The Prince (Maxon's Selection POV)

Chapter Fifteen

“Your Highness?” a butler asked, bowing.

“Yes, Matthew?”

“Lady Fiona, Lady Amy, and Lady Tallulah are about to leave,” he said.

“Thank you. I will be there in a second.” I set aside my papers, and headed out my room, toward the entrance of the palace.

As I walked, I continued to debate a growing thought in my head; Should I narrow the Selected down to the Elite? Nearing the entrance, I decided I would ask Mom, Father, and some advisers to see if it was a good idea. I saw Lady Fiona first.

“Thank you for everything Maxon,” she said giving me a hug.

“No problem, Fiona.” I gave her a smile, and she walked to her car.

Soon, Amy and Tallulah came up and thanked me for the opportunity and letting them leave. I wasn’t too upset that they were leaving, but it meant that the Selection was moving quickly.

--

“Mother, Father, I would like to ask you and some advisers something, before we head to breakfast.” I said, stopping them in the hall.

“Of course, Maxon. What is it?” Mom asked.

I motioned to the conference room, that was conveniently near by.
“I have an idea, but I am not sure if it is a good one.” I said, quickly ringing for Stavros, one of the most trusted advisers.

“Go on.” Father said, sitting.

“I want to narrow the Selected down to the Elite. The attack last night really shook the girls, and I don't want to keep them here if it means them experiencing that. Especially if I think that we won't have a chance together.”

I sat next to Father. “I was also thinking that we narrow it down to 6, instead of 10.”

Mom’s eyes widened. “Six?”

I nodded.

“Glad to see you are taking this much more seriously, son.” Father said, with a nod of approval.

Starvos walked in, notebook and pen in hand. “Your Majesties, Highness.” he said with a bow.

As he sat down, I quickly explained the situation to Starvos, catching him up.

“Well, I think that this is a good idea. It will help speed up the process a bit, and then the public will be able to get to know the girls better and closer.” Starvos jotted down a note.

“Mother? Father?” I turned toward them.

“I agree with Starvos here.” Father said briefly.

“If you think it is right Maxon, then do it.” Mom said, but I had a feeling the advice wasn't just for this situation.

“We should head to breakfast now. Try not to make any bad decisions with who you keep.” Father stood, and flashed me a look.

Stavros bowed, and we went to the dining hall.

--

I didn’t didn’t touch my food. I studied each of the girls, deciding if they should stay. When I got to America's row, I caught her looking at me. Slowly, she tugged her ear, her face clearly showing it was a request. I tugged my ear back, and that sealed the deal.

I took one last look at my girls and stood up. The chair screeched and all nineteen eyes flew to me. I wanted to sit back down, but it wasn't an option anymore.

“Ladies,” I said with a bow of my head. “I'm afraid that after yesterday's attack, I’ve been forced to seriously reconsider the operation of the Selection. As you know, there ladies asked to leave yesterday, and I obliged. I wouldn't want to keep anyone here against their will. Furthermore, I don’t don’t feel comfortable keeping anyone in the palace, facing this constant threat of danger, when I feel confident that we don't have any sort of future together.”

The room buzzed with a unhappy understanding. “Though it grieves me to do this, I have discussed the matter with my family and a few close advisers and have decided to narrow the Selection down to the Elite. However, instead of ten, I've decided to send all but six of you home.”

Hello!! Happy Easter to those who celebrate! Because the next chapter will be the last chapter (as of The Selection), do you think I should continue through The Elite with this story, or create a new story as a sequel? Let me know in the comments!

-theselectionseriesfan