a/n: Heyo hi hello friends and fellow OC people. You already know the result of Nate’s big decision (Congrats to Bri and Eloise YEEEEEET, PLEASE GIVE ME THAT WEDDING FIC BUT ALSO TAKE YOUR TIME AND PLEASE DON’T FEEL ANY PRESSURE), but if any of you are wondering with happened to Marshall and Nate... this very very short fic is for you. I didn’t really have time to really write this fic- and I wasn’t planning on writing it because I’ve been very busy™ - but then I was like “Hmmmm... Marshall hasn’t suffered enough.” (I’M KIDDING, SHE’S SUFFERED ENOUGH) ANYWAY, Do not despair! Good things await our fav pilot/second lieutenant/military girl!! Thank you so much to @nathaniel-schreave for the RP, it has been a pleasure RP-ing with you Claire! (also, s/o Grace for all her beautifully written fics- PLEASE GIVE US THAT MAL FIC). With that, I give another warning for cursing and my technical final bow as Marshall’s Selection journey comes to an end. I’ve written about 21 or 22 fics (I’ve lost count) as Marshall and this might be my last one. I might be lying about this being my last one though, but ANYWAAAAAy. ENJOY!
“Um, I feel like you’re about to hate me.”
With those words, I automatically understood what Nate was going to say next, as we both stood there in the middle of my room.
“Nate... I could never hate you.”
“Well. I’m afraid you’re about to.” he starts fidgeting with his hands. “I swear that it’s nothing you did. I care about you so much. I want what’s right for you, and it isn’t me.”
I’ve always imagined the end would sound like shattering glass, the wailing of sirens, the screeching of tires against asphalt, but for the longest moment between us- there was only silence accompanied by sight of Nate visibly taking in a breath.
This is how things were ending- collapsing in on itself with no sound.
“My heart is with Eloise.”
Was I surprised to hear that? Not at all.
I shake my head in response, finally able to get some words out of my mouth. “And you think I'm going to hate you just for that?”
I bite my lip, trying to find the right words to say- There was no way I was going to hate Nate for making his choice- because I had made mine weeks ago when I decided to stay instead of run away. I stayed for him, but the days that followed- things changed. There were things I had realized that made me rationalize the way things were going to end.
“But a part of me has always known that things weren't going to work out between us.” I admit to him, verbalizing the doubt I had been hiding. Doubts born out of arguments and realizations that made me reconsider everything.
Perhaps I should apologize to him too. Forgive me Nate, because I was tired of fighting for something so unsure and uncertain. It was hard to fight for something so uncertain, and that… I don’t think what Nate and I had between us was meant to last long.
Nate gives me a nod before speaking up again, “Okay, I’m glad we are on the same page. I have an offer for you.”
His voice sounds more assured now that we had gotten both of our feelings sorted out.
“Yeah,” I nod in agreement. “Wait.... an offer?”
“Yes. You are a really nice person, and I think the palace would greatly benefit from having you here. So our current Captain of the Guards is wanting to retire soon. I was wondering if you would like to learn about this position and maybe take it over some day?”
Captain of the guards, the title rings in my head, my eyes widening in surprise at the mention of one of the most prestigious positions in the country’s defensive forces. To be in charge of the Kingsguard? That was such a special position.
“You want me to be the next captain of the guards...?”
He nods. “Yes, you are always telling me about what safety precautions should be changed and you’re right about them. And you could change them. And you are already friends with most of the guards so I think it would be an easier transition on both sides.”
The first thought that crosses my mind was how sane Nate was to even think of offering that position to me. He was literally speaking to a 20 year old ex-selected from the air force. To be the Captain of the Kingsguard to someone like me… it was unheard of.
“Heavens to Betsy... Nate... are you sure?”
“I’m very sure. I’ve put a lot of thought into it. I think you’d be really good at the job. And you’d be trained by General Andrews, who has been doing the job for 30 plus years.”
“Huh.... wow... It would be such an honor to be Captain of the Kingsguard…”
“You’d be the first woman to have this job.” he pauses, “And I know you love to fly the planes and this job doesn’t do that as much. But I’m sure I could get you a plane to keep here that you can fly around when you feel like it.”
“That's so sweet of you to remember how much I love flying... “ I feel a chuckle escape me. “But A plane? This job is getting more and more enticing by the minute.” I cover my mouth, trying to control how hysteric I actually was being.
Talk about the best job perks in the world.
Nate chuckles along with me. “I don’t think the plane would be too big of an issue. By the way, you don’t have to give me an answer right now, you can think it over, talk to your parents, whatever.”
“I don't need my parents to approve of what I'm doing with my life. Honestly, nothing would make the Admiral angrier than me leaving the Air Force...but... there are some other people... who I might need to get permission from…”
“and who are they?”
I instinctively run my hand through my hair. “The Silver Bullets... I have to know if my squad is going to be okay with this.”
I had left them once to join the Selection, with the intention of only being separated from me temporarily. To permanently leave them? Would they feel betrayed? Abandoned?
“I’m sure they’d be excited for you.” he offers a small reassuring smile.
Perhaps they would be.
The corners of my mouth tug up too, “Give me a day to see if they're going to be okay with it. If they are... well.. you've got yourself a new captain of the guard.”
“That’s fine, just let me know.” Nate says as he takes a step towards me, spreading his arms out- offering a hug.
I scoff at the sight of his open arms, still finding his sentimentality entertaining but just as endearing as I had always found it at the beginning of all of this.
My feet take a step towards him and proceed to hug him. “Thank you... you know... for everything.”
For all the things he had done for me. I knew that Nate and I weren’t meant to be with each other, but that didn’t take away from the fact that I was so grateful for his presence in my life.
Because Nate had helped to teach me to open myself towards more people, allowed me to realize who I truly was, and find my reason to stay. He probably didn’t realize how much he had helped me change, but I hoped he would realize that someday.
“Thank you.” He says as he hugs me back, and in that moment- I think both of us had that moment of understanding and acceptance of where we each stood in each other’s lives. We cared for each other, but not in the way I had first expected it to be like.
Nate was right, we did understand each other in a sense- and it was important to have someone like that in your life, having someone you could trust as a friend.
We pull away from each other.
“Now,” I flash a smile at Nate, actually feeling genuinely happy that Nate had made his choice. Because I know that Nate (and of course, Elle) did deserve to be happy.
“I believe that you have another girl to talk to…” I cross my arms. “Go get her, Natalie.”
“Thanks, Michelle. I really appreciate it.” Nate smiles.
“Oh yeah by the way... “ I point to his head of hair, still noticing the mess of curls on his head. “Fix your hair.”
He quickly runs his hands through his hair, “Better?”
“Better.” I snap a finger and point a finger gun at him, smiling.
He smiles. “Thanks. Just update me on what you do.”
“Of course,” I nod, “now go! Elle's probably dying to know your decision.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll go.” Nate lets out one last fit of chuckles before walking out my door, probably off to tell Elle the amazing news.
