A/N: Hey guys, I'm finally back! Though I do not know how long I'll be back, here's another chapter. I dug this up from my unpublished Wattpad chapters and edited it a little to make it less embarrassing haha. :) Hope you enjoy!
LANDON'S POV
"I have it all scheduled down here!" my mother slammed a folder on my desk as I pinched the bridge of my nose irritatedly. She was making a fuss out of nothing.
"You'll have to have at least two dates before the end of this week so that you have something to talk about at the Report this Friday," she lectured sternly. Clearly my mother thinks she's the one in control of her son's own Selection. If things keep on going like this, the girl I end up choosing will have to have my mother's absolute approval.
"Yes, Mom," I said tiredly. My mother's eyes softened and she sat down beside me on the couch.
"I know this'll be hard dear. I'm sorry for pressuring you, but I just want the best for you," she explained. I nodded and gave her a tight smile. She took my hand and squeezed it gently.
"I'll support your decision if it truly makes you happy," I looked into my mother's eyes.
"Unless she's a totaly klutz or walks like a penguin!" my mother burst out laughing and even I - the emotionless "Sadistic Prince" cracked a grin. My mother may be a dramatic and stern person, but she has her own charms.
After she left, I started working on another business transaction letter to the King of Scotland, the one that got disposed by ahem ahem somebody.
Since the age of 17, Father had let me be a part of the Royal Conferencers, sort of like a government, but even larger than that. As my experiences grew, he let me take over more important things like for example now, I was requesting that Scotland import some of their natural gas to the Honduragua and Panama regions; their pollution from burning coal is just too immense.
When I finished my letter in about an hour, I got my father the proof-read it for me before sending it. I collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
It wasn't long before I heard a mesmerizing melody of a rich, deep instrument.
I opened the balcony doors and peered through to the bottom. It was... gosh I can't remember any names at all... that green-eyed girl - she was playing the violin. Her eyes were clouded over and her mind deep in thought. I wondered how a Six could know how to play a violin, nevertheless even have one.
I was impressed, but being the quiet person I was, I just left the doors open while I layed in the bed staring at the ceiling; eventually drifting off to sleep with her music.
. . .
"Nobody disobeys me, now let go!" the man thundered at him. Though the tears were streaming down his face, he stood her ground and held onto the girl's hand tightly.
"I am telling you to let go. Now on the count of three if you don't," he revealed a sharp blade from his pocket.
"1," he muttered. The boy wavered, but didn't let go.
"2," his voice was warning now but the little boy still held his grip tight.
"3!" he spat, and thrust the knife towards their entwined hands. The boy waited for the pain to envelope his body, but it didn't.
It never reached him.
I coughed, gasping for breath. Nightmare, only a nightmare. I sighed in relief.
Nightmares had always haunted me since childhood - it was my only weakness. Pretty iconic, the "Sadistic Prince" has that one weakness that only his lover will know. Harharhar, I was kidding - I doubt that I'll ever find a lover, even through the Selection.
The sun's beams shown through the balcony doors - I never closed them. If mother knew, she'd give me another lecture on how the rebels could sneak in and kill me.
I hopped of the bed and brushed my teeth. After finishing up all my morning routines, I called for Tim to send my breakfast to my room and pulled out the folder that my mother had 'scheduled' for me.
Week 1 - two dates (preferably with better castes)
Weel 2 - three more dates + elimination of at least two girls
Week 3 - two more dates + Scotland Royal Family visit
Week 4 - three more dates + elimination of at least 5 girls
The list when on and on and I looked at it with an uninterested expression.
I sighed.
This was going to be harder than I thought.
I rested my head onto the back of my chair and closed my eyes. I wished there was violin in the background.
BAILEE'S POV
The next day the sun was shining brightly as its rays shot into the room, eventually waking me up. My maids were already cleaning up after the mess I'd made yesterday.
"Good morning, Bailee," Ally chirped cheerfully. I managed to mumble a "Hi, girls" before I collapsed into bed again, making the girls giggle. Hearing their happy natures, I smiled and got up. Changing into a golden morning gown after my morning routines, I headed to breakfast. Having a tendency to be late, I was the last girl to arrive at breakfast, too. Once I got in, my eyes met Landon's. I sat beside Aibree. She gave me a wave and a wink before she settled into her salad. Some of the Selected started whispering.
