I Choose All of You

Chapter Forty-Two

Avalon and I sat on my bed. It was the day after the party. She brought coffee and breakfast to my room so we could regroup.

"What happened to Devina? She left late last night and didn't tell anyone," Avalon asked. She looked worried.

I stared at the dark liquid in my hands, "She told me she couldn't stay here any longer. I guess she really meant it."

"Did it have to do with Kenna?"

"Yeah. She told me she realized she was in love with her," I shrugged.

"What?! Are you serious? It's about time," Avalon laughed. A smile was spreading across her face.

It was pretty cute. Even though I am sure Devina's sudden absence will be a surprise to the Queen, I am happy her and Kenna can be together now.

"Oh my god, I almost forgot," Avalon exclaimed, chewing her food quickly, "That guy from last night! The super-hot one in that band. I noticed him staring at you. What's that all about? Did he talk to you afterwards?"

"Ahh," I nervously laughed.

Hannah then appeared from my bathroom, plunger still in hand, "What boyband?!"

"I heard they were called Kiss of Death, I think? I'm not sure, but they were really talented and very sexy," Avalon mused.

Hannah's eyes grew wide, "Sarah. Which one was staring at you?"

"Roman," I quietly choked out. Here comes the fangirling.

Hannah immediately fell to the floor and threw the plunger into the air. Her eyes quickly filled with water as she cried happy tears. Or jealous tears. I couldn't quite tell through her babbling.

***

At dinnertime, the Queen joined us. Two well-decorated guards were behind her, and we all stood up to curtsy.

I looked around the dining room and it was weird. Four girls left. Avalon, Nessa, Valentina, and myself. All fighting for the Princes' hands. More or less...

We all sat again.

"Good evening ladies and my beautiful sons. I wanted to inform you all, that even though we lost a candidate last night, there will still be an elimination tomorrow," the Queen announced.

We all looked between each other, concerned. It made sense to still have an elimination at the end of the week, but it hit me how fast this entire competition is wrapping up.

Queen Clarissa continued, "From now on, there will only be one on one dinner dates. This way the Princes' can have more time with whoever they choose and ask the hard questions. Kalum is trying to appoint his future Queen, after all. If you are not chosen for a date, you will eat your dinner alone in your room. I also do not want anyone to be alarmed by the increase of guards that will be joining us at the castle. It is for everyone's safety."

We all nodded.

The Queen's hands clasped together and she raised an eyebrow at us, "That will be it then! Thank you. Have a lovely rest of your evenings. Kalum, Jeremiah? You may choose who you will be taking on your dates, as soon as I leave."

Everyone curtsied and bowed once more as the Queen made her exit.

Once she was gone, I glanced over at Avalon. She looked incredibly nervous. Even Nessa and Valentina shared a look between one another.

I should be fine. I am almost guaranteed a date with Jeremiah.

Prince Kalum whispered something to his brother. I watched as Jeremiah's face fell. He gave me a quick, sad glance to me, then averted his eyes back to the floor.

Well that doesn't seem promising.

Kalum cleared his throat and smiled politely at Nessa, "Miss Hastings, would you like to join me for dinner?"

"It would be a pleasure, Your Highness," Nessa cooed.

Kalum took Nessa's hand and stared at Jeremiah intently.

Jeremiah closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Miss... Kennedy, would you like to join me for dinner tonight?"

Avalon's eyebrows shot up and smiled widely, "Of course, Your Highness!"

My heart sunk as I watched Jeremiah avoid my eyes and followed Kalum and Nessa out of the room, Avalon in his hand.

Dinner for one tonight. Cool.

Valentina shot up from her chair with a huff. Her dark locks bounced behind her as she stormed out of the room.

I slowly got up and followed suit. As I made my way down the hall, I noticed a guard was following me. This must be the extra precautions the Queen mentioned. I glanced over my shoulder to fully look at the guard and I smiled.

"Hi Jimmy," I waved.

The quiet man stared ahead.

"I've missed our chats too!"

He gave me a small nod in return.

Maybe this won't be all bad. At least in my head, Jimmy and I are buddies. So I don't mind him being assigned to me.

He silently kept in tow, as I approached my bedroom. I turned the knob and turned to him, "Goodnight, Jimmy!"

The burly man blinked at me then posted himself next to my door.

I awkwardly smiled and went into my room.

As soon as I entered, a strong aroma of flowers filled my senses. "What the," I muttered.

Roses were everywhere. Dozens upon dozens. They lined the foot of my bed, vases covered my desk and closet, and a giant bouquet was laying on my pillow.

Hannah walked up to me with her jaw dropped, holding a small note.

"Hannah, what is all of this," I asked amazed.

The roses were beautiful. Each flower looked unreal. I've never seen so many flowers in such a small place. I felt like I had walked into Wonderland.

"They are from him," Hannah choked out. "From Roman!"

"What? How did he deliver them to my room?"

"I have no idea. They were here when I arrived about ten minutes ago, but isn't this the most romantic thing you have ever seen?!"

I snatched the note from her hands and read it:

 My Dear,I hope you like roses. Although, even ahundred dozen flowers, show no comparison to your beauty. May destiny continue to favor us, R.

I couldn't help but smile like a child. This was unbelievable. Seriously, unbelievable. There was no way the palace would have allowed a gift like this to be sent to our rooms, when the Princes are the ones who are supposed to be courting us.

I glanced around and felt a chill. That's weird. My curtains were blowing inside. I walked over to them, and noticed my window was cracked open.

"Hannah," I called out.

"Hm?"

"Did you open my windows?"

"Not that I can recall. Maybe you did earlier and can't remember," Hannah shrugged.

The thing is, I am almost certain, I did not open my windows. I pushed the curtains aside and pulled my shutters apart. I peered down the scape of the castle walls. My bedroom was on the second floor. No way someone could have entered my room with this many roses through my window. Right?