I do not own anything, but I do have a snuggly pitbull!
EmPOV
The security crew had flown all day yesterday transporting the collection to the underground gardens. After Bella had been taken in two days prior, I had been escorted in the back way into the observation room on the third level that overlooked the common area that the girls would share. Bella had spent most of that day and yesterday tending to the gardens, a pleasant smile on her face.
In the time that had passed these weeks since the transport accident, they had been able to renovate the old gardeners' barracks for the needs of commission. The nursery we set in an old underground salt mine, and with technological advances in strength material the mine was able to be dug out to a massive size. Large artificial lights were added to simulate sunlight and now the gardens serve the majority of the capital. The barracks on this side of the facility hadn't been used in forty years, and needed badly renovated. And due to the unusual location the durable, versatile and transportable building method that had been applied to our life long ago could not be used and they had to resort to basic construction techniques.
The first underground facility that had been constructed for commission was scraped. The transport bomb went off far to close and everyone involved thought that it would be too risky to take them there should there be another attack. This time around, only a few have knowledge of when and where commission is being conducted.
The fear that has been created deep within me by these deliberate attacks is disturbing. I haven't been able to talk to Harry or my father, so I don't know if these are common occurrences. I have never heard of such things happening, but then again my parents had always done a great job of keeping the few surly things that still happen in this world away from my brothers and me.
The observation room that I am in doesn't have separate rooms, rather just one large space with a low ceiling. There are several cot-like beds, one that I have taken post along the back wall. In the center, there is a round conference table with modern visual equipment. The one side is a small kitchen and massive cabinetry holding supplies that might be required for the girls. And the front wall or window rather, is as wide of the space we are in minus the door that leads to the steps down to the gardens. I've been sitting in a chair watching Bella closely, fearing that another accident might happen.
She is an extremely trusting person and I hope that she doesn't react badly when she finds out the truth about her unfortunate time while away from home. Perhaps we will make Edward tell her when she becomes Prime.
She will be Prime; it's a 95% certain at this point according to The Forum. She tested a match for Edward at 87% whereas the next closest match for him was only 47%. All the girls tested of course had to have certain genetic qualities that The Forum predicted would improve the royal line. And now I was waiting on The Forum officers to arrive so that they can start their first session.
They arrive quickly, looking haggard in the pre-dawn hours, lack of sleep or Paul's eccentric flying skills to blame, which one of them I'm not sure. The Forum officers, my father, Harry, Sam and I all take seats at the table. The rest of the security team is wondering around the room, Paul and Jared getting coffee, Emily and Kim tidying up the space.
Sitting on a cot, back against the wall arms crossed is Rosalie. She is the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen. And I was a complete moron when we first met, now she holds so much disdain for me, she sits glaring at me right now.
"Let's start gentlemen," one forum officer states. I nod my head as does Harry and Sam.
"There is only one reasonable match for Prince Edward and allowing him to view picture cards of her has confirmed this as well. They haven't met yet, but they are both physically attracted to each other. During her testing we added Prince Edward to the group of pictures that she was shown during the raw emotions test and she became aroused quite quickly. And per Prince Emmett's accounts, Prince Edward has a similar response as far as we can tell.
"We did have some concerns with her confidence and lack of trust she holds for commission. She has shown that she believes in our society fully and trusts in The Forum greatly, but doesn't believe that she should be a candidate for commission. We have chosen the worst candidates for Prince Edward as possible to join her in hopes that she will realize that she may be better suited for Prime than any other."
"Won't that just make her more skeptical about the effectiveness of The Forum? She already sees herself as a poor candidate, if she feels superior to them how will that make her feel about the future of our society?" I ask.
"She has excellent reasoning skills and is able to work through complex logical problems; we hold high faith that she will figure it out all on her own. We as The Forum and the King have both expressed an incessant demand that a Prime be crowned as quickly as possible. Intelligence officers among The Forum are concerned with recent events and chatter within the cells of the outland borders. While the threat is still being evaluated we are hoping to crown a new Prime before a public event could happen. The Society as a whole is always strongest during commission and the creation of new leaders thereafter.
"We must push Bella to believe in herself and reinsure that she is the best possible person to bear the next heir. We have brought in Miss Alice Brandon to be Commission Coordinator, who has been discovered to have precognitive advanced brain function. She is extremely perceptive and has tested well in social therapy applications. She also happens to be an excellent match for Prince Jasper which is why she hasn't been placed anywhere yet.
"This is confidential Prince Emmett and you must hold this information in higher regard than your familial connections." He says turning to me.
