Once upon a time

Chapter 3: Meeting Madison

Alec P.O.V:

"Good morning, my dear!" greets Greta, my cook as I scrambled downstairs.
"Good morning." I replied, smiling. I walked into the garden to see mother and father talking to a bunch of girls. "Hi, Alec!" the girls greeted me. I offer them a grin.

"This is Eleanor." introduces Mother, offering me a warm smile.
"A pleasure, Miss Eleanor." I replied, politely. She flushes and I can't help the smirk on my face.
"Why don't you two take a walk?" suggests Mrs. Hackett, Eleanor's mother.

She looks pleased at us. But I know better. She wants her daughter to marry a future king, to get rich.
Just like all the other mothers. None of them seem to want anything other than money.
"I'm sorry. I must have forgotten that I have some errands to run. Maybe next time." I refused, as politely as I can.

With that I walk away. I walk to the river and watch the children playing. My parents encouraged me to marry for love. I've been searching, but so far nothing seems to catch my eye. I sit down underneath an Willow tree.
All of a sudden, I feel a cold gust of wind sweeping past my face.

The ground begins to shake and the world around me, crumbles. A big flashing light blinds and I cover my eyes. What is happening? I open my eyes to see a beautiful girl with mesmerising blue eyes.
There are tear tracks all over her lovely cheeks. She is just stunning.

"Where am I?" I asked, surprised by how calm I am. She looks at me and pinches herself.
Then she looks at me and sighs. "What is your name?" she asks, not answering my question.
"My name is Alec, son of King John. What is yours?" I answered, amused at her bewildered expression.

"M-My name is Madison." she stutters, adorably. She picks up the book and takes my wrist. She manages drag me out of the room. She checks the hallway as if a predator is lurking nearby. She comes to a decision as she dashes to the front door. She continues to drag me all the way to some bookstore. She is one strong girl. I can't take my eyes off of her.

She rips open the door. I follow her gaze to see Uncle Mason! "Uncle Mason!" I said, pleased. Finally, someone I know!
I dash over and I give my favourite uncle a hug. I hear a gasp and I turn to see Madison's eyes closing. I bolt over to her side just in time for her to fall into my arms. She is so light, too skinny.

"Uncle?" I called him as he approached me.
"Poor girl, must have been quite a day for her." he states.
"Can somebody tell me where am I?" I pleaded. He chuckles at my tone.

"You're in the outside world." he states. I feel my eyes widen. The outside world. Impossible. Unheard of.
Her eyelids flutter and I am greeted by the sight of her dazzling blue eyes. She jumps and gasps, surprised.
"It's okay. You just fainted." I soothed. She gives another myself a pinch. She looks at me, again.

"How? What? Why?" she stammers, unable to understand.
"The book is no ordinary book. Alec comes from the world inside this book." Uncle Mason explains, gently.
She looks at me with curious eyes and pokes my cheek, gently.

I place my hand over her small one and smirk at her shocked expression. "You are real?" she squeaked, trying to wrap her mind around this absurd idea. "Flesh and blood, darling." I replied, making her flush. She looks away and turns back to me to catch me gazing at her. She blushes, again. "How can I get rid of him?" she asks, I clutch my chest in mock hurt.

"You'll have to finish the book." Uncle Mason states. I grab the book and sigh.
"I'm planning to stay here for a while if you don't mind." I said, with a pleading look.
"Why? Don't you want to go home?" she asks.

"After I have spent some time with my favourite uncle in the outside world!" I exclaimed, Uncle Mason gives me a suspicious look.
Perhaps it was because I wanted to get to know her, better. "Fine." she agrees, with a smile.
I beamed and Uncle Mason shakes his head at me.