"Is she being late on purpose? So that the Prince would notice her?" a girl whispered to the girl beside her. "I should have thought of that!" came the reply. I gulped as my face turned pink. I wasn't doing it on purpose! I ignored the glares and started with a waffle. I've never eaten such bliss, but the taste was familiar - I think Caspian took me out to a famous restaurant like this before. He saved up for months. Thinking about him made me feel a bit down. Either way, the waffles were made of such a delicious, flaky dough and the blueberry muffins were a definite favourite. Aibree, beside me, seemed melted in bliss as well. Once breakfast was over, the girls headed to the Women's Room. Queen Lossa was there, so all the girls curtsied. She gave us a welcoming gesture and skimmed through all our faces, until she saw mine. She narrowed her eyes at me and nervously I smiled at her. It took a moment before she returned the expression. Did she suspect something? I headed with the other girls. Some went to the library while others settled on writing letters to their families. I wasn't ready to contact the Northerners yet, I wanted my first letter to have some information on it. After having tea with Aibree, I headed to the gardens. Having been there many times, the garden was normal to me, but it was still a beauty. I bent down to look at the purple tulips and tiger lilies. The sun was out and I was in the mood of a walk.
I closed my eyes, feeling the morning sun soak into my body. I heard footsteps and I turned around abrubtly - a rebel had a tendency to have quick reflexes. My eyes met with a pair of golden ones once again. My heart beat rose, I became fidgety, my cheeks became red.
What was it about him that made me so nervous? Was it attraction? No. Not to the ahem ahem, His Royal Majesty the King's son, Prince Landon of Illea, the most suitable bachelor of the era. I'd snort if he wasn't right in front of me. Calming myself with confidence I curtsied to him. An awkward silence hung in the atmosphere before he spoke softly.
"Are you free this Friday?" he asked. I counted the days in my head - I think I saw a glimmer of a soft smile?
"Yeah, I am." Was this a date?
"6:00." Scratch that, it most likely was not a smile. What did a skimpy six o'clock mean? Six in the morning or afternoon?! Oh, it better not be in the morning.
"Tonight. In the evening," he continued with his normal low, soft voice. I nodded.
His face turned red and he immediately pushed his hair back, looking into the distance.
LANDON'S POV
Usually this doesn't happen. But it's her. And it's not even attraction. Is it? I'm just curious, I'm going to tell myself. Just curious. I stop my - I'm ashamed to say it - blushing, and look her in the eye directly. Her shoulders rise up. Oh no, have I scared her again? Father says I have killer eyes after I get flustered.
"Thank you for your time," I give her a regal bow and nod my head to her when she curtsies back, her eyes never leaving my face, as if she was curious of me as well. Almost cute-no. Oh my, this girl is taking over me. And she's not even doing it conciously! I've got to snap out of it. It's not like it will affect how the people around me see me - even if I wanted to, I just could not put emotions to face. I try smiling-it ends up like I twitched my mouth in disgust. Trust me when I say my mother gave me smiling classes...
I turned to leave and I was two steps away when I heard the squeal. I turned back rapidly, catching (I forgot her name) in my arms just before her bottom smacked the pavement. Her eyes were snapped shut in pain, her ankle on bent, looking a bit blue.
She slowly opened them and looked at me, then at herself and then turned stiff immediately. I scooped her up in my arms, off the ground completely, and started walking towards the nurse.
"What are you doing?!" she demanded with ferocity. I blinked, confused at her.
"Nurse," I replied. This time she was the one who looked confused.
"Your ankle is bruised," I add.
"No it's not, see? It's just fi- YAKADOOLOOBABA!" I burst out laughing. I really shouldn't be - she's in pain, but what she just said? Yakabooboo what? A well-earned laugh. I haven't laughed in quite a bit of time. She refused to look my in the eye and her pink cheeks didn't help her. I'll admit.
She's cute.
I carried her to the Hospital Wing and got Renka, our most trusted nurse, to take a look at her ankle. Along the way we did meet a few selected girls - five to be exact, whom all looked at (seriously, what is her name?) with a bit of scorn, I could tell. (You guessed it, I couldn't recall any of the five girls' names either. Not that I cared.) I ignored them and (yeah, I still can't remember her name) hid her face in my chest, like a puppy. Puppies are cute right? Sigh, yes yes, I'll admit once again that I find her cute. But anyone can find anyone cute right...?