When he’s gone though, I take a breath- or more like a couple of breaths- trying to comprehend what had just happened. The glee of being offered the job slowly fading and giving way to some form of sadness that always accompanied relationships ending. However, I was glad that this one didn’t include a good bye, for there was no reason to say that.
I was going to stay here in Angeles and be the next Captain of the guards.
I didn’t need to move anywhere else.
I was needed here, and that was enough.
It was time to say good bye to both Lady Camille and Lieutenant Marshall.
This was a new beginning for (the future) General Camille Marshall.
But first, some calls needed to be made and I look around my room for my phone.
a/n: Hello hello hello everyone! This is my last official challenge submission for this round of the Selection OC, so I just really want to express how much of a wonderful journey it has been with all of these amazing characters. I owe so much to Marshall for (hopefully) improving the way I write and always challenging me when it comes to character depth and emotion. It’s been such an emotional rollercoaster stepping into the shoes of this character, and I’m so happy with what I have done for her. I hope this fic suffices to what you think a final fic should be so yes, I really enjoyed writing this, and delving into Marshall’s screwed up family life (which was something I wasn’t originally planning on delving into, but hey this challenge was the perfect opportunity to let you know some of the reasons why Marshall… is Marshall.) I have so much gratitude to these people who made this fic possible through RPs and consultation with what happens during this particular challenge so @nathaniel-schreave (Claire and Grace, thank you so much for this entire experience!!! It was crazy and I loved it so so much) and @eloiseduval (BRIANNA, *gives a small lieutenant*, thank you so much for the RPs we’ve had. Honestly, I wish we did more before XD). I don’t know if I could write anymore because it’s now my finals week so yeah. Much busy, how crazy. This is technically my last push for this OC’s round. I hope you all enjoy this last one and all the angst, suffering, and drama I put Marshall through. LEGIT, I hope you enjoy. And with this, I leave you all with my technically final curse word warning. There is a lot of cursing in this fic. *backstreet boys voice* Bye bye byeeeeeeeeeeee (11,625 words)
I could never really imagine what it’s like to handle a crashing plane, but the feeling of being here right now probably felt a lot like it, having one word play over and over in my head.
Mayday. Mayday. Mayday. Mayday.
It was as if tiny alarms in my head were going off, blinking red with sirens wailing. Initially, I’m pretty sure that I was overreacting, but then again- I don’t think that there’s really a correct way to handling the information that you (well, really me) was in the Top 2 of the Selection.
Confusion and uncertainty were technically the ones to blame for the panic after Nate had eliminated Victoria and Clove. I was pretty sure that my last argument with him had sealed the deal that I was heading to South Korea pretty soon. It wasn’t that I didn’t have faith in his kindness or generosity- it was more like I didn’t have faith in myself of making it through to the Top 2. I mean… that’s the Top 2… out of 35 girls that came here to the palace. I was still here, I was still in the palace… even after I’ve tried running away, even after I had argued with Nate twice in less than a week.
Okay, what the actual fuck?
The idea of me actual still being here despite all the bullshit I’ve done is dumbfounding, and honestly- if it wasn’t for all this bullshit, I probably wouldn’t have understood what the hell was actually happening.
Thank god that I actually had the courage to ask Nate what was happening, my curiosity and need to know overpowering the dismissive voice in the back of my head. Pride was not a trait I usually handled with, so it wasn’t really a problem when I had decided to apologize to Nate for what I had said the other day. Thankfully Nate and I were on the same page: we didn’t want to keep on fighting with each other.
Somehow, I knew that we were bound to disagree about something. While Nate really wanted me to not miss out on any opportunity to change my life, the part of me that craved stability went against that idea. I had the stability of my position in the air force, I couldn’t quite leave it. Perhaps that was one of the main differences between us, that Nate somehow liked to believe more in an ideal world with his head in the clouds while I kept my feet firmly on the ground, the voice of practicality guiding the way. A part of me was worried when Nate mentioned that he had threatened to leave his job, and it was almost ridiculous in how much he sounded like that was an actual option.
Perhaps that was what had gotten me slightly angry the last time we spoke at the rooftop, that it seemed like Nate could abandon his duty as prince just because a few things had gone wrong. It was if Nate was going for an option that almost seemed like something I would have done- run away. However, being here in the palace had made me realize things I needed to do, and find the courage to actually face my issues head on- somehow Nate taught me that in a way.
I was glad to have resolved things with Nate before the families had arrived.
Families.
That was a whole other dragon for me to slay. Nate, always the godsend tried to ease the worry I had over seeing my family again- but a part of me also realized that Nate didn’t really know what it was like to be with my family. He grew up with a pretty great family life. Me on the other hand… well, let’s just say that there were a lot of good reasons for me to keep my distance away from my family. Sentimentality was not a trait for a Marshall. Honestly, I’m surprised no one had figured out where I got my usual emotionally detached demeanor… obviously I got it from my family. However, Nate still tried to be nice about it- that’s always the thing with him, his optimism and generosity did ease the burden of seeing my family altogether again. It was actually nice to have someone be there to emotionally support you.
One question still plagued my mind mid-conversation though, why was I still there?
Cliched as it sounds, a part of me still held a lot of things back from Nate but I didn’t want to hold myself back from asking him that question.
Why me? Why keep me around for this long Nate- even after the arguments… and me almost running away…?
Because… I think we understand each other…
I wished that was enough.
I knew how this was going to end since this all began. Nate needed a girl who’d be his wife and future queen. Somewhere within the next few weeks (or days even), I know someone was going to have to have a ring on their finger between me and Eloise. The funny thing about us being the only girls left, we only really have had each other to talk to. It was nice to get to know her- she still possessed that easy elegance and charm that reminded me both Nate and the queen.
Between me and her, I knew that I was never going to fit into this world as perfectly as her- no matter how much I did think I understood Nate, or how much Nate also tried to understand me. No matter how much I-
“Miss Marshall, the families will be arriving shortly in a few minutes. You should be headed to the foyer after this to welcome them.”
The sound of the opening of my door is followed by Angelica entering my room. She held a few of hair pins in her palm, having gone outside to grab ones to pin a part of my hair back, having said that I looked better that way with the champagne colored satin dress they had chosen for me (despite how much I wanted to wear black to mourn my own soul that’s going to probably die of embarrassment later).
After fixing a part of my hair, Angelica gives me an approving nod before letting me go out on my own. The walk to the palace’s foyer was a quick one, it still held its death-march-like quality though. Lady Collette was there in the foyer too, observing me and Eloise, Collette’s intense gaze reminding us to act like the proper ladies we have been trained to be for the past few months.
I’m pretty sure that the royal family had really planned this right to the second because as if on cue- two black limousines were pulling up the palace’s gravel path and I’m pretty sure those things could have held at least 10 people each. My heart races at the thought of seeing them.
This wasn’t what they were used to. Pretty dress, hair and make up, heels- this wasn’t the image of Camille Marshall my family was used to. Were they going to be surprised to see me this way?
The two cars pull up and stop, valets approaching the cars and opening the doors for everyone.
