I Choose All of You

Chapter Twenty-Four

The morning of the ball was intense. I could hear people downstairs setting up for the event. Hannah informed me my meals will be brought to my room, because the Queen doesn't want extra traffic in the halls. I was lying in bed trying to sleep in, when Avalon ran inside. She jumped onto my bed with the biggest smile on her face.

"Sarah! You will not believe what happened last night! Prince Kalum took me out on a date, and it was so amazing," Avalon beamed.

I sat up now and groggily smiled with her, "That's amazing, Avalon! What happened? Tell me everything." Even though I was a little jealous, I was extremely happy for her. I know how badly she wants to stay.

"Well," she began with a deep breath, "He came to my room in a suit and escorted me upstairs. We ended up on the rooftop, and there were lights strung up everywhere and a violinist playing music. Oh my goodness, Sarah, it was so magical. The weather was perfect and you could see the entire palace grounds from up there! We just talked all night. He's actually so much sweeter than I thought. Well, he is a bit difficult to get to open up, but I did most of the talking and he was really receptive. He even complimented me a few times!"

I was thankful Kalum wasn't rude to Avalon, she's too sweet for that. Yet a part of me was slowly filling with more envy as she went on. How come everyone comes back from their dates with Kalum so happy? All our conversations end in frustration.

My mind wandered until Avalon mentioned my name. "Wait, what did you say," I asked, more alert now.

"I mentioned you to him."

"What did you say to him?"

"We were talking about this whole selection process, and I wanted his opinion on you. I guess I was hoping to sweet talk about you, to get you to stay," she nervously shrugged.

"Then what did he say?"

Avalon turned away from me, "He sort of changed the subject. As soon as I mentioned you, his expression grew dark, and he looked a bit displeased with me. I was scared to press on, so I left it there. I'm sorry, Sarah."

"Oh."

Avalon then embraced me in a tight hug, "Good luck tonight. I'm sure this will all be fine. Maybe you can just talk to him alone before tomorrow. Once he sees how great you are, you'll have to stay!"

I hugged her back. Although I don't feel the most confident right now, her words made me feel a bit better. I can act. Sort of. I can behave myself enough to get Kalum to let me stay.

Soon after, Avalon left to get ready for the ball.

Hannah then came in and saw me looking pretty distraught on my bed.

"Hey, you good," Hannah asked, concerned.

I fell back and stared at the ceiling, "No. I'm falling apart."

Hannah giggled and rolled her eyes, "You still have a chance. I was talking to the other maids this morning and they think tonight's "dates" are whoever the Princes ask to be their first and last dances. Those girls are probably most-likely safe from elimination!"

"Yeah, but I haven't been asked out on any dates this week. By either of the brothers! You would think at least Jeremiah would ask me on one..."

"I think it makes the chances of you getting asked tonight, even higher. Don't worry about it. We're going to make you look stunning tonight. Your dress came in last night and Isaiah should be on his way now!"

***

I was wrapping a towel around myself and stepped out of the shower, when I heard a man's yell from my room. Quickly, I tightened the towel around myself and ran out. The door to my bedroom slammed shut, and I caught a glance of someone running out. Hannah was pacing around, hands in her hair. Stress was written on her face.