The Elite ✓

ten | decisions, decisions

"Politeness, being based upon real kindness of heart, cannot exist where there is selfishness or brutality to warp its growth. It is founded upon the love of the neighbour, and a desire to be beloved, and to show love. Thus, where such pure, noble feelings do not exist, the mere forms of politeness become hypocrisy and deceit."

illéan royal etiquette booklet

*

It's two in the morning. I am only alone for a second, quivering on the platform of numbing silence. The calming buzz of the pre-sadistic hours resonates with my droopy eyelids. It's far, Niklas says, but it changes your flow. 

My ride is late, and the empty Earl Grey confirms this. I nibble at the edge of my lips nervously and pick at my hair. A tattered page of The Selection magazine is blown opposite me by the wind, and I see a bird floundering to it's escape. Decisions, decisions.

The weather is humid, and the sky is barely lit, but I distinctly see my face against the clear puddle of accumulated water. It's coated with so many layers, I have the urge to wipe it all off. I do. My face is bare now and has been the last couple of days. I'm almost willing to make it permanent. 

My eyes settle on the decrepit carriage before me, it's tacky upholstery holding it firmly together, but it's only a cover for the spacious inside, allowing me to rest in utter peace, preparing for the bumpy route ahead. "You know," I stare outside the window as Niklas stands by the door, "Maybe no one would notice my disappearance."

"You've got three hours," He deadpans, "Try not to get us both thrown out the palace while you traipse about illegal grounds."

I suck in a breath, "How'd you even find out about Esteban, it's not like he goes around harassing you guards too, right?"

Niklas lets out a hearty laugh before turning to face me, "Esteban was an old...member of the palace, I suppose. As the son of Ex-selected Marlee and Carter Woodwork, he fights for the abolition of unnecessary restraints, or more specifically, universal fairness, in entirety, without the use of violence."

The carriage lets a small rumble as it skids across the rocky pavement.

"And do you agree with this?"

"I believe Esteban is biased, but the man has good intentions." He ponders over the thought, "You play your cards right, and he'll be a good ally to have. He's a Woodwork, he's really not that bad" Niklas is right, and I find myself nodding before falling into a restless doze.

*

Unsurprisingly, Esteban's whole village is up and alive by the time we arrive. It's three, now, and I only find myself falling into a deeper slumber by the second. It's Niklas who finally shakes me awake in the end and stays by the door as I walk into the crowd forming around me. 

I hear whispers, but I ignore them as I beeline straight to the man of the hour, one that has been revealed as the son of the Queen's best friend. His smile is genuine when I approach, but I've got no time to waste, "It's a nice place," I say, "But I don't see where I come in."

"That's because you don't," Esteban clicks his tongue, pointing towards the different landmarks around us. The crowd disperses. "However, I did ask you to come and watch. To watch a community unaffected by the reign and management of those in power. We function well, and equally as great. But I never said better."

"Your point?"

"I vouch for Illea's better tomorrow. And we can make a difference."

I stiffen at his words, "Are you asking me to be your mole." My words are more a statement than they are a question, but it's only because my tone is cutthroat.

"I'm not asking you to be anything. I'm asking you to see what we have through your own eyes and fight for the changes you want."

I look curiously at the place before me, "So you're helping me?" I say slowly, "I'm a tad bit confused, I won't lie."

"Each Selected is required to suggest an improvement to Illea, coming up after the whole set-up date elimination sugar rush."

So that was what this whole charade was about.

"And I'm showing you, in a world like this, many things can be improved. Everything, actually. I like to claim my bubble is perfect, but it's not. So, I'm here on a proposal. You help me, I help you."

I suck in a breath before staring at him in confusion, Niklas was right. This was an alliance rather than a battle, "And what exactly would you need."

He sighs, "Basic Necessities. We don't have the resources a quarter of these people need. And, Fairness along the system."

"Left alone but under restraints. I get it," I say, "But in exchange for what?"

"We can help fight your war. As opposed to King Maxon's selection, there are now several more rebels, and they're not only strong but strategic. They vouch for the end of monarchy and any possible ties. They're willing to cut off everyone, even by association. This can reach as far as the family of an eliminated Selected, allies in countries outside Illea. It's taken a turn for a worse, and since you seem to genuinely care about Lucas and the Schreaves, I'm opening a trade. With my ties, I can get you the information before anyone."

I smile, "So really, you're the mole."

"That sounds just about right." He ponders.

"Look, I don't think I'm in the position to make any decisions, especially since I don't hold the power your agreement requires, I can't make promises, though I'm hoping on shaking hands at the end." I say, "Shall I bring Lucas."

"Of course."

At that moment, I found myself staring into the sky. It was sunrise now: The mellow hues blurring into an indescribable shade, mist covering portions of the mystery, and I couldn't help but drift into the thought that even if the world was submerged in darkness, there would always be a sky to light it up.

It reflects my smile.

As overwhelming as I claimed the Selection to be, I knew that there, somewhere, existed a happy ending written just for me.

Coincidentally, Esteban speaks next as a group of children come running in our direction, "Though, we did choose you for a specific reason: You're more powerful than you realize." he says, "Palace intel has told me you've done quite the job in becoming the family favourite, Queen America's go-to-girl, and Will's best friend, dominating fan favourite. And gossip spreads. Apparently, you've been the only Selected to be mentioned to the outer, and vital contacts like French and Italian Queens, Daphne and Nicoletta. And when you Halloween rolls around, you'll realize how many people consider you can call an ally."

Though in the next moment, Esteban tells me to roam free and follow my inner heart draw me to wherever I want to go, his words resonate within me, and I find myself pondering over his words. They've been dumped on me like a massive load of expectations that demand a standard of me, but I had anticipated no less from Esteban. 

Coming across a forest that I swear I've seen before, I take a sharp intake of breath in preparation for the decisions before me. I find myself sitting on the grass as my hands trace its edges, might they be sharp or not. Though Niklas had been careful not to reveal the location in its entirety, I can see the vague resemblance to the mountains, and realize that my hour ride to Esteban brought me to the alps. That's when it finally hit me, how scattered the rebels really were.

And as I stepped foot back in the palace, pretending as if the last few hours had never existed, I finally got the chance to mull over my recent thoughts. Smiling through breakfast like it was my oxygen, I made a beeline for the music room, knowing full well who would be waiting for me.