The first thing I see is a head of graying hair and I could immediately tell who was getting out of the car for everyone. Of course he wanted to be the first one out of the car.
Admiral Jonathan Marshall steps out of the car and he fixes his coat- straightening the well-decorated navy blue piece. Wait, was that his formal blues? Of course he was in his formal blues, he wanted to dress well when he meets the royal family. Today was probably just one of his opportunities to kiss the king’s ass.
He waits patiently for my mother to step out of the car, and she looks more relaxed in her sun dress and brown hair tied into a nice bun. She looked nice, and pretty happy to be here. I thought it was only my parents who had come for the visit after a few seconds go by without anyone exiting the car- but I was mistaken when another set of formal blues exits the car.
Have you ever met someone whose face looked like the perfect target for a punch? My brother, Antonio- Tony- had that kind of face. My eyes narrow on the 26- year old captain in the Navy, the last thing I had heard about him he was leading a team of Seals somewhere top secret. That was how he had always explained where he was getting deployed- that’s top secret information, you don’t need to know. It wasn’t a surprise that Tony had come all this way from one of his “top secret” missions for a chance to kiss ass too. Tony always does the thing my father would do, he was always the exemplary child. Why can’t you be like Tony, Camille?
The next person I see jump out of the car is my sister, and a part of me is surprised to see Evangeline, Vange, in her formal uniform too, hair pulled back into a bun in her coast guard’s uniform. She’s tanner than I remember now, her skin having a bronze glow. Just like my mother, she was more relaxed compared to my dad and brother- but Vange stood straight as the last person slid out of the car. Ferdinand looked less put together than the rest of my family. His hair didn’t look that well combed, his formal uniform (of course he’s also wearing formal) looked rumpled from a few meters away.
They were all here. It was amazing in a way, seeing all of them together like this. How long have I not seen my sister since she was assigned to Clermont while I was still in military school?
Once all of them were out of the car, my entire family turns to the foyer and I could tell that they’ve already seen me when I see my father raise an eyebrow questioningly in my direction. Tony seems to laugh loudly at the sight of me, Ferdi joining in while Vange elbows the two of them.
A loud squeal catches my attention, and I remember that Eloise’s family was here too and my attention is briefly caught by the gleeful faces of her family and I turn to see Elle smiling so brightly- she must be close with them.
I turn my attention back to my family walking up to me, all bearing some kind of seriousness on their faces, and I move my hands behind my back, trying to force myself to stand straighter. The admiral is the first one to reach me, and I immediately salute him, because that’s how you greet each other in the Marshall household- most especially when greeting the admiral.
“Good morning, sir.” I greet while I hold the salute, waiting for his acknowledgment.
The admiral does a quick salute back to me, “At ease, Camille. Good morning to you too.”
My mother pushes my father away from me, and gives me a smile. Unlike the stoic expression my father wore, my mother wore her heart more on her sleeve.
“Good morning, ma’am.” I say before she offers me and handshake.
“Hey there Cams,” she replies as I shake her hand. “Wow, they’ve really given you the princess treatment- huh?”
“You have no idea-”
“MILLIEPEDE!”
The old nickname makes my blood boil when Tony goes to my side looking as annoying and obnoxious as ever. It was an old teasing nickname from back when we were kids- a name he and Ferdi called me- they used to just call me Millie, then Tony, ever the genius took it to himself to christen me with that annoying nickname- little did they know that was basically the reason why I never liked my first name- because of all that fucking teasing.
Tony holds out his hand to me for a shake, and I reach for his hand before he quickly pulls his hand away, “Too slow, Milliepede.” He laughs out before my father clears his throat at the side. Ferdi was right behind Tony, his face looking even more tired this close- what the fuck happened to him?
“Greetings and Salutations, Millie.” he nods his head with a smirk. “Or should I say Princess Millie, now?”
I roll my eyes at Ferdinand’s remark before Vange stands beside Ferdi.
“Cams! Hey there stranger.” Vange greets, holding her hand out, and I do end up shaking her hand.
“Hey there stranger.” I nod, before Vange joins in on the small semi-circle my family had formed around me.
They had told us yesterday that we were going to show our families to their rooms, and that they were going to be staying in the same halls us, to keep us close, which was amazing and greaaaaaat.
“Camille, will we be meeting the royals any time soon?” the admiral asks, looking around the foyer but only finding the sight of The Duval’s gleeful reunion with their daughter. I catch Eloise looking like she had some tears in her eyes- okay yeah, they probably are pretty close. A part of me feels a little jealous in the way their family seemed… all happy and stuff while mine was stuck in a crisp formation.
“Yes, sir. There will be a short reception for you in one of the halls.” I nod, recalling Lady Collette informing us about it.
“Are you sure that the king will be there?”
“I suppose.”
“I suppose, sir.”
“There’s no need to call her, sir, Admiral.” Ferdi chuckles off in the side, earning a glare from my father before he turns back to me- choosing to ignore Ferdi’s joke.
“I need a firm answer, Camille. Yes or no?”
“The king is usually very busy, but they had set up this entire thing to meet the possible future in laws. So I suppose that.. yes, sir. The king would be there.” I explain to him, god- my father sounded like some teenage girl looking for her boyfriend.
“Jonathan, don’t be so hard on Camille.” my mother chimes in my defense. “The protocol must be different here.”
“Hailey, I do not want our daughter to forget her manners. Living here in the palace has probably spoiled her so much that she’s forgotten how to address her superiors. Don’t want the king to think that I’ve raised an ignorant and rude child.”
Excuse you, SIR. I keep my face neutral, deciding on shifting the topic. Nate told me that I could do this. I could handle my family. I could handle my father. I could do this. I could do this without getting angry.
“Would you like me to show you to your rooms?”
“That would be great! I just arrived from Clermont this morning.. Ferdi and Tony must be jetlagged too but they arrived here about what…a day or two ago.” Vange agrees, sharing some information as she places her hands behind her back.
“I’m still reeling from that flight… I hate planes.” Tony declares, “Milliepede, I don’t know why you’d choose to be a pilot.”
I ignore Tony, turning towards Ferdi, “You arrived early?”
Ferdi chuckles, “Yeah, I arrived here about the day before yesterday. The palace took care of me staying somewhere though. Don’t sweat it, Mil.”
“Alright, please follow me- I’ll take you to your rooms.” I nod, before turning on my heel and gesturing towards the doors of the palace and start walking towards the direction of the grand staircase. I then take a few steps then look back, checking if my family was behind me. The sight was hilarious, they all were following me in a straight line- as if we were marching.
“Um… you know that you don’t have to do that- right?”
“It makes us look like we’ve got order, Camille.” The admiral reasons out. “Do you know how I became one of Illea’s highest ranking admirals? My respect for order and protocol.”
“Sir, this isn’t a march. I believe that they wouldn’t mind if you broke this formation.” I reply, crossing my arms. Couldn’t they be just normal? Couldn’t the admiral just lower his paranoia? Not everyone was looking at us.