Either way, I found myself thinking about her when I was supposed to be thinking about which other girl to go on a date with. I wondered if she was okay, if her ankle was treated well. Not that I don't trust Renka - I just... feel like I have the need to protect (insert her name here).
I shuffled through the folders on my desk. Four potential Selected that will accompany me tomorrow on a ahem, date. Paulina Brookes, Aibree Chan, Tamara Collins or Yolande d'Arcy. What to do? I haven't been paying that much attention to the girls with the exception of (...).
I need to stop this. I couldn't have her mess with my non-existant feelings.
BAILEE'S POV
How am I going to join the next rebel attack like this? I wanted to help them! Not sprain my ankle!
When I got back into my room, my maids rushed over to me.
"Oh, Lady Bailee are you alright?" Autumn and Ally exclaimed almost perfectly in unison.
"We were extremely worried, ah those heels I chose were way to tall!" Caty whimpered, eyes not meeting mine.
"Caty, if anything, it was NOT your fault." I assured her, shaking my head. She didn't look convinced.
"It must have been the heels," Caty was all over the place, not listening to what I'd said just before.
"Caty, please it wasn't-"
"Ahh! Will I get fired oh goodness gracious, help me!"
I wave of annoyance flew over me.
"IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT." My voice became cold and stern, my eyes possesed and dull. The maids immediately stiffened and all curtsied at while mumbling their apologies. Oh no. My rebel side, that fierce side has managed to creep out of the place I'd buried it - deep in my soul.
"I was not your fault, Caty. My apologies, I just wanted you to know that nothing will happen to you - I simply wouldn't let it. And what did I saw about 'Lady' Bailee?" I softened my voice and smiled at them all. Caty and Ally immediately brightened back and smiled back at me. Autumn, however, only gave me a tight smile. Oh no, did she suspect something? Worse, did she think I was going to abuse and yell at them?
"I'm sorry guys. That won't happen again. I'm just... stressed. Homesick, maybe," I sneaked a peek at Autumn who immediately nodded. Huh - that tactic worked. Maybe she was extremely homesick when she first came.
"Enough of the sad talk. I've got a date with the prince tonight," I winked at them as they all gasped. They shared a look between each other.
"Bailee, we're going to make you drop-dead gorgeous, so that even the prince will want a taste of you!" Ally winked at me. My cheeks flared red.
"WHAT?!"
I stared at my reflection in the mirror with horror. It wasn't even because I looked hideous - I looked way too... exposed. The back of my deep purple dress was cut all the way to the bottom of my hip, and the front - well the bust line fit nicely, no complaints. but the shoulders were exposed as well?!
"It's not even THAT exposing. We were going to give you a bust line that would dip in the middle..." Ally stopped when she saw my stricken, disgusted face and my maids all burst out laughing.
I let them paint my nails a matte purple to match my main look, and embellish my deep brown hair with a beautiful white flowers. And my speaking of my hair - oh my it looked stunning in a bun with those REAL (!) flowers.
The knock came four minutes after six, but it didn't bother me. I hesitantly opened the door.
"You look beautiful," he said calmly. With the demeanor, it didn't seem like he meant it!
"Thank you," I replied, matching his cold tone. He didn't seem ro realize - or he just didn't care and extended his arm out for me. I took it gently as we walked down the hall. There was a few minutes of awkwardness.
"How is your ankle?" he watched me limp slightly.
"I'm alright, thank you," I bit my lip. He nodded cooly, but eyed my injury. Why is everything about him so cold, distant... but still attractive? As we walked, I sneaked glances at his fine features.
Sharp jawline. Cold, unlifely, golden eyes. Slightly messy, dark hair. He had a nice build - not too over the top but enough to feel his biceps when my arms are looped around his. And he was... six feet?
His features fit his personality so well. But he was beautiful.
His eyes met mine, catching my stare. I quickly looked away, flustered.
"Where are you taking me?" I squeaked nervously.
"It's...a surprise," he replied in a soft tone. I nodded, but then felt a sharp pain as in my ankle. I immediately stiffened, but I tried to hide it. I was not going to embarrass myself and risk getting eliminated early without finding any information for the NRs. Landon, however, noticed straight away... and he immediately scooped me up bridal-style. I freaked again.
"I-I'm alright, please put me down!" I pleaded. He looked straight ahead, ignoring me.
"You're hurt," he said in a flat voice and continued looking ahead. His body felt warm. I unconciously snuggled up against his broad chest, closing my eyes. I felt oozy, like I was entering a dream. I fell asleep.
