The Crowns Choice

❦ Chapter Thirty-Four: Atlas ❦

The palace feels different today—tenser, like the air itself is heavy with the anticipation of what's to come. The cameras are everywhere, perched in corners, hanging from walls, always watching. It's almost like they've come alive, their lenses following our every move, catching every glance, every word.

I don't care, though. Let them watch. The only thing that bothers me, that eats away at me, is the memory of her lips on mine. It wasn't real, and that's what drives me crazy. It's like a cruel joke, dangling something in front of me that I can never have. But then, she walks in, and all my thoughts scatter.

Charlotte stands there, the picture of calm, but I can see the determination in her eyes. "I'll be spending a lot more time with you all," she announces, her voice steady. "One-on-one and as a group. It's important, especially now."

The guys shift in their seats, exchanging glances. There's a mix of excitement and curiosity in the air. Spending more time with her means more chances to prove ourselves, to show her who we really are. But for me, it's more than that. It's a chance to maybe understand what that kiss meant, if anything.

Damon is the first to respond, leaning back with a casual smile. "Looking forward to it, Charlotte. Should be interesting."

I watch her closely, searching for any sign of what she might be thinking. Does she still see him the way she used to? Does she regret what happened between us?

Charlotte nods, her gaze sweeping over all of us before settling on me for a brief moment. "I want to get to know all of you better," she says, her tone sincere. "This isn't just about the Crown's Choice anymore. It's about figuring out what comes next—for all of us."

The weight of her words hangs in the air, and I can feel the shift in the room. This isn't just a competition anymore. It's something more, something deeper. And as much as I try to push it away, the thought of her spending time with Damon, of her remembering whatever they had, gnaws at me.

"Any ideas on what this time together will look like?" Alexander asks, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

Charlotte smiles, and it's the kind of smile that makes my chest tighten. "We'll start with something simple—a group activity. After that, I'll be meeting with each of you one-on-one. I want to see where your heads are at, how you're handling everything."

"Can't wait," I say, trying to sound casual, but there's an edge to my voice. She doesn't miss it, and our eyes lock for a moment. There's something there, something unresolved, and I can't help but wonder if she feels it too.

As she walks out, I feel the tension in my shoulders ease just a little, but the uncertainty is still there, gnawing at the edges of my mind. I glance at Damon, who's already leaning back in his chair, looking far too comfortable. The cameras are still watching, but they're the least of my worries now.

I just want to know where I stand. And more importantly, where she stands.