“You’re getting too conscious Jonathan, maybe Cams might be right…” my mother agrees before stepping out of line, followed by my siblings, choosing to stay at my side as we continue walking to the rooms.
My father turns to me, giving a once over from top to bottom. “You have to dress like this everyday?”
“Yes, sir. They usually require us to wear this kind of formal wear.” My lips form a line as I answer him quickly.
“Hmmm… what a waste of good taxpayer’s money. All that money going into making dresses, for what.. 35 girls? Could have gone into more important things like money for our troops abroad-”
“I completely agree sir. Why should the prince have so many girlfriends anyway?” Tony nods his head profusely before rolling his eyes at me.
“Speaking of girlfriends… so Millie… you’re technically dating the prince…” Ferdi looks at me conspiratorially with a smile, “Are you like in love with him or something now?”
“Heavens to Betsy, I can imagine Milliepede going all goo-goo eyes on the prince.” Tony laughs along before making his voice go higher to mimic my own. “Oh my god, Prince Nate is so hot and we like are so in love.”
I groan looking at Ferdi and Tony, “I don’t have to tell you anything.”
“Come ooooooooon,” Vange goads, “could you tell us at least something you’ve been doing with him?”
“I’ve been on dates with him…?”
“What kind of dates?”
The rest of the way to their rooms is full of questions from my siblings, sometimes from my mom about how I was doing here in the palace. My dad interjected occasionally, especially when my mother had asked about the attack and caning. Oddly enough, my father said that he was proud to hear I had killed a rebel when the information reached him, and Oh God, when he talked about the caning.
The boy deserved it, and that princess should have gotten a lashing for interfering- don’t get me started about the prince. What a blatant act of disrespect to the king, if that was my child-
Well, let us rejoice that you’re not his father.
A chill runs through me at that thought, how my father could be so cruel- but the idea was easy to swallow. I’m not surprised. Once a bully, always a bully.
I show each of them to their rooms in the America Hall. My parents were assigned Room #5, Tony got the room next to theirs: Room #4. I knew that I wanted Vange’s room closest to mine- Vange being the family member I tolerated most so I had requested her room to be Room #3, while I lead Ferdi to Room #1, which was the room across mine- Vee’s room. A part of me didn’t like the idea of my brother staying in the place where most of my best memories with Vee happened- but the other two rooms in the America Hall were under renovation so I didn’t really have a choice.
Once everyone was shown to their rooms, I was sure that everyone wanted to settle down a bit so I just agreed with them to meet up by the staircase after an hour or so. I had explained to them the details of the reception that was going to be held later for everyone at 1100 hours, but my father- ever the punctual one, declared that he’d visit everyone’s rooms at 1030 hours to gather us all to head down. Let’s make a good impression on the royal family, shall we?
I mentally roll my eyes before nodding.
“Yes, sir.” my siblings and I say in unison- all of us used to this kind of way he expected us to answer him. How funny it was for 4 grown adults to still have that childhood fear of their father scolding them. We were a lot like the Von Trapps in the Sound of Music honestly- just without the really nice governess that softened up our father or all that singing.
Anyway, I separate from my family and retreat into my room- wanting some time away from them… despite only spending 10 minutes with my family. I did it though, I survived seeing them all again together.
Seeing all of my family brings out some of my worst memories from when I was a kid. It wasn’t some kind of great tragic incident honestly. It was a series of small tragedies in my life that just accumulated into a lot of pent up resentment against them. The constant moving around the country, the strictness of my father, the passiveness of my mother, the living on military bases, the pressure to work in the military, the encouragement of emotional distance, being shipped off to a military school without any real connection with my family members- just really small stuff that built up.
I shake my head, knowing that I could handle this. I was not going to run away from this. I needed to face them someday, it might as well be now. I was 20 years old, I’m an adult. I could handle this. This I could handle. I decide to let myself rest and lay down on my bed to take a nap feeling tired from what happened this morning. Laying there, I feel my eyelids get heavier until I drift off into sleep.
The next thing I know, I’m jolted awake by the banging on my door and my father’s voice from the outside. I look to my watch- 10:35 AM - Oh shit. Fuck, of course I had to fuck up with my dad around.
I scramble off of my bed and slip my heels on. I check my face on my mirror to check if my hair looked bad. Thankfully, I didn’t have a case of bed head. I quickly unlock my door and open it to see my father’s annoyed expression.
“Do you know what time it is, Camille?” he seethes out, glaring at me while I catch a chuckle coming from Tony.
I hang my head and look down, “Yes, sir. I’m sorry for the delay.”
“Heavens to Betsy, Camille. What has this place done to you? This is so disappointing. I’ve spent years trying to train you to have the best work ethics and 5 months out of the military and you’re showing a complete disregard to these years we’ve invested in you. Such a disappointment.”
The words sting, but I clench my fist and allow the words to enter one ear and exit the other. That wasn’t true, what my father is saying isn’t true. I’m still me, I still respect people’s times. I’m never late for anything.
“I apologize, sir.”
“Look at your siblings. They were already out in the hallway by 10:30. Tony said that he was already waiting out by 10:25. Meanwhile, you were doing- what?”
“I had accidentally taken a nap… I’m sorry if it-”
My father raises his hand dismissively. “I don’t want to hear your reasons- We’re losing valuable time standing here discussing your weakness of character. Let’s just go down.”
I let out a breath as my father turns on his heel and offers his arm to my mother- who was only standing there listening to my father’s tirade.
“Let’s go.”
I walk up to Vange’s side, her face trying to mask her concern. “You shouldn’t have fallen asleep- you know how easily riled up he can get-”
“I know.”
“Such a disappointment…” I hear Ferdi try to mock what my father said under his breath. I simply elbow him in annoyance as we walk the rest of the way to the great hall in silence. I try to calm my nerves, shaking off my father’s words. I didn’t need to bring that baggage with me to the reception. Nate was expecting me to resolve things with them, and god damn it, I was going to resolve it.
We arrive ahead of everyone, of course. We all end up making small talk with one another- I avoid talking directly to my father, choosing to answer most of the questions my mother was throwing at me about living here. I explain what everyday life as a Selected was like since the beginning. The etiquette lessons, the dates, talking with the royals, my birthday, the christmas ball (oh… the christmas ball), even more dates… then the crazy stuff- the rebel attack and how I sprained my ankle, the caning… my mother and my brothers seemed interested enough to know what I was doing instead of flying planes.
Not too long after, everyone starts to file into the hall, and my father approaches all of us to warn us to act on our best behavior when the king walks in.
“I personally know King Spencer, and my image towards his is impeccable. I hope that you will not be embarrassing me in front of him and his family. Camille, a word.” The admiral orders as he gestures for me to walk away with him to speak with me privately. “I trust you too much that you’ve not embarrassed me and our family by any of your actions during this whole thing?”
My attention shifts when I see Nate walk in with the rest of his family, and something in my chest just drops down to my stomach. Then it hits me again… how nervous I was when he meets my family. Then I see him walk up to meet The Duvals first before my father snaps his fingers in front of my face.