I woke up to the sound of the soft keys of a piano. A familiar tune. I sat up abruptly, and yelped - too much pressure on my ankle. The beautiful melody stopped suddenly and the mysterious pianist came over. Obviously it was Landon.
"Where am I?" I whispered, looking around at my unfamiliar surroundings.
"My room," Landon answered. Gosh, his face was still unreadable. But... his room? According to X-Ray, his room had a secret room built-in, which we had never explored.
"Your playing was beautiful," I gave him a small smile. He looked at me with gentle expression on his face.
"So is yours," he replied stoically. Looking confused for I second, I stared at him.
"Violin," he nodded. I blushed profusely.
"Thank you," I smiled genuinly. We sat there for a while, just like this, in an awkward but content atmosphere. After a few moments I realized that I was laying in his bed while he stood, hands in pockets.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I quickly stood upon my feet onto the ground, but then winced again. Landon shook his head and smiled with such tenderness. I sat back down.
"And I'm sorry I fell asleep for an hour..." I trailed off, embarrassed.
"So what are we doing tonight?" I resolved the silence. He took his hands out of his pockets and motioned toward the piano. Beside it, was an expensive-looking violin, resting comfortably on a polished stand. I gaped. Were we doing a duet? I'm going to embarrass myself even further! I'm self-taught!
As if reading my thoughts, he took my hands and led me to the intruments. I shuddered at the coldness of his slender fingers. He brought over a chair for me and I thanked him once again.
"It's a piece you've played before," he whispered into my ear.
I placed the violin between my legs and closed my eyes to calm myself. The only piece he could have heard was the one I played last night - Merry Go Round of Life. (Joe Hisaishi.)
"Ready?" he asked, looking at me subtly.
"Yeah."
"I'm so sorry!" I flushed red as I played another wrong note. I've played five wrong notes already - not too much, but still embarrassing. If Landon had heard me only yesterday night and started practing the piece today - he's a prodigy. He hasn't struck one wrong note yet. Hmm. The rumors about him cutting school because of his superiority may be true.
Landon gave me a reassuring look in the eye. Oh no, I'm falling for his spells.
Seeing that I wasn't completely calm yet, Landon got up from the piano and kneeled beside me, holding my hands and looking at me with big, innocent eyes. He nodded at me, and I nodded back, finally settled. He sat back at the piano and started playing the beautiful song. Once it was my turn to add onto his melody, I played the best I'd played this entire evening. I loved music so much, so I'd stolen a violin (don't ask how - it was pretty bad), and I don't steal too much. I wanted to learn the piano, but a piano was way to hard to steal. I'd been too shy to ask Landon to teach me.
The night had been mellow, peaceful and lovely. When it was time for me to leave (11:00 pm already!) I wanted to stay. But it would look bad and sound weird if I'd ask him for more time.
He offered to escort me to my room, but I declined politely. I did not want to see more girls shooting daggers at me with their eyes. I went out his door and shut it gently. But being the observant rebel I was, I spotted a chain of keys near the door. Without thinking, I opened his door slowly again.
"Landon? You dropped your-" I stopped when I couldn't spot him in his room. It was gigantic and spacious, yes, but you can't lose someone in a room, right? I knocked on the bathroom door before barging in.
"Wai-" was all I heard before my face flushed completely red.
"I'M SO SORRY AH!"
Without thinking, I dashed out of the door and down the hallway. When I was sure I was a good distance away from his room, I stopped. I'd seen the prince naked. Like I only saw his upper body and his bottom was wrapped in a towel, but STILL! I mean... he did have a nice body and some nice abs... OH MY GOSH WHAT NO I DID NOT JUST THINK THAT.
Realizing that I was still gripping the keys, my rebel side came out, like a devil. Keys, huh? To the prince's room. Which has the secret room. Hmm. Who cares about his six packs? I've been too distracted. I'm becoming a lady who fawns over the prince. I can't do that. I came here for a reason, so I must carry out that reason - to help the NRs seek information and finally overthrow the Royal Family.
Oh no, I was dumb in the moment. Landon knew. He knew that I played the violin. He would wonder how I learned if I was a Six. Oh no, he's going to find out that I'm a criminal and I stole it. Noooo. Calm yourself. Act fast while you can. Now that you have the keys to his room, find a way into the secret room. But I have a sprain ankle!
No, an ankle isn't going to stop me from prevailing.
I'm going to get that key.