Venomously, yours

17

"Elide, are you ready with your decision? Have you made your choice?" Standing in front of my father was giving me chills at the moment. I had my hands behind my back, tightly squeezed.

"Yes Father, I am ready with my decision. But I have a request." There was an uncomfortable silence. I was scared that my father would not listen to me. He looked really calm today, his shoulders were resting high and his face didn't have any traces of tiredness. His voice also wasn't very harsh like always... That is a good thing, right?

"Tell me, is there something I can help you with?" Ok, what is wrong with my father. I nervously scratch the back of my neck. "Can I-I reveal my choice tomorrow at the ball? I don't want to tell anyone, right now. But, that is only if I have your permission."

"Elide..." There was an awkward silence. We look at each other, my eyes pleading. I don't even know why but I felt like I needed a bit more time, even though I already narrowed it down to two people.

My anticipation building as he stared at me. I could practically see the gears turning and moving in his head.

"Father, please" I whispered, desperation lacing my tone. He sighed, nodding slightly, "Okay, if you must. But show up without anyone and I'm going to throw you in the dungeon," he warned.

I gulped, nodding. "Yes yes I know," I bowed my head, "Excuse me," I whispered, barely audible and ran out the room. A sinking feeling in my gut told me that I was not ready at all to make this decision. My heart pumped blood way faster than normal and I heaved, despite having done nothing.

Nervousness, fear, confusion, pressure, apprehension, uncertainty and most of all, worry swam around in my head, making me dizzy.

There is so much going on and I'm not ready for it. I have to choose my partner, I have to make sure nothing bad happens on the day of that actual ball, the notes are just getting worse, I have to help Illariah, I have to, quite literally, choose the next king of my beautiful kingdom.

The pressure resting on my shoulders was unreal and it wore me down. ALOT.

I walked to the balcony, from where I could see the whole of Amaris. This is where I usually come to think. I sigh.

All the princes have been an absolute delight...well most. Leo not so much. It's really hard to choose, but if I really had to...it comes down to Aaron or Oren.

Both of them are charming and kind. I feel comfortable with both of them like I can talk about anything and they'll not only listen but understand too. I've had special moments with both of them, and in this short span of four weeks, I've made unforgettable memories.

I smile as my eyes pass over the small pond on the east side of the palace.

----FLASHBACK----

"My father was almost never home, but when he was, it was always fun," Aaron said, his eyes glazed over as he talked about his family, a small smile on his face. "As soon as he entered the house, he would shout 'Guess who's back' EVERY SINGLE TIME and every single time my brother and I would stop whatever we were doing and go hug the life out of him. At least we thought we did, I don't think we were that strong," He chuckles, looking at me, "We were kids, after all."

"And then one day, he left and just didn't come back," His face grew sad, a frown formed. "My mother was so sad, she won't stop crying and I didn't know what to do," His tone was helpless.

I can only imagine what he was feeling. I don't know what I would do if my mother was going through the worst thing possible and I won't be able to do anything to make her feel better.