It's Jasmine who lets me inside, tossing a warm  blanket around my shoulders. Her arms envelope me in a tight hug, knocking the air out of my lungs. But I hardly care. I'm safe.

As she releases me, claws that can only belong to Mother pull me in close. She pats my head and I squirm in discomfort. Never has she hugged me to just hug me. Someone important must be near to warrant such affection. Instantly, I think of Hunter. Could his gorgeous blue eyes and sandy blond hair be wondering around my house?

The head guard from the palace, Officer Jacobson, stands stiffly in the corner; watching Mother embrace me in an awkwardly painful manner. The only emotion I see is a flash of discomfort in his eyes. He knows it is all an act.

"Lady Corrine, I am grateful for your health, Their Royal Majesties have requested that I bring you back to the palace as soon as I find you." The Officer that usually remains by King Cole's side announces loudly.

Irritated, Mother sneers at him, "She will not return dressed as a scullery maid!"

"I'm afraid my orders come from those with more power. She leaves now." His face remains stony.

"If it is alright, kind Sir, I would feel much more comfortable in my own clothing. I'm sure that Prince Hunter would prefer to see me at my own satisfaction. I promise I will not be long." I sing authority though I know the man wishes he could just lug me along to the palace. But he and I both know that I am right. Hunter wants what is best for me - right now that just means a bath.

Jasmine follows me into my bathroom, preparing the water while I pick out a simple, green, day dress to wear back to the palace. I don't want to stand out, just blend in without causing too much of a scene. But I'm sure my kidnapping just stole Hunter's attention away from them, causing their malicious stares to be sent my way.

"Miss, it's ready." Jasmine calls, pulling me away from my nightmares.

"Thank you, Jas. You have no idea how much I needed this." I laugh a bit to myself, thinking of the last seventy-two hours.

"Yes" She speaks softly, "How was it? Are you safe now?"

"I don't think I'll ever be safe. It was scary, I just wanted to get out, and these men! Oh! They took me to a cell, I had to eat food like an animal. Their leader was so angry at me, he forgot to shut my cell when storming away... that's how I got out. And I just didn't" My throat tightens and tears sting my eyes, "I didn't think that I would make it!"

Jasmine pampers me as I cry out the past few days. She washes my hair, dries me off, and hands me my robe before I can manage to move at all. I wrap the pink silk around my waist and sit, sniffling occasionally as she styles my hair.

In a half an hour, I'm dressed in my green ensemble with white heels. Jasmine plaited my hair into a braided crown, small wisps of curls frame my face. A decent amount of makeup is applied to fix my puffy eyes, leaving me looking  like nothing was wrong in the first place.

"Thank you, Jasmine." I hug her in gratitude before turning to walk down the stairs.

But before I can reach those glorious steps to freedom, nails scratch against my skin when pulling me into Mother's parlor. With newfound pride, I fight against her grip. A loud smack to my face settles me down. My cheek tingles in pain while I look anywhere except at Mother.

"You silly, little, brat! You ran away from the Prince? Giving those other whores more time to seduce him? What were you thinking? Go back to that stupid boy and take the crown. Sleep with him for all I care! Don't bother coming home if you fail." Mother spits venom at me.

"Don't you dare talk about Hunter like that. You can abuse me all you want, but stay away from him. I will not let you put your grubby hands all over the kingdom. I forbid it. And as far as I am concerned, if Hunter does choose someone else, I won't be coming home. I don't care where I end up, but I will never suffer by your hand again!" Stunned to silence, I shut Mother in her room and make my way down the steps in a newfound strength.

Officer Jacobson and a few other guards stand quietly, waiting for me. Their over the top chivalry is all the confirmation I need to know that they heard some - if not all - of our conversation.

Before entering the car, Officer Jacobson pulls me aside, "On behalf of the country of Illéa and our King, I thank you for your protection of our government. I know how it feels to stand up to someone close to you, that takes courage. I'm glad you have it."

