I Choose All of You

Chapter Fifty-Four

Oh, Kalum. If only he knew the reason I was sent here to begin with. Kalum offering me position as future Queen really shows I have gone too far.

Then again, I've gone too far for a while now. I have made my mission for the Resistance my last priority. The Princes have been the main source of my attention all along. I'm only just now realizing it. I have grown to care about the Princes too much. I have feelings for them...

I can't imagine leaving them forever, but I have to and it breaks my heart.

"I'll let you think about it," Kalum said, standing slowly, "You are free to return to the castle by evening."

I watched Kalum walk away and ride back to his home.

***

The vibe was off back at the castle. Everyone kept glancing around. It was stressing me out. Shortly after Kalum left the Lodge, I was told to pack and that I will be eating here tonight. Since Hannah and Maddy had already made food at the Lodge, they stayed behind and will return later.

"Excuse me," I poked one of the guards by the entrance, "Has Avalon returned yet?"

"No. Miss Kennedy has not yet arrived. She seems to be late," the guard grumbled.

"Oh, okay. Thanks."

Jimmy and I walked back to my room. I set my bag down and sat on my bed. Maybe Avalon is still too scared to return to the castle? Selfishly, I need her to return soon. As much as it hurts, Kalum needs to marry Avalon. I belong with Atlas and Leo. This isn't the world I was meant to be in.

I rolled onto my side and noticed a pile of unopened letters. Atlas must have written to me! I hurried over to my desk and took a seat, ripping open the envelopes.

There were three letters. All written each day since Nessa's passing. None of them were signed, but I knew they were from Atlas. This was probably so they couldn't be traced. I read through each one.

Sarah,
We just received the news. I wouldn't write to you if it wasn't urgent. I fear this attack is only the beginning.

The second letter.

Sarah,
I have received disturbing updates. Things are going to ramp up very quickly. Please write back immediately or return to us. It's time to leave.

Then the last letter.

Sarah, Are you safe? I'm getting worried.

Shit. I wish they had delivered these to me at the Lodge as soon as they got them. I reread the letters a few more times. Only the beginning? Ramp up?

In the last letter, his handwriting looked more urgent, rushed. He probably grew worried once he realized I didn't respond. I went through my drawers to find something to write on, but they were empty.

I began swearing under my breath. I need to let Atlas know I am okay.

A guard entered my room, making me jump.

"Miss Hart, dinner is ready. I will walk you there," the guard announced.

"Sure," I shoved the letters into the drawer behind me.

Glancing around my room one final time, I mentally face palmed myself. Shit. My fish. I slowly walked towards the guard, craning my neck to peek at my fish bowl. Yup. Ishy the Fishy is dead. It's lifeless body was floating atop the water. GREAT TO TOP IT ALL OFF MY FISH DIED.

***

I nervously played with the hem of my periwinkle dress. The sound of my heels echoed down the halls. Each step pounded against my eardrums. My heartrate increased.