Casey Anderson isn't expecting much from her Mark - but when her soulmate turns out to be Prince August, the boy next in line for the throne, everything changes.
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In a world much like our own, Casey Anderson is trying to navigate her senior...
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I feel like I've fallen into a dream. Like my deepest desires and hopes have been written down, splashed across a page for August to read.
Like I wished upon a star and it came true.
I can't stop smiling. At this rate, my cheeks are going to be sore. I haven't let go of August's hand either - fingers tangled tight like a promise.
There's so much to say, and I have no idea where to start. It feels like talking about anything will allow the world to come crashing in, to pop our small bubble. I know we can't stay in this room forever, but I want to.
August clears his throat reluctantly, like he's read my thoughts. "My father probably wants to speak to us," he says, checking his watch.
"I'm surprised he hasn't already," I say, something dark colouring my tone. "Considering how involved he's been so far."
August winces. "I wanted to apologize - " he starts, but I don't let him finish.
"It's not your fault," I say. "It isn't."
He smiles bitterly. "That's one thing you'll learn about me, Casey - I tend to blame myself."
With those words, he's put a barrier up between us, reminded me that despite the matching Marks, we don't actually know each other.
I pull away, slightly, putting some space between us. "It isn't your fault," I say, speaking as firmly as I can. "None of it. I'm here because I want to be, August - believe me, I wouldn't have come if I didn't."
"My father can be very persuasive," August says, eyes not meeting mine.
"Your father is a bully and a jerk," I say. "And a king," I add, when both August and the guard look at me with shock. "But just because he's a king doesn't mean he should get whatever he wants."
August smiles. It's a real, genuine smile - breaking big across his face, crinkling his eyes up in the corners.
It's devastating.
Honestly, it should probably be illegal - I'm not sure I could form full sentences right now. I definitely shouldn't be allowed to operate heavy machinery.
I want him to smile like this all the time.
I feel my heart clench, like my chest is cracking open.
"Having you here is going to be very interesting, Casey Anderson," he says. "I can tell already."
I open my mouth, a smile stretching across my face. But before I can respond, the door swings open.
The girl that steps through is tall and slender, with hair the same shade of blond as August's falling around her shoulders. She steps forward, effortlessly graceful on heels that make my feet hurt just from looking at them.
Princess Leah is, somehow, even prettier in person - it's not just her outward looks, either. There's something magnetic about her presence.
