The Unexpected Expected

Part 1: Chapter 7

May's POV

My eyes were glued to the screen as Queen Amberly chose the winner of the Selection. I had always hoped that America would be the next queen, but at least she was Maxon's favorite. He literally gave everything for her.

But just as Queen Amberly was about to say the name, I felt myself zoning out. I know I shouldn't think like this...but will I ever find my own Maxon? I want someone to love me that much, someone who could hold me and comfort when I'm down or join me in my celebrations when I'm feeling great. Someone who would accept my faults, embrace them as a part of who I am. Someone who would know me better than I know myself. Someone...someone who would love me. And not just fake puppy-love, but serious unity with one another. The love that makes you come back to one another no matter how many times you fight. Because that's true love: having the will and ability to come back to that person time and time again because of nothing other than you just want to be near them.

Is it bad that I haven't met someone like that? Will they ever find me? What if they're across the Earth someone, perhaps in New Asia? How will I ever get my happily ever after?

Hugging my knees, I forced my mind out of the dark thoughts of isolation, and turned back to the Report. Queen Amberly continued, "I see no reason to prolong this any longer. In the name and memory of Prince Maxon Schreave, I, Queen Amberly Holly Station Schreave, proclaim the following lady the winner of the Selection..."

"Come on, just say it," Maxon whispered next to me. I had a feeling he had something to do with the Queen's Selection.

"Please join in congratulating Lady Celeste for winning," she paused, "Political ambassador!" The girls looked at one another in confusion. "I have decided to keep all the ladies at the palace, all with a small portion of the job of a queen, to see how they would deal with the job." Most of the girls were nodding thinking that it was sensible but one person had a nasty sneer on his face. I don't like how the King is looking at her.

"The next lady, Lady Kriss, will manage the education board because I know that is one of her main focuses for her rule. And Lady Elise, you will manage foreign affairs with the King himself. Are there any questions?"

"I have one," Lady Celeste said as she straightened her dress. "What in all of Illea is a 'political ambassador?'"

"I'll explain your jobs in more detail at a later time, but I will give you the general explanation. Lady Celeste, you are in charge of the people in Illea. Whether that be traveling to a province or planning something to keep the people appeased, it's a straight forward job."

"Lady Kriss, as a manager of the education of the board, you will plan ways to improve the already existing and established education board and teachings and work to try to make education more affordable for all sectors of the country, in all castes.

"And lastly, Lady Elise, your job as manager of foreign affairs is very simple. All you must do is stay in contact with other political leaders across the world. You must also plan visits for them when they do come and learn their culture and traditions so that you can allow them to enjoy themselves without becoming offended. Any other questions?"

The ladies were whispering in the back until, finally, Lady Celeste raised her hand again. The Queen nodded in signal that she could talk. "Why was I the only one who got a job that doesn't reflect their personality. I mean, we all know Kriss enjoys educational advancements, it's part of her background, and Elise already has an extensive knowledge of other cultures and their traditions because of her connections. But why did I get this job?"

The Queen seemed shocked for a second before she regained control. "Lady Celeste, you were always the best at giving the crowd exactly what they wanted. You just knew how to act on stage, how to use the lighting right, perhaps, that you seemed like the perfect candidate for the job. Anyone else have a question?"

This time Lady Kriss raised her hand. "Will we have to manage our job by ourselves?"

"Goodness, no. The current standing manager will assist you, of course, in the beginning. But once the current manager deems that you've mastered the job on your own, you'll take over from there."

Lady Elise raised her hand. "But where will they go?"

"Who?" the Queen asked in confusion.

"The current managers of the positions."

The Queen smiled. "They will return home, heavily compensated and spend some much-needed time with their family. Believe me, they will be taken care of. Anyone else?" From the way the Queen was looking at the ladies and glancing back at her husband, she was clearly warning that if anyone the ladies had anymore questions they should hold their tongues. "Good! This plan will be put into action next week. Thank you Illea for your cooperation in this difficult time," the Queen nodded once at the camera before taking her seat next to the burning King.

I hope the Queen will be okay. The King doesn't look too happy. Apparently Maxon made this same observation because he shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

The King stood up, "Cut the Report! Cut it now!" he was practically screaming at the camera. Before the camera was completely cut, I saw him smack the Queen with him palm. Maxon flinched as if the King was striking him.

America turned and whispered something in his ear, but he shook his head. Maxon whispered back, "Since I'm not there, she's his new outlet for his anger." America just nodded her head in agreement, and perhaps, solemnity.

What does he mean "outlet for anger?" Is there something he's not telling the country? What is Maxon's secret and what does it have to do with King Clarkson? Glancing over at my sister who was comfortably burrowed in his side, I decided to ask him later because I didn't want to interfere with this bubble of happiness.