Break My Heart a Thousand Times (The Selection Series Story)

Chapter XX: "STIGMA"

Chapter Twenty

Commotion was already spreading through the Palace, and it wasn't even noon yet. Maids and butlers waited at the front entrance of the Palace. Some looked out through windows, and others stood right outside.

I met up with Valleree and Chelsey, and then, with them at my heels, quickly pushed my way to the front - the top of the marble steps at the entrance to the Palace. There was a driveway at the bottom of the steps, and that was where everyone expected Veronikka's RGT vehicle to pull up.

"Why is everyone so eager to see Lady Veronikka?" I asked in confusion to my two friends once we had gotten to the front. At least twenty to thirty people were lingering at the top of the steps. Most of the crowd, too, were maids and butlers, which surprised me.

Chelsey smiled. "There hasn't been this much excitement since they left. People miss it," she shrugged. "Plus, Veronikka's a people's person. Almost everyone knows her."

Valleree nodded as I mulled that over. "Yeah, remember how I told you how she tries to remember everyone's names?" she laughed, looking over at Chelsey. "Hey, remember that one time-" Before she could recount what funny thing had happened, the crowd stopped its chattering and some began to clap.

An expensive car was pulling up in front of the Palace. Chelsey clapped and Valleree whooped as the chauffeur came out and around the car to open the door. Veronikka came out with a gracious smile, but as her friend, I could recognize the exhaustion in her eyes. With a deep breath, she looked up at the bright blue sky - it was a pretty day in Angeles, as usual - and smiled.

I watched as another woman stepped out of the car, with a guard by her side. At first, I thought the petite woman was someone from New Asia, just because of her petite, pretty, and fair looks. Then I recognized the face as someone I had seen around the Palace and realized it was Sofya, another advisor who had accompanied King Maxon because she had roots in New Asia.

Veronikka caught my eye again. She was waving at the people at the top of the steps and saw me and our friends. Her smile brightened. I grinned back as her chauffeur, holding two suitcases himself, handed Veronikka her handbag.

She quickly turned to him and with a quick smile began conversing with him, probably saying thank you for the ride, and other nice things I probably wouldn't bother saying if I was her (if I'm being honest... I mean, I'd probably dash up the stairs to my friends immediately).

"Why are waiting up here?" Valleree scoffed. "Let's go meet her!" With that, she bolted down the steps.

Chelsey and I exchanged a look, smiled, shrugged, and then followed Valleree's lead. With my longer legs, I was faster than Chelsey, and I was so excited that I skipped three steps and nearly fell on my face.

---

"Veronikka!" I called out as she turned away from talking with the chauffeur. Her eyes lit up again when she saw Valleree, Chelsey, and me.

Her eyes glistened as she gave us each a hug. "Oh, I missed you all so much! You have no idea!" She squealed. I smiled and returned her hug. Her hugs were always warm and fuzzy - I felt better already.

She introduced Sofya to me, even though I already knew her. Sofya seemed nice, but she quickly excused herself to go greet some other friends.

I looked around to see if anyone else had come. I didn't admit it to myself, but I hoped Maxon was here. He wasn't of course. Or else Veronikka would've told me. I told myself not to think about it, but, lo and behold, the unbearable thought that had been buried deep inside resurfaced now. Maxon wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. And if he was coming back, a part of me worried. New Asia was dangerous. They weren't our enemies anymore, but they weren't our friends either. What if something happened? What Maxon wasn't allowed to leave? Or what if New Asia will pressure Maxon into making a treaty that's not good for Illea?

My most worrisome fear - even if a bit selfish - is that Maxon will have changed. I sometimes can't sleep at night I when I think that Maxon may come back and have realized he doesn't love me. Maybe I've changed too much for him. What if our relationship falls apart again, just like it's done before? What if I don't get happily ever after?

And then I think, maybe I don't deserve a happily ever after. Maybe Maxon and I - together - just isn't meant to be. He's the king, I'm a maid. How on Earth could that pairing possibly work out, or even be allowed?

I was shaken out of my thoughts when I realized Veronikka was talking. "Doesn't that sound like fun?" she asked cheerfully.

Valleree and Chelsey nodded along, but I just stared. "Uh, sure," I said awkwardly, feeling bad that I hadn't been listening to my friend after she had been gone for months.

Veronikka just laughed. "I missed you," she said fondly. "And you have to tell me everything about the ball, and what's happened since, and oh," she sighed. "That's why we're going on a picnic." She clapped her hands.

Chelsey nodded. "I'm going to ask a couple chefs to pack us a lunch."

Veronikka nodded, and said, "I think I'm going to unpack."

Valleree offered her help, but I excused myself to go find Mallory and tell her I would need a longer break. I was sure she wouldn't mind. We all promised to be ready to meet in half an hour.

END OF CHAPTER TWENTY

Q: Does having media (music) play in the background make the "reading experience" better?