Kidnapped by a Prince

Chapter 2

Xander's POV

"Melody," I repeat to myself. Nice.

We make our way to the shabby little tent and begin the interview process all over again.

After another exhausting session I'm disappointed to find that Melody never showed up. I was looking forward to getting to know her better. We begin to pack our things to move onto the nearby village when I hear bickering nearby. Curious I peek out of the tent flaps to see what this commotion is all about.

To my surprise I find the pretty brunette that had originally gotten my attention. She didn't notice me because she was arguing with an older woman, that I assumed was her mother, about something.

"No." Melody's voice is firm.

"Melody, why are you such a evil child? I have provided for you your whole life, now it's your turn to provide for me!" The older woman who very much resembled melody spoke in an equally hard tone.

"This isn't your decision to make. It's mine. I'm happy with my life here. I don't need to be queen!" So that's what this was about. I decided now would be an excellent time to make my move.

"Hello ladies," I said with a smile.

Her mother immediately dropped in a curtsy at the sound of my voice while Melody just stood, arms crossed in defiance.

"Melody," her mother hissed in a warning tone.

The girl simply rolled her eyes and gave me the same curtsy as she did when we first met.

"Sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help but hear you two arguing," I directed my attention to the mother. "Ma'am if your daughter doesn't wish to participate in this, she shouldn't be forced although I would love her company," I looked hopefully at the brunette.

"Yeah sure whatever," she said, rolling her eyes causing her mother's jaw to drop.

"Melody! That's no way to treat a prince! He is going to rule this very land! Show some respect!" She scolded before flashing me a bright smile.

"It's quite alright miss," I wave my hand to dismiss the issue and turn back to Melody offering her my arm.

She shrugs once more and accepts my offer. I could feel the smile creeping onto my face, but did my best to hide it.

We chatted for quite a long time before I finally mustered up enough courage to ask Melody to marry me. Too soon? Not exactly. In Aria, the tradition is to propose to any girl you deem fit. Royalty doesn't date.

She starts to laugh, most likely believing this to be a joke, but she soon sees that I am dead serious and frowns.

"Sorry but no," I feel my heart crumbling in my chest.

"Why not?" I know I'm whining, but I'm surprised and quite upset.

"I like my life here. Plus, Darren's here," she answers.

"Darren?" I ask confused.

"My boyfriend," she hastily clarifies.

"Oh," my heart drops into my stomach.

"Umm, okay then, bye?" And with that she gets up, gathers her numbered belongings, and leaves.

As much as I want to follow her I sit stunned. Why would she pick a commoner like this Darren over a prince? Heartbroken and defeated I go onto the next village.

Eight different villages and still no one that could replace Melody. I return home to my father without a bride and when I tell him the story, he seems as confused as I am. He tells me to just rest and that everything will work itself out, so I do. If only I had known what he had planned.
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Hey! Went to a concert last night so now I'm tired >_< boo. Oh well. We got trapped in a parking garage for almost an hour so we jammed along with the radio and people looked at us all funny. It was great.

How are you all doing?

Thoughts?

Bye!!