“Camille.” the admiral calls my name out before he looks to the direction I was looking at, realizing I was looking at Nate. The admiral just shakes his head as I look away in embarrassment, though I could tell his annoyance.
“No, sir. I haven’t done… anything.” I admit to him, answering my father’s last question.
“For your sake, I hope you haven’t done anything you’d regret. You do understand that only one of you will be chosen by that prince. Anyway, you’ve got your promotion and deployment ahead of you.”
“I assure you, sir. I’m willing to handle everything this entails- whatever the results of this is.”
“Are you now? Do you have feelings for him, is that what makes you believe you can handle this?”
My face heats up at the question. How many times have I asked myself that question?
“I do.. I mean I genuinely care about him- sir… but don’t think I’m blinded by all of this…” I reply, knowing what was his concern… it’s been mine for the past few months too.
“Be careful who you care for, Camille.” the admiral says before we hear my mother calling our names. “We can continue this conversation when this party is over.”
The two of us walk over to my mother who was gesturing for me to lean to her.
“Cams, is that everyone in the royal family?” my mother asks me as she points to the group of royals that were talking amongst themselves. How odd it was to be familiar with them… I mean… I’ve been eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with most of them for the past few months. The thought of all of this being over…that it could never be that way like that… wow, most of this was really sinking in now.
“Um… affirmative. That’s Nate’s siblings mostly. Quinn, her husband: Jace… Brooks, Mal, and Max. Then there’s the queen…”
“Wait… one of the princesses married?” Ferdi raises his eyebrow questioningly at me as my mother excuses herself from the convo when she starts talking to my dad then.
“She eloped with her boyfriend last Christmas, came back to the palace a week after married to him. Real crazy stuff…” I explain.
“Is she even old enough to marry? I mean she looks like she’s… 17 or something…” Ferdi jokes, Tony slinging his arm over Ferdi’s shoulder.
“Yeah, Millie- looks like you definitely have to start fitting wedding dresses. I’m pretty sure that the prince is in the mood to put a ring on someone’s finger… seems like wedding season is in the air.”
“Pffft, I’m not planning any weddings soon.” I roll my eyes. Please don’t give me that hope.
“Never say never, Cams.” Vange nudges my shoulder with a laugh, “The boy seems like proof that prince charming does exist.”
“Prince charming, huh? … well…He has been really kind, actually. He’s very sweet.” I admit with a smirk- of they only knew.
“Aweeee hear that guys? He’s very sweet!” Tony echoes with a laugh. The warmth of my face was annoying, a product of my brother’s teasing.
“Okay but it makes sense though. Once prince charming kissed her, she went from looking like a frog into looking like this.” Ferdi gestures his hand to my face then to my dress.
“I’m just saying that he’s been very generous while I’ve been here…”
Vange smirks, “What kind of generous?”
“Generous? Probably generous with kisses…” Ferdi chuckles teasingly. “How many times have you kissed him?”
Three times… technically. I hold back from answering him… for obvious reasons.
My three siblings laugh with each other while I clench my fist- trying to not make their comments get to me while my parents join in on the conversation- my father warning my siblings to keep their laughter down while my mother asking me details about Nate. Not a few seconds later, I suddenly see Nate walking over towards us. Thank the lord almighty.
“Good morning, I hope you had a lovely flight out here.” Nate greets, smiling at my family nervously. It’s comical… the thought of him being nervous to meet my family.
My siblings fall into a straight line beside my father, acknowledging the prince’s presence. Just as I was going to greet him, my father speaks up before I get to.
“Good morning to you too, your highness. Admiral Jonathan Marshall at your service sir.” the admiral salutes to Nate, and god- that was such a cheesy way to greet him.
“Nice to meet you, Admiral.” Nate offers his hand to my father, still maintaining that smile of his despite the admiral practically staring him down.
My father shakes Nate’s hand, probably a little too firmly, “The feeling is mutual.”
I just want to cringe at the admiral, did he have to be so fake towards Nate?
“And I’m guessing you are Camille’s mother.” Nate proceeds to turn to my mother, offering her his hand for another shake. I notice that he does end up using my first name, which was … still weird sounding… but I’ve come to accept that was one of the things between us now. Just as we called each other Michelle and Natalie… Camille was now in the same list. Something more personal…
“Call me Hailey, your highness. Did you know, Cam was just talking about you…”
“Oh yeah, Millie here-” Tony interrupts my mother, looking excited to spill the beans.
I elbow my brother, not wanting my brother to say what I had just talked about. “Tony…”
“Relax Cams.” Vange chuckles before crossing her arms, meanwhile I hear my dad clearing his throat- a reminder to keep our behavior in check.
Nate looks shocked by what my mother mentioned before turning to me, “Oh really?”
Ferdi jumps into the conversation looking at me with a mischievous look on his face, “Very much so, sir. She-”
“I was just talking about how much of a gracious host you have been…” I immediately interrupt Ferdi, side eyeing him and a snickering Tony. They both just LOVED to get under my skin.
“Well thank you.” Nate just beams at the compliment.
I proceed to introduce each of my siblings to Nate. Giving each of their positions and names. Captain Antonio Marshall, Lieutenant General Ferdinand Marshall… Vange introduces herself though.. Lieutenant Commander Evangeline Marshall.
“and that is Second Lieutenant Camille Marshall.” Evangeline jokingly introduces me, completing the full role call of my family.
“Well, it won’t be long until you accept your promotion, won’t it, Camille?” The admiral reminds me, reminding me of the career opportunity like he did a while ago.
“We can talk about that during another time, sir.” Now was not the right time to mention that, especially in front of Nate.
Nate seems to ignore my father and I’s exchange. “It’s nice to meet all of you, and thank you for everything you have done for my country.”
“It’s always an honor to serve, sir.” Vange beams, obviously taking pride in her service.
Ferdi speaks up, “Yeah, and thanks for having us today- it’s nice to actually get a break from our tours.”
“Yeah, I haven’t seen Milliepede for years, I’ve missed her.” Tony says with the fakest tone of sincerity ever.”
“Liar.” I whisper under my breath, sick of Tony acting like he cared.
“Kids…” My mother warns us.
The admiral then steps in to stop us from us arguing. “As Evangeline had said, your highness, it’s always an honor to serve. The call of duty is something we Marshalls have been doing for generations.”
Nate nods his head, obviously uninterested in the bullshit my dad just said- instead I know his eyes are on me, probably after the brief exchange between Tony and I.
“Admiral, I don’t think Nate would want to hear one of you speeches about honor and duty.” I speak up, knowing how m father tended to give the worst speeches about honor and duty and shit.
“Nonsense, Camille. As a future king, this concerns Prince Nate very much. It’s a matter of national security.”
A chorus of groans from my family echoes at my father’s answer. Oh god, here we go.
“Jonathan, I think maybe you should take that with the King- not the prince.” Thank god for my mother, turning the admiral’s attention to the king.
