The List

The Schreaves were known for having a way with words. Ahren and his father wrote the sweetest and most heartfelt letters. Kaden was a master at languages, seeming to absorb each one like a sponge. Eadlyn could get a whole stack of reports finished in record speed, when focused, and still give people who crossed her a tongue lashing. Even the former King Clarkson's way of twisting words in a cunning way was undeniable. But Osten? Well, let's just say he wasn't passionate about tax reports or writing sappy love letters. No, he loved lists.

And this particular list he was quite excited about.

Osten crossed off "switch the sugar with salt" on his list, grinning as he remembered the reaction of the kitchen staff. Their faces had made his week!

Of course, there had also been the moment when his mother found out the reason why she had no strawberry tarts. Osten frowned. That part wasn't so fun.

And while Osten relished doing fun and simple pranks such as that one, there were some serious things on his lists as well.

Such as terrorizing Josie Woodwork.

But it was all for a good cause, you see. Through stealing journal, spying, and just plain observation, Osten was able to figure out that Josie had a massive crush on his brother Kaden. And Kaden felt similarly about Josie.

The only problem was that they were in constant denial of said fact, claiming that they were "just friends" and that the other didn't feel the same way.

Yes, and the earth was flat.

So, Osten being the selfless and caring brother that he was, decided he was going to help Kaden get his girl.

The plan? Create a situation where "Prince Charming" could swoop in and save the damsel in distress.

Osten grinned, clasping his hands together with glee. This was going to be fun.

-o-

"Hello, dear brother!" Osten called down the hallway.

Kaden narrowed his eyes at him. "What did you do?"

Osten ignored the question. "Beautiful day, isn't it? Going out to the gardens?"

"Yes, actually. I'm meeting Josie there," Kaden said cautiously.

Osten grinned. "Oh, I know."

Kaden gave Osten a sharp look. "I'm going to ask one last time, Osten. What did you do?"

"A favor," Osten replied as a shriek was heard from a room by them.

Kaden's eyes widened. "Josie? Is that you?"

"Yes! Your brat of a brother locked me in this room!"

Kaden turned to Osten only to find him already halfway down the hallway. "Time to do your job, Prince Charming," Osten called mockingly. "I expect credit when you get married."

Kaden blushed, hoping Josie didn't hear. Clearing his throat, he walked over to the door and tried opening it. It was locked. Of course.

"Josie? Are you alright?" Kaden asked.

"Does it look like I'm alright?" Josie demanded. "When I get my hands on that little-"

"I'm going to get a guard to help open the door," he interrupted. "Don't go anywhere."

"As if I could. Please hurry!"

Kaden mentally slapped himself as he rushed away in search of a guard. Thankfully, General Leger happened to be walking past in a nearby hallway.

"General Leger, I need your help!" Kaden called. "Osten locked Josie in a room and I need help getting her out."

General Leger mumbled a curse under his breath and quickly followed Kaden to where Josie was.

"Josie? I brought General Leger."

"Thank goodness," they could hear Josie exclaim.

General Leger inspected the door and sighed. "Smart kid. He chose one of the rooms with the reinforced doors. It's practically impossible to kick in."

"Why do we have reinforced doors?" Kaden asked.

"Safety precaution from when the rebels were still at large," he quickly responded. "I'm going to have to get a lock pick, so it may be awhile."

"How long is awhile?" Josie complained.

"Could be a few minutes, could be an hour or so. I'm not entirely sure where the lock pick sets are," General Leger replied.

They could hear Josie groan. "I going to kill Osten when I get out."

"You and me both," Kaden mumbled.

"I'll be back. Maybe keep her company?" General Leger said.

Kaden nodded, sitting down on the floor by the door as General Leger hurried away.

"I'm sorry that this ruined our walk, Kaden," Josie said after awhile.

Kaden sighed. "It's not your fault. We'll find another time, I'm sure. Do you know why Osten did this?"

Josie fell silent. "I have a hunch."

"Mind sharing?"

"Probably because of you," Josie said quietly, making Kaden strain to hear through the door.

Kaden fidgeted with his hands. "What do you mean?"

"W-Well, I-"

"Good news! The lock pick was much easier to find than I thought!" General Leger said as he made his way down the hall.

Kaden let out a huff as he stood up. He was so close...

General Leger made quick work with the lock, soon getting it unlocked and swinging the door open.

Josie immediately ran into Kaden's arms, catching him by surprise. Over Josie's shoulder, Kaden could see General Leger's raised eyebrow and amused expression.

Josie suddenly pulled away, blushing as she cleared her throat. "Er, thank you for getting me out."

"Not a problem," General Leger replied, smiling. "I'll leave you to it."

Kaden shifted, avoiding Josie's eyes as General Leger walked away. "Do you want to tell me what you we going to say before we were interrupted?"

Josie was silent for a moment, before letting out a sigh. "I like you, Kaden."

Kaden's eyes snapped up. "Like, as in friend, o-or..."

"More than that," Josie mumbled quietly. "I understand if you don't feel the same, but-"

Kaden quickly silenced her with a kiss, catching her by surprise. When they pulled away they both had wide grins on their faces.

"I thought you didn't feel the same," Kaden admitted. "I didn't say anything since I didn't want to risk our friendship."

Josie let out a laugh. "It was the same with me."

Kaden grinned. "Do you want to head to the gardens now?"

Josie gave him a wide smile. "Gladly."

Hand in hand, they both made their way to the gardens. As soon as they made it outside, out of earshot, a squeal was heard.

"Finally!" Marlee exclaimed, as she watched her daughter and Kaden walk outside.

"It took them long enough," America agreed. "Thanks for telling me about this, Aspen."

Aspen grinned. "I knew Osten was up to something when he asked me which rooms still had reinforced doors."

America let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm not sure if I should scold him or praise him."

"Either way, tonight's going to be interesting. Carter's going to be livid that he lost the bet," Marlee said with a grin.

America's eyes lit up. "Oh, Maxon is going to be happy. He guessed that it would be Josie who confessed. Don't ask me why he thinks his son is a coward, but then again, he also wasn't always the bravest in that sense."

"I'm afraid that Eadlyn will be the most happy," Aspen mused. "After all, she guessed the right timeframe and who would did the confessing. Ahren is going to be crushed when he gets the phone call."

"Oh tonight will be interesting indeed," America replied with a twinkle in her eye as they all laughed.

Hope you enjoyed this little Kosie one-shot! :) Let me know your thoughts!

-theselectionseriesfan