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Charles Pov

I watched as Veronica left. How her ginger locks of hair gently flowed. Til the point where she was in her carriage and gone. Veronica Smith. Smith, Smith, Smith. It then clicked to me. So that's who she is. The next Dutchess Smith. I grinned, before turning away and boarding my stallion. I then rode my way out of the town square towards the palace.

Once I arrived back home, I went to my room. There awaited my brother. "Charles." "Alexander." "Now where have you been?" "I just went on a quick ride." Alexander gently closed his book before looking up at me. "Instead of doing your duties?" He raised an eyebrow. "You know I can't keep covering for you forever," said Alexander. I sighed. "I know, I know, but just doing work in the palace is so... just so time-consuming. Haven't you ever just thought about what it would be like instead of being suffocated by the palace walls? Alexander sighed, before placing the book back on the shelf. "No, not as the heir I have not. Now, if you excuse me, I'll have to return to my duties." He then left my room, closing the door behind.

I sighed, making my way over towards my desk. A knock was made at my door before my trustworthy right-hand man came in. "You called for me?" I nodded. "Give me all the information you have on Veronica Smith, the Duke's daughter." He nodded, before leaving. "Yes, your highness." I opened the drawer of my desk, taking out a piece of paper. I gently reached for my quilt, before writing a letter to Veronica. Once I finished, I sealed it in an envelope, stamping it with the official royal seal.

Veronica's Pov

The day after my first outing, I received a letter from the palace. Jessica delivered it to me. I gently gulped, wondering what it could be. It was Charles, the letter was from Charles. Wait...that meant Charles King was THE CHARLES KING?!?!?! I panicked, before finally reading the letter.

Dear MissVeronica, how it was a dear pleasure meeting you yesterday. If I could receive your blessing, may I take you out this Saturday? It's a surprise if you're wondering. Make sure to dress fairly light. Sincerely, his highness, Prince Charles King.

I freaked out and squealed "JESSICA! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS???" I rushed out of my door. "PAPA! I'll be going out again this Saturday!" I then rushed back into my room, jumping on my bed. "Jessica! I made my very first friend!"

Saturday

The sunlight crept through the window, as I woke up to another beautiful day. Once again, Jessica knocked upon my door. "Come in!" Jessica made her way into my room. "Good morning my lady, are you ready to get dressed for today?" I nodded gently, getting out of bed. Jessica helped me get dressed. Today, I dressed lightly. I wore a black sundress with pink and red roses. I wore black stockings, bringing on a sunhat. Jessica then styled my hair into a gorgeous braided crown. I kindly thanked her as I made my way out the door. Whoops! I almost forgot. I gently grabbed some heels, making my way out the door. "Goodbye papa," I shouted before leaving the mansion. Awaiting was Prince Charles, with a gorgeous white carriage, embedded with gold. He was by the steps, with his and reached out. "My lady." I gently grabbed his hand, "your highness." He then helped me up the carriage, before getting in and sitting across.

Veronica's Pov

Oh, how I was excited for this day! An outing with my very first friend! My hands were gripped on the edges of the seat of the carriage, as I squealed with anticipation. I looked up and noticed Charles looking at me. "Hey! What's so funny?" I gently pouted before Charles bursts out in laughter "It's just that you seem so excited." I gave him a judgemental look "hey, it's not my fault! I can't help it..." I crossed my arms across my chest before he replied, "Hey, I'm sorry, It's just cute." Charles gave me a soft endearing look before I finally realized his words, blushing profusely. I gently glanced up before staring at my feet. The whole ride was left in silence until we reached our destination.

The Carriage abruptly stops, as Charles opens the Carriage door. He steps out, before reaching his hand for mine, helping me get down. "Thank you." My eyes were still adverted towards the ground. Once I made my way to the ground Charles tugged me along with him as he ran into flower fields. I quickly grabbed ahold of my hat, as we made it onto the bright fields. It was gorgeous, filled with bright yellow daisy's. Charles turned to look at me. "Do you like it?" He asked, as his eyes shone in the bright sun. "Like? I don't just like it...I LOVE IT!" I jumped into his arms squealing. "Oh thank you thank you thank you for taking me here!" He caught me in his sturdy arms as I thanked him profusely. Our eyes met for a quick second before he gently placed me back down. After a brief awkward silence, I broke it. "Well, what are we doing just waiting here?" I ran towards the middle of the flower fields chasing a butterfly. Its wings were so small and delicate. I tried jumping up and down to catch it and I was unsuccessful.

When I turned back around, I saw Charles laying down a blanket. It was a cute squared red and white plaid checkered picnic setup he made. The basket was gently set down in the middle as he began to pour some lemonade from the pitcher. I made my way over to him, as he handed me a glass, "W-what is this?" I asked curiously. "Well, I thought it was a lovely day for a picnic, so I thought maybe I'd spend it with you." I gently sat down, tucking my floral dress beneath my legs. "Well, that was quite thoughtful of you to set this up." I brought the glass up, taking a sip. It was cool, refreshing, and lovely for the warm day. I gave Charles a look, raising my one eyebrow slightly. "And you did this all for today?" He gently took out sandwiches from the basket, handing me one. "Yes, do you think I'm not capable?" His voice was mocking. I burst out laughing before taking a bite of the sandwich. "Well, your royal highness, perhaps this isn't regal enough for you!" I mocked him right back. "Well, this isn't suitable for a Dutchess now is it, but look at you stuffing your face." Our eyes met once again before we both burst out in laughter

The rest of the day went by in a blur. Charles and I danced around the flower fields, picking flowers and throwing petals at each other. Near a tree was a swing hanging. I haven't swung on a swing since I was a little girl. We raced each other to the swing and took turns pushing each other, giggling and such. We laid down upon the flowers, looking up at the clouds. How the sky was so blue, the clouds were so mystical. More slow dancing, and soon it was dark. Charles helped me up the carriage once again, taking me back to my manor. Once we arrived, he assisted me back downwards. I turned behind and waved my hand gently. "Thank you, Charles, today was lovely." I gave him a smile before walking through the gates. "If you don't mind, I do sincerely hope that we may be able to see each other again." He shouted right before I was about to enter back into the manor." I turned back to him once again, "It's a date." I then walked inside, closing the door behind.