King of My Heart

Chapter 1

{A/N} I have been working on this for almost a year. I am so excited for you guys to read it!

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Astrild couldn't believe this. They had to go to the palace today. She hated that damned place. It was only a reminder of how little they truly had.

Of course, they were going on business. Her father had something to do, she just tagged along. Despite hating the palace, it was an architectural work of art. She did admire, however, how much work must have gone into building it.

They wouldn't be there long, though. There was to be a ball tonight, which they were not invited to attend. They weren't of a high enough social class. If you asked Astrild, that was rather stupid. But no one ever asked her.

No, she had been well taught to keep her opinions to herself, especially near royalty. She highly doubted that she'd see any royalty, though. She had no business seeing them. She didn't really want to, either.

She was allowed to roam the palace gardens when they went to the palace, and she planned to do just that.

"We are almost there," her father told her. As they neared the palace, he ordered the horse to slow down. "Okay, I will try to be quick. Will you be alright?"

"Of course, Father. I shall be in the gardens like always."

"Good. Off with you then." He smiled before kissing her head. "I'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, Father." She stepped down from the cart and let out a sigh as she entered the garden. Astrild always loved the garden. The flowers were always at the peak of their bloom and the view never ceased to amaze her.

She walked around for a while, taking everything in. After a bit, she found a bench to sit at.

"The garden is lovely, isn't it?" She nearly fell of the bench and onto the hard concrete. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Astrild looked up to see none other than Prince Loki sitting beside her.

"O-Oh, Prince Loki. I do apologize. I didn't mean to—"

"There's no reason to apologize. If anything, I should be apologizing for sneaking up on you. Therefore, I am sorry for frightening you."

"Oh, no. That... You don't have to apologize to the likes of me. I... I'd best be going now." She quickly stood up, starting to walk away. It came as a shock went she felt a hand around her wrist.

"Please, don't go. I really didn't mean to disturb you." Astrild quietly and reluctantly sat back down. She fiddled with her fingers and looked down at the ground beneath her.

She realized she wasn't exactly in the most formal attire. It was her best dress and it was always enough for when she was alone in the gardens. But now she was sitting next to Prince Loki. She felt she was very much underdressed.

"I really should go," Astrild said quietly.

"Have you got somewhere to be?"

"Well, n-no."

"Then why are you in such a rush to leave?"

"I-I'm really only here for a few hours. I really shouldn't be in the palace at all."

"Why not?"

"I don't belong here."

"What's your name?"

"A-Astrild, your highness."

"Please, just call me Loki. Astrild. I like that name." She felt like she could die. In fact, she thought she would have rather died right then.