I Choose All of You

Chapter Forty-Five

A long time ago, the Maxwell ancestors brought a special kind of seed to the country, after exploring Asia. When planted, it sprouted into a beautiful white flower. It was a gardenia jasminoides, most commonly known as the gardenia. Today marks the day of the first flowering of the plant, and the country celebrates with the famous Gardenia Flower Festival. The streets are full of people, delicious sweet and savory foods are everywhere, and there's a parade.

The biggest part of the festival is, of course, located in the town closest to the Maxwell Palace. It is typically closed off to tourists, and the Royal Family does a short precession down the streets. I've only ever seen it on television, but today I get to be a part of it.

I ran my fingers through my freshly done curls and slipped on a short, white sundress. It fit perfectly and the sheer puffy sleeves were quite romantic. I layered up on a few different necklaces and slipped on a pair of shorts.

The Queen informed us that the Princes and the three remaining candidates, are to accompany her for the festival. How crazy I have never seen the Gardenia Flower Festival up close before, and now I get to be in it. Paparazzi are sure to be insane, but I suppose that is why we are all going. The Queen sure loves a good image.

Jimmy led me to a large barn, located past the gardens. I've peaked inside it once, so I knew this was where they kept their horses. It was a cloudy day, but otherwise the weather was perfect. Warm with a breeze. Just as we entered, I saw Avalon seated on her horse and trotting away. Through the other side of the stables, I spotted the Queen, several guards, Jeremiah, and Nessa all gathered together. Each of them seated atop a large horse.

I gulped and walked up to the horse closest to me. Jimmy silently saddled up his, and left to join the others. Oh thanks Jimbo. The barn had a strong aroma of hay, and I sneezed. I kicked around, trying to rid myself of the many pieces of straw out of my sandals.

I've never ridden a horse before. Let alone saddle one up. I placed my hand slowly onto the horses face and pet it. No this isn't terrifying at all.

It was a beautiful horse. Huge and monstrous, but indeed beautiful. Its hair was pure white and its mane was a faded grey.

"Hey there," I spoke. My voice was shaky but I tried to keep an upbeat, friendly tone. "Please be nice to me and I promise to feed you extra apples later. You like apples, right?"

"Well you obviously have never ridden a horse before," Kalum said.

I jumped at the sudden voice behind me, slightly startling the horse.

"Jeez," I seethed, "Don't you know you shouldn't sneak up on a terrified person?"

Kalum fastened the small buckle around his wrists, to secure his leather gloves and smirked slightly. "You need help getting on," he asked amused. His eyebrow raised.

"Uh, yeah. Thanks," I couldn't mask the surprise in my voice and he glanced at me, clearing his throat.

I watched as Kalum strapped the horse's back up with a saddle. He continuously pet it softly and finished up by offering it a carrot. "You ready?"

"No."

He rolled his eyes and motioned me towards him, "C'mon, we don't have all day."

I nodded my head, mentally preparing for the worst. Kalum kept hold of the reins and instructed me of how to get on. I held onto the saddle tightly and placed my foot into the stirrup.

"Okay, now spring up and swing your right leg over the horse," Kalum coached.

My eyes grew wide, "That's it?! All the way up there?!"