We are all entitled to be beautiful

Chapter Sixteen- Eleanor

Xavier's P.O.V:

I slammed my fist against the pearl white wall of my prison. How could she be sick enough to poison Rose?

My mind raced, what was I going to do? I had to do something but I felt helpless unable to do anything. Rose was right this world that we live was corrupt, everyone obsessing over what they look like, no one paying attention to what true beauty really is. Literature that is more beautiful than anything banned, all because of me.

There was nothing I could do. I was like a bird trapped in a cage forever trying to break free. Repeatedly crashing against the metal bars but never escaping, just hurting myself over and over.

I don't know what's going to happen to Rose. After she blacked out, I was forced to return to this room.

Mother said I had to make a speech today addressing the world. I know I have to do what she says or Rose is going to die. I will do anything to keep her alive but is anything enough?

Rose's P.O.V:

I feel something soft against my back. My heart hammers in my chest, where am I? What happened?

I snap my eyes open, squinting in the blinding light. Pressing my hands against the soft material, I look around. I'm in a room that's completely white, in a bed.

Quickly, I scramble out. How did I get here? I'm still in my ripped jeans and t-shirt but when I touch my face there is no longer any blood and the bandage on my leg had been replaced.

The throbbing in my head has started to subside but the pain is still there. I can't remember anything from after I blacked out.

I need to get out of here if I'm going to make any difference to the world. I need a plan too.

I rushed towards the door, but it's sealed. There isn't even a handle on this side of the door, no lock that I  an attempt to pick. The Queen knows me too well. There's just a computer panel that shows what's happening outside.

I stare at it for a moment, until I see someone coming towards the door.
In one swift movement, I jumped back into the bed and pretended to be asleep. My breathing even and soft.

The door made that click before opening. I don't know who came in but I heard the soft voice of a girl whispering, "Rose, Rose you need to wake up," as the door closed.

Still pretending, I slowly open my eyes to see a young girl about my age looming over me. She had a sweet smile and thick black curls cascading down her shoulders. Her bright green eyes fixed on me. I don't know why but she seemed oddly familiar.

My eyes widened in fake shock as I leapt out of bed and shouted, " Where am I and who are you?"

She just laughed and said, " I guess you don't remember me, Rose,  I'm Eleanor."

"Oh my goodness, Eleanor!" I shouted before hugging her hard. Eleanor was one of my best childhood friends, I still remember us sharing secrets with each other under a huge Willow Tree outside my old house. She looked so different now, all grown up.

"It's good to see you too Rose," she gave me a warm smile.

"But Eleanor what are you doing here?" I whispered as though someone would hear us.

"Umm...well it's complicated but after you left we moved nearby to the castle and when the Queen found out she told me that she might need me to do something for her. Of course, I didn't understand what she meant but I had to agree or she would've taken Kai,"  My fist clenched at this, Kai was Eleanor's adorable younger brother I couldn't believe the Queen had threatened to take him but  then again she was pure evil." So I agreed and just yesterday she summoned me to the castle and said I need to talk to you,"

That made a lot of sense to me, of course, the Queen would send one of the only friends I ever had to talk to me. It also means she had been planning this for a while which angered me. She was dragging everyone I cared about into this mess. I had to do something, anything to stop her corrupting anything else.

"So what's going on why do I feel so weak and numb all over and what's going to happen to me," I mumbled refusing to make eye contact with Eleanor.

"Whilst you were sleeping the Queen injected some antidote into you," Eleanor began. Antidote what antidote? Then it all came rushing back the poison, Xavier begging me to stay awake and him agreeing to do anything. What had I gotten myself into?

"She wants you to be there when Xavier makes his speech. I don't know why, but the Queen said you'd refuse but I have to convince you somehow or she'll take Kai." her voice cracked as she spoke, so I hugged her tightly again.

"Don't worry, you don't need to convince me I'll do it, I'll go. Nothing will happen to Kai okay," I reassured her because this was exactly what I needed. If Xavier was going to make a speech, millions maybe even billions would be watching, if I could say something to make them think about the world around them and how oppressed they are by the Queen then maybe, just maybe people would actually start to question what's going on.

"Thanks, I'm so sorry you have to go through this," She said whilst whipping a tear that had fallen down a cheek.

She hugged me tightly and whispered into my ear, " I know you'll be able to change the world, so go get them, girl,"

I smiled, "I will,"

With that, Eleanor left the room. I hoped she'd be safe, I didn't want anything to happen to her at my expense. I breathed in deeply, formulating my plan in my head. All I could do now was hope it would work.

The door swung open, revealing the Queen and her entourage of guards, all of them carrying guns.

Note to reader:

I'm sorry I ended it there but I had to or this chapter would've been too long. Anyway, what do you think Roses plan is? Will it work? Is Xavier actually going to follow through and do what the Queen told him to? All will be revealed in then next chapter.

I know this is getting really tense. I hope you like this book. Next chapter is when the first act to spark the rebellion starts. Will it work or just end in chaos? You'll just have to wait and see. I feel so mean for ending it here but I have to. I'll try and post as soon as possible.

Until then...

Hope you have a lovely day!

Lavender