What’s Mine Stays Mine

This time, as we were taking another etiquette lesson in the Great Room, bricks started to fly through the glass. Ella immediately fell to the ground and began to crawl toward the side entrance while whimpering. Camile screamed loudly before fleeing to the rear of the room and narrowly avoiding a shower of glass. As Kylie pulled me along by my arm, I sped up to keep up with her as we ran for the door.

"Let's go, ladies!" Sia sobbed.

The soldiers lined up at the windows and started firing in a matter of seconds; when we escaped, I could still hear the gunshots in my ears. Anyone who shown even the slightest amount of violence within sight of the palace would be killed, whether they arrived with firearms or stones. There was no longer any tolerance for these assaults.

Kylie mumbled, "I hate running in these shoes," her eyes fixed on the far end of the hallway under a pile of clothes.

Camile remarked, her breath laboring, "One of us is going to have to get used to it."

I grinned wryly. I'll always wear sneakers if it's me. I'm done with this already.

"More movement, less talking!" Sia screamed.

"How can we get downstairs from here?" Eli enquired.

The question "What about Mark?" Kylie scowled.

Sia did not respond. Guard after guard fled away from her as we pursued her through a maze of halls in search of a way to the basement. I couldn't help but admire them and be in awe of their bravery for running into danger to save others.

Before a pair of emerald eyes linked with mine, the guards passing us were utterly indistinguishable from one another. Aspen didn't appear terrified or even surprised. He was headed in the direction of the issue to solve it. He was just that way by nature.

Our brief eye contact was sufficient. With Aspen, it was similar. Without saying a word, I could tell him in an instant. Stay safe and exercise caution. He would reply, "I know, just take care of yourself," without adding anything else.

I had no trouble finding peace with the things we had spoken out, but I struggled with the things we didn't need to speak. Our most recent exchange wasn't quite joyful. I had asked him to give me some time to process the Selection as I was going to depart the castle. After that, I stayed without explaining to him why I did so.

Perhaps he was losing his capacity to be patient with me and only see the best in me. I would have to correct that in some way. I was unable to imagine a life without Aspen in it. A world without Aspen was inconceivable even as I waited in the hopes that Mark would pick me.

"This is it!" Sia yelled as she pushed a mystery wall panel.

Ella and Sia led the way as we down the steps.

Dammit, Ella, quicken your pace. Camile exclaimed. Although we were all thinking the same thing, I wanted to be annoyed that she said it.

I made an effort to accept the hours I would spend hiding like a mouse as we plunged into the darkness. Up until one man's voice broke through directly on top of us, we continued walking while the sound of our escape drowned out the yells.

He shouted, "Stop!"

I turned with Kylie as we both watched the uniform emerge. She yelled, "Wait," to the girls below. It's a guard, I say.

We were panting as we stood on the stairs. He finally came over to us, panting for air.

Ladies, I apologize. As soon as the rounds were fired, the insurgents fled. Were probably not in the mood for a brawl today.

Sia talked for us while smoothing her clothing with her hands. The king said, "Is it safe? If not, you're putting these young women in grave danger.

"The guard's commander gave the all-clear. He will certainly—"

"You don't represent the king, sir. Women, hurry up and move along.

The question "Are you serious?" I queried. "There's no point in going down there,"

I kept my mouth shut as she fixed me with a look that could have put a rebel on the spot. Sia and I had developed a kind of friendship as she inadvertently used her extra lessons to assist me divert my attention away from Mark and Aspen. Following my brief stunt on the Report a few days ago, it appeared to have vanished into thin air. She then turned to face the security guard. "Send the king a formal command, and we'll come back. Move forth, ladies.

I exchanged a frustrated glance with the guard before we parted ways.

Twenty minutes later, a different officer came and told us we could go upstairs, but Sia showed no remorse at all.

I didn't wait for Sia or the other females since I was so annoyed by the entire thing. I went up the stairs, coming out on the first floor, and walked with my shoes still caught on my fingers to my room. My maids weren't there, but there was a tiny silver dish on the bed with an envelope inside.

I ripped open the envelope and ate May's words because I immediately recognized her handwriting.