The Selected

Chapter 20: Fallen

Adeline's P.O.V.

People wanted me dead and all I could think about was how I wanted to kill Prince Rowan. He was insufferable. The man has the nerve to treat me as a child or a friend and even to some extreme attempt to flirt with me. He doesn't even call me by my title, even though I have not been coronated yet, I'd expect a little respect.

As soon as I saw my dearest friend Liana and her now husband, my captain of the guard Dorian, I had to try one more time. "Is it too late to switch traveling partners?"

I threw a dirty look in Rowan's direction but he just took it with a lazy grin. "Sorry Shorty, but you're stuck with me."

As I feared. I think I might kill myself instead of those assassins.

"I'm not short," I mumbled under her breath. Always with that nickname. Ever since his growth spurt as a child, he's never failed to point out how short I was. I finally reached my own growth spurt and had gotten to the average female height but still short in comparison to him. I hadn't seen Rowan until I seeked refuge in his castle. He just seemed to get taller, and as I hate to admit it, even more handsome to the point where it was aggravating.

Liana let out a giggle at our banter making me turn my dark look towards her. Was my misery that entertaining?

Liana took that moment to walk up to me and engulf me in a big warm hug. "Please be safe, I can't lose you. You are my best friend."

I returned my dear friend's hug squeezing her even tighter afraid it will be our last hug for a long time. I will not say goodbye, I will make it through this and continue my family's reign. "They're going to have to try a lot harder, I don't go down that easily."

Liana pulled away and gave Rowan a pleading look. "Please, keep her safe."

He nodded as he looked at me with such promise in his eyes. "Always."

I couldn't help but blush at his sincerity. So he did have a nice bone in that body of his.

Just then, a soldier came barging into the car with worry etched on his face. "Captain, we received word over the radio. There is a band of thieves waiting at the halfway point. If they are getting out then they're going to need to jump. Now."

The train rumbled beneath my feet as I could feel my face drain of color. "B-but the train is still moving."

"Scared princess?" Rowan teased earning a glare.

Scared? I was petrified. Not that he could ever know he had the upper hand.

"No, and it's queen to you," I said with a scowl.

Dorian opened one of the doors and looked down. "We'll be approaching a lake soon, get ready."

Rowan and I stood by the door side by side. Oh god. I couldn't do it. My whole body trembled and my hands were shaking with nerves. A warm hand covered mine giving me a comforting squeeze. At this moment I couldn't be any happier and grateful that Rowan was by my side. I squeezed his hand back and thanked him with my eyes which in return he gave me a boyish smile I couldn't help but find cute.

Dorian started to count us off. I had a few seconds before we jumped, I turned to look at my two friends with a sad smile. "I'll see you on the other side."