"Yes sir." I respond firmly.
"We will observe the morning introductions with the candidates and then have a sit down with Miss Alice. She must not know of the favorability of Miss Bella before the appropriate time, this is imperative."
We break our discussion when we hear someone shouting below. I walk to the windows and see that a small woman with brown spiky hair sitting next to Bella. Bella is dressed in Ivory and it suits her much better than the white of The Forum or the black military clothing that I had become used to see her wearing. After all the things that she had been through recently and how she kept positive and mostly un-phased by all of it, cements all hope that she will be my next queen.
I just wish she would realize it too.
One by one the girls parade out to the circle of chairs, and I say parade because the amount of makeup and inappropriate clothing they are wearing should be used only for a special occasion, if ever. They must think that they are meeting the Prince today and want to entice him with their sexual bodies, I hope. Meanwhile Bella sits back straight, knees together, legs crossed at the ankle wearing modest clothing that makes her look respectable. A smile stays on her face despite some unkind glances coming her way.
Alice goes through a quick introduction, and then the girls one by one introduce themselves. "Where did you guys find these girls?" Harry asks out loud. All of us are astonished by the lack of decency some of these girls have.
"Some of them are truly the worst candidates possible for Prince Edward, but all showed desire for him. Some of the girls needed additional observation before placement. Take Chelsea for example, she has uncanny characteristics for personal security, but we had concerns about social loyalties. Tia the quiet black haired young lady is extremely well studied, but he father has been very strict with her and she has lost the ability to make decisions on her own. We are hoping that the interaction with Miss Alice can help her. She may be a good choice to be purposely matched, perhaps a gentlemen that is kind and loving."
"Interesting," I say, because it truly is, using commission to iron out details of not only Miss Bella's shortcomings, but also of others. As Delegate to commission for my brother I was able to read reports on past commissions. They've done things like this before, but none had been so decided from the beginning about one candidate over another. Even my father's commission wasn't like this. My mother and one other had been close competitors, but as soon as my father was allowed one on one counseling time with them, my mother won is heart.
The group splits up and immediately Bella begins to work in the massive gardens, sitting down with her legs tucked back behind her. The other girls split up into groups and begin chatting with each other, with Tia as the exception. She is alone on a bench and reading a book, withdrawn so far into herself she looks like a small child hiding behind the big book.
Alice flits around and talks to each girl privately, sometimes writing down a long list of things, others just a few things. Lastly she skips over to Bella and without saying a word sits near her and observes her. Bella gives her a kind smile and continues working.
Fifteen minutes pass before Bella seems to have hit a breaking point and explains herself to Alice. I press a button on the monitors and focus the audio to Alice and Bella so that we can hear their conversation.
"… only a small percentage of their staff here. I want to help and they can certainly use it. It's not like I will be Prime anyway. I might as well not waste time while I'm here." I hear Bella explain to Alice, head down working diligently.
Alice takes a minute to respond seeming to have to think about what to say next. Her eyes are closed and a broad smile on her face. "Perhaps you would like some help?"
"Help would be tremendous," Bella is excited.
"I'll let you handle that." Alice says to her cryptically. "Do you need anything Bella?"
"No I'm quite comfortable with the items provided."
"I knew you would be," Alice responds loudly and knowingly still walking away. She continues walking away from the gardens and I know that she is heading towards the stairs. I stand up to greet her when she walks in, unfolding a paper.
"Good Day Gentlemen, Prince Emmett." She says to us walking to the table with a certain seat picked out. Just before she sits down she whips her head around to look towards the back wall and stares at Rosalie very curiously her head tilting to the side. She lightly walks over to Rosalie, who is sitting in near the same position as she has been all morning. Back against the wall, legs out and crossed, arms crossed in defense. As Alice walks over Rosalie's scowl gradually turns into a curious look.
"I'm Alice it's a pleasure to meet you," she says sticking her hand out for Rosalie to shake.
"I'm Rose," She responds taking her hand confidently. Alice closes her eyes and I can hear her gasp for air. Her look of shock slowly slides into a brilliant smile and then she turns and locks eyes with me.
"Very exciting," she says to herself and takes a seat at the table after walking back over.
One of The Forum members is smirking, which I find unique. Many members of The Forum are emotionless and nameless souls, preferring to believe to live as one body. Massive amounts of people to form one large brain. They are friendly and polite, but having a knowing smile such as his strikes me as odd.
"What have you seen Miss Alice?" He asks her, and she eyes him carefully before replying.
"Many great things, sir," she says cryptically.
"Will you not give us a peek?"
