The One

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯

*this chapter is MILDLY spicy*

"Hello," I answered, and curtsied. I tried not to trip over the sandals on my feet. It had been a while since I curtsied, as I didn't meet many people that I was required to curtsy too. 

I held my hand out, and Damien bowed and kissed my hand. By that point, Eleanor and my father had stopped by me. Damien bowed and kissed Eleanor's hand, and then shook my father's.

"It's so nice that you could get here early. We thought that you and Athena could get to know each other," Eleanor stated. 

"Of course," Damien smiled, a sharp smile. It didn't look forced, but it didn't look like it would be melting a girl's heart anytime soon. 

"Well, we better let you two get going. See you at lunch," Eleanor curtsied, then my she and my father left. All of the maids and security, including Damien's left. He held his arm out, waiting for me to put my arm around his. As soon as I did, I could feel him relax. I wondered why he was so tense. Had I done something? Was something wrong?

"So, Princess, what's your favorite part of the palace?" he asked.

"I'd have to say the gardens. I love spending my time there. It's the perfect quiet space for reading, and the sunshine is great."

"Would you like to go there?" He seemed eager to get to know me, or get away from me, I wasn't sure. 

"Sure, but if you'd like to go somewhere else, please let me know." 

I led Damien to the gardens, and we began walking around. He spotted the most beautiful part of the garden. 

"What is this section called?" 

"Kingston. Eleanor wasn't allowed to take my father's last name, so instead she gave him this piece of the garden." 

"It's beautiful," he said, admiring it.

"I planted most of the flowers in there. When I was younger, I loved gardening, and Eleanor wanted me to touch more grass, I guess."

He laughed, "For someone supposed to be so regal, you talk like a citizen."

I smiled, "It just one of the perks of being a commoner in line for the throne."

We sat next to each other on a bench in the Kingston section of the garden. We talked about our lives, any goals for the future, and basically all we could think of. 

"So, what are your people like?" I asked.

"The idea of having parliament instead of the royals having total power was only introduced during my grandfather's reign. Some of the people haven't adjusted, and still hold a lot of hate."

He could clearly see the shift in my body language. "However, you shouldn't be worried. The people still love the  royal family." He continued.

I smiled, awkwardly, "Oh, well, hopefully they adjust soon." I didn't know what else to say.

After that, we continued to explore the garden. I showed him my favorite spot, and my favorite flowers. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, checking the time. 

11:54

"We better get going, lunch is going to be served at noon." 

"Okay," Damien replied. He held out his arm, which I took again. We walked towards the small royal banquet meeting room where lunch would be served. When we arrived, my parents were already sitting there and there were two chairs for Damien and I. I sat down, and Damien did the same. 

"How was your walk?" Eleanor inquired.

"It was nice. Athena showed me the royal gardens, they're beautiful." Damien replied, smiling. 

"Good, good."

The food was then brought in. There was almost anything you could possibly want. I picked up the small, triangle ham and cheese sandwiches. I placed two on my plate. I also grabbed a cup and filled it with the lemon water. 

While we were busy eating, Eleanor decided to inform us about something that I hadn't known about. 

"King Damien will be spending the next two days in the castle. Tomorrow evening, we will be hosting an engagement ball."

"I'm sorry what?" I asked, surprised. "You decided it would be a good idea to not tell me until the day before that we were having an engagement ball? I don't even have a dress! First you don't even let me have the wedding I want, second, you force me into royal life, and third, you don't even tell me when there's an event that requires my attendance." 

"Athena-" My father spoke out. 

"I didn't ask for this!" I yelled, then got up from my chair. I quickly rushed towards my room, tears streaming down my face. I wasn't upset because I was forced into royal duties, I was upset because I had acted inappropriate in front of King Damien. I knew Eleanor would reem me out for it later. I heard the screech of a door moving behind me, but I didn't look to see who it was. 

When I was to my room, I shut the door, but didn't care to lock it. I didn't want to make life harder for my ladies in waiting, who were just trying to do their job. I laid down on my bed, just staring at the wall. A few minutes later, I heard a knock at my door. 

"Come in."

To my surprise, Damien walked in. 

"Are you okay?" He asked. 

"I'm fine. I'm sorry for the way I acted, I know it wasn't very professional of me."

"It's fine. Trust me, even those who are born royal feel that way sometimes." He walked over to the bed, and sat next to me. "If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know."

"Thank you," I smiled. 

We looked at each other for a few short moments before he leaned over and kissed me. I hadn't planned on this happening today, but it didn't exactly feel wrong. I wrapped my arms around my neck. He kept kissing me. Eventually, he started kissing my neck. My dress was halfway slipped off when there was a knock at the door. 

"Fuck," I whispered under my breath.

Damien quickly pulled away and I slipped my dress back on. 

"Yes?" I called to the person at my door. 

"Eleanor would like to see you in her study, in the next 5 minutes." said the voice.

"Okay, thank you." 

I got up, and slipped my sandals back on. 

"I'm sorry about that," Damien apologized.

"It's fine, really," I smiled, "I'll see you at the photoshoot this evening."

I walked out of my room, leaving Damien behind. I was nervous for this meeting with Eleanor. Even though she had always understood where I was coming from when I said things like I had at the lunch, she never let it go unpunished or not talked about. Sometimes, it just made things even worse. I wish Eleanor would stop acting like she knew what it was like to live my life.