Erika (ON HOLD)

Chapter Ten

Christian and I quietly made our way through the hallways of the palace. "Where are we going?" I whispered. "To the Gardens." he replied. The gardens weren't a part of my tour with Madame Ellie, but I remember them from the night of the ball. The gardens were where Christian has kissed me for the first time.

Christian quietly opened the two glass doors that led outside. I quietly walked through them. Once we were outside, Christian slowly closed the doors and took me hand again. We walked along the same bridge that we did the night of the ball.

"Christian, can I ask you a question?" I said. "Of course." he replied with a smile on his face. "Why did you choose to marry a commoner? Why not marry someone who is already royal?"

"Because if I were to marry someone royal, it would be an arranged marriage. I want the freedom to choose to marry whomever I want."

"There has to be a different reason than that."

"Your right there is."

"What is it?"

"I want this whole beauty thing to be done and over with. I want everyone to be able to be who they are."

"What does that have to do with marrying a commoner?"

"Royals don't understand my views. They like the beauty laws. It makes them feel superior. That's why I wanted to marry a commoner. They want the same thing."

"Why did you pick me?"

"You have this certain spark about you. You know what you want and you know how to get it. And I can tell that you want everyone to be equal. You want the same things I want. We will make the perfect team." He said. He put his hands on my cheeks and place his lips on mine. "And because I'm falling in love with you." he said.

I was going to respond, but instead of words, a yawn came out. "Didn't realize I was that boring." Christian jokingly. "You're not. I'm just tired." I replied. "I think I should get back to my room and go to bed."

"I'll walk you." Christian said. "You kind of have to. I have no idea where it is." I said. Christian let out a laugh and took my hand. We then started back towards the castle.
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I awoke yet again to the curtains being drawn by the same girl who had done it yesterday. That meant I had an hour to get ready and get down to the dining hall for breakfast. I got on the dress the maid had laid out and I did my hair. I then made my way down to the dining hall.

I managed to find my way all by myself. I got lost a few times, but I found it on time. When I walked in Christian, the king and queen, and Madame Ellie were already in there. However, the weren't the only ones there. There were three other people sitting at the table with them.

One was a man who could not be much older than king Marcus, and there was also a female that looked like she was Queen Annalise' age. At the end of the table sitting next to Christian was a young girl who looked to be about my age. She had long, straight blonde hair and blue eyes. They must be royalty because they aren't wearing masks, and believe me, this girl would have to wear a mask if she weren't royalty.

"Ahh look who decided to join us. Please, take a seat." Madame Ellie said. I sat down in the seat on the other side of Christian. "Erika, the our our guests. They are the royal family from our neighboring kingdom. They will be staying here while their palace is being remodeled. This is King William, Queen Josephine, and Princess Scarlett." Madame Ellie said.

"You must be Erika." Said Josephine. "Yeah I am." I replied earning a glare from Madame Ellie. Was that not the appropriate response? "Christian was right, you are beautiful." Said Scarlett giving me a warm smile. Even though her mouth was smiling, I could see something in her eyes. I couldn't tell exactly what it was, but she really didn't mean what she said.

"Erika is taking lessons with me to learn how to be royalty." Said Madame Ellie. Typical. I've only known her for two days, but Madame Ellie liked attention. She likes things to be about her. "How nice of you." Said Josephine. She made it seem like Madame Ellie was volunteering to help me, when in reality she had no choice. That was her job, and if she didn't do her job she would be fired.

"You know, maybe Scarlett could help Erika learn. Sometimes it's better to have people your own age in an educational setting. What do you say Scarlett?" Josephine said. Please say no. Please say no. Scarlett seemed sweet, but there was something about her I couldn't put my finger on. There's something I didn't like about her, I just don't know what it is yet.

"Of course! It would be my pleasure. That is if Erika doesn't mind. Do you mind Erika?" She asked. Everyone at the table looked at me in anticipation. I felt pressured. I couldn't day know and have everyone think of me in a bad way. Besides, if I said no Madame Ellie would never let me hear the end of it.

"Of course I don't mind." I said.

But I really did.