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Veronica's Pov

Once Charles left, I made my way into my bedroom. I quickly rushed in, barely greeting my father. "How was your outing sweetheart?" "Oh, it was lovely papa, I'll be heading to bed now, good night!" I slammed my bedroom door behind me, jumping on my bed. I kicked my feet behind me as I squealed. I couldn't believe what I just said the words "It's a date" replayed in my head over and over again. I then heard a knock on my door, it was Jessica. "Good Evening Miss, I presume you had a lovely outing. I had just finished drawing your bath if you'd like to take it now." I nodded as I made my way to the bathroom. Jessica accompanied me, helping me undress and placing my nightgown on my bed. I got into the bathtub, sinking into its warmth. The rose petals lingered on the surface. I gently rinsed my body, letting the droplets linger on my skin. I then leaned back onto the tub, sinking into the water.

The words lingered in my head, "its a date, it's a date, it's a date." Again, and again and again, over and over and over. My face began to flush, as I look back at the events that occurred this day. Charles King, just what are you doing to me. Making me feel things that I haven't felt before. I sigh, getting out of the bathtub. I dry myself off with a towel, before dressing myself in my nightgown. I left the restroom, telling Jessica a quick goodnight. I made my way into my bedroom, tucking myself gently into the sheets before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Charles Pov

I stood outside the carriage, watching Veronica enter the building before leaving back to the palace. I sighed, thinking about how much of a fool I was. It was just that she was different. So pure, so innocent, nothing that I've ever seen before. Just you wait Veronica Smith, you're going to be in for a whole ride. The Carriage made its way to the castle, I made my way out of the coach, heading up towards my room.

Once again, there was Alexander. Awaiting my arrival, sitting in the chair, with another novel in his hand. "Now, little brother where have you gone out this time?" He closed the book, looking at me. "Oh you know, the usual." Alexander stared at me in the dead silence. "Mhm, the usual, then may I ask why you're returning this late after supper?" Charles sighed, "alright, alright, you caught me this time. I just went to meet a friend." "A friend, really Charles? How many times must I tell you that you have duties here." "I know, I know. I sighed, giving my brother a sympathetic look. Thank you, really, for everything you do." Alexander got up from the seat, placing the book on the fireplace ledge. "You're welcome, now do rest well, you'll need it." He left the room, leaving me alone. I quickly undid my tie and undressed. I got into more comfortable clothes, before making my way towards my bed. I sat down, my back against the ledge. I grabbed my reading glasses, putting them on. I then grabbed the novel I was reading before from my bedside stand, opening it up.

Veronica's Pov

2 months past, and I had been meeting up with Charles most of the days. Somedays his elder brother would keep him in the castle for he often would skip his duties to meet me. I found it quite adorable that he would get scolded like a little puppy. We went on so many great adventures together. He'd take me to the town square and we'd go to all the stands, or perhaps dress shopping. We'd go to bakeries and try out all the latest sweets, or maybe watch a play in the middle of the town square. Sometimes we would watch the fireworks late at night, or maybe we'd fly kites. My experience with him was truly magical. Time had gone by with him, and I didn't mind, nor did I want it to stop. He made me feel things I haven't felt before and I loved it. With Charles, titles didn't matter. I could be somebody regular, I could stand on benches, shouting into the great unknown. I didn't have to worry about all of the manners I was taught, I was free. So very free.

Veronica's Pov

Today was the day, the day I've been waiting for my whole life. My coming of age. I finally turned 18 today, which meant that I was going to be held an official ball at the royal palace to be entered into high society. It was a whole evening dedicated to me. Oh, how I always imagined this day since I was a little girl. I ran down the hallway in my bare feet almost crashing into Jessica. "Jessica! Can you believe it! It's finally here! Today's the day!" "Good morning miss, I'd like to congratulate you on this day. She gave me a curtsy as we made our way back to my room. There it was the dress I had always dreamt of. It was a high waisted dress that made its way down to the ground. The top was sturdy as a corset, that was a beautiful teal, laced with white. It was a formal ball gown, but once it reached the waistline, it trailed out into a train. It was layered with silks and sparkles. I had white gloves, and matching white heels to go with it. Jessica helped me get ready, putting my Ginger locks into a braided updo. Once she was finished, she gently draped over a choker on my neck. It was my mother's. I placed my hand gently on it, before looking at Jessica. "Thank you."

I made my way down the staircase, papa had been waiting for me. The train of my dress trailed gently behind, as I finally reached the bottom. Papa had tears of joy in his eyes as he looked at me. "You look just like your mother." He brought me into an embrace. "I know papa, I know." I hugged him back before I linked my arm in his and we made out way out to the Carriage.

Once we made it to the Palace, Papa escorted me out. We made our way up the grand stairs into the ballroom. Here I was, finally in High society. There were countless amounts of people standing around tables with white drapes. Servers made their way around the party with champagne glasses on their trays. Once I entered the Ballroom with papa, the Emperor noticed us. "Why isn't it the Duke!" He then looked at me with a smile. "And you must be Veronica! I've heard so many things about you from your father. Please, I do hope you enjoy the party." He gave me a warm smile before he took off with my father. I gave him a curtsey before trying to find my way through the ballroom.

After pushing through several crowds, I found myself at the balcony. It was quite stuffy in there, and I was glad I could get some fresh air. I made my way to the ledge, with the gentle breeze against my body. "It's quite stuffy in there, isn't it," said a Man. "Ah, I'm sorry." I curtsied. "I didn't notice you here, I just came out for some fresh air." Moonlight reflected on the man. He had cold gray eyes, and light brown locks of hair. Our eyes met for a second before I realized I forgot to introduce myself. "Ah, how rude of me, I'm Veronica, Veronica Smith." The man gently took my hand, giving it a kiss. "It's certainly nice to meet you miss Smith, I'm Alexander, Alexander King." Shocked by his title, I quickly stepped backwards, tripping on the train of my dress. Alexander quickly caught me with one arm. "You should be more careful miss Smith." I regained my balance, before nodding. "I'm truly sorry my highness for not realizing it was you." I quickly curtsied, embarrassed about my fall. "It's nothing to stress about, but if you do want to make it up to me, may I have the honour of having this dance with you?"

I gently looked up at Alexander, he reached his hand out. I gently placed my hand in his. "Outside?" "Well, I suppose it'll do, after all, we did meet here by coincidence." He then pulled me close, putting an arm around my waist. We then danced in the silver moonlight to the sound of silence. The stars twinkled in the distance, oh how it was beautiful. We stared deeply into each other's eyes. He pulled me in closer, and I followed, resting my head on his chest. It was an enchanting night. Then, it was soon over. I forgot that the dance had ended, as I looked up at him. "A-ah pardon me." I stepped backwards taking a curtsey. Alexander chuckled. "It's quite alright Miss Smith. Thank you for giving me the pleasure of your first dance. He kissed my hand once again, before returning to the party. I stayed out on the balcony. Conflicted by the feelings I was feeling. Oh, how I wish I knew that this was only the beginning.