I Found the Prince

Ashley's Worries

Ethan and I are still engulphed in each other when we hear a big gasp. We both pop up quickly, my cheeks red with embarrassment, as I see Ashley and Wesley staring at us. "Don't you know how to knock, weirdos!" Ethan booms. I look at him and try to read his face. He looked annoyed but playful. 

Ashley still looks stunned as Wesley lets out a big laugh. "You two are just so adorable!" He says as he laughs some more. Then he starts to make kissy faces and I try to shrink into my shirt. 

Ethan gets up and punches him in the arm. "Shut up! You act like you don't make out with Ash over there, who seems to be too stunned to speak. Earth to Ashley. You act like we were doing naughty things!" Ethan says, trying to snap Ashley out of it. 

Ashley shakes her head and turns to Ethan. "Your parents sent us up here to let you know that it is time to get ready for dinner. Livvy, she wans you and I to join her in the dressing room to try on gowns for the evening. Wesley will fill you in, Lips." With that, Ashley grabs my hand and leads me out of the room, not even allowing Ethan to comment on the "Lips" nickname.

Once we were down the hall, I yank away from her. "Hey, what's the matter? You acted like you've seen a ghost!" I demand. 

She turns to face me and sighs. "I was just surprised, is all. I have only seen you two peck or kiss for no longer than two minutes, but I could tell we walked in on something more. I just don't want you to make a mistake, Livvy." She says, her head looking down the entire time. 

I roll my eyes at my friend's thoughts. "Ashley, are you kidding me! A mistake? How long have you known me? I never let a guy get that close to me. We promised each other AND GOD that we were waiting until marriage. Ethan feels the same way. That doesn't mean, however, that we can't kiss, no matter the time frame, you weirdo." I watch as her face morphs to something more sad. "Dude, what aren't you telling me?" I ask, starting to get angry.

I was looking forward to celebrating the fact that Ethan and I said we loved each other with her, but she's acting like I'm going to go crazy and mess up everything. "Liv.." She starts. I watch her as she tries to force the rest of the words out of her mouth. "This is all starting to sink in. We are moving way too fast with these boys. I feel like he's going to ask for my hand in marriage or something. I don't think I am ready for something that big so soon. I don't want to hurt him if he asks because I do really like him and can see that sometime in the deep future, but I just can't wrap my head around it all yet. I feel like I should run!" She spits out at lightening speed. 

My eyes soften and I feel awful for how I just snapped at her. I had no idea this was effecting her like this but she had a point. I don't think I am ready for that level of commitment this soon either, but I knew I could easily talk to Ethan about it. I grabbed her hand and made her look at me. "Ash, if this is how you truly feel THEN TALK TO HIM! Wes maybe a huge jokester but I know he would completely understand this. I can tell he is crazy about you, Ash, and the last thing he wants to do is hurt you." I stop and think for a minute, then say, "Do you know where he is now?" She nods her head slowly. "Take me to him." 

We arrive at the East side of the castle in front of two huge double doors. I knock on them and the sound booms throughout the halls. A couple seconds later, a man answers the door. "May I help you, ladies?" He asks. 

"Yes, we would like to talk to Prince Ethan and Prince William, please. My name is Olivia and this is Ashley." I say.

The man smiles, almost like a school girl who just found out a juicy secret. "You are Miss Olivia! I have heard SO much about you! Please, I will show you to him. This way, madam." He says as he gestures for us to follow him. We are walked through what felt like a retail shop. There were men's clothes everywhere. I could swear I was in the mall for a second. "They are right through there, Miss Olivia. Be warned, they are with the King, madam. My name is James, if you shall need anything else, just holler!" With that he walks away.