To Be a Princess

To Be Needed

"Collin?"

I frowned at the short redhead in front of me. Back off. My instinct screamed at her. I knew he wasn't mine to have, but he was someone I was wanted to fight for.

"Ella?" He stopped holding me which was the worst of all things he could've done. "Where's your date?"

"I left him... explain please." She huffed frustrated.

"I shouldn't have to. I picked Sophie."

"Yes, but we have always been the ones who knew exactly who was going to choose who. We're in love." She made it very clear the way she said this that he was off limits to me.

"Define love." Cole said.

"Wanting to be with someone." She said definetly.

"That's lust. Love cannot be defined by want. Ella, we are not in love." She looked shocked and so was I. "Go back to you're date, you've already mistreated mine enough."

Cole grabbed me back into his arms probably to stop what he feared, me running.

"Tu me manques." I whispered as he pressed his face into my hair. I didn't expect him to know what it meant.

"Did you just say I love you?" He asked confusion lacing his tone.

"In french, it also means you are missing from me."

He let out a breathy laugh. "I like that. And you." He pulled back looking at me.

"And I you, Collin." I challenged him by using his full name like Ella, raising an eyebrow at him.

"By the heavens you are going to make me beg." His eyes trailed over my face and landed on my lips. I was pleased he clearly liked the way I said it more.

"I swear if you ask." I said through the torment.

He smiled. "I never kiss on a first date."

"Maybe you should start." I tempted.

His eyes watched me carefully. "Not here."

He twirled me and took my hand at the end leading me away from the dance floor which I silently thanked because my feet were aching. A lot of people had left and we were one of the few people left dancing.

"Collin, do introduce us." The Queen interjected. She was a short and lean woman. Her dress sparkled gold and she winked at me.

"Mother, this is Sophie Leclair." He didnt release my hand I was on the verge of cheering.

"Nice to meet you, I can tell why he didnt hesitate. You seem talented in talking and dancing from the reactions of those around you. She was quite the talk of the evening. I was proud to say you now lived here with me. And then more when my son chose you."

"She is quite special." He said looking at me as he said it. I looked back adoringly.

"Its a pleasure to meet you mi'lady, so many thanks for you and your generosity."

"Oh please. I owed your mother." She gave me a loving smile. She knew.

"You knew her?" My voice cracked. Past tense.

"Very well." She nodded her face stricken with sadness at the devastating memory.

"Could you... I mean would you ever be okay with telling me about her?" I blushed but her eyes lit up.

"Whenever you wish." She said. "Now go get some rest. You have a date tomorrow."

He led me to the stairs and up them. I found myself in my room then. With the door shut and my heart was beating. I slipped my shoes off and sighed. He came closer and let out a whistle.

"You had heels on?" He stood maybe a few inches above me.

All I could do was nod. "Not all of us are six foot you know."

The silence made my heart ache.

"Were you close with her?" He asked carefully.

"I miss her." I said softly my eyes watering.

"Soph... you don't have to tell me. I was stupid to ask." He said softly and I covered my face with my hands. He came closer not saying a word, but wrapping me in his arms. He waa warm and having him hold me made me want to cry more. I felt secure for the first time in forever.

"She saved me." Was all I said and he held me tighter. I rubbed at my eyes and pushed him away softly. "I'm fine. We were having fun." I laughed. His face was full of concern. "So our date's tomorrow..?"

"Right... wear something... how do I say this without giving it away.. warm and shoes for walking." I scrunched my nose. He followed me to the door.

"But-" I started and he pecked my lips and walked out the door. Like it was natural. Like a goodnight kiss.

He was all I needed to keep me warm.

I woke up in the comfiest bed in the world. It felt like it was made of foam and feathers and water. I sighed pushing up and rubbing my eyes as an annoying noise began to blare. I glanced over at the alarm clock and squinted. I looked for an off button. I beat it against the tabletop and heard laughter. I turned to look at Cole, pouting.

"How in the hell do you turn it off?" I said frustrated. He had an amused smile on his face.

"I had hoped you'd yell for me when you couldn't figure it out." He smirked and I only stared. Im a stubborn french girl. Please.

"Cole." He said softly and the obnoxious noise stopped. I gawked at him. "Good morning works too."

"I. Can't. Believe. You." I said shaking my head as he held out a coffee. I took it and he sipped his watching me as I sipped mine only now realizing I was in my underwear and a sweatshirt.

"Unlike most girls your preferred morning drink was not written in your bio." He said trying to determine if I like it. "So I got you what I get."

"How romantic." I said cheesily and he grinned at me.

"How is it... that you are still flawlessly beautiful in the morning?"

I tried to hide my smile by taking another sip. "Speaking of which I should get ready." I slipped into the closet and found a pair of black nylon leggings, a blue wind breaker jacket and some boots. Surprisingly prepared. I applied light make up and pulled my honey hair into a high pony and we were ready to go.

"Where are we off to?" I asked coming out sticking diamond studs in my ear. Classy. It was a date.

"Its a secret." He said shushing me. I rolled my eyes. And he smiled. "Together." He held out his hand and I took it. We took the back way out through the kitchen and he opened my door to his hummer. I attempted the jump in and luckily he caught my waist and helped me up. His tires were a bit higher then a normal one.

He chuckled shaking his head. "You're adorable." I smiled at him.

We drove down a highway chatting about our favorite things and family and what we enjoy doing. Eventually we ended up on a bumpy road going up. The mountains.