Two more chapters before the Selection begins… Comments and bracket below. Thanks so much for reading, whether you review or follow or fav or not. XOXO -SJ
I am mulling over my latest conversation with Auntie Nic. She keeps her promise to stay in touch and has been calling at least weekly. Her last question no more than an hour ago was, "Cal, do you really want to be king?" And, then she hung up. Thanks a lot. The stage lights from the Report set are blinding, but I look into the cameras with a composed look on my face as I have for as long as I can remember. After talk of the elections and the economy, Gavril turns his full attention to me.
"Now, Prince Calix, it seems like you have a reason to be excited this evening."
I smile, "It would seem so, Gavril."
"I thought you might explain the change made in the Selection process, and why those changes are so important. Then, we will share the names of the thirty-five women arriving at the palace in just a few short weeks."
So, I quickly detail the changes and the reasoning, ending with, "And, of course, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone." I end with my best smile, and Gavril winks at me.
"I'm sure you are, Prince Calix. I'm sure you are. So, without further ado, the ladies of the Selection."
I pretend I'm watching as pictures flick across the monitor, but really I am looking past it. Auntie Nic's question really bothers me. Of course I want to be king. It's what I am here for. It's why I do everything I do. Isn't it?
Dad's hand on my shoulder signals me that the broadcast is over, "Nice job tonight, Cal." His smile is genuine, "It can be dazzling, but I know you'll make the right choice."
"Thanks," I say, focusing my eyes, and glad he can't read my thoughts. "Thanks. I know I will, too." He pauses like he may say something else, but instead he pats my shoulder and answers Tyrmian's request for a piggyback ride. I watch them trot away, as if I am in a trance.
Eventually, I find myself in my study. I sit, and pull the file of winning Selection applications. I flip through the pictures of the women, the applications attached with staples. When narrowing the applications down to the final thirty-five, I paid little attention. But, I decide I'm going to try to learn their names before they arrive.
I'm startled by the ringing phone, especially since I already spoke with Auntie Nic. "Hello?"
"Hello, big brother. Saw your interview on the report. So, you're going through with it?"
"Good lord, Brie. What time is it over there? When's the last time you got up with the sun?"
She yawns audibly and I laugh. "Well, it is a little early. But, since I don't have to be on The Report, at least I can watch it. Sometimes, I actually miss you all."
"Oh, I see. Having fun finding yourself?" The thought occurs to me that maybe Brie hasn't been to sleep yet.
"I won't bore you with the details. But it is pretty amazing over here. I feel guilty that you are stuck at home with all your official duties and your suits and your endless meetings."
"I bet."
She taunts me, "Jeans, Cal. I wear jeans every day."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, you just called to ask about the Selection?"
"I just had to make sure for myself that you're okay with it. I saw your 'official response' but I want to know your real one," she pushes. "Are you really ready to meet a new girl right now?"
"Brie, I feel like I just had this conversation with Auntie Nic and Mom cornered me a few weeks ago. Fae told me in no uncertain terms that she is done with me. And the Selection is my duty, yes, but I am beginning to get excited about it. How else am I supposed to meet eligible women now that I am back home?"
"Well, at least all the current women in your life are smart and discerning. I want you to promise me that my new sister-in-law will be, too."
"Got it."
"And, Cal. Ensure that the women who are competing for your hand aren't questioned about their previous, um, experience, as it were." Her tone is serious.
"What? The application asks about work and school. What other experience is there to know about?"
"Oh, brother," she snorts. "Cal, Mom was asked about her purity. And if your advisors do the same, I will bludgeon you with your own hypocrisy."
I know I am turning red and am so glad she can't see it. "Don't worry, Brie. I really think that's a personal thing, right?"
"Cal, thirty-five women are about to lose all the privacy they've ever known because they were silly enough to fill out an application to compete to marry you. You don't think any deep dark secrets will be leaked to the media?"
"I'll talk to Dad and Gavril. We'll try to control it, Brie. Thanks."
"You're welcome. It's my job as your sister to look out for you and any woman senseless enough to fall for you."
"We've been playing horse every night after dinner, Brie. When you come home for Christmas, we'll have to have a rematch."
"Right, Cal. I miss you, too. Talk to you soon."
And just like that, I'm left with a dial tone. Auntie Nic must be teaching her well.
