Kingdoms

Chapter 2: Greetings and Salutations

Within the borders of Vurona, another royal was about to go out for his daily run. Coincidentally, his trek also involved the forest.

Andre, whom was a dedicated fitness freak, was nicknamed the Royal Chicken for his ability to run. Everyday, he ran freely around the kingdom for fun and no one could really stop him because, one, he was the next in line to rule and no one wanted to annoy their future ruler, and two, he didn't care.

Dressed in his suitable gear, he ran for what seemed like ages. His lungs cried for a break, but he wouldn't allow it yet. That continued for a few more minutes until he was met with a figure in the distance lying on the grass.

Hmm, I wonder who that could be. Andre thought to himself.

Curious, he slowly walked over to the person. Step by step, the figure became more clear before he realized that the figure was female and she was just sleeping.

Taking a good look at her face, Andre wanted to know why or how she got there. She didn't seem like she was a peasant or anything anyway.

"Pretty." Andre mumbled to himself.

Feeling another's presence, Madeleine awoke from her slumber and was startled to see a male, squatting in front of her.

She jumped back a bit and yelped, "Who are you?! And why were you looking at me sleeping?!"

Surprised, Andre answered her questions, "Umm, I'm Andre of Vurona, I run everyday and the forest is just part of my trek. I noticed you sleeping in the distance and I was just curious. Sorry if I scared you or anything."

There was a silent pause until Andre spoke up again, "By the way, who are you and why we're in you here anyway? It might be a little dangerous for a pretty lady like you to be alone here."

"I can take care of myself, thank you very much," Madeleine sassily retorted with a blushing face, "and to answer your question, I'm Madeleine of St. Cecilia and I came here to be alone and cool off. I didn't realize my sleepy self could manage to take a nap here."

Andre laughed at how cute she was and sat down across from her to talk more. Suddenly, with her, he forgot about what he was doing before. I could run again tomorrow or later anyway. He told himself.

"So, why did you need to cool off in the first place? You don't have to answer if you don't want to." Andre reassured her.

Madeleine didn't know why she could speak so easily with a stranger or why she was attracted to him before she even got to know him, but she still answered. "It's just that, my mom is pressuring me to find a suitor that I can marry, but I just wanna have fun for now."

"I get what you're saying, my sister too, she's pressuring me to get married so I can rule Vurona instead of her. I'm the prince of Vurona by the way; I hope that doesn't change things."

"Why would it change things? Well nice to meet you Prince Andre of Vurona. I'm Princess Madeleine of St. Cecilia."

The two laughed at the coincidence and continued to chatter among themselves. They couldn't explain it, but it was so easy for them to talk to each other. For a while, they talked, had fun, and became good friends as they forgot about everything else around them. In doing so, they only got more attracted to each other but they wouldn't say anything yet.

Before they knew it, the sun was almost about to set and they knew they had to return to their respected areas.

"Would you look at the time, I guess we did have to cut this meeting short now since I have to return before the parentals get more worried." Madeleine curtly stated.

"I guess it is time now, huh? I don't suppose you mind if I walk you back? I wouldn't want a fair maiden like you alone." Andre smiled.

"Well, I wouldn't mind one bit. At least I'll get to enjoy your company for a little bit more."

And so, the two reached St. Cecilia safely and bid their goodbyes.

"Same time tomorrow?" Madeleine suggested.

"Same time tomorrow." Andre repeated happily and left.