The Choosing

Chapter 20

"Nessa! Please wake up or you'll be late for your date," Augusta scolded as she snatched the blanket off of my body; stealing my warmth. I groaned, despising the sun that was now beaming into my eyes.

"We've picked the perfect dress for you," Bella squealed, holding up an off shoulder, knee-length white dress. I sighed, already knowing I would lose the battle against them if I stayed in bed. I regretfully swung my legs over the bed, hazily stepping to my feet.

"Perfect. The bath has already been prepared," Margaret happily clapped, smiling. "This is so exciting. You're the prince's first date!"

"You guys are way more excited than I am," I giggling. "Maybe I should send one of you instead."

"Oh don't be silly," Margaret rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure he would be greatly disappointed if you didn't show up," Augusta added. "And not to mention I'm centuries older than the Prince. But enough of that, we need to get you ready."

I hated to admit it, but the bath they prepared was very soothing. Especially after all the early and late classes the contestants were required to take, my body was aching. The maids were constantly scurrying around as soon as I stepped out of the bath. Brushing my hair, applying makeup, redoing my nail polish. I was finally relieved when I had the dress on, with everything else completed.

"Oh you look so pretty! Ugh young love," Bella fangirled, proudly looking me over.

My hair had been placed in a long braid down my back, excluding some pieces of hair to frame my face. They had placed a beautiful necklace onto my exposed neck, fitting perfectly with the off shoulder dress. Margaret handed me a pair of ankle high sandals, matching the outfit perfectly.

"Go get em tiger!" Augusta happily patted my back as I scurried out. My braid swept across the tip of my hips as I strolled down the lingering hallways of the castle. Only minutes later did I find myself at the palace garden, a gate still mysteriously shielding its beauty. I scrunched up my face, my hand running over the cold metal that blocked me from my curiosity.

"Don't worry," A husky voice said behind me. "I've got the key." Prince Erik smiled towards me unlocking the gate in front of the garden.

"Good afternoon Princie," I smiled, my attention mostly located to the now unlocked gate. Excitement was buzzing inside my whole body.

A warm arm wrapped itself around my shoulders, gentle but still firm. "Good afternoon Nessa. And might I add that you look breathtaking today. Though, you look splendid everyday," He smirked, his eyes taking me in.

"You don't look half bad yourself," I said, removing his hand from my waist.

"I knew you would be the one to look forward to the castle garden the most," He smiled.

"How would you know? Have you been searching for information about me? Stalking me?" I teasingly asked.

"Maybe. Or it could be the fact that you sent in an application all about yourself. Either one will do," He sarcastically remarked, grinning. I rolled my eyes.

"Shall we?" He wrapped his arm around mine leading me into the mysteries of the garden. My jaw sweeped the floor as I examined the extravagant garden before me, appearing nothing like the gardens I've worked with. Diverse colored petals paraded the garden with water fountains occupying the unfilled areas. The garden was practically glistening as we ventured deeper into the magnificent area.

"Do you like it?" Prince Erik asked me, already knowing the answer.

"Like? No. I love it. I have never seen anything like this before. It's jus-"

"Spectacular? Incredible? Utopian-like? Indeed. Because of this garden's beauty and secrets, it is often closed off and protected. The kingdom depends on this garden more than you know," The Prince smiled.

"Really? I've never really heard any talking about the royal garden's importance. Why is it so important?"

"As much as I'd like to share, I cannot. For all I know, you can be a spy or agent from Chicago. Maybe one day Nessa," He shook his head, standing firm.

I jokingly punched his arm. "No need to be all tough all of a sudden Princie. It was just a question," I laughed. "I understand there might be some kingdom secrets!"

"Well, if you married me, you'd be able to learn all about the kingdom's secrets," The Prince smirked. "And maybe I can learn some of your own."

I stifled a laugh. "How does that ever work on girls? That's the cringiest quote you've said all day Princie," I scrunch my face. A horse's neigh broke the silence, causing me to turn my head. There I spotted a beautiful white horse galloping toward my direction.

"Oh my goodness! It's a white horse!" I squealed moving around to get a better glimpse. "In my family, we see white horse's as a sign of good luck and hope." The horse had paused right in front of me, bowing his head down for me to pet. I didn't hesitate to run my fingers through its beautiful mane.

"This is Meliodas, my stallion since I was young. He seems to take a liking to you already," He grinned, also petting the horse in front of me.

"He's beautiful," I smiled.

"You're beautiful," The prince smirked. I burst out into giggles, not being able to hold in my laughter.

"Seriously Princie, you need to stop with those pick up lines. My lungs seriously can't take laughing much longer," I choked. He rolled his eyes, but still continued to smile. We had continued to walk around the garden a little more, pointing out the flowers within it and teasing each other.

Then, the clock rang in the distance; 3 o' clock.

"Crap!" I sputtered, biting my lip.

"What? What is it?" The prince questioned nervously.

"I have a proper manners lesson in 15 minutes! Lady Dorothy would kill me if I show up late again," I began to walk away at a fast pace towards the castle.

"Wait Nessa!" Prince Erik stated as he grabbed my arm spinning me so I would face him.

"Hm?" I mumbled, waiting for his response. But instead, he continued to stare straight into my eyes. I felt like we were there for hours as he practically scanned into my soul. I bit my lip nervously, feeling self-conscious underneath his glance. His eyes snapped down towards my lips for a millisecond, before tearing his eyes away from mine.

"Nevermind. You need to hurry before you miss your class," He mumbled, no longer glancing at me.

"Okayyyy?" I stated, glancing back at him once more, before running off to class.

What was that all about?

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Guess who's alive and back from the dead? THE AUTHOR!! Sorry I was gone for such a long time. Cheer practice was taking over my life, and I had a tiny writer's block for a couple of my stories! But I am back now!

Please enjoy this chapter! Mwah!!