Chosen

37

A week passed and it was the night of the Report. There was talk about an elimination happening and I was worried. It didn't help that Jack had not spoken to me for the past week. After the conversation I had with the other Elite during the attack, I realized how much I wanted to be with Jack. How I didn't know what my life would be without him. And most of all that under any circumstances, I could not go home to my father.

My maids helped me get ready and Kristoff escorted me to the stage where I sat with Punzie and Merida. We did this every week but this time, it felt different. 

Punz had been distant. She had spent a lot more time in her room. I didn't know what she was doing and any time I brought it up she would make up an excuse to leave.

Merida on the other hand had been with Jack. He kept requesting to spend more time with her and their closeness made me anxious about my chances. He clearly didn't want to be with me. He didn't even want to be around me.

The three of us sat there and exchanged awkward smiles before sitting up straight and listening to Genie talk to the royals. 

My eyes landed on Jack who looked like he had been through hell and back while still keeping a smile plastered on his chiseled face. He had dark circles under his eyes and a piece of hair fighting to stick straight up in the air.

After they made their announcements, and assured the people of the well being of the castle, all attention was turned to the Elite. He asked each girl a couple questions before landing the mic two inches away from my lips.

"Lady Elsa, why do you deserve to be the next queen of Burgess?" He asked me. I thought about it for a second.

"I don't." The audience audibly gasped. The king and queen looked stern and confused. Genie looked shocked. Jack looked absolutely stunned. His jaw dropped his eyes were fully open for the first time since the show started.

"Please elaborate." I thought about how to word my next statements .

"I have done nothing to deserve this incredible opportunity." I began carefully. "I have been lucky enough to experience castle life. I have met such amazing people, the other selected, the king, queen, many others and I have gotten to know Jack in a way that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I would love to be the queen and if i am ever given the chance, I will do my best to make all of you proud but I don't deserve it." Everyone clapped and I caught a flicker of hope in Jack's eyes. That was the moment all of my cares went away.

It was time for Jack's announcement and my hands were shaking. 

"We are approaching the end of the selection which means soon, I will choose one of these five ladies to be my bride and my queen. As we near the end of this journey, I must once again eliminate some of the wonderful girls that I have gotten to know." Jack moved forward to where we stood. "I am very sorry but Mulan and Tooth, I have to send you home." Both girls nodded sadly and they both pecked Jack on the cheek before exiting stage left. 

Instant relief came over me as I was left with my two friends and a chance at winning over the love of my life.

After the Report, I waited in my room just in case Jack showed up for our weekly chat. Just as I was about to doze off, a light knock tapped on my door. I jumped up and ran over opening the door to see his half smiling face.

"Long time no see." I smiled weakly, not knowing if I was making a joke or getting mad.

"I'm sorry but there were some things going on and I was preoccupied."

"Too preoccupied? You made time for Merida." I pouted sinking down onto the cushy castle bed.

"Elsa it's not like that. She-" 

"Whatever." I scoffed. I didn't want his excuses. As much as I wanted to snuggle up into his arms, I also wanted to slap him for ignoring me completely for a week.

"I'm going to go..." He stared at his feet and paused giving me a chance to ask him to stay. I did not. "Okay. Goodnight Elsa."