The Rebel (#Wattys2016)

9. X Marks The Spot

To Adeen, the Women's Room felt more like the Murderer's Room. The girls, all except for June, looked at her with envy. When she had gotten there after her date, Adeen sat down on a couch and picked up some books. She pretended to read as she eavesdropped.

"What do you think she did to be the first one?" Sosie, a Three asked.

"Well, she couldn't have paid him or someone else."

Regina's tone suggested another payment method. Adeen kept her eyes glued on the book. There was a silence before Sosie replied.

"You aren't implying that she..." Sosie drifted off. "But she is not even pretty. She's bitter and angry all the time. And," Adeen could feel both their stares on her, "she's flat chested and flat bummed."

Regina and Sosie giggled at that. Adeen sighed and set her book down in frustration. She could read and write easy things, but the books, with their words and phrases felt more like labyrinths. Just then June sat besides Adeen.

"Hey." She said. Adeen tried to smile.

"Hi."

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm just tired, that's all."

"Are you sure?" June looked at her, and followed Adeen's gaze. Her gray eyes landed on Regina and Sosie and she snorted. "Jealous." She turned back to Adeen. "I am so glad you were the first one. Honestly, if it had been Regina, I am not sure I would have been able to look at the Prince in the eye again."

Adeen smiled. "It was so weird. He was so... nice."

Although June's eyebrows came slightly together, she understood. "He seems nice."

"I feel bad. Because I don't want to be his girlfriend. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for the compensation money. And he's so..."

"Oblivious to that?"

Adeen nodded, thankful somebody got her at least. June looked at her, and then at the book she was holding. She smiled.

"That's a good book. Have you started it yet?" Adeen blushed and looked down. June let out a quiet 'oh' and looked around to see if anybody had seen. When she was sure no one was eavesdropping, she looked at Adeen. "If you need any help," she said the words slowly and quietly, "don't hesitate to call me."

With that, the conversation was over. Adeen thanked June as she picked up a book and buried her nose in it. June mumbled an 'anytime'. Her kind words echoed on Adeen's mind as she made her way to her room.

When she opened her door, she found Maggie inside, working on her new dress. Adeen sat on her bed and sighed. She and Skander had agreed to meet in her balcony an hour after dinner. It wasn't even dark.

"Maggie?" Adeen asked.

"Yes, Lady Orson?"

"Well, first of all, please don't call me that." Adeen smiled at Maggie's confused expression. "Call me Adeen. To everyone else, you're my maid, but to me, we're friends."

Adeen had been observing the Queen. She had concluded two things: 1. Queen Lydia often used her authority for good. 2. Adeen could never be a Queen, but she could try.

Maggie smiled. "Of course, Adeen."

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course." Maggie was confused, but she nodded vigorously.