Another Selection

Chapter 28

I was halfway down the stairs when I was forcefully but gently turned around. Oliver stood there with teary eyes.

"Oliver." I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

"Don't go. Ariel I can't lose you again. I can't do that." He begged.

"But we seem to only fight now. You have Mia. Go be happy with her."

"But I don't love her. I love you."

"Oliver stop. I can't be royalty. I'm not capable to be Queen one day. Just let me be." I begged.

"You can do it. And I'll be there and Olivia will be there. Mom will help you out. You have so many people there for you."

"How can I trust you again?"

"I have to earn it. But there is a difference between forgiving and trusting. Please Ariel."

Sighing again I ran my hand through my hair. Should I trust Oliver again?

I looked into his eyes and saw the desperation in them. I turned and looked at the palace gates, knowing if I looked in his eyes anymore I would stay. I made up my mind an I have to stick with it.

"Oliver, I'm sorry bu-" I started but was interrupted when soft lips crashed into mine.

It wasn't like all of our other kisses, sweet and gentle. This one was filled with hurt, desperation and longing. It took a few moments before I kissed back. Letting all of emotions out into that kiss, I felt tears roll down my face. Oliver pulled away and kissed the tears away.

"I love you. Don't go." He whispered.

I bit my lip debating my two iptions. One kiss shouldn't change my decision.

"I will do anything to get you to stay. I will get rid of Mia, if you want." Oliver pleaded.

"Don't make her leave. Just you need to prove that I can trust you again."

"Does that mean you're staying?" Oliver asked, hopefully.

"Yeah. I am."

Oliver's eyes lit up, like a child at Christmas. He picked me up, spinning me around. I couldn't help but smile and giggle at his adorableness. When he put me down he had a large grin on his face.

"I won't let you down, Ariel. I promise." He said, his voice nothing but honest. "Also you look great in pants. You should wear them more often." He winked at me, getting back to his old, cocky self.

I hugged him before grabbing his hand and walked inside. Once we arrived at my room, he kissed my cheek and walked up to his room. I sighed and fell into my bed. How could I ever think about leaving that boy?

I fell asleep quickly and woke up a few hours later. A flaw in my plan to leave in the middle of the night.

I got dressed, still half asleep. I wasn't even aware of what I was wearing. I dragged my feet down to the dining hall where everyone was gathered.

I sat down next to Rose and tried not to fall asleep. I looked over at Oliver who was in the same state as me. He saw me and gave me a tired smile which I returned.

"Why are you so tired?" Rose asked.

"Didn't get much sleep last night."

"Oliver looks the same as you. People might assume things." She laughed.

"Nothing happened, if that's what you are implying."

"Sure, sweetie, sure." She patted my arm.