The One (SelectionFanfic)

~ • Chapter 1 • ~

I do not own any of the characters/settings in The Selection Series, all credits go to the amazing Keira Cass

© 2014

EDITED (July 7-Philippine time)

» Chapter 1 « (June 23)

"Goodmorning Ma'am!" an excited voice whispered.

It's too early in the morning to be called good.

"Lucy" I said elongating her name. The said person only giggled. Hold on giggle? It has only been 5 days since the last attack, so Lucy shouldn't be giggling-not that I want her to mope around with red puffy eyes...like me.

Oh no, here goes the waterfall.

*-*-

Walking towards the Dining Hall after the Report has got to be the most nerve-wracking feeling yet.

Deep Breathes, just like Anne said.

One foot infront of the other.

And that was my biggest mistake

Why, oh why did I listen to my maids! I could save myself from this. I thought I could take it. I believed could.

"And you Lady Elise? Your Report was just astounding!" the King's voice boomed throughout the Dinning Hall, his voice mocking to the others but no one noticed the malicious tint in his eyes. This whole compliment-giving thing has been going on for only 5 minutes and all I could think about was my regret of leaving my heavenly bed. I couldnt even savor the impeccable food in front of me. Even the tarts looked less appetizing.

I probably looked like some pig by how fast I was eating. It's amazing how no one noticed my manners. They were all absorbing King Clarkson's somewhat happy demeanor with his half-hearted compliments. The only one who finds this as disturbing as I am was Maxon. I havent seen his face since I came in, he stayed bowed down, but even with the distance I knew he found his father's words disturbing. His eyebrows were scrunched together-which I found absolutely adorable- and his lips were set in a thin line. To others he looked bored.

"And of course we cant miss Lady Celeste's presentation! I am at lost for words at how astounding it was! Magnificent!" the King continued with a smile, I'm not really sure if it was genuine or not. Celeste's presentation was nothing close to astounding, especially magnificent. It was...well I have no words to describe it. At least the King got something right.

"Why thank you, your Majesty" Celeste said. Her tone was difficult to pin down. It was kind of seductively-proper or...well I guess it was seductive. She bowed her head a bit and grinned smugly. If I wasn't so down and nervous I would have strangled her right then and there-and everyone else (aside from the Queen and Maxon, of course). The only one who seemed modest about the whole thing was Kriss, then again Kriss was always shy at some point.

Not wanting to catch the King's eye I looked down at my plate-almost the same position as Maxon's-and I smiled. I finally finished! Thank the Heavens! As I was about to stand up the King cleared his throat making me look at him.

So much for avoiding eye contact.

The King looked dangerously smug that it made me want the polished floor to swallow me whole and never open up. I remained seated for fear of having the King talk to me.

"And where might you be going Lady America" he said 'Lady' in a very sarcastic tone that even the gentle Queen looked at her husband. Upon hearing my name (well at least I hoped) Maxon looked up from his platter and looked at me and we made eye contact. I could see most of my emotions right now reflected in his eyes. Curiosity, dread, fear, and nervouseness. Looking at Maxon made me want to run into his arms and never leave. Made me want to kiss him just because...and to show the King and everyone else that he was mine. But I couldnt. The King wouldnt make me stand within even a feet of him, and besides I'd embarrass myself if Maxon didnt return my kiss or hug-even though he made his feelings for me clear. But I know feelings could change in time, I know Maxon has some kind of feelings for Kriss as much as I want to deny it. Remembering my situation I quickly and reluctantly tore my gaze from Maxon and faced the devil's first incarnation (in second place was Celeste).