The One (A Selection Fan Fiction)

Chapter Twenty-Two

I WONDERED WHY THERE HAS got to be a monarchy. Why can't we all have a say on whom we want to rule over us? Why can't we choose who we can be? Why does it have to be based on your family; on your ancestor's designated caste?

Why can't we be free?

These questions echoed through my mind as I stared at my platter of dinner. I haven't eaten much, probably because I was too distracted of what happened today: I was found in the forest; Maxon had admitted to Doctor Blue that he knew about the scars but he admitted that he didn't believe me; the king agreed to relieve Aspen of probation; Aspen had given up on me; Maxon found out about Aspen and I; I had discovered the rebels' intention; and I had finally talked to my family.

My three maids busied themselves on already-polished floor and already-dusted furniture and already-organised closet. But I did nothing but stare at the platter of the untouched meal on my table.

Sighing, I sat up straight and said, "You may take some rest, girls. I need it, too."

Anne looked back and forth at the food and me. "But my lady," she began. "You have to eat plenty." The two other girls nodded in agreement.

"I have no appetite tonight, girls. I'll just settle for bed instead."

"But Miss," Lucy started to protest but Mary held her arm.

"As you wish, Lady America," Mary said. Lucy seemed to hesitate, but she finally agreed even with a frown on her lips.

The three curtsied and collected their materials and the platter. "Good night, Miss," they said before exiting the room and leaving me.

The room felt so pertinent with the everything so clean; everything but me. Of course I had showered before I had eaten, but I still was dirty; dirty of lies and secrets. I wanted to let it all out, but I can't just drop the bombs all at once. I have to figure out a way to come clean when I try being honest.

It has been probably seven hours already since Maxon and Aspen left. But Maxon still hasn't visited.

I dimmed the lamp's light and tucked myself in. I stared at the ceiling, waiting for someone to knock. I don't know how long I have been waiting, but I had just fallen asleep.

***

"Miss?" Lucy's voice seemed so far away, but I still recognized her voice. I shifted to my side and covered my face with the blanket. My rest only felt like minutes.

"Miss," Mary called. "Queen Amberly calls you forth within the hour. We must hurry!"

That suddenly woke me up. I scrambled off my bed and ran to the bathroom. The girls suppressed their giggles as they caught up with me so I could get ready.

After about 45 minutes, I was done with trying to look presentable. My maids told me that I had to head to the war room. When I arrived, the only people in there were the Elite. Kriss' mood seemed to stand out, though. While everyone had grim faces, she looked eerily giddy considering the country's situation.

"Good morning!" Elise greeted when she saw me. It was an obvious attempt to lighten the mood, but she just failed on it.

"It's not a good morning, Elise," Celeste snapped. "Don't you know how many lives are in danger right now? Especially the Two's?" It seemed surreal how Celeste's eyes were looking glassy. I never thought she had a soft spot.

"Don't look at me sympathetically. It's embarrassing," she said, fanning herself in attempt to calm herself down.

I walked towards her and said, "Oh, dear girl." Elise and Kriss looked at me like I was crazy, but I ignored them. I did not care if Celeste was either acting or being real. Nothing's wrong with being there for anyone when they're in need.