"No sir, I wouldn't want to alter what is to come. You certainly can appreciate that, can't you sir?"
"Aye Miss Alice, keep your secrets if no harm is come of the people."
Emily and Kim join us at the table and Alice slides a list over to them, "Would you ladies help me with this, there are some very needy girls down there." She states annoyed and glares momentarily at the three Forum members present. Both girls get up and begin pulling items out of the cabinets.
"When would you like to begin testing the girls?" Alice asks getting straight down to business.
"We are truly only interested in a few of the girls; Chelsea, Tia, Kate and Heidi. So we will closely monitor them, all the others can run through the virtual programs too, but will only be monitored for red flags."
"You're not interested in Bella?" Alice asks defensively. I put my head down and pretend I'm reading something in the packet that is placed in front of me.
"Not at this time." He states firmly, ending the line of discussion.
Her brow furrows and she has to shake her head a bit before getting back on topic.
"Are you going to be here, or are you going to be remote?"
"Remote."
"Okay we'll start tomorrow, I assume we would like to do the virtual test quickly?" Alice asks.
"Yes, have the girls I named off go first incase the program changes and requires extra time of them." Alice knows that something is up, and I'm a terrible liar, so I pretend as best as I can that everything is fine and continue to avoid eye contact.
Alice ponders for a minute before leaving out an exasperated sigh and says, "Okay."
"Miss Alice, I don't see Bella's list of items." Emily says, obviously not hearing the conversation that Alice had with Bella downstairs.
"Bella's a gem, hard working, sacrificial and she lives by society's rules to a T. She requested no additional items that weren't provided. The only thing that she has ever acted out on was when I mentioned to her yesterday about stopping the use of the oil."
"Why didn't she want to stop?" I ask.
"She was quite adamant that she will not be Prime and that there is no reason to stop."
"I see." One of the officers gives me a knowing look and I nod my head in agreement.
"Well since this is all ready, we can help take these down Miss Alice," Kim says to her obviously trying to change the subject. With a nod from The Forum members Miss Alice, Kim and Emily take the boxes of supplies that the girls requested down to the floor levels.
I peek out the window and see that Bella has taken up work with the gardens and is quietly showing Tia how to pick and package the strawberries. The other girls are huddled in small groups chatting, some quietly and others rather obnoxiously.
"Prince Emmett, we should discuss what you will need to accomplish during commission." I turn to face them again and nod my head for The Forum member to continue. "You should spend most of your time here, and we would like to be counseled regularly from an outsider's prospect. Miss Alice will have her hands full so we would like you to observe when the girls are being engaged. How do they behave with the others, do they have any behavioral tendencies that may need to be appraised, and those types of things. Watch out particularly for malicious behavior, which will not be tolerated."
"Yes Sir," I respond.
"When you are not here there are a few tasks that you will need to accomplish. The first one needs to be rather soon so you can counsel your brother as part of your role as Delegate. Since you are not married you will need to be taught sexual education, including pleasure for women. Usually the Delegate is a married person and uses personal experience as a guide but since you have none will need to carefully advise a way for you to do this."
I blush at the candid way he is speaking to me, monotone voice and no facial expression; like it's the most normal thing in the world. I hadn't thought of this aspect directly, only personal curiosity before. I guess that if we want an heir we can't have my brother going in blind.
I can't decide if this is a bad thing or a good thing. I imagine this will be embarrassing and eye-opening for both of us, but I can't help getting excited at the fact that this will be quite a fun thing to talk to Edward about. He is shy, and gets flustered over such simple topics like talking to a girl. I can't wait to tell him how to pleasure a woman.
My thoughts turn inappropriately towards Rosalie, and how I would love to give her great pleasure. I don't let my thoughts wander long before I put a stop to them, I will still need to go through a commission myself and it's unfair to be thinking of any woman that won't be my bride.
"We haven't come up with a solution yet but I assure you that we will and notify you as soon as possible."
Harry clears his throat gaining the attention of all of us. "If I may make a suggestion, why don't you have Paul take Emmett down to a Magnet house and give him some instruction and education?"
"What?" I shout rather loudly, "You can't expect me to be seen in one of those places."
"We can arrange a level of discretion, or perhaps a private lesson at the palace."
"I'm sure that a casual sex lesson in the palace will not go over well with the queen." My dad smirks. "I won't even mention that you suggested that Harry." He laughs quietly lost in thought.
"Okay so that might not be a good idea, but I think someone such as Paul can more than educate him. They are the same age, so they avoid some awkwardness, better than learning it from you Sire."
