The Collision (Sequel to The Division)

Chapter 3 (Nichole)

"Ma'am, the citizens are confused with this new threat." My advisor greets me as I walk inside the small conference room.

"Confused? As are we on the matter. Assure them we will vanquish the threat. And tell any who rebel against the other nations that they will be sent to our prisons for treason. Anything else, Kristoff?"

"No, my Lady. I will have an announcement sent to the people."

"Then is there any unofficial business we need to discuss?" I ask hesitantly.

"Yes, My Queen, I've heard reports that the Resistance plans to replace you with one of their rulers until they deem you 'competent' enough to lead. The people would rebel of course, and I fear that may prove worse for you," Kristoff pauses, evaluating my reaction before continuing, "I am saying this as a friend, Nichole, not as an advisor. I know about your mother and twin, we will never trust the Resistance. We will cooperate for the time being, but afterwards is entirely up to you."

I sigh and walk to a chair next to a large window. I look out to the common area where ordinary people did their ordinary chores.

"The draft, how is it?" I ask after several moments of silence.

"No rioting or resistance. The people seem genuinely patriotic for our nation, ready to show the other nations how we are the supreme."

I grin at the hint of pride in Kristoff's voice. I glance at the clock that hangs over the fireplace.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I must get going. Pleasure speaking with you, Kristoff, as always." I murmur as I stand up from the chair. Kristoff walks me to the door before opening it. He bows before taking my hand and placing a kiss on it. He whispers in my ear, "And always a pleasure, my Dear, to be graced with your presence."

A blush spreads through my cheeks as I walk away.

-::-::-

The kitchen is quiet when I enter it; no chefs or other kitchen staff linger by the equipment.

"Please don't leave." A deep voice pleads behind me. Turning around slowly, I come face to face with a disheveled looking Lucas. His hair has grown longer and is pulled into a messy ponytail that has strands sticking out. The scar no longer has the redness surrounding it, but translucent white lines.

"What do you want? I demand. A dip in temperature causes him to shiver. Frost begins to thinly coat the counters of the kitchen.

"I want to talk to you, please. Nichole, please."

"Why should I listen to you? You betrayed me. Leave."

"I didn't betray you," Lucas bellows, "I saved your life!"

"Saved my life? I didn't ne-" I begin before Lucas interrupts.

"You needed me. You would be dead if it weren't for me. I told them not to execute you; I told them there was hope for you!"

"Hope for me? What am I? A damaged incompetent puppet? Listen well Lucas, I will form a truce with this band of merry misfits you call the Resistance, but I will not trust them. You may think I am an evil queen, but I am nowhere as cruel. I don't kill out of cold blood."

"Don't you see? That's why you're not dead. They don't see you the way I do. I needed something to reason with them. They wouldn't believe me if I told them to just trust me." He whispers, inching closer until he stands with our toes almost touching. He places a hand on my left arm. "Please, Nichole, I had to lie and tell them I didn't have feelings for you. They would've killed me and then killed you."

I refuse to look at him. I instead study the granite counters and deep red cabinets.

"Please look at me, Sweetheart." He murmurs, tilting my chin up until I meet his eyes.

"What do you mean? The feelings? I..." I begin to stammer before Lucas pulls me into a kiss. It begins soft, but soon heats up.

"Ummm. I'll come back," a voice interrupts, "Dinner can wait."

A small woman with pale blonde hair blushes at the doorway.

"No. No. We were just leaving." Lucas smirks.

"We are?" I ask, giving him a look.

"Yes. We are," he says confidently before escorting me out of the kitchen and through the complicated corridors.

Hello Peoples of Wattpad!!

We are back!!!!! EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

I've got a busy schedule because I thought it would be a great idea to take marching band- now playing the saxophone but viva la oboe, JROTC, and Spanish. Not to mention Netflix.....