The Selection

7-The Attack

The next morning we all went down to breakfast. My father was gone to some diplomatic meeting so the room was much more relaxed. My mother decided to eat in her room to give me some alone time with the boys.

"So are you all enjoying your time here?" I asked surveying the boys. A chorus of "Yes your highness," came from the boys. It was funny to me how some of the boys remained prim and proper while others treated the place like they already lived there. Lucas, Josh, Farkle, Zay, Brandon and Billy were much more comfortable in the palace than the others. 

"Your Highness, a word please." Harley summoned me away from the table. 

"What's up?"

"It seems the rebels are approaching. We need to sound the alarm but I thought you should prepare the boys and start heading to the safe room." He warned. My eyes widened and I nodded before returning to the table. 

"I need you all to calmly follow me." I announced. They looked around wearily but no one moved. "Now." Lucas was the first to stand up and I began walking, hoping they could all follow orders.

"Where are we going?" Lucas asked. He fell into step beside me, something unheard of in the palace. 

"Somewhere safe. Just trust me." I found the entrance to the bunker and went inside. We weaved through the secret tunnel before reaching the safe room. I counted heads as the boys all went deeper into the room. 17...18...19...20. Good. After I assured they were all here, Harley sealed the door and went back into the palace. 

"What's going on?" Billy questioned.

"Everyone sit down. I'll explain." They all listened and I heard the sirens on the other side of the door. "The rebels have made a move on the palace. It's nothing to worry about but we need to make sure you are all safe, just in case. They aren't usually violent, they are just trying to make a statement." 

"Is there no way of dealing with them?" Charlie wondered. He looked quite scared.

"My father has been trying to negotiate with them for years but they want to destroy the system of our nation and overthrow the monarchy. They can't be reasoned with." I sighed. 

After I assured them once again that they were not in danger, they began to mingle with each other. For a while, I just observed the dynamics of the group. Lucas, Farkle and Zay seemed to get along very well. Billy and Charlie were being friendly but the competion loomed over whatever potential friendship they were going to build. Brandon and Nigel were talking too. Farkle was the first to notice me all by myself. 

He came over and sat next to me. followed by Zay and Lucas. 

"No pretty lady should be all alone. " Farkle smiled brightly and I let out a small laugh.

"Thanks Farkle." 

"So, how long will we be in here?" Zay wondered.

"Not sure. Probably only an hour or two." The three boys helped me pass the time. It was nice bonding with them and watching them bond with each other.

Someone fidgeted with the door and I felt my heart stop. Than the door swung open to reveal my mother. 

"Is everyone okay?" I ran over and hugged her.

"Thank goodness. I was worried. " I squeezed her tight completely forgetting about the 20 boys who probably wanted to get out of the room.

"Since you all have had such a stressful time, The palace would like to take you all on an adventure in the village. Everyone go change." The boys all ran out of the same room and to their own rooms.

"Did Dad approve of this?" 

"Your father's not here. Go have some fun Baby girl, you've earned it."