The Annex

Chapter 40

My heart was racing as I looked expectantly at Atlas.

"Cara," Isla burst into the room and wrapped me in her arms. "You did it, the both of you. You're going to be a queen, Cara!" She clapped her hands together. "And all because of Atlas."

"What does that mean," I looked between Atlas and Isla.

"You haven't told her yet?"

"She just arrived, I was about to tell her the news," Atlas said.

"The Court decided on Atlas for the throne," Isla said. "They offered him the throne independent of dual candidacy, but Atlas chose dual candidacy." I looked to Atlas for confirmation. He shrugged as he gave me a smile.

"You were willing to give up your freedom for me when we thought that the only way I could ascend the throne was through a dual candidacy. It's my turn to return the favor. We get along just fine and I know that we'll be able to do even more with one another by our sides."

I was overwhelmed with Atlas' sacrifice and almost a bit disappointed. If Atlas ascended the throne alone, I could have my freedom. Isla and the Moreaus began their celebrations as my mother and grandfather joined. I walked out onto the balcony of Atlas' room trying to get some air.

"You seem quiet," Atlas said, joining me.

"It's all rather overwhelming," I said softly as I looked over at him.

"Quite something, huh," he offered me a glass of the champagne that his parents had opened.

"Yeah, we're going to be King and Queen," I murmured. "Thank you, you didn't have to agree to a dual candidacy, you would have been a King either way."

"You would have done the same for me, you're good at doing the right thing," he said softly. "What's on your mind?"

"Are you going to miss your freedom?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"The freedom of doing what you want, being who you want, being with who you want. Not just the King, not having the weight of an entire kingdom on your shoulders."

"I guess I don't see it as losing my freedom," Atlas said. We stood in silence for a bit until I broke it.

"Can I ask you a question," I asked, twirling the stem of the champagne flute in my hand.

"Sure."

"Why did you want the throne?" My question was loaded but I found a need to understand how Atlas didn't feel the same dread that I did.

"I'm a Moreau, this is a dream come true for me. I'll have the power to make significant and lasting changes. It's worth more to me than that so-called freedom. I was raised preparing for this very moment. For me, my kingdom comes before my own desires. I want to protect it and guard it and lead the people." My answer felt so insignificant next to his as he threw the question back at me "Why did you want the throne?"

"I wanted to make a change. I wanted to fight poverty," I said. I was embarrassed. I didn't feel the draw to the throne, the selflessness of a true ruler.

"You aren't too happy with this news are you," Atlas said gently.

"Is that bad? I mean I'm really grateful and I know that it's the right thing to do, I have the chance to affect the lives of Rivellians. But I just, I don't want to play the games and make schemes. I'm not built for that. Maybe it's because I didn't grow up in the Court, I'm just not equipped for the politics."

"You know, Cara, you don't have to be a Queen to make the difference," Atlas said. "I don't want you to think I don't want you by my side. I do, but I don't want you to be miserable either." His words struck a chord and I turned to him.