Kaya POV:

I stood as Jake entered the room. He had told me to wait in my room but after a day my anxiety got too high and I took over his room. Jake looked around, noticing my fluffy slippers and carpet. I would wear a maid's uniform I had silched whenever I came down. But I also smuggled my own things so I could spend the anxious minutes in comfort. Usually, I'd stay an hour before leaving. Finally, Jake came.

" How did you get this stuff here?"

" Forget about that. Is everyone okay?"

" Yes. Everyone is good," he picked up a discarded shirt on the floor.

" Is this yours or mine?"

" Yours, but I stole it." Jake shrugged and pulled off his belt. " What happened?"

He smirked, " Wouldn't you like to know." Wow, he just loved to get on my nerves. I crossed my arms grumbling as he disappeared into the bathroom.

" Did Eve get to meet her?"

" I'm not sure. I dropped her off at her grandmother's," he called from inside. " You know, you really shouldn't be here."

I laughed, " Don't worry. None of the guards think anything. I made sure." I could almost feel him roll his eyes and his annoyance.

" Kaya it's not safe." I made a face, mimicking his words. I heard the sink turn on. He was going to take a while.

" Jake, just tell me the gist and I'll leave." The door opened. Jake stood there, an annoyed expression plastered on his face as he wiped his face with a damp towel. I remember he had told me the water was worse and the Guards took showers at night, the only time the water was warm. I had found it completely unfair and offered for him to use the shower in my quarters to which he had laughed and told me, " Maybe if I want to get caned."

" Kaya," Jake interrupted. I looked back at him. " She told us to tell Holden."

" Really?" He nodded. " Well, let's make a plan then."

Holden POV:

I paced my room angrily. It was that Queen, I knew it. Eve had disappeared after the Report. I had thought she had been avoiding me but she was nowhere. The anger and worry was coiling tight in my empty stomach. I hadn't eaten anything today. Instead, I had scoured the palace for Eve and asked all the Selected. I had even neglected my duties. Part of me wished to go to Pop, tell him everything. How the Queen punished Lily, how she had slapped Eve, everything. But I knew I couldn't. He had enough stress. And I would handle this. I ran my hands through my hair and pressed open the door of the balcony. The cool air did nothing to calm me, or dull the throbbing pain in my head.

Gripping the cool bars of the balcony, my mind began playing terrible scenarios. Eve getting hurt. Eve alone and cold. Eve...dead. Then suddenly I was striding down the hall, rage building in me, threatening to boil over. I marched down the hall towards the Queen's study. Suddenly two hands pressed into my chest.

" Your Majesty." I shook my head, trying to clear my head, focusing on the face in front of me. Slowly, my mind recognized the guy standing in front of me. He had been one of the Guards that had trained with me, secretly of course.

" Jake?"

" I need to tell you something, Prince Holden."

" Not now."

" Please, Your Majesty. This is important." He leaned closer. "It's aout Eve." My eyes focused on Jake, taking in his expression. I sighed, closing my eyes and feeling the waves of anger relent. Gesturing to him to follow me, I looked around and then slipped into the nearest room, which happened to be a small office. It seemed secluded enough, and I had a feeling I didn't want many people to know what Jake wanted to tell me. Jake seemed to be thinking the same as he glanced uneasily around the room.

" It's safe here," I said, a bit harshly. " Tell me." Jake nodded, taking my tone in stride.

" I'm part of the Northern rebellion," he said bluntly. I shook my head, stepping back slightly. " But we're the good guys," he added. " And…" Jake gestured for me to take a seat. Looking at him hesitantly I instead leaned against the desk, folding my arms and my chest. Sucking in air, I readied myself.

" Tell me."

" Your Mother is the leader." My hand slipped.

The Queen's POV:

Slipping out of bed I scoffed at the drunken man behind me. I had slipped him another pill at our dinner and he was fast asleep. Soon, he would forever be. Pulling the silk robe around me, I stepped out of our balcony. Letting the wind lift my air up and tangle around me. My kingdom extended around me in all directions and it filled me with the purest joy. I would take from them everything they took from me and then some. I would rule this kingdom and it would all be mine. Sure, the little girl had escaped. But there was no way for Holden to know that. I could still hole his puppy love over his head and snatch the throne he thought he owned. Now, with the Southern Rebellion under my control, the throne was closer than ever.

I had to admit. Holden was my biggest competition. He never broke. Not for anything or anyone unlike his pathetic father. Eve was his exception. He let her in, and now it would be his demise. I smiled at the thought, relishing the glorious feeling taking over me: power.

" Mother," I looked up to the stars. " I will avenge you." Looking down I brushed my fingers over the bracelet that my mother had given to me, before she descended into complete madness.

My Beautiful Pearl Luca

Oooooo, a Lott of Pov switches. Who is the Queen's mother? What will happen now that Holden knows the truth? And gosh, aren't Kaya and Jake so cute. Honestly I just want them to just get together, but what would be the fun in that. Comment and favorite for faster updates :)

I also want to start a one shot series for the Selection from your requests. Follow for more info, the fastest updates, and some cool photos.