I stop in the entrance to the common rooms. Tomorrow the women of the Selection will take over the palace, and it is literally the last night of anything resembling normal family time. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Kort is curled against the arm of the couch, only his blonde hair visible over his book. Tyrmian is picking out notes with Mom on the piano. My fingers itch a little to do the same. How long has it been since I've taken time to play? Barrett and Griffin are taking up the rest of the couch watching a soccer game with the volume turned down low. Mary is preparing the table for a simple supper, as we will be having plenty of formal meals soon. I miss seeing Brie curled up in the chair with her sketchpad or reading something with Kort or Tyr. Or, more likely, rooting against Barrett and Griffin's soccer team just to get under their skin.
"Well, son," Dad's voice comes from behind me, "Taking a mental picture?" I move so that he can stand beside me on the far side of the room.
"I was just thinking I don't remember the last time it was just the eight of us. I guess the only constant is change?" I sound more wistful than I mean, and Dad studies me for a minute before answering.
"Cold feet?"
"Maybe nostalgia? Or body-gripping fear?" I'm trying to joke, but of anyone, Dad actually understands what I am going through.
"I was completely numb and totally oblivious to the ways of women." He nods to Mom and Tyr, "But look how well the Selection turned out for me, Cal. I never would have been able to meet your mother any other way."
"No regrets?"
"My only regret Cal, is that I tried to read a woman's mind. But, I think you're smarter than me in that regard. My best advice is to make absolutely no assumptions. And don't leave it to a bullet to force you to process your true feelings for someone."
"I thought you loved Mom from the moment you saw her." Did Dad leave his proposal until after the rebel attack where he almost died? Mom and Dad don't talk much about that time—I figure because it is too painful.
"I did. Let's just say she took a while to decide that I was the one for her," he stops talking and smiles as Mom approaches. She reaches up and gives him a kiss on his cheek, and then leans into him as he puts an arm easily around her shoulders. They are halves of the same whole. And, I've heard them have some amazing arguments over my lifetime, but nothing that tore them from each other's sides. That type of relationship is really what I am longing for, if I am honest. What if she isn't coming with her thirty-four closest friends tomorrow? What if I've already met her? What if I never will?
"Cal, let's eat," Mom says gently, pulling me out of my thoughts. Worry must be plastered across my face. "A little birdie told me you haven't had much today. It's hard to face anything on an empty stomach."
I let them guide me to the table, and then allow the comfort of my parents and little brothers to distract me from my main thought: I am supposed to meet my wife.
I hope you are still enjoying reading! Next chapter we will have more Ethan…then in CH 13 the Selection begins! :) As always, thanks for stopping by, and when you feel like it, leaving a review! The chapters are coming up a bit more slowly because I have a proposal due on Monday. I am trying to get it finished by tomorrow night, but we'll see… :)
azure blue espeon: Oh, thanks! And, I name the kids by searching Google. All the names have special meanings. Calix is Maxon's middle name, and his middle name is Shalom (America's dad's name…) So he is named after Dad and Grandpa. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, too! :)
AcademicGirl: I know. Perfection is just a game to drive you crazy. The world doesn't end if I forget a comma…sometimes I have to remember that? I hope you found your bracelet. Sounds like you had a sucky day. :-/ Thanks for the writing props—it makes writing worth it, doesn't it! :)
SelectionFan: Thanks so much. Argh, I can hardly believe that the summer is over… :-/
The Devil Wears Westwood: Awww, Mama America is my favorite. I wouldn't put it past the Schreave's… Not in the plans, but you never know. ;) Poor Calix. We'll see! :)
dolly123: Awww, thanks. Yeah, America is not thrilled about Calix's experience, but… Some of the series mentioned in the bracket are better than others. But I did enjoy reading them all! Happy reading! :)
Guest: (the first one) Aww, thanks. I appreciate you saying so!
prnamber3909: Soon, princess, soon! ;)
Flam3nco: How sweet! Thanks! You couldn't know that I had Maxon and Calix talking in this one, plus another appearance by Brie, too. I am so glad you like it and are following so closely! Sorry I can only update this much. :)
Guest: (the last one): Noted! Thanks for reading! :)
BRACKET
For those of you playing the bracket game… KY is the winner. Not surprising… but if you haven't read the Paranormalcy series, you are missing out! :)
So, for the next bracket: Tobias "Four" Eaton (Divergent) VS Peregrine (Under the Never Sky)…oooh, that's a difficult one for me… What will you choose?