I Choose All of You

Chapter Seventeen

Groggy with a hint of death is the best way to describe how I felt when I first woke up. Yesterday really took it out of me, so the ruckus coming from the dining hall this morning, was not it. After tossing and turning for what felt like another restless hour, I figured now is the best time, if any, to get ready for the day. I pulled on a pair of baggy jeans and a white tank before scooting my way to the dining hall. Once I got inside though, I noticed how silent it was. Everyone's eyes were glued to the TV screen by the corner of the room. I blinked a few times to get my eyes to adjust to the news reporters on the screen.

"Oh please, Ryan! This lovely lady was Prince Kalum's first dance after all! She must have made quite the impression on him to catch his eye like that," the news reporter named Rachel chimed.

I watched the screen and saw footage of Nessa and Prince Kalum dancing away on the screen. I admit, she did look beautiful. Like a real princess even, but if anyone actually knew her, they would know she's more like the wicked witch of the west. They continued dancing on the screen for several more seconds, Kalum looking quite happy too. Must be fake. Until the screen switched to the other reporter, Ryan.

"Oh my dear, you must have forgotten about his last dance partner. Now THAT, was the highlight of the ball," Ryan grinned.

Suddenly a clip of myself and Prince Kalum appeared on the screen and my jaw dropped. There I was. There we were. I watched as he spun me once, then again, then a third time. And what I saw, that night, was confirmed. Although it was so very subtle, I could see his eyes soften, but for only a moment. I leaned against the doorway to the dining hall and thought about the way it felt when he held my waist as we danced. Prince Kalum actually looked quite dashing. If only he wasn't such an undercover prick.

A few girls, gathered by the TV, swooned. I think I even saw Mariah fake faint at the footage.

"I don't know Ryan. He seemed pretty uncomfortable most of that dance. He practically had to teach her how to dance for the first half of the song! I mean, who goes to a Maxwell ball and not know how to dance beforehand?"

"Shush now Rachel. You are just jealous you're married to me and not out there dancing with the Prince. She might have looked a little rough at first but she learned quite quickly. Watch their final dip on screen, the hold in eye contact at the end of the dance. I don't know about you other ladies, but this is someone to look out for. Hell, I'm even jealous of her!"

Ryan and Rachel continued to banter about a few other girls and their dresses. I began to make my way to the coffee table and poured myself a cup. Sifting through the mini creamer cups, I heard an older woman's voice come from the television.

I looked up and saw Queen Clarissa herself on the screen. She wore a deep red ball gown with white fur wrapped around her shoulders. Her stunning gold crown reflected into the camera ever so slightly and her stoic demeanor was elegant.

She smiled graciously at the camera and spoke firmly, "Hello my lovely subjects. This is Queen Clarissa. I have a very exciting announcement for you all. As I am sure you all know, the Rose Ball took place last night, but a ball is not all it simply was. I must confess, the Princes and I were actually keeping a very keen eye out for a few lovely ladies. Seven to be exact. These seven ladies are to spend the next two months with us, at the Maxwell Castle, upon invitation. These are the seven who stood out to us the most and are the highestcandidates to become the possible bride to my son, Prince Kalum. The following ladies chosen are... Devina Page, Valentina Mason, Nessa Hastings, Chloe Allen, AvalonKennedy, Kenna Bailey, and last but not least... Sarah Hart."

The coffee I was holding immediately dropped to the floor the second I heard my name. Did the Queen really just say my name? It can't be... The entire room's heads snapped to my direction, as the mug shattered on the floor. Their eyes grew wide. No fucking way this is happening right now.

The Queen continued, "I hope to see you seven tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Congratulations ladies. Your life is about to change."

No. Way. The screen went to commercial and the entire room erupted into chaos. People I have never even spoken to before swarmed me and started asking me a million questions. I tried opening my mouth, but nothing would come out. I am going to be living at the palace for the next two months. Me.

Suddenly my feet began to run. Out of the dining hall and down a series of halls I have begun to know too well. I came to a door and let myself in. Forgetting to knock.

Atlas sat at his desk, head down. His eyes were trained on the blueprints I had sketched the night before. I was out of breath from the sprint I had just made, combined with the sheer shock my mind was feeling.

I walked over to his desk and my voice came out shaky, "D-did you- have you... Have you heard the news? T-the Queen she-."

"I heard," Atlas said cutting me off.

I searched his face but it was expressionless and his eyes stayed trained on the blueprints in front of him.

"Well," I prodded.

His eyes finally met mine. Atlas took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, "It seems you have made quite the impression on the royal highnesses last night. I thought you told me the night was overall underwhelming?"

"I... Well I guess not. So what does this mean?"

"This means there is a new plan. This is actually great for us. You will go."

"But-."

"You will go to the palace. Stay the two months by being yourself or act as you must to stay as long as possible. This gives us the opportunity to really know the entire layout of the castle. You did well for only being there for a night, but imagine the things you can find in two months, Sarah! I want you to continue reporting back updated blueprints and things you hear, every week."

I shifted uncomfortably in front of him. His plan made sense. I mean, this is a great opportunity for the Resistance to get a real inside look into the palace, but there was an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. This is a whole lot more than I signed up for. "Then what," I asked.

"Then when the weeks are over, you come back here, and we plan the raid of the palace," Atlas said nonchalantly.

"Raid of the palace??"

"Indeed. This is perfect. The other sections of the Resistance have been ready and waiting for a chance like this for years now. With the information you will provide us, we will finally have the upper hand on the royal family. They have ruled long enough. It's finally our turn. We can hold the power."

Atlas was standing now, passionate as ever. His eyes pierced into mine and held enough conviction for us both.

"Alright. I can do this," I said as confidently as I could. No pressure.

"One last thing though," Atlas walked over to me so we were now inches apart, "Try not to fall for them. The Princes, I mean. Establishing feelings or connections with the enemy will only complicate things. Remember, you are part of the Resistance now. Act like it."