I Choose All of You

Chapter Ten

The next night I sat across from Atlas in his room. Oh, office, I mean. I sat there anxiously waiting until he finally came back, two plates of food in hand.

"Here, eat," he said placing a plate in front of me.

I looked down and saw mashed potatoes and pork. Ight, sure. Don't need to tell me twice. I picked up a fork and he began to speak.

"Alright, Sarah, as you know tomorrow is the Rose Ball. Just so everything runs smoothly, I figured we should go over the plan one last time. How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, I'm super nervous," I laughed slightly, "I've just never expected something like this would happen to me soooo."

"You'll be great. That's why we are reviewing the mission one more time."

I nodded and started to eat. Having him right in front of me as I ate was making me more nervous than the mission.

"After school tomorrow, you'll immediately go to the room you have been seeing Isaiah in. I have contacted a couple old friends, who are willing to do your hair and makeup and-."

"-Oh! Liz and Skylar said they really want to do my hair and makeup for me."

Atlas raised an eyebrow.

I swallowed, "If that's okay... I just think it'll make me less nervous to have them do it."

He thought about it for a second, "Alright that sounds fine. I can tell my friends they can cash in their favors another time."

 "A lot of people owe you favors, huh?"

"Just a few," he smirked, "But I need to see you when they're done, and have final say."

"Deal."

"Alright. Then Isaiah will make sure the dress is finalized, and I will get you when your ride has arrived. Once you're there, act like this isn't your first time and blend in. Mingle if you need to, but always be on your guard. Some people at the palace are known to be a bit handsy, especially the ones who know they have power."

That part made me squirm in my chair a bit and Atlas noticed. He gave me a consoling look.

"Just stick to the back and sides of the room, look for hidden doors and windows, and take note. Once you get the chance, slip out into the main hall and follow it. Do what you must to get us a good layout of the place until the ball is over."

"What if I get caught," I asked worried.

"Say you're looking for the bathroom or something. Make up a lie," he said.

I'm not very good at lying. "What if they don't buy it? What if I can't find a time to slip out? What if-."

"Sarah. You'll be fine. Don't think about it too much," he said calmly. I took a deep breath and we locked eyes again. A calming air seemed to settle around us and I smiled, "Thanks."

***

By Friday, the entirety of Cedars High was a nervous mess. Even the teachers had given up on teaching, and played movies in all their classes. I was in the same boat as everyone else, but I didn't blabber to everyone about it. I just let my nerves fester inside me until I could see Mariah at lunch. Through the grapevine, I heard Nessa wasn't at school today, probably getting ready with her crew. Was Leo with them? Whatever, I don't care.

One more class period until lunchtime. I sat down in the back and eavesdropped on the girls around me.

A girl twirled her hair next to me, "Yeah my mom hired the royal dressmaker for my gown, and she's even letting me wear the family pearls to try to catch the Prince's eye."