A/N: To clarify the introduction chapter, you will see it in the middle of Chapter Four or Three. Maxon didn't entirely find out, he just suspects and I repeat, I'm still not sure of the ending and maybe I might make alternate ones, oops. Anyway, enjoy reading Chapter Two, and expect kinda slow updates . I'm sorry but I was writing this chapter yesterday when EXO's Call Me Baby MV slapped my Subscriptions feed and I forgot to save it T^T. I'm so sorry but I'll try to post Chapter 3 tomorrow~
The front was filled with nervous groups of lined soldiers who wore newly tailored uniforms. It's surprising how fast the maids along with professional tailors mend up clothes for hundreds of men with different body sizes.
I wore a simple light blue dress shirt and a black tie. Mother had her favorite ever-green dress that went down to the floor while Father had outdone himself that's for sure.
I felt Kriss stand beside me. She was wearing a sleeveless red dress that went down below her knees. Her hair was braided then arranged into a bun. It was simple, but she looked beautiful as always.
"Aren't they coming yet?" she asks.
"Father says they would take a while, but they're travelling by air so I'm pretty sure-"
Faint sounds of a motor sounded. We see two helicopters coming our way, the sound of the rotating blades getting louder. The soldiers in front of us immediately tensed and stood straighter.
The two helicopters landed safely outside the gates. Five different bodies start to climb out of their respective helicopters. The gates slowly start to open.
The ALPHAs were wearing their uniforms I suppose. Their jackets were light brown with an A on the left side of their chest. Inside were clean white shirts tucked in with a darker shade of brown pants. They were all wearing combat boots.
Leading the other four was no other than General Titania Rose.
You could see how short her hair really was in personal that it only reached by her neck, some strands lying on her shoulders. She had a blank look on her face.
My guess: Dissatisfaction.
They stopped walking at the start of the line. Nobody moved an inch.
"Oh my god," she muttered.
She then told her comrades to stand where they were and walked along the path. Then her booming voice filled the castle grounds.
"Basic training, during formal line greetings, when a person ranked with a high title, let's say a general, walks at the start of the path, you will immediately greet with a salute."
She stopped mid-track and faced back. "We then will walk and reply with our own salute. Let's try that again, shall we?"
General Titania went back with her comrades in which the soldiers immediately complied with her instructions. She walks down again, this time with her fellow soldiers tailing on her. When they reached the end the five of them placed their right fist on their left chest, and all the soldiers were signaled to ease.
"General," Father greeted.
"Needs improvement," she blantly said. "But it'll do. When's the wedding scheduled?"
"In about 5 months," I answer quickly.
"It's a long wait, I really hoped it would be quicker," Kriss added while clinging in my arms.
I awkwardly smile at her then look back at them.
The tallest guy, dark brown hair and tanned skin smiled back while the other boy and guessing his twin widened their eyes, the long haired girl with chesnut hair bit her lip and the general raised an eyebrow.
"Well then we should carry on soldiers. We don't want to decrease the happy couple's alone time. Their too busy to see even see each other."
Father cleared his throat, "Of course, your bags are now being taken to your rooms, please follow Adam, our main butler, so he could show you which one will be staying in which room."
"This way General Titania," Adam said.
I was able to learn their names really quickly while we were eating brunch. Mother insisted to invite them down. We were currently at the back garden where small tables were set-up by the maids. The twins, Jaydyn and Marcus enjoyed their cake, Antonio or Toni for short was conversing with Mother. I admit, his Spanish charm sure seemed to get her. Portia, was sipping tea while talking to Kriss.
Father and I were left with the general.
"This place looks quite peaceful for a series of rebel attacks... how often would they come?"
"It depends, the quickest is after a week or so," Father replied.
She nodded her head. She still hasn't drank anything from her cup. "What date was the latest attack?"
"Last month, but we're afraid they'll be preparing something much bigger."
"Northerners or Southerners? Who attacks often?"
"Northerners attack most but only leave a few injured while Southerners... their a different story."
General Titania took the first sip from her cup and looked at me, "Prince Maxon, are you nervous about having King for a title in just a matter of months?"
"Of course, but they do say confidence is the key. It's a big responsibility, but I'm happy with Kriss by my side," I smiled.
"Oh really," she muttered.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh nothing, it's just that, well I've never heard of this kind of program and after watching some re-runs courtesy of Jaydyn over there, I think some other contestants had good connections with you too."
I narrowed my eyes at her," "Such as?"
"Lady Marlee was one of a kind, Lady Celeste was beautiful, Lady A-"
"America," I blurted out.
She tensed at my sudden interruption. "I was gonna say Anna Farmer, but sure Lady America."
I cleared my throat and noticed Father wasn't beside us anymore. "You think Lady America isn't part of the ones I have good connections with?"
"Your Highness, it's not that I don't like her, in fact you two were a crowd favorite as of what I've heard but, I just thought she was too forward, sudden, her stop button malfunctioning every time. No offense though."
"None taken," I blantly replied.
"I wonder where she is now though, Lady America," she looked up the clouds. "They say she died, but maybe, she's just out there somewhere. It's a shame. But to see you're very happy with Lady Kriss, well, that wouldn't change a thing now."
I didn't know what to say. I suddenly wanted to tell her how much I loved America and how it pained to find out she was gone. How could I feel sudden trust for a person I just met?
So all that left my mouth was, "Of course."
She set her tea cup back down and stood up immediately, "I'm sorry Your Highness. I'm used to being straight forward. It looks like Lady Kriss is calling you. I'll be with my comrades. It was a nice talk."
A nice talk indeed.