I Choose All of You

Chapter Thirty-One

The silence didn't bother me. It was to be expected from a date between Kalum and me, but all my thoughts were pushed to the back of my mind when we approached our date location. I stopped at the bottom of the staircase and trailed my eyes up the enormous, antique building. Old marble and quartz glistened from the starlight and candles that were placed along the stair railing. Archways and hand-carved marble statues, were scattered meticulously throughout the building's landscape.

Prince Kalum didn't tell me where we were going. I did try asking in the limo ride here, but he ignored me and continued staring out the window. Like a bore. The ride was about 40 minutes long, but it was well worth it. I continued to stare at the vast structure in front of me, and watched the dozens upon dozens of beautifully dressed couples enter the building. There I spotted Prince Kalum standing dapperly atop the stairwell. He stood there looking down at me, and even though he was a good bit away, he looked to be almost smiling.

I caught up with a shaky elderly couple, making their way up the steps and helped the woman with her other arm.

"Oh! Thank you my dear! That is very kind of you," the elderly woman's voice was shaky but sweet. Her husband smiled at me too. "I do love your dress. Your date is surely a very lucky man."

"Ahh.. Thank you... If you don't mind me asking, miss," I asked her, "What is this place?"

Her eyes grew wide as she glanced over at her husband and laughed, "Oh this is the Prescott Opera House of course! Tonight's showing is of Swan Lake. The Director flew all his way from Paris."

"Swan Lake," I whispered to myself in bewilderment.

That was my favorite ballet growing up. I used to beg my mom to let me take ballet lessons as a child, but she'd always say it was too much money.

We three eventually made it to the top of the steps, and the woman and her husband thanked me profusely.

"It was no problem, really! You two have a lovely night," I smiled backing away.

A hand was then lightly placed on my shoulder, "We should head inside."

Prince Kalum was bent down whispering into my ear, his breath, warm, and making the hairs on the back of my neck stand.

"Right," I muttered. I waved goodbye one last time to the elderly couple that looked shocked in place. I laughed internally. I am on a date with the Crown Prince after all, I guess attention is to be expected from a public crowd.

Almost right on cue several young ladies swarmed us, leaving their families and dates. Prince Kalum perked up and plastered a charming smile onto his face, excusing us. The girls all wined and sent me death glares as they backed away.

Surprisingly, the Prince took my hand, and swiftly led me up a series of stairs and hallways. We soon stopped at what looked to be his private box seat. He silently gestured me inside and locked the door behind us.

I decided to ask him a question that has bothered me since the girls swarmed us, "Why don't you smile like that when you're around me?"

He raised an eyebrow at me and then sat down in his seat, straightening his posture, "What do you mean, Miss Hart?"

 I awkwardly sat next to him and straightened my posture to match his, "Smile, for one. I've noticed you're always so friendly and charming to everyone else but me, why?"

"Because you're annoying."

"Then why ask me on a date," I snapped.

He glared at me, but it's true. That question has been nagging at me since I've seen him at my door. I waited for a response and his eyes stayed on the floor.