I Choose You by Kemi Adejumo (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

Chapter Five

I woke up the next day to find myself in  Molly's room.  I was still very sleepy.  Yesterday's event came rushing back putting me back in the abyss.  Ugh I thought it was a nightmare.  Yesterday was supposed to be a happy day not until everything was ruined.  My thoughts got interrupted by a voice and I knew it was Molly. 

"Good morning Jess" greeted Molly a little too cheerfully. I looked at her with a reaction that says it is not a good morning but I still answered her anyways. 

"Good morning, what time is it?" I asked yawning widely. 

"It's 7:15am" she answered.  That's when I remembered that I am not supposed to be here but in the maid quarters.  

"Oh my goodness,  I am so late.  Madam Silvia will definitely kill me" I said jumping out of Molly's bed. 

"But you have to... " I didn't let her finish before I interrupted. 

"I have to go, I will talk to you later, bye!! " I shouted as I raced out of her room.  I immediately ran to my room.  Andy was not there when I got in.  I quickly had my bath, wore my clothes and ran to the servant quarters hall where Madam Silvia always address us every morning. 

Madam Silvia was already addressing the maids when I rushed in.  All eyes were on me.  It was so embarrassing. 

"I see you came late today Jessica " said Madam Silvia making me dread the punishment I might receive  for coming late.

"I am so sorry Madam,  I wasn't conscious of the time.  I promise you,  it won't happen again "  I pleaded. 

"I am letting you off with a warning but the next time it happens,  just have it at the back of you mind that you will be doing double of the work you get in a day,  do I make myself clear? " she warned sternly. 

"Yes Madam,  thank you Madam " I said with relief . Thank  Gracious God,  she is nice today.  Madam Silvia can be too tough and disciplined sometimes and can also be nice sometimes .The trick about her is not being in her bad record.  After she warned me,  she continued addressing us. 

"As I was saying earlier,  the twenty rooms should have been prepared before the day after tomorrow. According to the King's orders the selection starts next tomorrow. Some of you  have been assigned to a room and to one selected girl" I raised my hands because I have not been assigned to do anything. 

"Jessica you have been assigned to the prince " She said 

"Oh... Okay Madam" I answered smiling. Thankfully  I am not assigned to any of the girls.  I don't know what I would do if  I have to serve girls that will constantly be day dreaming  about Christian. Immediately Erica saw me smiling,  she gave a nasty look and also raised her hands. 

"Yes Erica" Madam silvia said. 

"Madam I thought three maids are usually assigned to the prince,  why is it only Jessica that is assigned? You know Madam,  I am just saying this because I can also volunteer to assist his highness " Erica said trying to sound as innocent as possible.  I just rolled my eyes at her pretence. 

"Erica, the prince has specifically assigned Jessica and he said he will only need one maid.  If you have a problem with it,  you can go to him " Madam Silvia said with annoyance.  I caught Andy trying to hold in her laughter.  Erica was so embarrassed she kept quiet immediately. 

"I want everyone of you to get to work immediately and no mistakes. " commanded Madam Silvia .

"Yes Madam"we chorused. 

"You are dismissed " Madam Silvia said and we all filed out of the hall.  

After we came out of the hall, Andy ran up to me laughing .

"Oh my Goodness you should have seen Erica's face" she said laughing really hard "she was so embarrassed.  That's what she gets for being a jealous freak"

"Stop Andy,  don't call  her that.  Let's get to our duties before Madam Silvia catches us loitering "

"Ok fine,  see you later " Andy said and left.   I am about to go see Christian.  I have not seen him since last night and I'm worried about him.  I got to his room and as I was about to knock,  someone called me. 

"Jessica " It is Kaden.  He is a guard . One of the youngest and cutest guard in the palace. 

"Yes? "

"I have being looking for you,  King Henry calls for you. He said you should come to his office immediately  " he said exhaling like he had walked the whole palace. 

"Uhm.. OK I will go there now.  Thank you " I replied and he left.  I turned back and walked to the direction of the king's office.  Why will king Henry want to see me? " Oh Dear God please don't let it be about the selection " I mumbled while crossing my fingers .  I got to the office and there was a guard at the entrance.  He just knocked once and let me in. I walked in and saw the queen and the king already seated waiting for me. 

"Good morning your majesty,  your highness "I greeted bowing down. 

"You may take your seat Jessica " said King Henry.  I took my seat while fidgeting a little. 

"I have called you here today to give you a very important task"  A task?? 

"What task your majesty?"

"We want you to convince Christian to participate wholeheartedly in this selection "  King Henry  said making me snap my head at him before cowering back.  I can't believe this,  they are asking me of all people . I don't even want him to do this selection. This is so hard for me. 

"Your Majesty,  I don't know if I can fully convince him"

"You and my Son have been friends from a very young age and we know he tends to listen to you,  make sure he doesn't come back here if he is not fully convinced unless you get punished " Queen Annabelle threatened. She can be very scary and emotionless sometimes.  Don't get me wrong, she has never done anything bad to me but she also never really liked me. 

"Yes your highness,  I will do as you say " I replied shaking a little. 

"You may go" I stood up,  bowed and rushed out.  When I got out, I took in a deep breath and walked to the direction of Christian's room.  I knocked and I heard a soft "come in". I opened the door and walked in.  Christian was still in bed and his hair was dishelved.  He looked like he doesn't want to get out of bed. 

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