"Okay, so that matter is settled," my mother surmised, placing her hand on the stack of papers in front of her, "The week after next, during the debate, we give the final signal. The end of the Selection is the start of our revolution."

Carina shifted in her seat uncomfortably. "Are you sure your people can take over all of those government buildings at once?" she asked nervously, "What are your plans if it fails?"

"It's not going to fail," my mother countered, "and it won't just be my people. As long as we get the message out correctly, we will have the support of regular civilians there too."

"And if it gets violent?" Adelicia interjected from further down the table.

"As long as the princess supplies us with the weapons and ammunition like she promised," my mother answered, looking at Carina pointedly, "Then we'll be able to fend them off."

"No one wants violence," Alex added next to me, "The military doesn't want a full out gun fight with its own citizens. It's more of an intimidation tactic."

The princess seemed to relax at that, and incidentally I did too. I don't know if Alex was lying to convince her to stay with us, but his logic seemed reasonable and eased a few of my fears. I didn't want people dying for this, and though it's optimistic, I wanted to believe this could be a peaceful take over.

"We must make sure to tell our side that as well," Turps said from the end of the table, "We do not want government officials lynched in the streets. It will ruin our reputation and call into question the new government and the lengths at which it will go for control."

"Which is one of the reasons we're here in the first place," Alex agreed.

"Atlas and I will continue to work on her presentation to include that nuance," Turps continued, making me perk up at the mention of my name. I was tired, and all the stress that had been building up in me the past few days was starting to wear on me. The hum from the vent system and cheap lights of the bunker weren't helping my sleepiness either.

"Whatever you say is going to be too transparent," Alex argued, "My father will see right through it."

"Let me handle that your majesty," Gavril assured, placing his hand on the table, "You just need to agree to end the Selection."

"Have you talked to your brothers?" Valeera asked, leaning forward to look over Adelicia at the prince, "How much have you told them?"

"Just that I'm ending it that night," he answered.

My mother's eyebrows knit together. "You think that's safe enough? We don't know how they'll react," she pointed out.

"They're my brothers," he shot back, suddenly hostile, "They trust me."

"I'm a little worried about Christoph," I admitted quietly, looking at Alex out of the corner of my eye.

"I talked to Adalene," the French princess told me, "She has been broaching the subject, and she says he seems willing to consider dropping out of the Selection so they can marry instead. He's obviously more concerned about the reaction of others than if it's something he actually wants."

"I know it's a little extreme, but we could always detain him," Valeera mumbled, not meeting anyone's eyes, "I could take charge of that during the debate. I could grab him if he tries anything."

"He won't do anything with the cameras rolling," Alexandre promised, "I'll talk him down if I need to, but he's not an immediate threat and we have more important things to worry about than my brothers."

"We should talk about what happens after," Turps prompted, "Atlas. . . there's a very high chance you will be arrested on the spot. We need your explicit consent that you're okay with that, otherwise we need to change the plan."

Alex pushed himself off the back of his chair, his back stiff. "What?!" he exclaimed, looking over at Turps so I couldn't see his face.

"Yes."

"Atlas!" he snapped, whirling on me but then focusing back on Turps to add, "No. I'm not okay with that."

"It's not up to you," I told him calmly, avoiding his gaze as he turned to give me an incredulous look, "If everything goes according to plan, I'll be detained and justly tried under the new system."

"No way," he argued, shaking his head, "We'll come up with a different plan. One that doesn't put you at risk like that. I'm confident, but if we fail my father will kill you."

"Can't you just pardon her, your majesty?" Carina asked.

"We can use it to our advantage," I pointed out, having studied previous revolutions for the past week, "It would be the first trial under the new constitution. We could show the people that everyone will be treated fairly."

"That no one is above the law," Gavril mumbled as he considered it, rubbing his chin.

"Turps, my plan would guarantee her safety," my mother interjected.

"I agree," Carina added quickly, "I think putting Atlas on the throne is a good idea. She's already internationally revered."

I wasn't comfortable with everyone speaking to Turps as if he's the one who will make the final decision, but I didn't speak up.

The show host looked uncomfortable, and he kept his eyes trained on the Italian princess, so he didn't have to look at anyone else. "I understand that. And I personally think Atlas would be a fine queen, but we're not looking for approval of other countries. If we're going to make this work, then we need our own people to agree," he explained evenly, "And the country is dangerously split right now. We need our own people to all agree. All of them. . . including the higher castes."

"Not to be partial," Valeera added, "but the fact is that the ruling class will be more inclined to cooperate if it's one of their own appealing to them. Trust me, I've grown up with these people." She looked over at the prince, but he just looked angry.

"I'm a One, Val," he snapped, "I know them too. It won't matter who ascends the throne, they're not going to be happy with retiring the caste system either way." He looked over at my mother and squinted his eyes before he added, "And Atlas would have grown up with Twos and Threes if you hadn't abandoned her to die."

"You're in no position to speak of Atlas and her safety," she snarled meeting his glare, "Not after what you didn't do at the whipping."

"Enough," I told them, frustrated with their immature, cheap shots, "That's a non-issue."