“Ahh yes, King Spencer. I haven’t seen him in quite a while. I used to work with your father a few years ago when my family and I were stationed here in Angeles.” And here we have a prime example of my father shamelessly advertising himself.
“I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see you again.”
The conversation seems to redirect on meeting the royals, so I suggest to my parents to go and speak with them. They exchange good byes with Nate and my siblings quickly say their good byes too, choosing to mingle with other people at the reception- leaving Nate alone with each other.
“ I am sooo sorry about them.” I tell Nate, wanting him to know that I was sorry for their odd behavior.
“It’s fine, it’s family. They seemed to get along just fine.” Nate replies calmly.
I snort, “The keyword is seemed. Thanks for acting cool around them.” I’d have to admit, Nate did handle meeting my family really well.
“It wasn’t that hard.” Nate answers while he crosses his arms, “So, what have you told them about me?”
“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know..” I cross my arms too, answering him with a teasing tone. It was fun to always pull on his arm.
“Yes I would. That’s why I’m asking.” he mirrors my joking tone perfectly.”
A chuckle escapes me, “If you’re wondering, I only spoke nicely about you. I spared them all the gross details- but I’m pretty sure that my siblings would try to interrogate me again later.”
“That’s what siblings do.” Nate nods with a laugh.
“Don’t worry, I won’t kiss and tell.” I laugh back.
“Why don’t you go get caught up with your family. It won’t be as bad as you think.” That’s easy for Nate to say…. he’s known them for only 5 minutes.
“You haven’t lived with them for 14 years, trust me… I’ve tried.” I shrug, dismissing the idea. I know that I’m trying and all- but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to make my family act like his.
“Please? For me?” Nate gives me an awfully cheesy- but convincing smile, it was like the way he looked at me sometimes before… the kind that melts your heart and makes you realize that his eyes were going to be the death of you.
My eyes glance down, willing the feeling away. If Nate only knew the full story… but I understand that he’s trying to help me and that was also something to take into consideration.
“I’ll try again, today… Okay?”
“Okay.” Nate extends his arm to my left shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly with his thumb. “You got this.”
My right hand reaches to put my hand over his, “I hope I do…”
Nate smiles again at me… if only his smile could really solve everything.
“Thanks again.”
“No problem. Go have a little fun with them.”
I scoff at the idea… having fun??? with my family???? WHAT A CONCEPT!
“I don’t think they even know what “fun” is,” I cross my arms while laughing at that idea. “Anyway, I’ll try giving a shot- but only because you’ve asked.”
“Just go. Be Camille not Marshall.” Nate winks at me cheekily, and I laugh even harder- but then his words ring in my head. Be Camille, not Marshall. How do you not be Marshall when you’re talking to Marshalls? Hell, I don’t even really know who the fuck Camille really is.
“That’s easy for you to say.” I hit his arm lightly before I hear Vange calling my name from the side. “I’ll see you later?”
Nate nods with one last smile, “I’ll see ya.”
I smile back before turning on my heel and walking over to Vange and Ferdi chatting with each other. My mother was talking to some of the royals while my father and Tony were obviously kissing the king’s ass.
Ferdi raises an eyebrow at me, “Do you hear what I hear?”
“Gee, Ferdi… I think I hear it too.” Vange replies, cupping her ear.
“What are you two hearing?” I look at them hoping that they haven’t gone crazy.
“Oh… just the sound of you laughing mixed with wedding bells.” Ferdi chuckles to himself.
“You… were… laughing.. and smiling… and Holy hell, what the hell did that prince do to you?” Vange looks initially freaked out, but in a funny way.
“Heavens to Betsy, you really like him!” Ferdi claps his hands excitedly, “Millie is finally in looooOOOooooove.”
I feel a blush creep up my face again, and I rub the back of my neck nervously staying silent. Love? That’s a big word, a word that I’d rather not use in a situation like this…not just yet. I mean… I truly believe I care for Nate, and I do like having him around a lot… things were just too complicated and murky that admitting that kind of feeling.. well that was the most terrifying thing to say out loud. I have no idea how to respond to Ferdi’s conclusion so I try to change the topic.
“You know Ferdi… uh…” think of something… THINK OF SOMETHING. “The room you’re staying in is actually my best friend’s room before she got eliminated.”
That was… oddly specific, but at times of panic- I’ve started to wonder what Vee would do..and well the thought of Ferdi staying in Vee’s room was the first thing that popped into my head.
“OOoooo, I remember seeing pictures of you two on some papers before.” Vange replies. “You two seemed close… what was her name again… Victoria?”
“Nope, that was another Selected girl. Her name’s Venus, actually.”
“Venus?” Ferdi echoes, and Vange and I turn to him to see him look pale.
“Uhhh… Ferdi? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I raise my eyebrow at Ferdi’s sudden change of mood.
“I’ve got to go… get some air… BYE.” my brother quickly bolts for the door.
“Wait… Ferdi!” Vange tries to run after him. “Something’s weird with him… um… Cams- I’ll be back. See ya!”
I watch Vange quickly run out after Ferdi. That was weird…
My stomach rumbles and I end up grabbing a few of the choices from the refreshments table, proceeding to eat some of the snacks while I watch the rest of my remaining family interact with everyone else here. I finish my plate quickly, setting it down to the side, and deciding on leaning against the wall- just observing things until I notice that Eloise was standing by the side too, so I walk up to my fellow selected.
“Hey there.”
Eloise turns to me with a smile, “Hey Marshall, how’s it going?”
“Well, other than trying to stay calm while my family’s here… I’m good.” I smirk. “How are you? You seemed to have had a nice reunion with your fam.”
“I know, this is more stressful than I imagined.” She lets out a short laugh. “But other than that I’m great. I didn’t realize until our reunion how much I missed my family,” Her head shakes while smiling.
“Got a little overwhelmed.” Eloise admits, and I recall seeing some of the tears back at the foyer.
“You seemed really happy to see them. It’s good to hear that though, I got a little concerned when I saw a bit of the water works back there.” I nod with a smile, happy for her joyful reunion.
“You weren’t the only one, surprised me too.” She laughs before biting her lip and turning to me. “Are you… okay? With your family and all.” Her tone sounds equal parts cautious and concerned.
I try to explain thing to Eloise without giving too much, or exposing too much of my family’s ugly side. “Umm.. yeah.. we’re just not very … close with each other or.. sentimental. But it’s cool though… um.. I haven’t seen my family this complete since I was..” I count the years in my head. “15.”
“15? That’s… I can’t even imagine it.” Eloise looks shocked to hear that, and I don’t blame her.
I explain about how my family had started to separate from one another thanks to all of our jobs and assignments in the military. Tony being overseas for the Navy, Ferdi working in New Asia for the Army, Vange in Clermont for the coast guard, The Admiral and my mother in Dominica…. it’s been near five years since I’ve seen them all together. Elle and I talk a little more about our families and I point out how her family seemed to be really close with one another, and a pang of longing just hits me.
