Chapter XI
It was at twilight three days later when Gabriella's heart shattered. After another argument between Alera and Jocelynn, she was finished with "socializing" as Francesca called it. Her dress was dark navy, and she was thankful for it as she strolled around the gardens. It wasn't exactly curfew, but she didn't want to be bothered. The faint sound of laughter floated through the air. She followed the sound, feeling dirty for being so snoopy.
"Oh, Cass, you're so hilarious!" Lucille giggled. Gabriella wanted to gag, but stopped herself as silence cut through, then footsteps. A guard was walking towards her swiftly.
What am I going to do? Cassian will see me for sure if I go forward, but the guard will make a ruckus if I go back.
Finally, she decided what to do. She trotted forward and bent down, discreetly slipping her white glove from her hand, then picked it up. She knew Lucille was kissing Cassian, but didn't dare look. She felt like someone had stabbed her in the chest, and she thought she might throw up.
"Sorry, my glove slipped earlier today!" She started to go back, not daring to see Lucille's smug smirk. Not daring to see Lucille get what she wanted. Not daring to see Cassian get what he wanted. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Cassian mouth their secret word. Without a glance, she shook her head. Not tonight.
Francesca was out with Zaniyah to play chess (the two were very competitive), and it was just as well. She didn't want anyone to see her cry. Honestly, she didn't want to see herself cry, Mother would be so ashamed.
The fleecy sheets of the bed comforted Gabriella, and she buried her face in the pillow. Why am I crying? I know he's not mine! That's not why I'm here. He just likes Lucille more…She tried to stop negative thoughts from rotting her brain, then burst into tears again, Because she's more beautiful, more princesslike, more-
A hand rubbed her shoulder. It was warm against her chilled skin, but Gabriella didn't want it.
"Leave me alone, Francesca."
"It's not Francesca," Grace chuckled, "What's wrong, Lady Gabriella? The Prince break your heart?" Gabriella pushed her face further into the pillow.
"I take your silence as a 'yes'. Lady Gabriella, I like tough love, so I'll give you the facts. If you can't handle a kiss, you don't belong in the Selection." Grace said firmly. "you'd make a damn good princess, but you got to survive this storm first." Gabriella felt her words patch the wound.
"Lady Gabriella?" A voice called. Cassian's. "Gabriella?" Grace looked at her disheveled face, a smile tugged at her lips, hiding a romantic secret.
"Tell him to go away, please." Grace nodded and walked over. She curtsied, giving him Gabriella's response. There was a split second argument, and Gabriella retreated under the covers once more, only the tip of her head peeking out. It felt good to feel miserable and not be condemned for it.
She was aware of the creak of a bed, and gritted her teeth. "Grace told you to go away."
"So she did. But here I am." He joked. Gabriella gave no response. "Gabriella-Lady Gabriella, can we talk? Will you say something?"
"Go away." Cassian shrugged.
"Gabriella, it was just a kiss. Do you want me to kiss you right now to be even?"
"Yeah, and when you get married, she'll only be you're wife." Cassian stood up.
"Fine. I won't talk to you if that's how you want it." He said rather tartly. She listened to his footsteps creak across the floor.
He leaned his head through the door before closing it, saying softly:
"I'll be on the balcony, you know, whenever." The door clicked shut.
A/N: Agh I love Grace so much! Don't you? Tell me what you think of the characters in the Reviews! Comments, Compliments, and Concerns (and constructive criticism of course!) are greatly accepted and appreciated! Thanks for reading!