Adam's Choice

Chapter 12—TEELA

Rage. Frustration. Annoyance.

These are the feelings overwhelming me as I follow several workers from my room.

"Those are my things!" I cry. "Who told you to move them?"

The men give me sympathetic looks and open their mouths to answer when someone interrupts us.

"Teela, what's going on?"

I know the voice immediately, and at the remind of him, I suddenly realize what's happening. I turn abruptly to Adam and announce, "It appears we are no longer allowed to be neighbors!"

I can tell Adam had no idea this was going to happen or what I'm even talking about when he looks shocked and almost a little panicked.

"What?" he questions.

I flail my arms towards the men's retreating figures and reply, "After the announcement, I came back here to take a shower to find them packing my things and moving them."

Adam watches the men move farther down the hall and mumbles, "I guess they're moving you to the East Wing of the palace. When I raise my brow, he explains, "That is now the designated area for the Chosen. Each lady has a room and her own servant there." He shakes his head and continued apologetically, "Father wants all the Chosen treated fairly and equally, especially in the beginning. I should have expected this and warned you." He meets my eyes regretfully. "Forgive me?"

In that moment, all my anger fades away. I close my eyes briefly before I open them and reassure him. "There is nothing to forgive. I knew the Seligere would change a lot of things for me. I just didn't expect it to be so soon and in ways such as this, but I signed up for it."

Adam nodded and smiled a little. "Indeed, you did," he agreed. Then, he looked down at his boots and continued, "In fact, that's why I'm here now."

He pauses a little as if he were waiting on a response. I don't give him one, because I have no idea what to say. Finally, he tells me what is going on.

"Since you're already here, Father said I could start with you."

"Start with me?" I question, genuinely confused. "What does that mean?"

Adam breathes deeply and I watch his chest rise greatly, filling out his tunic in ways that outlines his muscles nicely. He looks unsure as he explains, "It means I can court you…" Then, he pauses, "Well, not court. We're not dating. I mean, we are, but we're not a couple…I mean, you can be the first that…well…"

At this I can't help but laugh. That was precisely what I needed: Adam to be his normal, goofball self. "You mean we are allowed to go on our first date tonight."

Adam nodded gratefully and nodded. "Yes."

I smile and immediately walk away, down the hall.

"Teela?" I hear Adam question.

I turn around and see his concern. I smile and shrug. "Well, I have to follow my belongings and get dressed. I can't go out with the Crown Prince in my uniform, I don't suppose."

Adam's grin suddenly brightens the room. "No, I suppose not. See you in an hour?"

I smile and then turn back around.

I can't believe this is happening.

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Short but getting back into writing. Tell me if you still want to read more.