I Choose All of You

Chapter Twenty-Two

I didn't get much sleep last night. I also didn't have the strength to wait for Hannah to wake me up, because she'd find water all over the floor and my dress in a tub. Instead, I got myself ready and went downstairs to the dining room. I remembered Hannah mentioning breakfast is set out every morning for whoever wants it.

I let out a sigh of relief when I found the dining room empty of people. I poured myself some coffee and munched on a scone. The morning light was tranquil. Today will be a better day.

"Oh, it's you," a nasally voice wined.

Nessa strolled in, flawlessly done up and cheerful as ever. There goes my better day.

"Good morning to you too," I said back, faking a cheery voice.

Nessa poured herself some tea and traced the table with her perfectly manicured nails. "I have been meaning to talk to you actually. I have not been able to wrap my mind around the idea that you have gotten chosen to be a candidate."

"Well Nessa, it's not an idea, it's a fact. Maybe you're just in denial that I am your competition," I shot back.

I know I'm not here for the same reasons as her, but angering Nessa has become my hobby now.

"Oh Hun, I don't see you as competition. You're nothing but a thorn in my side," Nessa took a sip of her tea and gestured around us, "Don't you think I would make the most magnificent Queen? I mean, just imagine what I could do to this place! Perhaps change the carpeting and drapes? Oh! Or maybe the flooring? A bigger throne?"

"A bigger throne? Why? So it can fit your big head?"

"No, to fit the crown that will be bigger than any house you're sure to live in one day."

Maybe I should have punched her that day at school. I'm not sure how well I could get away with it here.

As if the party of two needed to expand to three, Valentina walked in.

Nessa's eyes lit up, "Valentina, my dear! Get yourself some tea, because mine's ready to spill."

Valentina chuckled and I wanted to vomit.

I moved aside so Valentina's glare wouldn't strike me down. She flipped her straight, dark brown hair over her shoulder and poured herself a cup of tea. She then leaned back against the table to face us.

"Hello, Sarah. I don't think we've met yet," Valentina said, extending a hand.

I took it and responded, "Hey Valentina. It's nice to meet you." I wasn't ready to be rude to her yet, but since she's friends with Nessa, it's hard to play nice.

"Sarah and I go way back," Nessa chirped up.

"Oh?" Valentina questioned, looking at me over the rim of her cup.

It quickly grew awkward and I began to make my leave.

"Awh leaving so soon," Nessa wined. "We haven't even gotten to talk about the tea yet!"

"Not interested," I called out to her.

"Even if it's about you and a certain Prince last night?"

I stopped in my tracks, nearly spilling the coffee in my hands. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh nothing," Nessa smirked.

 Valentina looked curious now and nudged Nessa's arm.

"You can go now," Valentina shot at me. Her piercing brown eyes sent chills down my spine.