Chapter 5 EPISODE 5

I was pacing the lower level library while wringing my hands and attempting to put the sentences together in my thoughts. Even though I knew I had to tell Mark what had happened before he learned about it from the other girls, I didn't look forward to the conversation.

As he entered, he said, "Knock, knock." He noticed my concerned face. "What's wrong?" you ask.

I told him, "Don't get mad," as he came closer.

His step slowed, and the worried expression on his face changed to one of guardedness. I'll try.

"The girls saw you without a shirt on," I said. I noticed the inquiry about to leave his lips. I pledged, "I didn't say anything about your back. "I wanted to because now they just think we were having a huge make-out fest," she said.

He grinned. "That is how it came to be."

"Mark, don't be silly! They currently despise me.

As he gave me a hug, the sparkle in his eyes persisted. "I'm not angry, if that's any comfort. I don't mind as long as you kept my secret. Even so, I was somewhat astonished when you informed them. How even did it arise?

My head was lodged in his chest. The answer is, "I don't think I can tell you."

"Hmm." My back was massaged all over by his thumb. We were meant to be building our trust, I thought.

"We are. You must believe me when I say that things will only grow worse if you believe me. Maybe I was mistaken, but I was very certain that telling Mark that we were looking at sweaty, half-dressed soldiers would land us all in some sort of trouble.

Finally, he replied, "Okay. The females are aware that you saw me partially undressed. Does anything else?

I was unsure. They are aware that I was your first kiss. And I am aware of all you did and did not do with them.

He retreated. "What?"

"There was a lot of finger-pointing once I let the whole shirtless thing leak, and everyone came clean. I am aware that you have given Camile plenty of kisses and that, had she permitted it, you would have given Kylie more kisses earlier. Everything came out.

As he pondered this, he wiped his hand across his face and moved a short distance. "So I have no longer any privacy at all? None? because you four have to compare scores with one another?" His annoyance was apparent.

"You know, you should be thankful for someone who cares about honesty."

He stood still and looked. "I humbly beg your pardon?"

"Now that everything is in the open. We all know where we stand quite well, and I for one am grateful.

He gave an eye-roll. "Thankful?"

"I would never have attempted to come on to you as I did last night if you hadn't told me that Camile and I were roughly at the same position with you physically. Do you realize how embarrassed I was?

He laughed and resumed his pacing. Please, Katherina; you've said and done so many embarrassing things that I'm astonished you're still ashamed.

I don't know if it was because I was raised with a less sophisticated education, but it took me a while to really process what he had said. Mark had claimed that he had always liked me. I was aware that it went against other people's better judgment. Was it also in his favor?

I said, "I'll go then," afraid to meet his eyes. "Sorry, I let the whole shirt thing out." I turned to leave, feeling so insignificant that I questioned whether he even noticed.

Katherina, get moving. I didn't mean it in a mean way.

No, I murmured, "It's alright. I'll be more cautious when I speak.

Uncertain of whether or not I wanted Mark to follow me, I made my way upstairs. He refused.

When I entered my room, Anne, Mary, and Lucy were inside dusting the bookcases and changing my sheets.

"Hello, my lady," Anne said in greeting. Do you want some tea?

"No, I'm just going to take a quick seat on the balcony. Inform any guests that I'm sleeping if they arrive.

While slightly frowning, Anne nodded. "Sure," you say.

I took a moment to breathe in the fresh air before reading the allocated material that Sia had provided for us. I had a quick snooze and then spent some time on the violin. I couldn't really care less what I was doing as long as I could stay away from Mark and the other girls.

We were permitted to eat in our apartments while the king was abroad, so I did. I was eating my lemon-and-pepper chicken when the doorbell rang. I could have been overly suspicious, but I was certain it was Mark. I was unable to see him at the time. I took Mary and Anne with me and went to the restroom.

I muttered, "Lucy." Say, "Tell him I'm taking a bath."

"Him? A bath?"

"Yes. Don't let him inside, I told you.

"What's the deal with this?" I pressed my ear up against the door as I shut it and Anne asked.

"Are you able to hear anything?" I queried.

Additionally, they both placed their ears against the door to listen for any audible sounds.

I could barely hear Lucy's voice, but when I pressed my ear to the door's crack, the talk that followed was considerably more audible.

Lucy said coolly, "Your Majesty, she's in the bath. Mark appeared.

"Oh. She should still be eating, I hoped. I figured maybe we could go out to dinner together.

She made the decision to bathe before she ate. Her voice trembled a little bit as she struggled with being dishonest.

Please, Lucy. Maintain composure.

"I see. So, perhaps you should ask her to send for me after she's through. I want to talk with her.

"Your Majesty, it might be a very long bath," I said.

Mark took a breath. "Oh. Quite well. Please let her know I was there and advise her to call me if she wants to talk. I'll be there, so tell her not to worry about the time.

I agree, sir.

For a while, there was no sound, and I began to believe he had departed.

Finally he said, "Um, thank you." The phrase "Good night."

Saying "Good night, Your Majesty."

I remained hidden for a short while longer to be sure he had left. Lucy was still waiting by the door when I left. I noticed the doubts in my maids' eyes as I glanced at each of them.