Turps cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back to the real topic. "The unfortunate truth is that Valeera has been in a neutral spot the entire Selection," he commented, looking over at her, "She's favored by both high and low castes."

"Neutrality isn't inspiring," my mother pointed out, "The lower castes love Atlas, and that enthusiasm will help with the transition."

"I'm right here," Valeera grumbled, leaning back in her seat.

"Atlas will always be remembered as a revolutionary, but no one is aware of Valeera's ties to the NSRF," Turps continued, "She wouldn't be resented by anyone, unlike those affected by the riots and violence Atlas encouraged. . . unknowingly and involuntarily." He quickly added on the last part when he saw me place my hands on the table, ready to stand and defend myself.

"Ultimately," Adelicia spoke up quickly before the conversation grew too tense, "it should be Alex's call. It's his kingdom."

"It affects all of us," my mother pointed out lowly.

"I'm aware," he growled back, "but it's my decision, and I'm not agreeing to this plan."

"I think we should take a break," I blurted, jumping up out of my chair.

"There are more logistics that need to be discussed," Turps disagreed.

"Then Alex and I won't be long," I told everyone, tugging on his arm to pull him up. I was going to drag him to the single bathroom attached to the bunker for privacy, but then Valeera spoke up.

"Atlas, wait," she called, standing and jogging around the table to meet me. "It will just be a minute," she added as she placed a hand on my arm.

She looked back at the table and then towards the prince before gently pulling me towards the stairwell. Valeera looked uncomfortable as she pulled the inner door closed, leaving it cracked so we still had light coming from the main room.

I leaned back against the wall, not wanting to stand so close to her in this small space.

"I . . . don't want to be enemies," she started, wringing her hands nervously.

"We're not," I assured her quickly, "There are bigger things happening than my feelings."

Her eyes turned downward. "I recognize the connection you two have," she continued slowly, "and I know how hard this is for the both of you."

"Your feelings matter too," I pointed out, surprising myself with my selflessness. I knew I should feel jealous and threatened by Valeera, but as I looked at her now, I couldn't hate her.

"Well. . . that's just it," she breathed, running her hand through her hair to push it out of her face, "I. . . I originally joined the Selection as a Northern rebel, and I never planned to. . . When you two were fighting about your brother I. . ." She looked towards the door and bit her lip, pausing for a moment that stretched out uncomfortably.

"I'm in love with Alex," she blurted, her head whipping back to look at me.

My stomach dipped as she admitted it, and I couldn't collect myself enough before I felt my eyes flare up as the first sign of tears. I hoped that in the dim light she wasn't able to see the tears welling in my eyes, and I swallowed hard, desperately willing myself not to cry. "Oh," I said lamely, at a loss for words.

"I'm really sorry," she whispered, no sign of animosity or aggression in her voice. I realized that this must have been hard on her too, and I felt a sense of comradery in our shared despair. They were taking Alex's and my relationship into consideration, but no one had bothered to ask Valeera how she felt.

"Can I blame you?" I shrugged with a breathy laugh, trying to break the tension in hopes that it would chase away the tears.

She gave me a sad, pained smile, but didn't say anything.

"I'm. . . glad to hear that, Valeera," I lied, "Gavril is right, you're much better fit to be a queen. I won't let Alex choose me."

She swallowed hard, still wringing her hands and shifting her weight from foot to foot. "You can be honest with me," she continued, "What are you feeling? Are you. . . okay?"

I thought about it for a moment, but the ache in my heart told me enough. "I will be," I lied again, hoping to shift the conversation away from me by adding, "I'm. . . sorry you're being made to feel like a second choice."

Valeera's eyes looked misty too. "I mean, I'm not," she muttered, looking towards the door again, "I see the way Alex looks at you. He's not choosing between you and I. He's choosing between you being his queen and you starting the revolution. He's going to marry me because he's obligated to."

"That's not easy," was all I commented in response.

"Neither is watching the person you love marry someone else," she replied quickly, pausing before she added, ". . . but I have to ask one thing of you."

"Anything," I shrugged, trying to sound passive even though I was growing increasingly upset.

She looked down at her feet. "I don't want you to. . . be a part of the new government," she said quietly, raising her eyes to meet mine, "It would be better for all three of us. . . if you didn't stay in the capital once you're pardoned. It's not that I don't trust either of you, it's just that he's going to be my husband and-"

"Of course," I cut her off, "You're absolutely right. I'll. . . be out of your lives once this is done."

Valeera didn't hide her relief well, but she still looked guilty as she looked me up and down. "I'm really sorry," she told me softly, "I wish it were different. I don't want to break you two up, regardless of what I feel for Alex, I swear."

I placed my hand on her shoulder. "I sincerely think you and – you two will have a happy life together once I'm out of the picture," I comforted, feeling my heart break as I said it, "Don't worry about me. Alex will get over it."

"Thank you, Atlas," she replied slowly, "For everything. What you're doing is extremely selfless and brave, and I can't imagine what you're feeling right now. . ."

