DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own The Selection nor The Elite.

Chapter Eleven

[Sophia POV]

Two days later…

"Ha, okay, favorite color?"

"Hmm," I tapped the side of my cheek thoughtfully, hearing David snicker beside me. "..I think..violet, like some of the sweet pea flowers that grow in April." The prince raised a brow in fascination at my reply. I was thankful for being secluded in the gardens; otherwise Amelia would've scolded me for giggling as loudly as I had.

"Sweet pea flowers," David smirked. "Fascinating. Is there anything else I should ask, Miss Smarty-Pants, since, you know, you know everything?"

My mouth dropped open. "I do not!" I lightly hit David's shoulder, surprised by his bold joke. These past few afternoons I've spent with the prince have been, well, amazing, especially with my foot has fully healed; I've been able to finally walk on my own again. Our time together is more frequent, too. I don't think I can ever be bored with his company.

"Well, how about you, what's your favorite color?" I asked David, poking his shoulder with my index finger. I repeatedly poked him until he finally gave in; gently smacking my hand away. "Fine, fine," he chuckled. "Red, like my Mother's hair." I nodded in agreement.

"That is a pretty color," I state.

"Yeah, I'm kind of envious of Sara for inheriting it.." David ran a hand through his blond hair. I shook my head, laughing. "Don't be, she too adorable. Besides, I think you look better with blond hair," I say, running my fingers through his hair and ruffling up the tresses, sticking it out in different directions. "Yup, way better!" I laugh.

David reached his hands towards my brown curls for revenge, and I tried my best to fight him off. As we were doing so, I almost didn't notice the tall, bulky guard that strode his way over to us.

"Ahem, excuse me, your Highness,"

Hearing his tone, David and I froze; our entwined positions probably giving the guard the wrong idea. I could tell from his small smirk. "..Y-Yes?" David's reply was shaky as he let go of me, his body moving a few respectable inches away from mine. "The letters from the Selected' families have arrived, and I come bearing Lady Sophia's."

The guard handed me a small envelope, one that had my name written on the front in neat cursive. I smiled when I noticed the crayon drawn hearts around it too. "Thank you." I smile at the guard, watching as he nodded in response before walking away, leaving David and I alone again. I ran my thumb across the envelope, chuckling at the childish drawings scattered around the whole thing.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" I looked up at David. He gestured towards my letter, his eyes holding just as much excitement as mine. "Open it."

He didn't have to tell me twice. I carefully opened the envelope, cautious not to ruin anything, and pulled out the folded letter. Opening it, I read:

'Dear Sophia,

It's me, Christopher. We miss you so much; there isn't a word to describe how proud we are of you. Charlotte and Melissa have been wondering when they'd get a chance to hear from you, they've been bouncing off the walls ever since we found your letter in the post. Addison's been doing alright too, and so has Alice, your newest niece—

Aw, I have a new niece, I squealed in thought. I remember how Addison's water broke on the day my name was picked for the Selection. Since then, she's been in the hospital; the doctors wanted to keep her and the baby a bit longer since Addison had given birth prematurely. I haven't had a chance to meet the newest addition to the family, so hearing this makes me very happy.

Yeah, they're both fine. And the compensation we received covered just enough for the hospital bill, too. Oh, how I just wish it could've been a boy this time, but Alice is healthy and that's all that matters. Sorry to cut this so short, but this palace official guy is getting impatient.. We hope to hear from you soon, we love you so much.

Love,

Christopher, Addison, Charlotte, Melissa and Alice'

I blinked away the tears I felt brimming at the corners of my eyes. They were happy tears, obviously. "Huh, there's something in the envelope.." David said as his fingers began to pull out another folded piece of paper.

I gasped as I unfolded the paper; stick figure drawings of me with a crown and an outrageously colored gown staring back at me. "Princess Aunt Sophia!" was written in the corner, I almost couldn't control my laughter after reading it.

"Isn't that adorable," David chuckled as he peered at the picture. "Did your nieces draw that?" He asked. "Yeah, they love art, just like my brother." I reply, quickly wiping away a tear that had fallen. "Hey, are you okay?.." David looked at me with concern.

I nodded quickly. "Yeah," I sniffed. "Just..missing my family, that's all." David continued to stare at me, concern clouding his eyes. I sensed that he was about to say something else, but he was interrupted by the loud yell of one of the guards. "Your Highness, get inside. Now!"

Hearing the alert tone, David and I turned our heads, watching as the same bulky guard from before ran towards us. "We've spotted them, coming from the north," He said. David tensed beside me, suddenly rising to stand. "We must get you and Lady Sophia inside, quickly."

"Yes, I understand. Let's go, Sophia." David held out a hand to me. Hesitantly I took it, finding myself frightened and wanting to know what's going on. "David, what's happening?.." I asked the prince as we followed the guard through the gardens.

"..I-It's best if you don't know," He tried, I quickly shook my head. "No, tell me, please. This is scaring me.." He stopped walking and sighed, I could see how unsure he was about telling me. "..It's the rebels," He said finally. "The Northern rebels, to be exact."

"The..Northern.." I paled. The rebels were coming, actual rebels. "I have to hurry and get you and the rest of the girls into the safe room, so let's—Ah!"

I screamed as an arrow flew between our faces, landing on the grass floor with the thud. David suddenly dragged me towards the palace doors, pushing me inside harshly and shutting the doors behind us. "Guards," David called, his hold on my slightly shaky hand was almost unbearably tight, but I didn't mind at all. Two guards showed up shortly, obviously prepared for whatever their prince had called for.

"Take Lady Sophia and gather the rest of the girls and head to the safe room." He told them, his hold on me releasing. "But, Prince David, what about you?" Asked one of the guards. "I must go find my family. Now hurry, there's no time to waste."

The guards nodded as they began to pull me away. I looked back at David to see him nodding at me, his expression seeming to say 'It'll be okay'. For everyone's sake, I hope it will be.

Hello everyone! There's going to be a part two, obviously. I don't like how I ended it, I think I could've done better, but at least I updated! Please stay tuned for part two, and review with your honest opinions. Until the next chapter, c ya!