Bab 134: On Different Paths II

"Wait― please― don't do this!" Drusilla cried out, but it was too late. Two of the guards Prince Nathaniel claimed would be patrolling the area immediately swooped in front of Drusilla, as though they were waiting for something like this to happen.

"Take her away. Quickly," Atticus said, waving a nonchalant hand, "I'm staying."

The guards merely nodded and grabbed Drusilla's arms.

"No! Don't! I want to stay! Ahhhhh!" 

The guards didn't care for her protests; they immediately vaulted her into the air. Atticus was mildly impressed at their speed and strength. Prince Nathaniel did care enough about his fellow guests to assign competent guards after all! 

Either that, or he purposely got individuals that moved so quickly so that the contestants wouldn't have time to second-guess their decisions or change their minds. Atticus would put his money on that.