The Selection

Return to the Village

I realized that we were both sailing in the same boat, we both lost our loved ones, she lost her mother and I both of my parents. My father died a hero during a war while my mom died of the trauma.

"But Mr. Mclean did not lose hope. He stayed there for her daughter and ignored the frequent pains in his chest. And the result is here. When Piper turned twelve, he had his first heart attack. This broke her but she still stood up. The McLeans lost their wealth due to the increasing expenses. Piper started earning a living for her father. You won't believe she doesn't eat for days. I, as a brother, upbraided not to do things like that but she won't listen. "

A comfortable silent stood there for awhile between us. I didn't know that was the condition of my kingdom.

Then, my eyes fell on a pile of folders kept near us. I opened them. I was mystified to see the pages.

"These... these are the records of the people dying and those who are suffering from health issues like diarrhoea, mental health issues and most prominent malnutrition that prevails in our village." Austin said. I looked up at him.

"Illea is no better than our village. I often visit the city. From outside, I t seems stunning but the inner disparities... "his trailed in the mid air.

Why didn't I notice them before? Why I get to know about them from other people? The ministers... my blood started boiling with rage. This is my mistake, I can't ignor this anymore. But they won't listen to me because they think I am still a child. I am helpless, I can't do anything. That's why Piper hates me...

"Leo, take these files with us. I am going to talk to the ministers. " I ordered Leo.
"But Jason, you know it very well that they won't listen to you." Leo reminded me.

"I know. Austin, I am going to give you all the resources you want. Please send all the updates to me. I will send a guard to you every month. Okay? Now Leo, please put these files in the car. " I said.

The scratching sound of the pencil in my hand resonated the walls of the clinic.

"I see no reason why Piper hates you."Austin said.

" She is right. I am the person to be hated. My people are suffering due to my faults. "

"They say right about you that you are their knight in shining armor." he said, smiling.

"Who? "

"The people of this village, except Piper. This might be a complementary reason but the main reason is something else. "

"What is it? "

"I don't know. She never told me about it. She said that she will tell the reason only to you i.e. Prince Jason Grace." he said.

I was bewildered. What can be the reason? Why does she hate me?

"I think I should go."I said.

" Take care of her. She is the only sister I have. Please. "he said worriedly.

I nodded as I stormed out of the clinic. I was created by throngs of people that stood in front to see me. They must have seen me coming. I smiled. I have taken the oath to place my life before theirs.

~~~~~

"Jason! I have devised a fantastic plan." Annabeth said. She told me the whole plan.

"Annabeth, the plan is.... It's just great." I said.

"I knew you would like it. "

"Thanks."

"I don't need your gratitude. I want to see her. You haven't even told me her name. "my sister cum sister in law complained.

"You will meet her soon, I promise, sis" I said. "I will talk to her tomorrow."

No sooner than the words left my mouth, Leo entered. Not Leo. A blue Leo entered.

Annabeth and I started laughing. He actually looked like a joker.

"Annabeth and Jason, don't laugh," Leo said, a little offended but I knew he was pretending.

"Who did that? I want to give that person a big gold medal. " I said.

"Me! " our little queen entered.

"Zoe! Why did you? " Annabeth started scolding her daughter.

I tried to stop her but who can stop Annabeth.

As a result, Zoe started crying and ran out of the room.

~~~~~~
Next Morning

"Zoe! Zoe! "we have been calling her name for an hour but she is nowhere to be seen.