Who's It Going To Be?

Chapter 4

We decide to all meet at the Vacker's house to send Fitz off. Well, not that the rest of the group knew what was happening yet. That's part of the meeting, which is currently taking place in Fitz's room. It is looking more haphazard than usual, and there is a half-packed trunk lying on the floor.

"I can't believe she chose him over me. We all know I'm the better looking one," Keefe bellows.

"Wow!!" is Dex's response

"That's crazy," Sophie announces

"We all know my brother is alluring," Biana says while directing a wink at me. I ignore her.

There's a knock on the door. "Hey," Mrs. Vacker pokes her head in, her beautiful face alive with a smile, "I brought you all lemonade."

"Thank you," we all say more or less together.

We talk for an hour or so more. Then it's time to say goodbye.

"Bye," I say, but it doesn't feel satisfactory, so I take a step towards Fitz and wrap my arms around him in an embrace. "I'll miss you," I say into his shoulder, then I pull away. "Be safe," I tell him as I walk out the front door, and the cool night air greets me.

"I'll miss you too," Fitz discloses

I stop for a moment in my tracks when he does then I continue walking the Vacker's stone walkway. When I reach the gate, I hear the front door closing with a soft thud.

~~

*Fitz*

All too soon, the guards come for us. Mom kisses Alavar and me on the head.

"You know you are taking two of my sons from me. The least you can do is give me a way to contact them" Mom directs her words at Tam.

"They will have cell phone access," Tam reassures her.

Mom, Dad, and Biana wave us off as we are escorted into a carriage.

"The Palace is an hour travel time," we are informed, "so make yourself comfortable." As if that is possible.

I'm already thinking about all the fun times I'm going to miss. And how bizarre this whole thing will inevitably be. I just hope this visit won't last long.

Exactly one hour later, though it felt both shorter and longer, we pull up to a sprawling palace. Princess Melonie waits at the large golden doors, and we bow to her once we step out from the carriage.

"I'm glad you can make it," she greets us, "please do come inside."

"My servants prepared an adjoining room for you on the second level. Make yourselves comfortable. I will meet you both in the dining room at 7 o'clock sharp" I check my watch as we are led upstairs- 6:15.

I sit down on the edge of the plush bed and pull out my phone to text my Mom- we made it safe.

Thank you for letting me know, honey.

I lay down for a few minutes before changing into the suit I packed and brushing out my hair. I don't do it for Melonie, but out of respect for the fact that I'm in the Palace.

"Looking good, Fitz," Alvar says as he steps out of the room.

"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."

"How endearing," Tam claps, a mock smile on his face. "Now, follow me."

We are led into a massive dining room with a sparkling chandelier and a table set for six.

"I'm so glad the two dashing boys can make it," the King says as he rises from his seat.

"The honor is all ours; your Majesty," Alvar replies as we both bow.

The King smiles. "Please sit."

We do. I sit beside Alvar, who sits beside Melonie, who sits beside the King. On the other side of the table sits Prince Henry and Talcum.

"So," the King begins as the servers bring out the food on large silver trays, "I would love to hear about you, boys."

"Well, as you know, we are both from Brookville," Alvar, being the eldest, answers, "I am twenty, and I have just begun Ascot University, where I'm studying biology."

"Very impressive," the King turns to me, "and you?"

"I am finishing my last year of high school, your Majesty, and plan to join my brother at Ascot next year."

The King nods. "Do you know what you want to study?"

"Not yet."

The rest of the meal is somewhat quiet, as everyone enjoys the incredible food.