Apple's Prince Charming

Chapter 5

Darling's Pov

     It had been a week since I had last talked to Apple. She had even skipped Princess in Training and Crownculus, the only classes we had together which was nothing like her, she had a perfect attendance up until then. I had mostly distracted myself by training in the forest around the school. I wasn't sure if I should talk to Rosabella about the whole Apple situation but she had barely been around.

I walked into the school courtyard with my lunch, not feeling like seeing anyone today. Usually it was vacant, especially during the colder months. Not today though, I saw the back of two heads and as I came closer I soon recognized their voices.

      "Now Daring stop whining it'll only be for an hour." Rosabella said.

     Hmm that's weird why would Rosabella be talking to my brother...

      "Ugh!" Daring exclaimed, "how do I let you convince me to do these things."

     "Because I'm the best." Rosabella said playfully.

     "Oh yes of course! you're totally not a royal pain in my... Hey!" Rosabella cut him off by lightly shoving him. "This is war." Daring said lunging at Rosabella and tickling.

      "Stop! Daring stop!" She said rolling over in laughter.

     I slowly backed away and left the courtyard. I had never seen my brother act like that with anyone before. He was usually always put on an overconfident and perfect prince facade. The way he acted around Rosabella was actually really refreshing. I'd have to ask him about it later.

I made my way back to the castelteria. As I was walking I suddenly slammed into something, or more like someone. I opened my eyes to see Apple hovering over me. Her lips parted as her eyes fluttered to an open. Her sweet cinnamon scent was intoxicating. We seemed to stay like that for an eternity. With her hands on each side of head and our bodies pressed together tightly. I lowered my gaze to her full red lips. She was so close I could just reach up and kiss her. It felt like an invisible force was slowly pulling us together as she slowly lowered herself until our noses were touching. But then she snapped out of it. She sprung up and brushed off invisible dust from her dress.

     "Oh um, I'm so sorry Darling I was just in a rush to get to the dragon stables and I wasn't paying any attention to my surroundings-" I cut off her frantic words with a loud laugh. At first she just looked at me flustered until she joined in. She offered me a hand, pulling me up. "Actually Darling, why don't you join me. We're overdue for a talk anyway."

     I was surprised she'd want to talk to me. I nodded my head and followed her to the dragon stables. Kind of funny because it was during the dragon games that things became so messed up for us. We walked in silence. Not exactly uncomfortable, but you could sense the tension in the air between us. I was beyond nervous about what she would say. Darling the thought of us together disgusts me I could never love you. I shuddered at the thought.

When we finally made it to the stables she went over to greet her pretty, white and gold dragon.

"Soo.." I said as Apple filled up the dragging food, "Are you ready to talk about... you know."

Apple's blush intensified as she sat down on the hay. I stood awkwardly in front of her nervously petting the pale blue dragon I had ridden during the games. Apple's dragon was now curled up on her lap.

"I'm sorry I freaked out on you that day," She said taking sudden interest in her nails, "All of this is just extremely hard for me to wrap my head around. All my life I've been focused on doing whatever i'm supposed to, but now I find out that my prince is actually a princess and it's just all very shocking to me."

      "I know all of this is shocking, but for me I just feel like everything's fallen into place. I was never meant to be a princess or a damsel in distress, I was meant to be the knight saving them. From what you're telling me I don't think you were ever meant for a prince, well at least not a boy prince." I looked up and met Apples conflicted gaze," But, I'm not going to rush you Apple, this is all in your hands, okay? If you want to try things with me then just let me know."

She peered up at my through her thick lashes, "On my terms?" She asked.

"On your terms." I replied.

"Can I ask you one more thing Darling?" Apple asked.

"Ask away." I said

"Why did you kiss me? Like I know you said you were giving me cpr but..."

"You're right. Apple I think part of me always knew I loved you," Her eyes were clouded with confusion.

"Lov-"

I cut her off before she could finish, " Just listen. Ever since I met you I've been inexplicably drawn to you. Even when I liked other people you were always at the back of my mind. I didn't think it was fair that Daring got to be your knight and save you when he only ever cared about himself. So when Daring's kiss failed and you stopped breathing I took my chance to be the knight, to be the one saving instead of being saved."

Apple's eyes were opened wide in shock. She quickly fixed her composure. "I've never thought about what I wanted Darling, and ever since the first moment I laid eyes on you I knew it was you I wanted. I'm just not sure if I'm ready yet."

I reached out my hand then quickly pulled it away realizing what I was doing. I felt her slip her hand into mine. I felt warm all over. "I'll wait for you Apple. I'll wait."