For centuries, the royal family of Aridia has hosted The Choice, the competition where the eligible daughters of the Nobles of Aridia, come together to vie for the hand of the heir to the throne. This year, Prince Carlos is the heir to the throne a...
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"That is, if you feel the same way of course," Carlos' cheeks turned bright red.
I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was stunned into silence.
"Madeline, say something," Carlos chuckled nervously.
"You want me? T-to be your choice?" I stuttered.
Carlos nodded. "If you don't want to I could-,"
Before Carlos could finish his sentence, my instincts took over. It was like an outer body experience. I don't know what came over me but I was kissing Carlos.
It wasn't like the kiss in Carlos' hideout. This time, it was much slower and heartfelt- and actually intended.
I leaned closer to Carlos, despite the dangerous movements of the boat. My hands were around his neck, and then tangled in his hair. I can't describe how the kiss felt. Instead of blood, adrenaline pulsed through my veins and I caught myself doing things that brought warmth to my cheeks even at the thought.
"Madeline," Carlos' voice was muffled by my lips. "Madeline the boat is going to-"
Before Carlos could finish the sentence, the boat tipped and we fell into the lake.
We resurfaced laughing. Despite the fact that the contents of our boat were floating in the lake and we were completely soaked.
"This is your fault," Carlos laughed.
"My fault?" My eyes widened.
Carlos swam closer, so close that my breath hitched.
"You haven't answered my question, Lady Madeline."
I didn't know what to say.
"Do you want to be my choice?" Carlos asked.
"Yes," I breathed, before he pulled me in for another kiss.
***
It was almost dawn when I crept back into the tent. My night dress and hair were still not completely dry and the camping trip was about to end. I couldn't stop grinning like a maniac. I couldn't believe it. Carlos felt the same way. Carlos wanted me to be his choice. I still couldn't wrap my mind around it that someday, me, Madeline Prowess would be the Queen of Aridia.
"You're up early," Fiona yawned, shaking me from my wistful thoughts.
"I couldn't sleep- the birds," I lied.
Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you bathed in the lake."
"What?" I cleared my throat.
"Your hair is damp, Madeline. And you smell like lake water," Fiona giggled.
I shrugged, "What's the point of a camping trip if you're not going to experience nature at its fullest."
