Lauren's P.O.V +
I sighed as I tried on my 3rd dress.
Too effing small around the waist.
I threw it in a corner and picked out another dress.
A white summer dress that flows down to my knees. I tried it on and looked in the mirror. FINALLY!
"Lauren, Honey, are you ready?" My mom asked
"Yes" I told her, quickly brushing my hair again and re-applying my lip-gloss. I slipped on some white ballet flats. I walked out and everyone's jaws dropped
"I have something on my face, don't I?" I asked
"No. You're... You're... You're beautiful" Leevi told me
"You ready?" Peyton asked me, holding his hand out for me to take, and I nodded, taking his hand
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I watched as various Titans rushed around
"Stay close to me" Peyton whispered in my ear, gripping my hand
He lead me through a series of halls until we reached a large throne room, like, twice the size as my parents'. He sat me on a silver throne, and he sat next to me, on the golden throne, that's slightly taller than mine
"Im assuming you asked around for my name" He whispered, I nodded "People usually call me Prince Peyton, because im a Prince and my last name is Peyton. But my first name is Samuel. Sam for short"
"O-Oh." I stumbled over my own words
"Lauren, I know you don't want to be here. I know what Leevi's told you, but the only thing I'd like you to do, for both of us, is to..." He got down on one knee and pulled out a velvet box "Is to become my bride"
"I- I can't" I croaked "Im sorry, but I don't quite trust you yet. I've barely even known you a day. I need to build a friendship"
I noticed the whole room had grown silent, and someone let out a small gasp
I felt a cold hand come into contact with my face and a sharp pain afterwards.
"Can I just say..." I held my cheek "OWW!"
"I asked you the nice way. But you will fall in love with me, and marry me, one way or another" Peyton spat, before walking out
I touched my tender cheek, and winced in pain
"OMG! Lauren are you alright?" Bailey asked, rushing up to me, holding me gently, I let tears fall from my eyes
"I just wanna go home" I cried
He wrapped his arm around me, and held me close to his body as he lead me back to my castle.
'''
"I can't believe he slapped you" Leevi said, as I sat on the edge of my bed and he's knelt inbetween my legs, gently patting a damp washcloth on my sore cheek
"I can't either" I sighed, "Then he said I will fall in love with him and marry him one way or another. He shouldn't be allowed to force me to do things"
"He can, Lauren. He's the Highest-God, he can even get your parents to do things for him. He's over-ruled 7 other countries on the face of this planet, and 3 on another planet"
"Well, if he wants to play me like a toy, I'll play in his own game" I said smartly
"Laurie, you might get hurt more than just a slap. Your parents wanted me to protect and look after you, and I am. They won't want you hurt, but I know for a fact I'd die if you got hurt" Leevi said softly