CARLIE: The Adventure Of A Lifetime

02 | the charming prince

02 | THE CHARMING PRINCE

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MORDEREL KINGDOM HAS THE CLEANEST, BUSIEST MARKET PLACES IN THE whole country of Omendoll. Having the best vegetables, people from all over Omendoll came here to buy things. Even some royalty would come over to check the things on their own before sending their servants to come and buy some.

That was why it is always hard to tell if I'm talking to Morderelian or just a visitor. Once I had offered to help one person, from out neighbouring kingdom, carry their things home. I earned myself a long trip to Ardel.

Since it's a Tuesday, I'm helping out Margareena with her cleaning. She owns a really neat shop by the docks so it's always a pleasure helping her out. But then again, it's a pleasure helping everyone else out.

As I dust the cupboards, I sing my favourite song snd it's so easy to get lost in it. Margie left about thirty minutes ago to but some supplies so it's just me, my singing and I.

"What a beautiful voice, you have there." A male voice says behind me. It take so much energy to keep me stable because no one ever comes this side at such hours. "I've been following it ever since I arrived by the docks."

I turn and come face to face with a boy who doesn't look very much older than me. He's dressed in attire that makes it hard for me to judge whether he's royalty, the help or a normal boy. His clothes are of normal design but the fabric couldn't have been bought for less than 120 gold coins. He looks like money but the designs could be better if he wanted it to show that he's wealthy.

"I'm sorry," I finally speak. "I didn't realize I was singing loudly."

He steps closer, his brown eyes studying my timid self. "No, no, no. Why should you stop singing a tune that makes me believe magic can actually be real." He tells me.

"Well, I guess I should sing on because magic is very real." I tell him and smile playfully.

He has to be the only boy my age I've seen here in months.

"Oh really? What could possibly make you believe that?"

"So much." I answer, my eyes glittering with hope, I'm sure. "From the sky to the earth to the possibilities that lie for us to grab. It's all magical, don't you think."

"I think it's all chance. I don't believe it can ever get to that."

"Well, I hope you help you believe it one day." I tell him then turn back to my cupboards. "But for now, I'm going to need some room to clean."

He chuckles slightly behind me but I don't hear retreating feet. I just hear him clear this throat. I guess that's his way of asking for my attention but I would rather not. He seems like a bit of trouble and I'm not so keen to get mixed up with the boy who isn't even sure where he stands in the kingdom's hierarchy.

"My father always goes on about how magic is the most important factor in all kingdoms." The boy speaks. "But my dad's kind of mad so let's not take his word."

I giggle at that and turn to face him. He's smirking as he watches my every move. That's when I notice his undeniable good looks. Brown eyes, sharp jaw, clean features and great body. I wonder who he is.

"Who are you?" I find myself asking, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Keller. And what's your name, pretty singer?"

He just called me pretty?

Regardless of the fact that I've been told I'm pretty a couple of times, I've never had a male person—other than my father —call me that. It was quite shocking.

"So.." he says to snap me out of my thoughts. "Does the fair maiden have a name or not?"

Smiling, I tell him. "My name is Carlie."

"Beautiful name." He says. "Well Carlie, it's very nice to meet you." He holds out his hands for me to shake.

I smile and shake it. "It's nice to meet you too."

For like a minute, my hand stays in his and we just look into each other's eyes. That's when I notice the small golden specks in his eyes.

"All right, I have to get going." He suddenly says. "I hope to see you soon."

"Me too." I say and release his hand. "You stay here, in Morderel?"

"Actually, I don't." He says while pulling on his hat. "I stay in Ardel."

"Prince Keller?" I ask, realizing who I've been talking to.

He doesn't answer. He just smirks and walks out not forgetting to wave.

I can't believe that was Prince Keller of Ardel. The prince my sister, Brielle, is supposed to marry this fall.

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