Fitz POV

I can't believe that he's pushed this on me, it was bad enough having one of the girls turn up to be a rebel. How can I know I made the right choice now?

Sophie POV

I knew something was wrong when Alden called Brooke and I for a private dinner. I mean why not just eat with everybody else. Unless he had something bad to tell us. Like that we are being kicked out of the castle because we might be rebels. I mean I know I am not, but its not like he does. Or maybe he decided that the selection is just to dangerous and betrothed Fitz to a foreign princess. Well I doubt that would happen but, who knows?

Alden seemed like he was sorry for something, which is certainly not a good sign. "Thank you for coming ladies, especially with such notice, please come have a seat" he said, referring to the two chairs he had in front of his desk. We obeyed, and both of us stayed silent. A servant came shortly after and brought our food. We made small talk during dinner, but my mind was bothered because it is fairly certain he wouldn't just want to have dinner with us privately. Once we were all finished eating he said. "Well I guess you two are wondering why you are here, well its about the selection" What he said next made me pass out.

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Its a good thing I was sitting, my groggy mind thought as I regained consciousness.Then I remembered why I fainted.The selection will be ending next Friday . Meaning I have only a week left here. I looked over at Brooke, she didn't seem to be taking the news any better than I did, but at least she didn't faint. Once Alden say we were both okay, he continued. "Because of the rebel attack recently, we also are giving you two bodyguards for the duration of the competition. Well we were planning to do it anyway, but this gives us more motivation for us to. Why don't we go meet them?". Brooke and I slowly got up, and he lead us to the courtyard. Waiting there was a familiar face I haven't seen for a very long time. Who hasn't written me a letter for at least a couple weeks. Dex.