The Selection

Chapter 18

NEXT UP IS FLORENCE LANNISTER!" Gavril calls. I was last. Just my luck. "Now Florence, let's start this easy. Prince maxon said he had kissed one girl, all of the others said no. Are you the mystery girl he kissed?" He says, I smile. "I would be lying if I said I hadn't." I say looking over at him. "Oh don't leave us hanging! Tell us the full story!" He says getting an applause from the audience. "The first time it was interrupted. It was in week one and we went on a movie theatre date, it was maybe on day four. We watched a movie with one of our own in it actually. Celeste played the main character!" I say motioning to her, she looked grateful for the extra attention. "Anyways after the movie we went for the kiss but he was called to a meeting. The second time was today actually. We were hanging out in the hallway and I guess our feelings got the better of us." I say grinning like a kid in a candy store. America looked annoyed. "Your glowing! Maxon what do you have to say?" Gavril says and he responds. "I wouldn't have chose anyone different to have kissed first." He says giving me a quick wink. I smile but don't return it. "How many dates have you been on?" Gavril says. "We'll officially one, but I have been painting him almost every night. He comes to my room. This started on day one." I say and he smirks. "Oh really!" Gavril says. "Do you have the painting with you today?" He says and I shake my head. "I do not sadly. It was actually really good if I do say so myself." I say and Maxon laughs. "What do you think of the paintings?" Gavril says to maxon. "I think it's gorgeous, not just because I'm in it though." He says getting a laugh from us all. "Forgive me but earlier I said America was the last five, you are too. Do you think that hurts your chances?" Gavril says and my face goes cold. "No I honestly don't. A caste doesn't determine love. Love is when you can't see yourself without this person, if you were anywhere in the world, you would always find yourself diverting back to them. A caste shouldn't determine that. The selection was here for Prince maxon to find love, my caste isn't a factor." I say and everyone claps. "Well said! One last question." Gavril says. "Do you love him?" I freeze. Maxon looks interested. "Yes." I say and don't elaborate further. "Yes? Is that all?" Gavril says. "Yes that's all." I say and he excuses me. "Alright ladies and gentlemen! I shall see you here next week for the Report!"

As soon as we were free to leave I ran to my room. I was put on the spot like that! How humiliating. America knocked on the door. I couldn't handle her. "Tell her I'm not here!" I yell as Grace opens the door. She could clearly hear me. "Prince Maxon." America says as the door opens. "Florence isn't in there apparently." America says. I run to the door. "Prince Maxon!" I say and he smiles. "Sorry America. I'll see you another time." I say giving het the fakest smile. "Your dismissed." I say to the maids who deflate, they really wanted the drama. "What." I say sitting at my dressing table undoing my hair. "You love me?" Maxon says and I turn to look at him. "I was put on the spot. Don't take it personally." I say looking him in the eye. "Look Florence I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like that earlier. I was put on the spot." He says coming over to me. "No Maxon. Your not sorry." I say almost in tears. "You let me kiss you, you let me think you wanted me! You tricked me!" I say getting up. "Florence there's 26 other woman! I can't only see you! Your being irrational!" He says coming over to me again. "I don't care about the other 26 woman. We all know that it's only me and America you truly want. She's my only competitor." I say trying to move away again but he grabs my waist. "Florence please. Tell me, tell me now." He says spinning me to face him. "No." I say and he scans my face. "Why not." He says pulling me closer. "I won't be second to America. I won't be the person you settle for because you cannot have her! I know who she's in love with! I know a lot about it. I know exactly who he is, down to the location." I say and he looks intrigued. "Who is he." He questions. "No. You don't get to ask questions." I say and he lets go of me. "Florence stop this, you can't be mad at me, you said it yourself. The whole point of this selection is to find out who I love. I can't force myself to love you just because you love me!" He says and I am shocked. "Then leave." I say. He tries to fight it but sees the look on my face, the look of defeat.