Yours truly, Anto

Chapter 8- The village

Despite going to bed late woke up relatively early. 

Climbing off my bed I walked towards the balcony and flung both doors open stepping outside. I slouched on the railings and rested my head on the palm of my hand overlooking the village below. 

My thoughts lingered from last night. The way we danced, the way he looked at me. The thought of his dark eyes on mine made my shiver. His hands, they were so gentle and his smile was enchanting. I did not know what I was feeling, but it was a feeling I never wanted to forget. I felt my cheeks become hot.

"Victoria?" Called a voice.

I turned around to see Mina with a pile of fabric in her hands.

"Good morning Mina." I said waltzing towards her. 

Her face wrinkled in confusion as I pranced by her and plopped back on my bed.

She carefully placed the fabric down on a nearby chair and stared at me moving closer ever so slightly. 

"Is everything alright miss?" She asked. Her voice ringed with concern.

I sat up. "I have never been better." 

That did not seem to change her concerned expression.

"I met someone." I said. 

Her eyes widened as she sat on the bed next to me.

"Who, what? Where? Does the King know? Your father? Victoria-"

I grabbed her hands.

"Mina. Why are you freaking out?" I asked.

"Because the King, the King, and your father who is also the King, and the alliance and your duty." Her voice came out in a shriek. 

She then stopped talking when she saw the smile on my face.

"Who is he?" She sighed.

"Prince Antonio of Spain." I said.

"Victoria why?" She asked.

"I do not know Mina. I do not know how to explain but something feels right with him."

"How did you meet him?" 

I smiled. "In the forest, and then we danced at the ball last night. And well, then he came to my room."

Mina bursted up putting her hands on her head. "Victoria have you lost your mind? Truly dear are you interested in having bigger problems on your hands? What if someone saw you?"

I stood up as well. "Mina I do not care. He is sweet and ever so charming. He makes me laugh so much and I feel comforted in his presence. You would not believe the stories he has and the places he has been to. I am almost jealous. I have never met a man like him before. So daring, and confident."

She sighed.

"I do not know, Victoria. I just pray to the heavens you make safe decisions."

"I will." I replied.

"Let's get you dressed." She said. 

It had been a quiet day with not much exciting news. My mother and father gushed over the King making sure he had everything he needed at all times. It was mostly from fear. I spent most my time away from the King. 

Later that afternoon I convinced my mother to let me leave the study and I went into the gardens. I sat on the grass by the pond ripping leaves off a twig deliberating my fate. If I hated the man now what would I feel in the future? What if I loved another? What if I can get out of this marriage or maybe convince my parents that Antonio is suitable as well?