𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

9

Aria: Knock, knock.

Augustus: Who's there?

Aria: Adorable.

Augustus: Adorable who?

Aria: Me, obviously.

Augustus: I concur.

Aria: Good boy.

Augustus: As always.

Aria: I've got this sudden urge to annoy you. May I?

Augustus: Proceed, amuse me.

Aria: There are two ways to annoy someone. One, stop in the middle of a conversation and two…

Augustus: What is the second way?

Aria: …

Augustus: Ah, you have executed the first method, have you not?

Aria: Yup, you got it.

Augustus: Yet, I am still not perturbed. Why is that?

Aria: This was just a trailer. You'll know in the future, that is… if you'll stay for that long.

Augustus: I shall not depart.

Aria: Is that a promise?

Augustus: Indeed, it is a promise.

Aria: It's funny how I find comfort in those words of yours when we both don't even know each other.

Augustus: Yet. I want to know you. I believe I already know a little.

Aria: What do you know about me so far?

Augustus: You are deeply passionate about books, a connoisseur of food, fond of cats, an introverted individual with a vibrant personality beneath the surface, and I suspect you are a writer.

Aria: Hmm… that does sound like me. That was quite a thorough observation, Augustus.

Augustus: Indeed.

Aria: My turn.

Aria: From what I know about you, you love cats, you are a calm and thoughtful person, very formal, but also kind and friendly. You are intelligent too (just my type).

Augustus: You know me well.

Aria: Hehehe.

Aria: After pondering it, I feel like you might turn out to be a prince, but that's just my fantasy. And I usually like villains who would burn the world for me, not that I expect to get a guy like that. But I wouldn't mind a prince, if it's you.

Aria: Ignore the above message, because I have a bad habit of writing down my thoughts.

Augustus: Your candidness is charming. You need not apologize for your thoughts.

Aria: Still, it's a bit embarrassing. I mean, what if you really are a prince?

Augustus: And what if I were? Would it change anything between us?

Aria: Hmm, I suppose not. I’d just expect you to send me royal chocolates.

Augustus: Royal chocolates, you say? Consider it done.

Aria: Wait, seriously? Do princes actually have a stash of royal chocolates?

Augustus: You might be surprised. We do have certain privileges.

Aria: Now I’m imagining you in a grand palace with a butler named Alfred or something.

Augustus: Close, but his name is Charles.

Aria: Oh my gosh, you’re really a prince, aren’t you?

Augustus: I did not say that. But if I were, would you treat me any differently?

Aria: Maybe I’d address you as “Your Highness” while demanding my chocolate tribute.

Augustus: A fair exchange, I must say.

Aria: I’d also expect a royal tour of your kingdom. Do you have a castle?

Augustus: Castles, palaces, the whole fairytale ensemble.

Aria: And here I thought my life was exciting. You win, Augustus.

Augustus: Perhaps we can merge our worlds, then. I can provide you with royal adventures, and you can introduce me to your vibrant literary world.

Aria: Deal! But only if you promise more of your charming compliments.

Augustus: Consider it a royal decree.

Aria: You know, I might just start writing a story about a mysterious prince and a quirky bookworm.

Augustus: I would be honored to be your muse.

Aria: Perfect. I’ll make sure the prince has a secret stash of chocolates.

Augustus: And the bookworm shall have the finest library in the land.

Aria: Oh, now you’re talking. A library filled with every book imaginable and a cozy reading nook by a fireplace.

Augustus: With a loyal cat curled up by your side, of course.

Aria: Naturally. This story is practically writing itself.

Augustus: I look forward to reading it, Aria. Our story, one might say.

Aria: Our story. I like the sound of that. Here’s to many more chapters together.

Augustus: Indeed, to many more delightful and adventurous chapters, my dear Aria.