between us | klaroline (book 1)

Chapter 15: You Have Strength Inside

"Thank you, for helping me last night. I really needed that. I'm so glad you were there for me." I told Charlie in the hallway before both of us walked into the grand dining room for breakfast. Damien was still getting ready and we were early. "Anytime Amanda."

I smiled at his words and he pulled me into a tight hug again, wrapping his arms around my waist. I held one behind his neck and one around his waist. "You'll be okay. So will your father. I know it. You have strength inside you darling."

"Thank you Charlie."

-
"Yes, he is on bed rest but he will be fine. No need to worry." My mother sipped her tea after assuring Damien. He had just asked if my father would be okay. She didn't say it very convincingly.

I looked over at Charlie who glowed with a smile across from me. "Amanda, after breakfast could I have a private word with you please?" I looked over at my mother and nodded. "Yes of course." I wondered what this would be about, hopefully she wasn't pressuring me to pick somebody before the year was to end. That would just stress me out more than I was already. I sipped my tea carefully, not messing.

"So who are you taking out on the next date Amanda?" My mother made conversation. I thought carefully, back to St. Lucia. "Charlie." I answered her, looking toward Charlie who smiled at the queen. Damien tried his best to hide his hurt expression but I could tell beneath all of that he was jealous. I would be too in his very position.

"Lovely! I'm sure your cousin will adore both of these men." I widened my eyes, staring at my mother and she coughed. "Oh my...I wasn't supposed to say that. I was meaning to tell you in our private conversation. Your cousin Alissa is coming tomorrow!" She brightly gleamed.

I gasped loudly, causing everybody to focus their attention on me. Even the maids stared at me for answers. I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Sorry..wow. That's sure a shock. Why is Alissa coming exactly?"

Ugh Alissa. Her name grinds my gears fully. My cousin and I always have a feud going on whenever I see her. For one, she is always so stunningly beautiful and posh. It makes me jealous and cause me to hate her a lot. Next, she is always trying to outshine me. For example, when we were ten, Alissa decided she would push me in a bush right as a prince was about to approach me. She has been dating that same guy for over 20 years. I've always hated her, especially for stealing my man.

Ever since, we've had a feud going. She always steals things from me. Including my parents love and attention.

"She's coming to meet your bachelor's of course! And to visit. Please my dear, show some more affection. She's your cousin!" I rolled my eyes away from the queen, trying to hide the anger in my face. Damien and Charlie stared at me, probably confused.

At least today was my date with Charlie. He would definitely get my mind off of my devil cousin. She would one hundred percent try to find a way to ruin this whole thing for me with the prince's and I would like end up like I was before this, alone by myself. Stuck in this ginormous castle with my parents.

-
"What's wrong Amanda?" Charlie asked me as we sat together, perched on a swing inside the gazebo on the castle grounds. It was peaceful outside and we just sat silently, enjoying each other's presence. I looked to the side at him, he had concern in his eyes. "You look
rather distressed..." He reached to hold my hand tight. I linked my hand with his, staring down at them and taking in the features of his fingers.

"I'm just...distracted I guess." I lied.

"Why princess? You have nothing to worry about." He traced his thumb on my hand, coming closer to me. I breathed in, looking away at the distance.

"My cousin, Alissa. She's always ruining things for me and I know for a fact she's coming to ruin things for me here. I don't want her to come." I complained. I turned my view to Charlie, he stared at me with affection in his eyes.

"Amanda. I assure you, your cousin will definitely not come in between us. I adore you too much for anything like that to happen." He said to me sincerely. I believed him truly.

I smiled at his words. "Your words sound like poetry when they escape your lips Charlie. I didn't know you cared for me that much...."

"Of course I do Amanda. It's only been about a month but i'm in awe every single time I lay my eyes on you. You're so astonishing, kind, poised, caring, loving, and one of a kind. I've only got my eyes on you. Always."

"Do you love me Charlie?" I blurted out. Why in the world did I just ask that? It's much too early...what if he says he doesn't?! This is horrible...

"Yes. I do love you Amanda." He said. I jolted back, shocked by his words. "You do?" I asked surprisingly. He chuckled and brought his hand up to cup my face.

"Of course I do Amanda. You're the only person I have eyes for. You surprise me each and every day princess." He said smoothly, coming closer to my lips. "You don't need to say it back love." He whispered. I felt his breathe on my lips before he kissed me passionately, cupping my face with both his warm hands. I placed mine on his back, holding him tight.

I never wanted to let go. For a minute, I felt like it was only us in the world and I didn't have to choose between two men, I didn't have my responsibility as a princess and I didn't have to face my awful cousin Alissa tomorrow.

Unfortunately that all faded away when we broke apart, I couldn't help but think of how nervous I was about tomorrow. Even through all the reassuring that Charlie had just given me. I felt small.

Author's Note 💫
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Alrighty nobody probably reads these but just to let you all know, i'm starting school again for three more months so i'll be fairly busy and maybe only update every weekend instead of everyday for Between Us and In Front of Us maybe every two weeks! xoxo pls vote/comment/follow me 💜

-jan