The Choosing

Chapter 22

A loud knock echoed throughout my room as my maids were adding finishing touches to my look. I gazed at the clock, noticing it was only 7:55 and that the Prince had arrived a tad bit early. I stood up from my seat and cracked my bedroo door open, just enough where I could see his face.

"Hello Nessa," He gave me a big genuine smile. I sarcastically smiled back, leaning against the door frame.

"Hello Princie. You're 5 minutes early, so you're going to have to wait a few," I laughed and slammed the door in his face. My maids gaped at me as I sat right back down in my chair for them to finish. Though, they were all reassured when they heard the Prince's laughter from the other side of the door.

When they finally finished, I stood up and examined myself in the mirror. My hair was braided into two long, elegant, pigtails and I was dressed in a baby blue knee length dress. I gave each of them a hug, which they hesitantly returned back.

"Thank you," I smiled, before leaving my room and sending them a wave. When I shut the door, the Prince extended his arm out which I accepted roughly. "So Princie, what are we doing for tonight," I questioned, hoping to receive some intail.

"You'll know soon enough," He shortly answered, guiding me to the castle front doors. A castle guard noticed our arrival and got down on his knee.

"Your Majesty, My lady. Everything being set up for tonight is finished, please have a good evening," He bowed, opening the door for the both of us.

I confusingly glanced at the guard while mumbling a quick thank you. Prince Erik continued to lead me down a beautifully lit pathway besides the castle. I couldn't help but think that for our second date, he was going a little extreme.

"Cover your eyes," He whispered into my ear, causing tremors in my body.

"Your not going to do anything stupid right? Cause I will punch you!" I laughed while covering my eyes.

"Of course not! We'll save that for later in our relationship" He said a little too loudly.

"You're seriously so annoying," I rolled my eyes while he laughed.

He clutched my shoulder and began to push me forward. I was still cautious, reaching my hand out just in case things went bad.

"You can open your eyes now Nessa," He said.

My hands fell from my face as I soaked in the sight in front of me. There was a blanket down on the grass, with tons of dishes on top of it. I saw wine glasses, which I internally scoffed at, and extra blankets on the side. It was a "royal" picnic.

"Do you like it," He said, feeling uneasy. I gulped before looking back at him while nodding.

"I do. This seems so much more casual and like me," I smiled already taking a seat onto the blanket. The Prince sat right next to me, being sure to keep an appropriate distance.

The whole night was full of laughter, teasing, and a bunch of food. Throughout the night, Prince Eirk had attempted multiple times to feed me, which I angrily denied each time.

I don't mean to exaggerate or anything, but this was the most I've laughed in quite awhile since my father's disappearance. However, I hated to admit it to myself.

I was in the middle of telling Prince Erik one of my funny, traumatic high school stories when I noticed that he was staring dead at me. I had paused, and began to stare back at him. I hesitantly began to touch my face, thinking that food might have snuck its way on while I was chatting away. But, I didn't feel anything.

"Princie.." I curiously mumbled before his hand held my cheek. I froze, looking dead into his eyes. His body began to lean in towards mine, and my heart began to abruptly pound out of my chest. I'm not sure why, but my body seemed uncooperative at the moment. Just as I mustered the courage and strength to pull away, his lips met his target......

My cheek?

He pulled away while blushing, raking a hand through his dark hair. My heart couldn't stop racing as I directed my gaze elsewhere.

"It.....It was just practice," He painful stated.

"Oh.." I bit my lip. I don't know why him admitting that was so painful. I disliked him.

It began to feel awkward and harder to breath as we sat there, faces red, eyes wandering. The cool air slapped our faces as we continued to stare elsewhere,

Anywhere,

but at each other.

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I'm so happy! I got to meet up with my childhood best friend after like 3 years. Anywho, sorry for the wait and thank you for reading this chapter! Mwah!