The Selection

Chapter Twenty One

"But how?" Cole asks still stammering.

"My grandfather was August Illea. He and Maxon were corresponding when he reigned. I don't want the crown, don't fret. I also don't want your monarchy to end. I am the rebel leader but the followers have gone out of their way to cause death and destruction which I never wanted. I wanted and started peaceful protests to inform you that the poorer people need job opportunities. If you give us that then I promise I can stop them." Henry explains

"You realize that it's not that easy. I can't just hand out jobs when there are no jobs open. We would have to put money in to create businesses that can supply jobs. It seems like we have an unlimited amount of wealth but that is not the case. We would have to either raise taxes which would only upset the people or take donations." King Kile explains

"Set up donations. You will be surprised on how many people would give money. It would stop uprisings from the people and end the rebels. I promise that this money won't go to waste." Henry rambles

"I'll talk the the committee." King Kile replies, "I have a feeling that this will play out as Henry wants. So Eadlyn, could you set up a competition for the elite. Have them design a ball or something. Whoever's plan you like the best, will be the big start to the donation business."

Eadlyn nods and rushes out of the room grabbing my hand on her way out. She closes the door behind us and presses her ear against the wall.

"What are you-" I start to ask but she covers up my mouth to keep me quiet. She lets me go but immediately puts her finger to her lips to keep me quiet. I set my ear against the door too.

"Won't the rebels keep attacking? They'll only want more and more." A voice, I think Cole's exclaims.

"No. I'll make sure they're happy with their jobs. For now, we need to put the country in a trance. Could you eliminate a girl or two? As pretty as Georgia is, I'm not sure she's a huge help for the country like we need. Abigail and Bethany are too manipulating. Autumn and Katherine are nice but what good will they do? Lilliana is good though. Her father is one of the most known poor people. She could help pull their sympathy." Henry says.

My mouth drops and Eadlyn runs grabbing my arm and drags me to the library. She sighs in frustration and takes a book from the shelf and chucks it. It knocks a few more books down and then the room becomes quiet again.

"Georgia don't you see? Lilliana is a rebel! I knew it from the beginning but Kile talked me out of my thoughts. I don't care how, but I need you to be the next queen. I'm sorry this is a lot of pressure to put on you but for the sake of the country, win my son's heart. If the others do, the entire government will be torn to shreds."

"Are you asking me to do what I think you're saying?" I ask gulping.

"Yes. I'm asking you to seduce my son into making you queen. You're a good person so please, win it for me, your family and the sake of this country." Eadlyn says.

~~~~~~~~~~

Only a few hours later did I receive a knock at the door. Sara answers it and gasps.

"What?" I ask running to her side to see what's the matter. But all there is on the floor is a envelope.

"How could they be gone so quickly? What if this is a rebel trap?" Sara asks

"It's fine. Please calm down." I say picking up the card and taking it over to my desk.

I open its fancy paper folding. Inside was a small note.

Please meet me so I can explain about Abigail. I feel terrible and you obviously seem angry. Go to the room at the very end of your hall.

I drop the note and run to the end room. I notice I'm wearing a day dress, I guess Cole will have to be quick on explaining so I can change before dinner. I open the door and lips rush to mine. Cole shuts the door and picks me up. He presses me against the wall and deepens the kiss. His fingers run through my curled hair as mine grab a hold of his shirt collar. He kisses my collarbone and up my neck, finding its way back to my lips. The kisses turn more into tiny whispers when he blows up. He runs to the bed and throws a pillow to the floor and then stomps on it. My eyebrows furrow in question.

"I just want more of you, and I can't! It's against the law. I want all of these girls gone. Just you here. I want to marry you now but it's too soon. My parents want me to marry you. I want to marry you. It's just Henry. We put your name on the donation business to make the people think it was your idea and it's making you more popular. I just need these girls gone so I can have you." He falls onto the bed in sobs. I come up a run my fingers through his hair.

"I love you." I whisper in his ear.

"You do?" He asks in a hoarse voice.

"Yes, I do." I reply. My normal voice was sugar coated a thousand times as I spoke and I didn't know how.

"I love you too."