The Annex

Chapter 18

"Okay, can you remind me again, why are we eating with common soldiers," Atlas chuckled as we were each handed a tray of unidentifiable grub. I raised my eyebrows as I turned back to him.

"It's called being generous, Atlas Moreau." I led him to one of the long dining tables and found a place for the two of us to squeeze in.

"Are you ever going to just call me Atlas," he said as he scooted in next to me.

"Hm, probably not. Atlas Moreau just has such a nice ring to it," I grinned as I turned to him, finding a matching grin. I poked my fork at the food, and wrinkled my nose. "I do have to admit, not the most glorious date in the world." I picked it up and tested it, finding it just barely palatable.

"I recall you promising me an exquisite picnic basket," he nudged me.

"Yes, I did, but again, someone more important came up. And come on, if the kingdom's soldiers are fed this, then we can handle it," he gave me a grimace before dramatically eating a bite.

"There, see? I did it." I rolled my eyes before laughing. I grabbed a forkful of food and shoved it into his mouth before he could protest. "You did not," he barely managed through a full mouth and grabbed me by the waist and tickled me.

"Atlas Moreau," I squealed as I dropped my fork and gripped his arms. The room burst into commotion and I stood up as I tried to find the source. Atlas snaked a protective arm around my waist as soldiers pushed roughly past me.

"Cara, let's go, something's wrong," Atlas tugged me through the rolling swarm of soldiers that were grabbing gear and falling into rank. We made our way out of the dining hall as we saw the rest of the Palace being evacuated.

"Grim," I cried as I caught sight of him. He whipped around and met my gaze.

"Vos, where the hell have you been, you're being evacuated. Tomas will find you, he's your escort. Where the hell is he?" I had never seen Grim ruffled like this, let alone ruffled.

"Grim, what's happened," I grabbed his arm, which seemed to anger him.

"One of the candidates has been murdered," he snapped. I felt a pool of ice settle in my stomach as I dropped his arm and staggered backwards. Atlas caught me just as I felt I couldn't support myself. I found myself again as I grabbed Grim by fistfuls of his shirt.

"Who Grim? Tell me who, damn it," I screamed as I thought of Ella, of Killian and Humphrey. I even thought of Isotta and Delia. I didn't like them but I didn't wish death upon any of them.

"Cara, let go, come on, we need to focus," Atlas pulled me back by my shoulders. "What are we supposed to do right now?" Atlas asked Grim, the voice of reason as I began to panic.

"The Commander has ordered for the Candidates to be evacuated. This is the second attempt on a Candidates life. There's a suspected scheme. Each of you will be assigned an escort, and you'll be split up into groups. Other Candidates have already been evacuated. Tomas should get here soon, and I have assigned Dorian to you, Moreau." Grim stalked off as he barked out orders to scattering soldiers.

"Who do you think it is," my voice shook as I turned to Atlas, tears brimming in my eyes. "D-do you think Ella's okay? And Humphrey and Killian?" I asked as Atlas enveloped me in a hug.

"We can't think about that right now, Cara, hey. Hey!" He grabbed my shoulders and made me look at him in the eyes. "Cara!" His voice sounded so muffled and far away as the world seemed to grow fuzzy. "Cara!" He shook me roughly and I finally snapped back to reality.

"Cara," Tomas' voice cut through the crowd and he crashed into me in a giant hug. Mimi was behind him as she threw her arms around me as well. Between him and Mimi, they had three bags slung over their shoulders. "Mimi and I gathered some of your things, we have been instructed with a meeting point by the Commander, Mimi's coming with us."