Eloise nods, “Sometimes a little too close,” she smiles.
“But it’s good to have their support no matter how all…” she waves her hand, “this ends up.”
It was good to hear that he family had her back… no matter what the results were. They seemed like the kind to accept whatever outcome this Selection would have for her. My thoughts drift off to how my family would react… hypothetically… if Nate asked me to marry him… would my family be okay with it?
The scary thing was that I thought of their reactions to me not getting chosen and holy hell… I’ve never imagined anything more vividly than that outcome. It all flashes before my eyes, and a chill runs through me at how convinced I was that was the way things were going to end. This was the way it was going to end.
“It’s so weird to think…. this is all coming to an end..” I mumble before shaking my head, snapping myself out of my thoughts. “But I’m sure your family will really be there for you no matter what happens.”
“It is strange.” Elle suddenly turns herself to me, awe in her face. “Can you believe we started and ended together?”
Started? “At the airport, right?”
Now I remember… the send offs… Eloise was the first Selected girl I had ever met. “I have to admit though… I think a part of me has always known that you’d make it this far… you almost scared me with how princess material you were.”
“Seriously? I wouldn’t consider myself that, at least in the beginning. The lessons helped a bit” Eloise sounds surprised at my admission, but ends up smirking when she talked about the lessons.
I run a hand through my hair, “No… I remember you talking about charity…there was something that screamed princess material to me…” I nod with a smirk, “But agreed, I think the lessons here were lifesavers.”
“You know you’re just as princess material as anyone, don’t doubt that. After all, we’re both still here.” Eloise smiles. To me, that’s honestly what would a princess would say… that kind of benevolence. I still held my high regard that Elle was still the best candidate for that position.
I snort (yes, how princess material), “ I’d like to debate about me being princess material… but you know…” I click my tongue, “you’re right… I’m still here… oddly enough.” I laugh.
Still one of my favorite not so mysterious mysteries… how the fuck I was still here.
“Almost anyone can learn to be princess. You know in the end it’s just,” she lifts a shoulder up, “it’s about Nate.” She then turns to the direction where Nate was talking with the royal family and in that moment I think Elle were thinking the same thing. Him.
“Yeah… I mean… it is his decision…” I tuck my hair behind my ear, glancing to the ground and taking a breath. “That doesn’t lessen the burden on your mind though. Kinda makes it worse when you realize what’s… who’s.. at stake…”
The thought of losing Nate in my life… God… I couldn’t even think about that without feeling… I don’t even know what to call it. I didn’t want to lose one of the few people who tries to understand me, even when I don’t understand myself. I don’t want that to happen. This was the greatest fear to have: to lose someone you care so much about, not even to death… but to lose someone to the circumstances of life. Would we go back to strangers after all of this?
Eloise seems to have a similar though process, the seriousness clear in her eyes. “It’s the most terrifying thing I’ve ever gone through,” she lets out a small laugh.
“It’s definitely not all bad, but…” Eloise shakes her head and decides to not continue that sentence.
“It has more good than bad… but I get it… being scared… I mean… I almost ran away from all of this because I was.. afraid.” I laugh nervously, looking back to a few weeks ago.
“Yeah, I mean—” Eloise pauses to look at me with a confused expression, “Wait, what? You almost ran away?”
I nod my head and take a step closer to Eloise, enough to lower my voice. “Not a lot know, but I almost did- the night of the rebel attack. Only two other people know… there’s Vee… and well- the person who convinced me to stay…”
“Nate.”
Thank god he asked me to stay though…
“I’m glad you stayed too, but well… why? Were you just afraid of the situation?”
“I was scared of a lot of things, honestly. But the one thing I was scared of…” I take a deep breath, “was having feelings for Nate.”
I still was afraid of all these things I was feeling for Nate.
“I thought it was going to be the best for him that I left… I mean it seemed like a good plan at the time when I thought that I didn’t belong here.” I continue my explanation to Eloise and for a moment she stays quiet, probably processing the bombshell I dropped on her.
“I get it, in a way. I was so nervous to tell him how I felt and I didn’t think I could do it.” she crosses her arms with a laugh. “Almost drove me crazy. ”
She turns to look at me, “But I’m glad you figured it all out, and that Nate convinced you to stay.”
“I’m glad that Nate did convince me.” I’d forever be grateful to the first person who convinced me to stay, the person who gave me so much courage in ways I didn’t think I could.
“Trust me, I haven’t figured everything all out. I still am, a lot of this is kinda still new to me.” To be vulnerable with someone… that concept was still crazily new to me.
“The whole dating a prince a thing? I think we can relate on that.” Elle jokes with a smile.
“Oh, most definitely. We can both check that off our bucket lists.” I laugh along.
Eloise laughs, “You know, this may be corny, it seems to be a common thing with me lately.” she chuckles, “but I hope that after all this we can still… be friends. Or something like that.”
Of course I would, Elle was great to hang around with- but I decide to pull her arm a little bit.
“Ehhh… naaaaahhhh,” I pretend to act seriously before bursting out into laughter at her reaction. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding… of course. I’d love to still be friends with you. Keeping in touch? I’d like that.”
“I take it all back, I regret everything,” Eloise rolls her eyes.
“Aweee man,” I swing my arm in mock disappointment, “What a wasted opportunity.”
“Whatever, lieutenant,” Eloise laughs while bumping her shoulder with mine.
I raise an eyebrow, “Excuse me, I expect you to call me ‘Ma'am’,”
Eloise does her best salute with a grin, “Will do, ma’am.”
“Nice salute you’ve got there.” I cover my mouth, still laughing.
“Best in the west.” Eloise stands up a little straighter, holding her hand behind her back.
“At ease, girl.” I chuckle, patting her shoulder.
“Thanks for that,” Eloise says as she relaxes.
“Of course. Now I could tell that the two of us are probably going to be keeping in touch in the future” I smirk.
“Appreciate the reassurance, really had me going there” Eloise replies, laughing.
“I’ve been told that I usually do give that” I wave my hand, “vibe.” I shrug, “Sorry.”
She shakes her head, “I’ll forgive you, just this once.”
“Aweeee, what a benevolent act. That’s good princess practice over there.”
“So is knowing how to take command of a room, ma’am.” Elle has a small pointed look, obviously joking.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I could apply that in scaring the next set of rebels that come here.” I joke, bumping my shoulder with hers.
“No one would dare go up against Camille Marshall.”
My hands form finger guns and point at Elle, “You know it, Eloise Duval.”
“It looks like Max is unsuccessfully trying to woo my little sister, I should probably go save her.”
The two of us turn to the direction of Eloise’s sister and Max, and I’m already mentally cringing at what the poor girl is going through right now.
“Oh you definitely should go and spare her his advances,” I nod laughing while waving, “See you later.”
“Later, lieutenant.” she smirks and gives a small lieutenant salute before leaving.
The rest of the reception goes by pretty fast after that conversation with Eloise, and the next thing I know- my family and I are sitting in one of the many sitting rooms in the palace, and I’m trying my best to try and make the effort of having fun with my family like Nate had asked. My father is there listening over our conversations, while all of us were engaged in them.
