Selected: Part 2 - Flowers with Thorns

16. THE QUEEN

OUR BATCHES OF SWEETS FINISHED and decorated, we handed over the work space to the kitchen staff, who would need it to prepare dinner. The other girls and I would use this time to get ready: I put on my cutest dress, pink and lacy and tied up my hair, with curly strands framing my face. Dinner seemed to take longer than usual, as I anticipated what would come after. We had all invited the royal family for dessert and tea, courtesy of our collective effort.

I had never really spoken to the king and queen before, and felt both anxious and excited about it all, hoping we'd get to have a friendly chat. We moved to a smaller dining room a few maids had prepared for us, with our deserts displayed grandly. I searched for Ethan, wanting to see his expression: he caught my eye, and smiled warmly. I felt my heart flutter. Surely, nothing we could taste here would be as sweet as him.

The Queen, always so tense, seemed to loosen up, and the King put on a polite smile. Queen Cordelia really was radiant, and now, sitting here with us, I couldn't help notice how Gwen looked like her a little, only with blue eyes and shorter hair. We were served a variety of teas, a portion of each of the three deserts. Hazel was so bold as to sit right next to the King and Queen, followed by Naomi. They talked and the Queen actually laughed, seeming to get along with them. When she took a bite out of her cupcake, she made a point to compliment us. Normally so reserved, this was the first time we really got to talk to Queen Cordelia.

Our deserts were indeed quite good, and I was happy all this turned out to be something really pleasant. Just as I was wondering how Ethan was liking them, he came up behind me. "Did you make these amazing tarts?" He asked, probably remembering the lemon one I'd made for him. "It was more of a team thing." I confessed, bashfully. "Well everything is so delicious. I'm so happy to see you girls having fun." I nodded, looking up at him. "The Selection is bringing us all together." I hope this day would ease his guilt about choosing to have a Selection. Amidst the stress and tragedy, the Selection was doing some good too. He smiled.

Just then, Hazel gestured over to me from where she was seated. I froze a bit, knowing I'd have to talk to the King and Queen if I obliged, but I couldn't be rude. Excusing myself to Ethan, I headed over to them. "How are you all enjoying the sweets?" I asked, wanting to be polite. But as everyone agreed, I tried to be a little more daring, and address the queen directly. "Queen Cordelia, if I may, I simply love your dress. This color suits you so well." She seemed taken to brighten at the compliment. "I hear you're a designer, lady Luna. Did you design your dress today as well?" I shook my head. "Not this one, but my maids are just as, if more, talented as me." The King was busy speaking with Gwen about her profession in psychology, so he barely noticed me, which was okay. After all, I wasn't used to being in the spotlight.

A camera flashed, taking pictures of the Queen during this little gathering of ours. She didn't back away, instead taking in the attention. Eventually, we were all gathered around her, every girl trying to get a word in. I slowly backed out of the crowd, uncomfortable, and went to get another raspberry tart. I sat alone, until Gwen came to join me. "I prefer being around less people at a time, too." She confessed. "You seemed to be doing so good, with the King." She shrugged. "It's important for them to like us, if we want to be with Ethan." She wanted Ethan, and I didn't know how that made me feel.

Before I could ask more about her feelings, though, a guard came in with some news for the King and Queen, and they had to rush off. I got stressed just thinking about all the responsibilities that came with being a One, I couldn't imagine the anxiety the were plagued with every day. I stood up, wanting to find comfort in Ethan, hoping to see him before everyone left. Instead, I found him with Scarlett, lacing her arm around his, whispering something in his ear. They walked off together, and I stood there, dejected. It was like a slap in the face. He made me feel so special when we were alone, but again I was faced with the fact that as long as there are other girls around, I'm nothing more than a number.