Dad faces the forum members, "I think it is a reasonable suggestion. We would have to deal with security, perhaps find a remote location safer for Prince Emmett. But I've heard that Paul is well experienced. It would be more educational than a classroom sitting."
The Forum members quietly discuss the proposal before speaking up together. "That is acceptable."
Harry walks back into the depths of the room where Paul is sitting at a table reading a paper and drinking coffee.
"Prince Edward will also need to take on more responsibility as ruler for the time being for preparations sake in case something should happen to you sire." My father nods and The Forum members turn back to me. "He will need to be kept up on what is happening during commission. No information about the girls should be given, only what tasks they are being provided and what type of conditions they are placed in. When Prince Edward comes for his one on one counseling sessions with the girls, he must not be biased with them, regardless of his immediate choice and our recommendations for Prime. This is not only a matter to decide our next queen but all the data will be used to make decisions for future commissions."
"Society changes and we must change with it." The three members say in unison, with more passion than I've ever seen one display, like a prayer.
"That will be done." I say to them, and like some magical queue signaled the end of the meeting The Forum members stood together and headed towards the exit. They passed Harry on his way back to the table, a large grin covering his face.
"Paul is more than happy to give you some education." I look towards Paul who is readying to fly The Forum members back to the Capital and he has a big smirk and gives me a thumbs-up before turning towards the door and letting out a laugh and walks out Rosalie right behind him.
"Well that should be interesting." I say to myself, which in turn makes me father guffaw.
"It will be interesting indeed my son. And I'm sure you will be able to help Jasper along as well."
"Have you heard from him?"
"No son, and we won't for some time. Harry said his contact at the facility informed him that Jasper was exceeding expectations and will be brilliant and much needed for Society."
"Good good, I miss him," I say proudly of my brother.
"I do too son, let's go observe the girls until Paul gets back then we can ride back to the Capital together."
~*MOH*~
When Paul made it back, we quickly prepared for our trip back to the Capital. Paul chatted much to my chagrin about our upcoming trip to the magnet house, Rosalie glaring at me the whole time. My father found this rather amusing and chuckled most of the trip, speaking up here and there to make my embarrassment worse. Only when Paul mentioned that I will truly know how to pleasure a woman at the end of my education did the air in the transport change. My dad had a far-away look to him, seeming lost in thought. Quil looked rather pleased with his dials, and Rosalie began fidgeting in her seat and refused to make eye contact with me. That confused me, I was sure that she hated me but in those moments before we landed, she looked heavy with desire.
I have much to learn about women it seems. I huff in annoyance and close my eyes until I feel the transport gently touch down at the Palace.
Edward showing much of his young age can be seen from a distance running towards us as we depart from the transport. He is out of breath when he gets to us and has to take a moment to catch up, hands on his knees breathing loudly.
"So?" He asks impatiently after I look down to him amused.
"Commission has started, but you need to keep quiet about it, there are security concerns."
"Okay I can do that, what can you tell me?" He asks as we walk behind my father and enter the palace. My father continues on presumably to go see my mother, and my baby brother and I settle down on a couch in the media room.
"All the girls have been transported and are settling in. They are using an underground Capital garden for commission. I've never seen anything like it, it's very beautiful. The girls are using old miner's quarters as their own to live in."
"Why there?" He asks me.
"It's all very secretive. After the other security issues The Forum went into full black mode and only a few people know the actual location. It's more safety for the girls."
"Okay, I understand that. What next?" He doesn't allow much time to pass after I speak, obviously eager for information.
"They will start doing some social testing, to see if they can handle different situations. They are also observing their social skills within the small group. I however have to go get some education myself, so that I may advise you."
"What kind of…"
"Don't ask." I interrupt him; I would rather have this conversation only once.
"Okay, anything else you can tell me?"
"Not really, it's the first full day so not much is going on. I'll be back there in a few days and hopefully I will be able to give you some more information."
He sighs, "Okay, one more question?" I nod for him to continue. "Is she there, did she make it?"
"Who?" I ask.
"You know who." He grits his teeth at me.
"Oh I know who, but what gave you the inclination that I would tell you?" I give him a knowing look.
"I didn't think you would, but I had hoped that you would give me some kind of clue." He said disappointed.
"Cheer up brother! You're going to get a wife soon."
And then it will be my turn.
Shit.
A/N: Wow its been awhile. I could give you a million excuses as to why I haven't written in a while, but I won't. :P
Next up, education for all. And evil bitches!
Question of the day: How would you like Paul giving you sex lessons?
My answer: Where the do I sign up!