“Okay, but I still can’t believe what I was seeing a while ago.” Ferdi remarks, lounging on one of the couches.“I am a gawk, I am definitely aghast… is Milliepede in love at last? I’ve never heard you laugh like that.”
“No, umm.. I don’t know how to explain this…”
“Now… This I am very interested in listening to.” Tony walks over to sit beside Ferdi. “Now, Milliepede. Please enlighten us to how you’ve made it to the top 2 of this Selection.”
I look down, still not exactly sure with how I’m going to answer that question.
“Give us the dirt.” Vange chimes in from the adjacent couch.
“Honestly, we can cross out flirtation because I personally know that Millie’s flirtation skills are the worst.” Ferdi jokes.
“Excuse you! Have a little faith in me.”
“Come on, we know you have the flirtation skills.” Vange points out.
Tony leans forward, resting his elbow on his knees and his head on his fist, “So that leaves only one possibility left: you’ve been fucking him.”
“What?” I’m appalled by that thought, sleeping my way to the top 2?
“He’s been keeping you around as his fuck buddy.” Tony declares with so much certainty, it’s infuriating.
“You expect us to believe that you’ve actually managed to make the prince like you enough to choose you above 33 other girls?” Ferdi adds to Tony’s remarks.
“Hell no. I haven’t been fucking the prince.” I cross my arms across my chest. “Unlike you, Ferdi- I can keep my legs closed.” I didn’t mean to slut shame my own brother, I knew he’s used to sleeping around with people, but the dig was natural in my frustration.
Vange covers her mouth in laughter, “OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH”
Ferdi looks at me straight in the eye. “Okay, since you’re so hellbent on painting me as the slut of the family… I’d like to point out that your best friend and I had a lot of fun last night.”
“My best friend?” I raise an eyebrow, trying to understand what Ferdi just said. “What do you mean, Ferdinand?”
“Venus? That’s her name- right? Yeah. I’m saying that I fucked your best friend last night. Didn’t know I did, but hey it was a delight to find out she was your best friend.” Ferdinand crossed his arms, a sense of pride radiating off of him.
“FERDINAND MARSHALL.” I yell out his name, “If you’ve defiled Venus Vale, I swear that I’m going to cut off your-”
“Camille.” My father voice calls out from his seat as he set down the newspaper he was reading then proceeding to look at me straight in the eye.
“I am tired of listening to all this trivial drama about the Selection. We have more pressing matters. I want to bring up your deployment. You won’t believe how much convincing it took for me to goad Captain Arnolds to deploy the Silver Bullets abroad.” My father says standing up.
I’m trying to comprehend his words right. “You’re the one who pulled the strings to get us deployed?”
“Of course, I wanted to get you that first lieutenant position before you turned 20. You would have been the youngest first lieutenant in all of Illean History. What a pride for the Marshall family.”
I clench my fist, trying to not get mad at my father. He was the one responsible for the deployment.
“Is that all you wanted? That promotion?” I look at him in the eye, standing up from my seat to face him. He was the reason why most of my closest friends were abroad. I willed myself to control the frustration from taking over. “Did you ever even think that I wanted to be deployed?”
“What you wanted was not important, Camille. The promotion was what you needed.”
“I don’t need that promotion, sir.” I said through clenched teeth. “As you can see, I’m actually doing well right now.”
“Why? Because you’re in the Selection? Something about to end? After this all ends, Camille- you know that you’d have to go back to the air force.” The admiral’s face was starting to turn pink as I felt anger start to emulate from him.
Then Nate’s words rings in my head.
Then just do something! Do whatever you want. There are a million jobs in the world.
“This Selection has let me realize a lot of things, admiral.” I stared him down, tired of him always pushing me into the career.
Then that’s when the admiral snaps, raising his voice and shaking his fist in the air as I stood toe to toe with him.
“You will not be disgracing our family name and heritage by whoring yourself off to a prince. I was fine with you joining this Selection- I thought you’d last a week then go back to being deployed. Don’t think that you’re princess material just because he makes you feel special.”
I’ve had enough too.
“So what if he does make me feel special?” I step up to him.
“You’re not special, Camille.” he declares with such sureness that I just release everything.
“Listen here, ADMIRAL. You do not know me. You do not know who I am, you’ve never tried. Instead, you’ve pushed me into a life in the military. Did you ever ask what I wanted to be? NO, because you always made sure to instill in me the need to serve under the military. You’ve always pushed me into the image of your perfect military family, of your perfect military brat. Always Lieutenant Marshall, that was all you recognized me by.” I jam my finger against his chest. “Well I am done taking orders from you. Now I suggest you call me by who I am right now: Lady Camille Marshall. Do I make myself clear?!”
My father stands there dumbstruck by the lecture I just gave him, excellent. I feel my breathing slow down and my nerves tense less as each second passes by. My father still is standing there looking at me, so I repeat myself again.
“Do I make myself clear, Admiral?” I repeat myself.
“Yes.” My father crosses his arms, still fuming. “Lady Camille.”
“Good.” I say before turning on my heel and walk out the room head held high.
I’ve had enough of fearing my father, the man was a bully through and through. There was no way I was going to stand there listening to his verbal abuse. I walk quickly up to the second floor to my room, trying to calm myself down.
One thing my father said was right though.
This was soon coming to an end, and the more I was considering my choices in life… what paths I could take… everything felt so much more uncertain and confusing. Nate was soon making his decision, and I started considering the legitimate possibility of him choosing me- which I still considered unlikely with the way I think he felt about me.
Nate probably only liked the me I was during this Selection, but I don’t think he would have liked me in any other way. He saw me for Camille, called me by that name because that’s the me he wanted to see. Nate was somewhat mistaken. He wanted Camille, just as much my father wanted me to be Marshall. They both failed to understand that I was both. I was Camille and Marshall.
Lady Camille, Lieutenant Marshall- these labels all belonged to me. These made me who I am. The world needed to see both sides to understand who I truly was, but first person who needed to understand that… was me.
I was Camille fucking Marshall. A second lieutenant and pilot in the air force, a girl with the military in her blood- and a Selected, a human who learned to open herself up thanks to the people she had met in the palace, a girl who did end up falling for a prince she knew she could never have in the end.
Whatever Nate decided, if he chose me, or not… I’d find a way to accept it. There was no denying the fear for the latter… of him not choosing me, but I understood the circumstances from the beginning. I’d be glad for the moments I’ve had with him.
After all, you’re never that lucky with your first love.
But Nate and I had our moments, and those were the kinds I lived for.
Hi! Just wanted to tell you that this is your second character who came this far! That MUST mean you're doing something good! Not just good, amazing! Be proud of that, no matter if you win or not, because the journey and the character development you created have won my respect already! Have a awesome day!❤
((Honestly, I can't believe I have a character in the finals for a second time in a row!! AHHHH Thank you so much anon!!! 💕 You're amazing too 😍))
