I Choose All of You

Chapter Fifty-One

Kalum's Point of View:

I splashed cold water on my face and reached for a towel. I glanced in the mirror. I look more tired than I thought. Groaning, I tightened my grip on the bathroom counter and closed my eyes.

Avalon and I just finished our date. She said all of the right things. Was poised and sincere. She would tick all the boxes, but I hadn't felt so indifferent towards her. Avalon is a lot easier to tolerate compared to Nessa, but I worry the stress of the castle will break her.

My thoughts the entire date, were of Sarah and the night we shared. How can she fill my thoughts, even when she's not around?

I ended Avalon and I's date early and have been holed up in my room the remainder of the evening.

Sarah is just too unpredictable. She either would be a great Queen or make it turn into a complete disaster. I want to talk to her. Our kiss is something we need to address. I'm not sure what I am addressing exactly, but we do need to talk about it. It would be the right thing to do.

I quickly called for a guard, and asked him to bring me a bouquet of blue peonies. He saluted and made some calls. Anxiety filled me as I waited for the flowers to be delivered. What am I going to do? Tell Sarah I feel something for her? Do I feel something for her? Do I tell her to forget our kiss and go after Jeremiah? Would I be able to watch the two of them for the rest of my life? Do I send her home? If I do, then Jeremiah and I both lose her, but maybe that is best.

Someone knocked at my door and I sprung up to answer it. I almost jumped in surprise when I saw Nessa holding the fresh bouquet of peonies.

Her nose was buried deep in the flowers and she inhaled, "Oh Kalum, these are lovely! Next time, be sure to get them in pink. Blue is so last year."

Nessa swayed a bit as she entered my room.

"Miss Hastings! What are you doing here," I asked and backed away, reaching for my dresser. "Let me put a shirt on."

"Oh no, it's alright," her eyes hungrily scanned my bare chest, "This will be quick."

I crossed my arms and leaned back, "Alright. What can I help you with?"

"Oh, I can think of a few things. Ya'see I have many uses, many talents. I would do anything for you," Nessa placed her cold fingers on my neck and began tracing them down my abs, "And I mean anything."

She then roughly gripped the rim of my pants and pulled them into her, biting her lower lip. The scent of alcohol emitted as she spoke.

"Nessa, wait," I leaned into her, to remove her hands, but she lost her footing.

I let out a small yelp and bent down to catch her, but she wrapped herself around me and we both fell to the floor. Nessa started to giggle and I lifted myself up, so I now was horizontal above her.

"Oh Kalum," Nessa teased, chortling uncontrollably.

My response got interrupted by a gasp outside my door. I lifted my head and saw Sarah. She had her hands cupping her mouth and dried tears running down her cheeks.

"Sarah!" I tried calling after her, but she had already run off.

 I got to my feet to follow after her, but Nessa's hand wrapped around my ankle.

"Babyyyy HICCUP whyare yougoingafter her HICCUP?"

I bent down to release her hand from me, and left without saying another word.

I mentally noted to dismiss Nessa once she sobered up, and tried my best to keep pace with the dark-haired girl. Damn she's quick. I watched from afar, as she darted this way and that. I nearly lost her, until I noticed the ends of her hair disappear in the direction of the rooftop.

I took a breath to steady myself, before calling out to her as I climbed the many stairs to the top. Her cries started to fade. I picked up pace and made it to the final few steps. I slowed down, hoping to finally have a private conversation with her, but my heart got lodged in my throat.

Stepping through the rooftop entrance, my view became clear. Jeremiah held Sarah in a tight hug, as he stroked the back of her head softly.

Sarah was speaking to him in choked sobs, but I couldn't make out anything being said over the sound of the wind.

"Sarah," I whispered.

I then watched as Jeremiah tucked a strand of hair behind Sarah's ear and kiss her forehead. "Jeremiah, don't," I thought to myself.

My mouth was agape, my breathing intense, and for a split moment, Jeremiah and I made eye contact. I tightened my fists as he smirked at me, then lifted Sarah's chin, connecting their lips in a passionate kiss.