The Chosen [COMPLETED]

Chapter 22

I ran my hands around his back, tracing the scars.

"What happened?" I asked. 

"My father," Easton replied. 

 "Why." 

"He wanted me to be ready to be king." I shook my head. I kept tracing the thick red scars that covered his back. 

"Does he still do this?" Easton nodded. I took my hand away from his back and Easton turned to face me. I could not help but glance at his muscles. I felt myself blush. 

"I'm so sorry, I can't imagine what it's like," I said. I meant it too. I could not fathom getting hurt like this everytime I did something wrong. Easton slowly looked to the floor. Things were starting to make more sense. Easton put his shirt back on and kissed me again. 

"Don't tell anyone," He pleaded. I nodded

"I should let you get some sleep." He said. I didn't want him to leave. 

"Do you have to go?" I asked. I waited for Easton to react. He gave me a small smile.

"I can stay for a bit." It was new for me to feel vulnerable. Easton ushered me over to my bed. We got under the covers. I got close to Easton and leaned on his chest. His arms wrapped around me tightly. I shut my eyes and let myself fall asleep next to him.

I expected that Easton would be gone the next morning. But I felt his arms still around me the next morning. I looked at Easton, who was still sleeping peacefully. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at me.  

"Good morning." He smiled. He kissed the top of my head. 

"I didn't expect you to stay the whole night." I wasn't mad that he had stayed the night. It was nice to wake up next to him. 

"I must have fallen asleep." He said. I slowly sat up. 

"I should get going now," Easton said, getting out of my bed. "For real, this time."  

Easton grabbed his jacket and hugged me one last time before leaving. I had my maids come and get me changed into a new dress for the day. 

It was hard not to think about my meeting with the rebels. I was hoping Easton was going to think of a plan that was sure to work. It was hard enough for me to think of something he could do. 

I didn't know if I could trust August and Ellie. August was probably angry at me for breaking up with him. How was I supposed to know this wasn't some sort of trick August has planned. 

I was quiet for most of the day. I had been in the lounge for a bit but went back to my room once Chloe walked in. I was not in the mood to listen to her stories.

During dinner, Easton and I kept glancing at each other. I didn't see much fear in his eyes. He looked confident. I could not tell if he was covering up his nerves, or if he was prepared for our meeting with the rebels. 

Once dinner was over, I went back up to my room. Easton was going to come just before ten to meet the rebels. I paced around my room, waiting to hear the knock on my door. 

A few minutes before ten, Easton knocked on my door. We walked down to the first floor.

"Do you have a plan yet?" I asked. 

"I think so." 

We reached the meeting room and walked in. August and Ellie were already there, so we sat down and began our meeting.

"So." August started. "What's your plan?" He had his eyes glued to Easton. 

"It is not much," Easton said. "But what if you break in and take me. Then we give my father the choice of surrendering the throne, or you take me." All four of us were silent. I was just as surprised as August and Ellie. 

"What if he won't surrender?" Ellie asked. 

"I have not figured that out yet." Easton leaned back in his chair and waited to hear our other opinions. 

"It could work," August said. Easton nodded his head. He turned to hear what I thought.

"I agree with him." I couldn't get myself to say his name yet. I stayed quiet and watched the plan unfold. I only spoke when I was asked a question. 

Once we had most of the details planned, August and Ellie decided they should leave before they got caught. Easton and August arranged for us to meet again sometime again and figure out the rest. I watched August and Ellie walk away until all I could see was darkness. 

"I'm glad this is coming along well," Easton said. I nodded. 

"How do you know August?" He asked. I shot my head to face his. 

"What?" 

"I see the way you have looked at each other." I sighed. I didn't know if I should tell him the truth. I didn't want to get into any trouble or go home. 

"He is an old friend." I lied. Easton was not convinced. 

"You can tell me, I won't care." It was clear he already knew that were together, but it was hard for me to accept that. 

"It was nothing I swear." I didn't need Easton to get mad at me. I knew his plan, I couldn't go back. 

"But was there something?" He asked. He was looking at me seriously. I hesitated before slowly nodding my head. 

"Did you know he was a rebel?" I shook my head. I felt too guilty to speak. but Easton kept asking me questions. 

"Is there anything between you now?" 

"I ended it when I found out he was a rebel," I said quietly. We stood outside my door once we reached my room. Easton looked like he was trying to figure out how to handle the news.

He leaned in to kiss me. "Good night," He said before turning and leaving.