The Selection (YouTube edition)

Chapter 35

I heard a knock on my door around 10:00 that night. I sat up from reading a very interesting book called Surviving, that was originally written by an unprofessional author but it was eventually published professionally. "Er, come in." I said, not really knowing who it was. Alesa stepped in silently. "Alesa I'm so sorry for calling you that in public!" I said, jumping out of bed "Are you upset about it?" "Why would I be upset about it?" Alesa replied. "Sure, I wish it had happened in a little more private setting, but my parents aren't upset about it. They're just happy I'm getting close to someone." "Even your dad?" I asked, surprised. He hadn't exactly been a fan of me ever since I had snuck off to save his daughter during the rebel attack. "Yeah, he thought you were just an impulsive brat who could never have a proper personality or be royalty, but he's now growing fond of you." I breathed a sigh of relief. "Let's go out on the balcony." Alesa suggested. I sat up and followed her out. The air was cool and humid outside. Alesa and I leaned on the balcony, and looked out at the palace gardens view. "Hey Adam, I want to thank you." I glanced over at Alesa. "Err, why?" "For saying that stuff about me on national television." "What, the complimenting stuff? Or me admitting to insulting you on my first night here?" Alesa laughed. "I'm talking about the compliments. Thanks for making it all look authentic, but you don't need to go far if you really don't like-" "Okay, hold it." I said holding a hand up. "Yes, I know when I first came here, my opinion on everything was very different. In fact, I probably hated your guts." "Wow how romantic." Alesa said. "But now, you've taught me a lot, and I've taught you a lot. We are really good friends now, but back then I definitely would not consider you that. Tonight though, I meant every word I said about you. So there's all the sappy romantic lovey-dovey words you'll get tonight." I declared, sinking back down on the balcony. "I have no idea how to respond." Alesa admitted. "How about "thanks"?" I asked her, rolling my eyes. "Thanks babe." Alesa replied sarcastically. I laughed, then I went back to staring over the balcony. I was aware of Alesa's arm near mine. I leaned a little closer, and I noticed Alesa's face near mine. She awkwardly leaned forward, and so did I. I leaned in closer, closer, closer, then our heads clashed. I winced, and rubbed my head. "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry Adam!" Alesa gasped. "I- I've never kissed anyone before really, and ugh I feel like an idiot!" Alesa stuttered, blushing furiously. "I just ruined the moment, I'm sorry!" I started rubbing her forehead. "Er, what are you doing Adam?" "I'm erasing that moment from history. No one else has to know, just you and I. We can get a redo." "History doesn't work that way Adam." Alesa sighed. "Maybe this will convince you." I said, pulling her close and pressing my lips against hers. I ran my fingers through her hair, as we kissed. Alesa practically melted into my arms.  I pulled back after about thirty seconds. "Was that a better one?" I whispered softly in Alesa's ear. "Yeah." She whispered. "It was." "Wanna go for round two?" I asked. "You're such a dork." She whispered leaning in. We kissed again, running our hands through each other's hair. Her lips were like the lips that were described in the greatest of fanfictions. Soft, and luscious, with a hint of strawberry lip gloss. "Hey Adam." She said when we had pulled back again. "I have a question for you." "Go for it." I replied. "I know at the beginning of all of this, you didn't consider yourself royalty or want this really, but would you ever be willing to live this life?" I thought for a few minutes. "Yes it would be my greatest honor to live this life with you." I whispered, pulling her in for another kiss.