I blush lightly before sliding myself into the black, shiny vehicle. Replaying the words the head guard shared with me. I wonder who he had to overcome to get to where he is at today. Maybe a family member, like me with my mother, or the man who had his position before him.

For the good of myself and others, I shut my eyes for a nap. After at least three days with limited to no sleep in a freezing cell, I welcome the warm heat and soft leather of the car.

"Miss? Lady Corrine? We are at the palace." Officer Jacobson exclaims softly.

Groaning, I sit upright and smooth out my hair with my hands. Groggily, I swing my legs out of the car and manage to walk from the car to the grand, front doors of the palace. Before one of the Guards even reaches the door, they are swung open in such a speed that would threaten a cheetah. The other side revealed a squealing, bubbly, blond.

"CORRINE! I'm so glad that you are alright! Did they hurt you? Do you need to rest? Hunter's in his room if you wish to visit him. Oh, the biggest news came while you were kidnapped!" Gracelyn rambles as she pulls me down the many halls.

She manages to talk even more, but I don't hear her, I'm distracted by the many glares and sons of other Selected. I watch and see as Bianca tries to console a sobbing London near a window. But they aren't the only ones that act like that, girls dot the halls, sending me hateful stares as I walk by.

One even storms up to me.

"How dare you! You twist the Prince around your finger and then run away, sending him into a fury! You're a bitch!" Amelia snaps at me, looking worse than I've ever seen her. Her red hair is knotted up and streaks of old tears line on her face.

"Guards! Take this menace away! I am thrilled my brother got rid of you!" Gracie flicks her wrist at Amelia, sending a flurry of guards to pull her away.

I stand in shock. Still extremely unaware of everything happening around me. Hunter already said that he would have Amelia in the Selection for the public, so why is she being sent home? And why would London cry for her? Maybe I should have listened to Gracie's bombarding speech.

"What's going on?" I ask, hoping for some clarification.

"Were you not listening?" Yep, "You're an Elite." She smiles widely as we stroll down the halls.

"I'm an Elite?" I ask, my words quiet in amazement. Hunter narrowed it down! He still wants me!

"You are! It's you, Bianca, Erica, Della, Aurora, Megan, Noelle, Raymie, Lorelei, and Raven. He was going to wait until the spring ball, but... oh, never mind! He'll tell you. We're going to him now. Hurry!" I wish she would elaborate on why the Elite have been announced so soon. The Selection has been occurring for roughly a month; how is he so set, so soon?

We stop at his door. Gracelyn bumbling around  giddily and me with my stomach tied in knots. I left in quite the dramatic manner. Does he wish to speak to me about my irresponsible behavior? Does he want to kiss me as much as I do him? Did he miss me? My thoughts pound in my head, but are thoroughly forgotten as the door swings open; I completely missed seeing Gracie knock.

"Corrine?" Hunter questions, not really believing what he sees. His brows knit together and his chest rises and falls quicker than it should. Yet still, he's perfect.

I can only nod my head, my voice still not functioning as I stare deeply into his ocean, blue eyes. In return, Hunter stares back at me, neither of us willing to look away in case the other disappears - only a figure of our imagination.

I vaguely hear steps getting softer. Gracelyn must be leaving us alone for a romantic reunion. Even if Hunter and I aren't kissing the life out of one another, it is nice to know that we have that option. You know... for later.

I step forward as if in a trance, and Hunter opens his strong arms to catch my hug. I breathe in his handsome, pine-like sent and wrap my arms around his neck. Tucking my head, I maneuver so that my lips are on his. I kiss him with a fiery passion, a new found feeling of us. Could it be love? Twisting my fingers around his hair, I urge us to be closer. He realizes my intentions and wraps his hands around my waist, picking me up while shutting his door.

"I've missed you."

Hello my amazing readers! I hope you all are enjoying the story! I'm glad to actually post a semi-soon update since my last one😂 Please vote and comment!