I mumbled, "I just want to be alone tonight." In fact, I believe I'm prepared to unwind. I'd want to get ready for bed, so please take my supper tray.

"Would one of us like to stay?" Mary enquired. "In the event that you choose to send for the prince?"

Although I had to disappoint them, I could see the hope in their eyes.

"No, I just require a nap. In the morning, I'll see Mark.

Knowing that there was a misunderstanding between Mark and me as I got ready for bed was strange, but I was at a loss for words. It wasn't logical. It was obvious that we still had a very long way to go if we were going to make this relationship work despite the numerous ups and downs we had previously experienced together.

I was rudely roused in the early morning. As a guard entered, the light from the hallway filled my chamber, and I massaged my eyes.

He pleaded, "Lady Katherina, wake up, please."

"What's wrong?" you ask. I yawned and asked.

"There is a crisis. You are required downstairs.

My blood immediately become chilly. I realized my family had passed away. The rebels were too many, despite the guards we had sent and the warnings we had given to people back home. Natalie had experienced the same thing. After her younger sister was killed by the rebels, she left the Selection as an orphan. No longer was any of our families secure.

I yanked off the blankets and went to get my robe and pajamas. I sprinted as swiftly as I could down the hallway and stairs, almost falling twice.

Mark was on the first floor when I arrived, concentrating on a security guard. I hurried up to him, completely forgetting about the previous two days.

"Are they all alright?" Trying not to cry, I questioned. How serious is it?

He pulled me in for an unexpected hug and asked, "What?"

"My parents, my siblings, and me. Are they alright?

Mark quickly took me at arm's length and gave me a direct stare. "Katherine, they're fine. I apologize; I should have known that would be the first thing you would have considered.

I was so relieved that I almost started crying.

As he continued, Mark exhibited some confusion. "There are rebels inside the palace."

I screamed, "What?" Why don't we run away?

They aren't here to fight.

Why are they here then?

He groaned. Only two insurgents from the Northern camp are present. They are not armed, and they specifically request to speak with you and me.

"Why me?"

I'm not sure, but since I'm going to speak with them, I figured I'd give you the opportunity to do the same.

I examined myself from below while I ran my hand through my hair. "I'm wearing my nightgown."

He grinned. "I'm aware, but this is really casual. It's alright.

Would you like me to speak with them?

"That is all up to you, but I'm wondering why they want to talk to you specifically. If you're not there, I'm not sure if they'll let me know.

I nodded while giving it some thought. I wasn't sure I wanted to communicate with the rebels. They were undoubtedly much deadlier than I could ever be, weapon or no weapon. However, if Mark believed I could succeed, then perhaps I should.

Okay, I said as I raised myself. "Okay."

"Katherine, you won't suffer any harm. I'm serious. He continued to hold my hand and gave my fingers a small squeeze. To the guard, he turned. "Set an example. Just in case, keep your holster unlocked.

He said, "Of course, Your Majesty," and led the way into the Great Room, where two persons were standing and being taken by more guards.

I only needed a few seconds to locate Aspen amid the crowd.

A rebel pleaded, "Could you call off your dogs?" He was blond, tall, and trim. His footwear was caked in muck, and his attire resembled that of a Seven: a battered leather jacket over a patched-up shirt and a pair of heavy slacks that were cut in to fit him snugly. As he moved, a rusty compass on a long chain dangled around his neck. Contrary to my expectations, he had a tough appearance without being horrifying.

The fact that his companion was a girl was even more shocking. She also donned boots, but she also appeared to be attempting to be both resourceful and fashionable by donning leggings and a skirt made of the same material as the man's pants. Despite being encircled by soldiers, she jutted out her hip with confidence to the side. I would have recalled her jacket even if I hadn't recognized her face. Cropped and covered in what appeared to be dozens of stitched flowers in denim.

She curtsied at me just to make sure I knew who she was. I uttered a noise that sat in the middle of a giggle and a gasp.

"What's wrong?" you ask. Asked Mark.

Later, I mumbled.

He was perplexed but composed as he comforted me and returned his attention to our visitors.

The man said, "We've come to talk to you in peace. "Your guards have searched us, but we are unarmed. Although it would be wrong for me to request your privacy, we need to talk to you about some things that nobody else should hear.

Question: "What about Katherina?" Asked Mark.

"We also want to talk to her,"

To what purpose?

Again, we need to be out of these folks' earshot, the young man replied, almost arrogantly. He made amusing movements all around the space.

"If you feel that you can hurt her-"

"I understand that you have excellent reason to be wary of us, but we have no reason to harm any of you. We need to speak.

Mark thought about it for a moment. "You," he added, pointing to one of the guards, "pull down one of the tables and four chairs." Then everyone, kindly retreat to the rear to make space for our guests.

The guards complied, and for a few awkward minutes, we were all silent. Mark motioned for the couple to join us over there once the table was finally removed from the stack and positioned in the corner with two seats on either side.

The guards formed a silent perimeter around the chamber as we approached, focusing their attention on the two rebels as though they were ready to open fire at any moment.

The guy held out his hand as we got to the table. Don't you think introductions ought to be made first?

Mark gave him a wary look before giving in. Saying "Mark Schreave, your sovereign."

He grinned as he spoke. Respected, sir.

A: "And you are?"

August Illéa is at your service, please.