The Butler and the Princess

Chapter 3

*The next morning*

He wakes up and stretches, looking over at you. You are still asleep; you're back facing him. He gets out of the bed and walks over to your side. He sits on the edge and gently caresses your hair. You open your eyes and look over at him, your eyes showing some tiredness as you yawn a little. He smiles softly, gently running his hand over your face. You smile a little and sit up, rubbing your eyes. "Good morning" you say softly.

He smiles softly and whispers in your ear. "Good morning." as he leans in and kisses you softly on the lips, trying to pour as much love into it as he can. You kiss him back with the same amount of love you have for him.

He looks down at you nervously and whispers softly. "I like you very much." His heart freaking out as the words leave his mouth, finally able to tell you how much he loves you.

You feel your heart fill with love and passion, looking up at him with tears in your eyes. "I like you a lot too." you whisper back, feeling the same way.

He smiles and holds you close. Kissing the top of your head gently. You snuggle up against him, feeling like you are right where you belong. "As much as I never want to leave this spot... I think we need to get ready for the day." you breath out.

You both stand up from the bed and he kisses the top of your head again. You can't help but giggle at his gesture. "It shouldn't take long for me to get dressed. I'll meet you outside my room in a few minutes, okay? You say sweetly.

He smiles and nods. "See you in a few minutes, my lady." He holds your hand gently for a moment longer before letting go.

"Oh! Before you go, what's your favorite color?" You ask with a smile.

"My favorite color is blue, my lady." He says softly, giving you a warm and soft smile. "What is your favorite color, my lady?"

"I'm a fan of red." you answer before letting you go. He nods and smiles before leaving your room to go get ready for the day.

You take a few minutes to get dressed in something nice for the meeting today. Really just trying to dress nicely to impress him. You pick out a stunning royal blue gown that hugs your waist well. It's also not too poofy so he can stand close to you. After you are all ready, you wait in your room for him to return.

He knocks before entering the room. Freezing in place when he sees you. "Well? What do you think?" you ask curiously. He stares at you in amazement and smiles as you turn around and show off your back as well. He can feel his heart dancing as he watches you. You turn back around and look at him with an excited smile. "So?"

He looks at you with awe while looking into your eyes. "My lady... You are the most beautiful person I have ever laid my eyes on." He walks over to you and places a gentle hand on your cheek and caresses it.

"Remember, don't leave my side today for any reason." You say nervously. He gives you a reassuring nod. "Alright then..." You take a deep breath and try to calm your nerves. "Let's get this over with..."

He nods his head and takes your hand, walking out of your room with you and heading to the meeting. We walk to the ballroom where your father had apparently set up a gathering with lots of people, like a small party. He looks around in amazement. "What do you think of all the people, my lady?"

"I don't mind parties but I'm still nervous about meeting the mysterious guests father invited." you reply.

He hugs you close and whispers softly in your ear. "Don't worry, my lady." You nod and try to calm your nerves as you and him walk to the bottom of the stairs onto the ballroom floor.

Your father walks over to you, all decked up in some of his finest clothes. "Ah, my daughter! How is everything?" he asks you.

You give him a smile. "Everything I quite alright father."

He also looks to your father with awe and bows to him. "It's an honor to see you tonight your majesty." he respectfully says.

Your father smiles. "I'm glad to see you here Augustus." he says with a smile. "Now my daughter, as you know I invited some people over tonight to meet you. They bring some interesting news to share with you." He then waves over 2 other gentlemen. An older looking one that Augustus recognizes as the duke of Peachcrest, and a younger man about your age. "Please allow me to introduce you to the Charles, the Duke of Peachcrest, and his son Aaron." Your father says to you both.

As the men extend their hands to us to shake them, Aaron lifts your hand to his face to place a soft kiss on your knuckles. You don't seem to enjoy it, but you keep your composure. Your father nods to us all and has us gather at a nearby table to sit and talk. Augustus takes your hand softly and walks with you over to the table, sitting down next to you. Your father clears his throat and smiles at you. "I believe Aaron has something to ask you my dear."

You look at him curiously. He speaks up. "Princess Aria, I'm going to get right to the point of this introduction. I have come to ask you for your hand in marriage."

You can see Augustus widen his eyes and his jaw dropped open slightly from the corner of your vision. You sit there still. Not surprised because you expected this, however you don't respond. Your father stares at you in confusion.

Suddenly from beside you, Augustus stands up suddenly pushing his chair back. "I will not stand for this. Aaron is not worthy of your hand in marriage, and I will not allow it." he says sternly.

Everyone at the table is staring at him now. Some faces are confused but your father's face is angry. He takes a deep breath and looks to your father, trying to remain calm. "Your majesty, with all due respect, the proposal is too sudden. It's almost insulting to the young lady." he tries to argue.

Your father sighs and shakes his head. "I know you mean well Augustus, but I can't just reject the duke of Peachcrest so easily. Not when this marriage would help both our lands greatly."

Augustus looks to you and sighs, feeling defeated. Sitting back down beside you.

"As the king, I shall make the arrangements to have you two married within 3 weeks. Our lands will come together peacefully, and this will be a great start to the new season." Your father says. The Duke and Aaron looked at him happily.

You get up from your seat. "If you would excuse me." That is all you can get out before turning away from the table and trying to calmly walk off. Augustus gets up quickly and runs after you. You just make it out of the ballroom before the tears start rushing down your face.

He catches up to you, pulling you into a tight hug, holding you close and whispering to you softly. "My lady, please don't cry." You can't help but cling to him, trying to speak but can't as the tears continue to flow. "My lady, please calm down."

"How am I supposed to calm down!" you say with a hint of anger. "I'm being forced to marry a man I don't even know..."

He can feel his heart break as he watches you cry. You start walking to your room. He walks with you, keeping a hand on your shoulder to try and comfort you. When you reach the door to your room you stop. Keeping your head low. "I'm sorry... can I just... be alone for a bit?" you say to him softly. He nods and kisses your forehead. You go into your room and close the door behind you. He leans against the door, feeling defeated.