We had been shooting Merlin for two years so far, among the beautiful landscapes of Scotland, Wales and France. I grew attached to all the cast, they were like a family to me. Finally I was able to make my dream come true: acting. Every day we had new challenges to face, but I loved challenges. New settings, new scenes, new wonderful medieval dresses to wear! It was impossible to get bored, it was like living in a parallel world.
I tried to enjoy that little sunshine coming from those pale autumn days, with closed eyes and wind in my hair. I tried to give a shape to the changeable clouds of the English sky to distract myself from what was about to happen in few hours. Yes, I had to shoot a bloody romantic scene with Bradley and the only thought made me flush up to my ears. We were close friends, but it was something uncomfortable to both of us.
Emy, keep calm. Just think about your job, you're just acting, you don't have to worry about anything, do what you're told and you'll be great!»
It's not that easy! It's my first kissing scene..and with him! He will immediately notice I like him and everything will be ruined, both our friendship and my reputation. » I snapped at my friend, who was tidying up my hair and putting my dress in order.
Come on, Gwen! Take a big breath and do your best!»
I snorted, discouraged as I was. I envied Jane, she was so calm and carefree, she didn't have to kiss anyone! Actually, I wondered how many screaming girls would have taken my place without a thought. I shouldn't envy anyone. I took a deep breath and set off for my next poor show.
The view of Bradley poking out from the trees, so damn elegant, majestic and, well, prince-like, made my head spin, but I hid it right away.
I feared to forget the whole script, while he appeared impeccable and confident, as always.
You look..lovely.» murmured Arthur.
I smiled nervously but sweetly and held out my hand, where he placed his lips at once. Those lips that I would have soon brushed with mine. I secretly swallowed.
No! Don't even try to touch anything! We're far from Camelot. Today you don't have to be a servant and I don't have to be a future king.»
Ok, then we'll just be..ourselves.»
Only with you I feel free to be myself.», the prince offered me a bunch of grapes.
Me too.» I bit a grape.
Sometimes I would like to run away from here, to be, I don't know, just a farmer, but free.»
I laughed heartily.
A farmer? I can see you ploughing fields from morning 'til night, Arthur!»
Oh, no worries! I would bring Merlin with me!»
We laughed out loud together and I imagined Colin rolling his eyes.
Bradley guided me slowly on the grass and came closer.
«I would give up an entire kingdom for you, do you know that?»
«I know you're insane enough to do it.» I answered, flattered. Everything was going well.
Then, Bradley started playing with my dark locks and dangerously approached to me. Shyly, I stroked that flawless face and when I looked at the ocean he had in his eyes, I almost drowned myself in it. The cameraman motioned us to stop and broke that spell.
« Ok, now you have to kiss, do it slowly, be spontaneous, take few seconds and be calm.»
I started laughing nervously, turning my eyes to the sky to avoid the boy's look.
Emily, the first step would be to look at me in the eyes, you know..»he mocked me.
I shifted my look from the grass to his lips and then to his eyes. Bradley stroked my cheek gently and, giving a faint smile, got dangerously closer. I could feel his warm breath on my neck and I turned crimson. My heart was beating fast, I closed my eyes and let myself go. As soon as his lips tickled mine, I cleared my throat and, embarrassed, started giggling against his mouth. Maybe in my subconscious it was just an excuse to shoot that scene endlessly.
«Sorry, Brad...»
«No prob, try to relax, just pretend I'm the man of your dreams!» he chuckled and I avoided his eyes so that I didn't give away my feelings. The boy took my hand and kissed it, causing a surprised expression to appear on my face. Sometimes I wasn't able to understand if his gestures were part of the filming or not. I could vaguely sense that Bradley was almost eager to kiss me, but surely I was wrong.
Attempting it for the second time I showed myself more confident and firm and when the prince started moving his lips with mine, I completely forgot where I was. I smiled kissing him back and mixing our breaths.
Ok, ok, enough, perfect! Ehi, I said enough!» joked the cameramen.
It lasted just few seconds, but to me it looked like ages. I was afraid to stare him out, but his eyes were riveted on me and for a moment I thought I saw a flash of desire. How vivid was my imagination!
We were walking past the walls, on our way back to the castle. Neither of us was speaking, but my friend interrupted that awkward moment, just like only he could.
Good kisser, am I?»
Stupid..» I slapped him slightly on the shoulder.
Admit it! I'm almost a king, I need to kiss "kingly"!»
You're just a show-off!»
Of course, a show-off you'll end up marrying, my little Gwen!»
Not by my choice, my dear! Anyways, I've already forgotten that kiss.» I snapped at him. We were hidden in the shadow under the staircase and the boy pushed me against the wall, playfully.
Shame! Would you like me to refresh your memory?» he chuckled with his cheeky approach, but his attitude soon turned into a shy smile, a smile that drove me mad. He was serious!
I couldn't understand anything anymore and hoped that Brad would follow the famous rule "silence means consent". And so it was. Without having time to formulate a clear thought, I found myself in his arms, mouth pressed against mine. He moved his lips to encourage me to half-open mine, my hands surrounding automatically his shoulders, an unexpected joy filling every single cell in my body, living again that deja-vù, without cameras, without rules.