King of My Heart

Chapter 2

Nearly a year later, Astrild and her father returned to the palace. She had never told him that she met the prince one day, so it wasn't very surprising that he seemed confused.

"You're never this excited to be here. Have I missed something?" he asked.

"No. I'll be in the gardens. Goodbye, Father."

"I might be a while, Astrild. Will you be alright?" She nodded before walking off to the garden.

Astrild found the same bench as the year before, waiting to see what happened.

After a while, she began to lose hope. She sat there alone, knowing he forgot about her. Why shouldn't he? I'm just a nobody from a good-for-nothing village.

"Astrild?" She turned around to see a smiling Prince Loki.

"You came."

"Of course I came. You're lucky I saw you sitting out here. I began to worry that you would never show."

"I'm surprised you even remembered my name."

"Why is that?"

"You're a prince. Surely you have plenty of other friends and know much more important people than me."

"Not really. Even if I did, that is no reason to forget a fair maiden's name." Fair? She knew she was far from fair. "How long have you got today?"

"Longer than last time."

"Good. We didn't exactly leave off on great terms last time, did we?"

"No, I suppose we didn't." He came over and sat beside her.

"Why did you say no?"

"You're still thinking about that?"

"I am. Had I done something wrong?"

"No, no. Of course not."

"Then why?"

"I just... I'm not a person that should be at a ball."

"I really wish you would quit saying that. You degrade yourself far too much."

"Well, it's what I've been taught growing up. That I will never be... I'm sorry. I shouldn't make you listen to me."

"You'll never be what?" he asked gingerly. He looked at her with understanding eyes. "Go on."

"I'll never be anything special. I'll never be good enough."

"Of course you're good enough. Why wouldn't you be? Come on, we're going for a walk."

"What? Why?"

"Because I really don't want to spend the rest of the day sitting on this rock solid bench." She couldn't stop a small laugh from escaping.

"Where are we going?"

"In the palace."

"What if I'm seen walking with you? Imagine what people would say!"

"I don't care what they'd say. Like I've said before, your class shouldn't be what defines you."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am. Come on, then. Let's go." She smiled as he took her arm. "So tell me about yourself."

"There's not much, really. What would you like to know?"

"How about... What's your favorite thing to do with your spare time?"

"Oh, that's easy. Read. Although, occasionally I like to draw."