DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own The Selection nor The Elite.
Chapter Nine
[Sophia POV]
I smiled absentmindedly as my pen glided across the blank palace parchment. My penmanship was as clear as day with the ink pen I wrote with—which felt like I was writing on pure silk. I was glad when Prince David announced at breakfast that we could all write notes to our families back in our home provinces, I was wondering if I'll ever get a chance to hear from them, and vice versa.
When I finished, I set down my pen to view my letter. It read:
'Dear Christopher, Addison, Charlotte, Melissa, and Destiny,
Words cannot describe how much I miss you all; I really wish you all were here with me. The palace is so beautiful, and everyone here is so nice. I have a few new friends—calm down, Des—I've already met the prince—calm down, Addison—and you will never believe this: I'm right next door to the princess!
So far, things have been going well. I have three maids who cater to my every need, even when I tell them it's not necessary, but they seem to like helping me. They also create my dresses by hand, so whenever you see me on the Report, just know that whatever I'm wearing is original. But despite all of that, I can't wait to see you all again, whenever that may be. Just know that I'm safe and can't wait to hear from you.
Love,
Sophia'
I felt my eyes sting slightly when I finished the letter. I did miss my family, though I didn't realize how much until now. "Miss Sophia," My head shot up at the call of my name. I looked to see Olivia, Missy and Grace standing before me at the foot of my bed. "We don't mean to rush you, but we must get you ready for the prince."
I blinked at them, nearly forgetting that Prince David was coming at noon. "Oh, yes." I mumbled as I lightly swung my legs on the side of the bed, slightly balancing on Grace as I stood. My foot has been doing a lot better since yesterday. The swelling has definitely gone down, so it doesn't hurt much, but there's still that pesky bruise. I suppose that'll be there longer than intended.
My maids hurriedly washed me and dressed me in a knee-length dress that was a soothing yellow; not too bright, not too dull. By the time they'd actually finished zipping it up, there was a knock at the door. Olivia answered it and suddenly bowed. "Please, come in, your Majesty." I smiled lightly when I saw Prince David's face.
"Good afternoon, Sophia," He spoke as he neared me. I curtsied in response. "I hope you've slept well."
"I did, thank you." I replied, watching as his eyes shimmered before he turned around to my maids. "Would you mind grabbing us some desserts from the kitchen, please?" I watched as the three of them said "Of course, your Highness," before leaving the room.
When the prince turned back to me, I gave him a slight smile. "So, your Majesty, what do you have planned for us today?" I asked him.
Prince David smiled and revealed a deck of cards within his hands. I fought back the urge to giggle; I didn't think royals had time to play cards. "I thought that we could play a friendly game, and you could tell me a bit about yourself since I didn't get the opportunity to meet you yesterday," He gestured to the seats by the window—which the girls gladly placed earlier.
"Sounds nice," I chuckled, blushing slightly when his hand found my shoulder. "Oh, and please, call me David." I blinked as his expression seemed to turn to boyish and, possibly, a bit shy. "Being called 'Majesty' all the time isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know?.."
I really didn't know, since no one's ever called me that, but I guess I understood what he was saying. "Alright, your.. I mean David." I paused. I guess I have to get used to that, I thought.
When we sat down, David began placing the deck on the table, shuffling them with skillful hands. "So," he looked up at me as he dealt the cards, slightly clearing his throat. "Tell me, what's your life like back home?"
I smirked lightly as he place two cards down—one facing up, the other down—before looking at me from behind his hidden deck. "Well," I chuckled as I stared at my hand. "I live with my brother, his wife, and three kids. I've been living with them for almost three years now."
David looked at me confusedly as he watched me place down a card. "What about your parents?" He asked. "My Mother fell ill and died a few years ago, and my father died before I was born." David's expression turned to one of sympathy, but there was no need for him to feel that way.
"Oh.. I'm sorry."
"It's alright," I smile lightly as I threw out another card. "I work as a dancer and perform at in-city recitals. I'm in the advanced division with my best friend; we do everything together."
"You dance?" David looked at me with interest, as if he savored every detail that came out of my mouth. "Yes, mostly ballet." I blush at the confession. Suddenly, David takes on a more thoughtful and serious face. "So you're fond of classical music?"
I nod. "Yes. Especially Mozart, his pieces are so..calming. To me anyways."
After a few moments of silence, David cleans up his deck and gestures for me to hand him mine. "What are you doing? Don't you want to finish the game?" I spoke hesitantly as I handed him my hand of cards, watching as he shuffled them up neatly. "Yes, but, I want to show you something. If it's alright with you.."
After staring into his eyes for a moment, I slightly nod. "..Sure."
"Great, then follow—Wait, can you walk?"
I follow his gaze down to my bandaged foot. "Oh, yes," I say immediately. "It doesn't hurt as badly anymore."
"Positive?.." He looks at me, unsure.
"Yes, David," I assure him as I walk over to grab my packed bag that—thankfully—no one has touched since I've been here, and grabbed my pair of dance slippers. Walking in heels after my injury would surely cause me to lose my foot, so I slipped on the flat shoes and hurried back to the prince. "I'm ready. Where are you taking me?"
David, though he still looked unsure of my foot, put on a small smirk. "It's a surprise."
Sorry for the long wait guys, and the short chapter. But I will update again today, I have enough time! Stay tuned!
