Royal Meeting

Cassidy’s POV

“You doubt my courage, Cass?"

I swallowed. Please don't get an erection. Please don't get an erection! “Um… Yes?" I squeaked.

He raised an eyebrow and slid a thigh in between my legs. Oh shit. Stop, No! Stop it! Too late.

My eyes widened comically and I couldn't control my body's reaction. He shifted his thigh against my length, through my underwear. I bit my lip to hold in the moan that was building in my throat. He rubbed harder.

“Alex..." I moaned shamelessly. He moved his thigh away. “Why?" I whined desperately.

He kicked my ankles apart and inserted himself at the juncture of my legs and holy god… he was hard and really big. I whimpered; my arms slid around his neck. My legs were jelly but he held me up with an arm around my waist.

While I was far from being a casanova, I'd at least shared a few kisses before.

Alex leaned in and I close my eyes, anticipating a heated kiss. Instead, he licked a stripe up my neck, nibbling gently. My mouth fell open. Whatever he was doing, it felt like sparks on my skin, dancing from my neck down to my toes. I grunted. His lips travelled up my jaw and to my ear. I was probably drooling. His hot breath brushed the sensitive skin of my ear.

“Oh, dear Cass, I might not be brave enough to keep going.”

My eyes snapped open and locked in on his teasing eyes. I might have growled lowly, but I was too desperate to take note of anything but the darkening emeralds of his eyes.

~

We stood there panting. Or he stood there, and I clung to him as he let the water cool our heated skin and wash the fluids away. Alex recovered before I did.

He let go of our soft appendages and placed both hands on my hips.

"Okay?" He asked, still panting slightly from the workout.

"Yeah," I panted back, grinning tiredly.

We soaked a bit longer in the water then climbed out and sat in the sun, letting the warm rays dry us. The soreness in my torso was coming back with a vengeance now that I didn’t have an orgasm to distract me.

Alex snuggled into my side as he fed me morsels from the basket. He had this shy, pleased look every time I ate from his fingers. And we stayed there until it was time to go home.

We rode in companionable silence as we made our way back to the manor. I didn't want this day to end. And I think he didn't either. He had had fun. Different kinds of fun.

At the gates of the manor, I dismounted, as did he. I looked at him. He took my hand.

"Will I see you soon?" He asked.

I nodded, smiling as I pushed the thought of my betrothal to the back of my mind. Just as he let go of my hand and turned away, I grabbed his hand again. He looked at me questioningly.

"Stay for dinner," I blurted.

He looked like he was about to agree but then, he tensed and frowned.

"I can’t. I'm sorry, Cass. My parents are having guests for dinner and I have to be there," he said apologetically.

He looked sincerely dismayed. I was disappointed but at least I knew he genuinely couldn't make it and not because he didn't want to.

"It's okay, I understand," I said, trying not to sound too disappointed either. "Another time then?"

At that, he smiled and nodded quickly. Then he paused, giving me a quick peck on my cheek, before mounting and galloping off into the sunset. At that moment, I wanted to be galloping off with him.

~

Later, back in my room, I kept thinking of his kiss. It was different from the other kisses we had shared. Gentle and casual, like a thing that couples who had been together for a while now did. It felt like a mark on my cheeks and I flushed red just thinking about it. I drew myself a bath and got in.

After my bath, I dressed and got ready for dinner. But as I was buttoning my shirt, my father came in.

"We have been invited as guests by the king, son. Please dress appropriately."

The frustration that I'd forgotten came back with a vengeance. I tensed and narrowed my eyes at him. My father sighed.

"Son, I know you don't want this, but please just get to know him first? You know your mama would want you to give it a shot before you decide."

I frowned, but I knew he was right. I was behaving childishly and unfairly if I passed judgement without actually trying. "Fine. I'll go. But I'm still not happy about it."

My father sighed in relief and nodded before leaving the room.

I huffed and pulled my shirt off to go change into something nicer, like the forest green silk dress shirt I had that reminded me of Alex’s eyes and some dark coloured pants to match. The green was like a mini rebellion because I didn’t want to forget Alex for a stupid prince.

I stared morosely out of the window as the carriage made its way to the castle, losing myself in a fantasy land where Alex was the prince instead of whoever it was instead.

The carriage rolled to a stop outside the castle doors and the doorman opened the door. I took a deep breath and stepped out into the cool air.

Okay, let's do this. I pep talked myself. I walked into the castle with my father right beside me. We were shown to the dining room. The king and queen were already seated.

"You must be Cassidy," the queen greeted, smiling.

I smiled genuinely because she seemed really nice and motherly, and nodded.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, your majesty," I said.

“Oh, no need for all that formality. Please, just call me Annabelle," she replied. "We'll begin shortly, Alexander will be here soon."

Alexander? What a coincidence.

"My apologies everyone, I was busy wrestling with my cravat. Thank you for waiting,” said a very, extremely familiar voice.

I turned. "Alex?" I asked, shocked.

Alex whipped his head around to look at me. His eyes widened. My heart started pounding.

_

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