. Meet us in the garden at ten?

-Prince Mason

I look at my clock. I hadn't sat near the princes or the princess at dinner. I didn't want to talk about the attack. But I guess I'll have to.