𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄. ── a selection fanfic

5. Tapaa miehiä

With the help of William a week ago, I felt ready. Today I'm meeting the men. Yeah, I'm totally not nervous. I thought to myself. The cameras are practically everywhere so I can't afford to mess up.

"You ready?" I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. I looked up. Mom gave me a supportive smile.

"Yeah, just a little nervous that's all." Mom took my hands to stop them from trembling.

"You're going to do great. I know it."

"Thanks, Mom." I could see the boys beginning to come in. "That's my calling."

"Good luck, darling. I know you'll do better than I ever did." I laughed.

"Bye."

The first person to come through the door was a man really tall with dark hair. Maybe about 6'2. He didn't look that tall standing next to me though because I was 5'9. Maybe 5'9½. I don't know. I haven't checked my height in a while. I walked up to him as gracefully as I could. You're trying to win them over. Grandpa Max once said. It's never the other way around.

"Greetings," I said in a refined way.

"Greetings, Your Highness. I hope you're having a wonderful day."

"Why yes, I am. And you?" I questioned while trying to remember his name.

"Yes, all of the men here seem to be decent. Something I usually don't see." he winked, I laughed.

"No, we don't. Though I'm hoping you men will impress me." I said completely avoiding Grandpa Max's advice.

"Yes. My dear—"

"I am not your dear," I stated firmly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Grandma Mer choke on her drink. The boy—oh why couldn't I remember his name, seemed taken aback as to how the princess is acting like this. His green eyes shifted from surprised to playful. To my great shock, he started to laugh, I did too.

"Feisty, huh?"

"Sorry, it's natural."

"Not for me, but okay." I gave up.

"I'm sorry, but could you please remind me of your name?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

"Kerttu. Just call me Kerttu," I said simply.

"Kerttu, my name is... Alexander the third! But call me Alex" he said dramatically. Wow, I can't believe I didn't remember the boy whose father and grandfather have the same name. This just proves how stupid I am.

Alex must've noticed my realization because he said, "Did you study me beforehand?"

"Yeah, I tried to study and remember at least twenty people but I guess it was a waste since I didn't remember you."

"I know! Who could forget these muscles!" he flexed his arms. I laughed. Maybe a bit too loudly because the people nearby looked at us.

"Oops!" I giggled. I figured the boys and I would need some privacy so I gestured for them to go. Once Alex and I were alone I nodded for him to continue telling me a bit about himself. Once I thought he was done I sat up.

"Not so fast!"

"What?" he smirked.

"You know everything about me from my handsomeness to my amazingness but I don't know a thing about you."

To be honest I was startled. I didn't know if I was ready to tell people who I'd just met everything about me. But Alex seemed nice enough. I sat back down.