"Definitely not bravery," I muttered bitterly. It was my turn to look towards the door, wanting to run out of the bunker instead of returning to face everyone, especially Alexandre.

Valeera seemed to recognize that I was ending the conversation, so she stepped up to the door. However, she paused just as she was about to push it open to address me. "Atlas, if you and Alex decide that you don't want to go through with it. . ." she added, "If you decide you want to rule the country together, even if we all agree to a plan tonight. . . if things change, I won't resent you at all."

I searched her face, trying to gauge her motivation for saying that. At first, I thought she was saying it for the sake of manners, but Valeera seemed to truly mean it. I would have preferred that she didn't tell me this, because I felt a tiny spark of hope in my chest as I watched her walk away.

I shook my head, trying to clear it away unsuccessfully. When I followed her out and locked eyes with Alex, it embedded itself into my heart and I knew I wasn't going to be able to let go of it. I couldn't decide if it was a bad type of hurt or not.

Alex didn't say anything to me as he walked over to the bathroom, waiting for me to follow with a glance over his shoulder. The light flickered to life as he held the door open and motioned me inside. He wore an expressionless mask, but when I turned back to face him as he entered behind me, he suddenly looked unabashedly angry and hurt.

"Don't look at me like that, Atlas," he warned, his jaw tight, "Don't say what you're going to say."

"Alexandre," I sighed, leaning against the counter of the sink, "This is bigger than our relationship."

"No! It's not!" he exploded, rushing over to me and grabbing my arms, "Atlas, I need you by my side; I can't do this without you! This was all because of you. I would have never gotten through it with anyone else! If you leave, I'll. . . I won't be able to do it."

"That's not true," I muttered, unable to meet his eyes.

"Our future together is being handed to us right now!" he cried, shaking me slightly, "But you won't even consider-"

My nerves were raw from all these discussions. "How do you think I feel, Alex?" I snapped, shoving his hands off me, "Do you think I want to watch you marry someone else? You're going to be fine! You will become king and I'll just be a memory to you. I'm the one who will have to live my entire life surrounded by constant reminders that I lost the best thing that's ever happened to me."

I didn't want to show weakness in front of Valeera, but I was past trying to hide my emotions from Alex. I wiped at my face with the back of my hand, clearing the tears that had already started falling.

Alex took a step back, throwing his hands in the air for emphasis. "Then why are you fighting me so hard on this?!" he demanded, unable to keep the desperation out of his voice.

"I can't be queen!" I shouted, tapping my fingers to my chest.

"Why not?!" Alex shot back.

"I'm not good enough!!"

The words hung in the air between us, my voice ringing around the bathroom walls. I hadn't meant to say it. I didn't want to admit it to myself, let alone anyone else. All of my inadequacies came crashing down on me, piling on with all the mistakes I've made since I arrived here. I've done everything incorrectly. Said the wrong things. Upset the wrong people.

"How can I convince you that you are?" Alex asked quietly, reaching out for me but then letting his hand drop uselessly to his side. He looked lost.

I wrapped my arms around myself for comfort, trying to calm my erratic breathing. I didn't mind crying, but now wasn't the time to have a panic attack. "You can't," I choked out, lowering my chin to my chest so I didn't have to see the disappointment on his face.

There was a long pause as we stood frozen like that. I watched the tears fall from my eyes and hit my arms.

"I've been thinking about it a lot lately. . ." he started, making me look up, "Being a ruler. . . it's awful, a nightmare."

I straightened, wiping my face again and letting go of myself. He didn't look upset anymore, just listless and depressed.

"It's like being in hell; I would hate to see you have to go through this for the rest of your life," he admitted bitterly, "especially if you're doing it for me. You've been through enough. You deserve a happy, stress-free life, and. . . I couldn't give that to you."

"That's the last thing on my mind," I sighed, pushing my hair out of my face.

He stepped up and placed his hand under my chin, gently bringing my head up to look at him. Even though I was upset, feeling him wrap his other arm around my waist and pull me closer so that our bodies were pressed up against each other made me relax slightly. "But don't think for a second that you're not good enough," he said passionately.

"Alex, I can't-"

"Even if you think you're not good enough now, you could learn," he interrupted, "You could become good enough. . . because you're Atlas."

He leaned down to kiss me gently, moving his hand from my chin to cup my jaw. "You can do anything you want to," he whispered against my lips, pulling away to look me in the eye and adding, "You are so strong, and brave, and kind, and smart. . . You're amazing."

I felt a fresh set of tears threaten to spill over as I saw the honestly in his eyes. He wasn't just saying that to comfort me; he really believed it.

"And I love you. . ." he added, running his thumb across my check to catch the tear that ran down it.

"I love you too," I choked out, sniffling.

Alexandre looked towards the bathroom door and a guarded look crossed his face. "I trust you," he pressed, "If you think this is the best plan, then I'll agree to it. . . even though it will kill me."

I leaned my head into his shoulder, throwing my arms around his neck. "Thank you," I whispered.

He rubbed my arm, stating, "We should go back. We still have a lot of work ahead of us."

A/N I start classes in two days, so instead of preparing I'm just writing Atlas all day. :P