The Selection

Chapter Seventeen

I sat at dinner wearing a rather regal gown. Abigail was on my left and Bethany on my right. Both of them kept waving their hands around yelling at me about the dress.

"Listen both of you! Yes I wore that dress to impress him. It did and we kissed there was nothing beyond that." I growl

"He only kissed you because of your looks?" Bethany scoffs

"No! I'll have you know that I've kissed him plenty of times without wearing clothes like that. I don't know what we are but we definitely more than like each other." I argue.

"But why did you have to wear that dress?" Abigail asks

"To get his dam attention! Please just leave me alone and do us both a favor and don't sit next to me in the report tonight." I answer

I finish eating dinner quickly and rush back to my room.

"Help." I cry to my maids

April comes up with a towelette and wipes off my makeup, letting me cry. Sara gets out all the needed makeup while Belle brings out a plastic bag.

She takes off the cover showing a huge purple strapless gown with silver gems around the waist and gorgeous ruffles and a long train. It was so beautiful.

Sara makes my hair in deep curls while Belle puts on a touch of makeup. April digs through my jewelry box and pulls out a diamond neckless with matching earrings and bracelet.

"You look amazing, Miss! We'll watch you on the report. I hear that something special is happening." My maids share a look and giggle.

My brows furrow but I push it aside. I walk down to the film room and sit in the front row. If Abigail wants to sit in the back, so be it. I won't be covered up just because she doesn't want to lead.

Kayla sits next to me. "I heard about the argument. I won't ask about the dress. They shouldn't have either. I just want you to know, I'm here for you."

"Thank you." I say giving her a hug.

"3 minutes until we're live!" Silvia shouts.

I smooth out my dress as a stressed Cole comes in. He's bombarded by Bethany, Lilliana, and other desperate girls like Autumn, Megan, Iris, and Samantha. They eventually make it to their seats and Cole looks flushed.

He talks to his parents and they nod to whatever he is saying. Queen Eadlyn comes up and straightens his tie. She whispers something in his ear and he nods. Whatever they were talking about, it must be serious.

"3,2,1"

"Hello Illea! Tonight we have a very special announcement from Prince Cole, but first, news from King Kile." Henri says

"We have contacted the new rebel group and they have asked for things we possibly can't give. If any of you have information about the rebels, I will gratefully accept it. Eadlyn and I also have other news." The King squeezes his wife's hand and on cue, she speaks.

"On behalf of my husband and myself, I am excited to announce that when the Selection ends, Prince Cole and his choice will have a coronation the same day as the wedding making them, King and Queen." She smiles but Cole's face falters. He wasn't expecting that.

"Wonderful, Your Majesty. And now, Prince Cole!" Henri waves Cole up

He stands and takes a deep breath. "Tonight Illea, I will announce the elite live, for you. I will only be keeping 6 selected for I feel that 10 is too much." I start shaking. We were never informed of this. Would he include me? We were still in a fight but did he still believe in our relationship, in me?

"If you are called, please come stand by me. Lady Autumn, Lady Bethany, Lady Lilliana, Lady Abigail, Lady Katherine, and Lady Georgia." Shocked I stand up and line up in front Cole with the rest of the girls.

Katherine offers me her hand and I almost wouldn't take it but I see the rest of the elite holding hands. I take it and all together, we curtsy.