I Choose All of You

Chapter Twenty-Five

 The girls and I stood at the top of the stairwell, overlooking all the guests of the ball. It was weird standing up here this time, instead of down there. Knowing everyone's eyes were looking at us, judging us. Evaluating us. Down there, all the girls' eyes were filled with envy and annoyance.

It didn't help that I was wearing a last minute dress either. Don't get me wrong. Anything Isaiah makes is a work of art, but I could just feel like this wasn't my best. Nessa stood two girls down from me and easily stood out from the rest of us. It was infuriating. That should be me. That should be me standing out, in hopes I can stay another night.

Photographers stood at the bottom of the stairwell, blinding us in their camera flashes.

"Now may I introduce, her royal highness, Queen Clarissa Maxwell and her sons, Prince Jeremiah Maxwell and Prince Kalum Maxwell," the small man announced.

Applause and bowing commenced, as the three entered from two large doors behind us. They all waved and smiled courteously. Prince Kalum was wearing a clean black suit and his hair looked cake free.

The announcer continued, "Now the Princes shall choose which two lucky ladies will be their first dances of the night."

The seven of us eagerly watched as the boys walked our direction. It felt as though everyone in the room had stopped breathing. Prince Kalum went first. His eyes scanned each of us slowly, before taking careful steps towards us. His face was unreadable, but I could tell he was really thinking about his decision hard. Please. Please choose me.

 Kalum eventually stopped walking and turned to face one of us. My heart sank a bit as he extended a hand to Valentina and she took it with a large smile on her face.

The two of them made their way down the steps as Prince Jeremiah then extended a hand to Avalon. Fuck.

Before she hesitantly took his hand, she turned to me with a sad expression on her face. That only made me feel worse. At least I now know Avalon is a true friend. She clearly wanted me to be chosen, so I had a chance of staying.

They followed Kalum and Valentina down the steps and music began to play.

The remaining five of us turned to walk down to the dance floor, and I caught a glimpse of Nessa smirking at me. God, I do not need this right now.

The girls and Princes looked dazzling. Their dresses flowed beautifully around them as the boys spun them with ease. People slowly joined the pairs on the dance floor. The ball was honestly incredible, the Queen did an amazing job. It was like a very classy carnival. If that makes sense? People were outside looking at tigers and monkeys in golden cages. Tiny themed treats were scattered across the tables, and red colored lights decorated the halls. Some guests even had some face paint on, but somehow made it look like beautiful artwork.

I squeezed my way past the groups of people until I made it to the back of the room. It feels safer back here.

"Excuse me, Miss Hart. May I have some words from you for a quick interview," a lady asked.

Never mind.

I turned to look at her. No way, it's that woman from the news, Rachel.

"Uhm sure," I said straightening my posture.

"Great! I am sure everyone watching is incredibly curious about what it's like living in the castle, with such handsome Princes," Rachel said cheerfully shoving a microphone in my face.

"Oh it's so great."

"Okay, well what about the Princes? What are they like in person? I'm sure you have gotten to have some alone time with them? Can you give us an inside look? Have you gotten any special tours?"