A/N: Some of these stories were edited so greatly by Alice, my twin, so you won't even recognize most of them.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
Mikayla's P.O.V
Do I really like like him? That very question had troubled me for over the past month. It was the cause of my distress, as well as my troubled, anxious state. It was the source of all those sleepless nights, spent tossing and turning, just contemplating the genuine answer.
And then there was the question of our friendship. Did we even have one? Or are we simply acquaintances?
I never had to ponder those questions before. He was the Prince with a knack for trouble and I was the Guard Girl who had to save his sorry arse every time he got himself into a sticky situation. Simple as that.
But then everything became complicated. One innocent kiss shared to save many lives became problematic. Issues arose and, well, that's how I reached this point. I was so confused, so lost that it became a habit of mine to wonder aimlessly around the, hoping to find an answer. It also gave me an excuse to stay away from him as I sorted things out.
I sighed and shook my head, coming out of my thoughts. I turned my head to glance at the alarm clock resting on my night stand. The time 10:50 flashed eagerly across the screen in bright blue numbers. I looked out the window to find the full moon gracing the sky, as vivid as ever. My glance lingered for a moment before I rose to my feet and grabbed the old black jacket from my mess of a bed. I walked out of my room stealthily, closing the door as quietly as I could and swiftly dashed down the stairs.
I walked out of the Throne Room, giving my dad a slight nod as I passed by him. He also grew accustomed to my periodic strolls and never seemed to question it, which was perfectly fine with me.
I sauntered through the village, admiring how beautiful it was at night, when all was serene and quiet. I stumbled across a field of flowers and stopped in my tracks. Right in front of me was an elegant red rose with seven petals. I plucked it from the grass and twirled it between my fingers, the smooth stem felt magnificent against my nimble fingers.
I laughed slightly when a thought came to me. I gazed at the rose thoughtfully before I shrugged and muttered, "Worth a shot."
I began to pick the petals one by one. "He loves me," I said after I plucked out the first petal and threw it behind my back carelessly. "He loves me not," I continued after the second petal floated gracefully to the ground. My smile grew brighter.
Pluck.
"He loves me."
Pluck.
"He loves me not."
Pluck.
"He loves me."
Pluck.
"He loves me not."
My laughter echoed around the silent village as I played this childish game. It had caused me so much delight that I had not stopped until I reached the last petal and realization struck.
It couldn't be true. It was a game for children. Just a game. Nothing more. It couldn't really determine the outcome of my love life. Right? I stood there staring blankly at the rose with a single petal, trying to figure it all out. I was too absorbed in my thoughts to realize I was not alone.
"Mikayla?" A voice from behind asked tenderly.
I immediately dropped the flower and turned around. I took my machete out of its shaft in the process and held it up to the person's throat.
"Oh." I said shamefully when I saw who it was. "Sorry my King," I muttered to the floor after hastily putting away my weapon.
"It's alright." The raven-haired monarch answered, waving a hand in dismissal. He looked like he wanted to say something else. We sat in painful silence for what seemed like a century before he opened his mouth to speak again. "Are you okay Mikayla?"
"O-of course I'm okay, B-Brady." I stuttered. "Why wouldn't I be?" I laughed nervously and scratched the back of my neck, avoiding his gaze.
"You're lying." Brady said simply, eyes distance.
I didn't say anything.
"Why?" He continued. "Why have you been acting like this around me all of a sudden? Did I say something to upset you?" His eyes focused on my face. I could sense the hurt in his eyes but I refused to look up.
I remained silent.
He laughed slightly. "Never mind, just forget what I just said. I'll see you back at the castle." Brady said as he was turned around and started to walk back to the castle.
"Wait!" I yelled after him.
Brady turned around. "Yes?"
"Why did you follow me?" I asked.
"I was worried about you. You'd always leave the castle around this time and I was concerned that something bad had happened to you. And, don't worry. I followed you only this once." Brady said.
He was worried about me? That's so sweet!, I thought to myself, did I just say what I thought I said?
I was so lost in thought that I forgot that Brady was still there. "Mikayla?" Brady asked, pulling me out of me thoughts.
"Oh...right." I said. "Look, Brady. Truth is, I like you and I didn't really realize that until today.. So, if I'm not too late, I'd like to date you." I spilled my heart out.
"So, you do like me, Mikayla?" Brady said.
I nodded.
"Why didn't you tell me that earlier?"
"It was just so confusing!" I said exasperatedly, waving my hands up in the air. "I didn't know what I felt about you! Everything was too complicated! Until now." My cheeks flushed red as I suddenly found my old tattered tennis shoes fascinating.
Brady put a finger on my chin and gently pushed my head upwards, forcing me to look at him. "You know, I wanted to say this ever since the day I meet you. You are a very beautiful, smart, and intelligent girl, Mikayla. Will you go out with me?"
He really means it, I thought to myself, when I saw the genuine look on his face.
"Yes. I'd love to go out with you Brady."I said.
We leaned in and kissed. My hands wrapped around his neck and his arms went around my waist. When we parted, we smiled at each other and began walking home. We took a few steps before I realized something. I told Brady to go on without me. He agreed hesitantly walked away.
When he was out of view, I rushed back to the forgotten flower. I picked it up and twirled it in between my fingers. A small smile graced my lips. I plucked out the final petal from what was the once elegant flower and said, "He loves me."
This time, I was sure of it.
And I knew I felt the exact same way.