Chapter 2! Okay, so the Prince's name is Will in this story, because I started writing this before checking Kiera Cass's website again and realizing that in The Heir, his name is Ahren and the Princess's name is Eadlyn. Her name will still be Eadlyn, but his name will be William (Will), because I like it better for this story. I could've done this and not made a huge explanation, but I did, and now I'm moving on.

Thank you all so much for reading!

-ReadLikeYouMeanIt

He finally asked me out on a date. There's nothing that feels special about this though. It feels more like he's obligated to do this. We're going to the stables. It should be nice, but he's done this with three other girls: McKenzie, Sarah, and Lauren. Lauren's family trains horses, so he's clearly trying to impress her. Why he's taking me to the stables? I have no idea. It seems like he's just trying to look like he's impressing me.

My maids, Claire, Elizabeth, and Grace help me get ready. They put me in a dark violet dress that goes to my knees with a silver belt, matching flats, and a silver necklace. It's not heavily-jeweled, like a lot of the accessories here, which I like. My medium-length hair is curled and put in a low side-ponytail. My makeup is done a little heavily. I don't have too much foundation on, but they went with a dark smokey-eye, so it's not very natural. I assume they know more about the Prince's likes than me. I look elegant, but casual. I look a lot more beautiful than usual, too.

"Why would he be taking me to the stables? Of all places!" I ask.

"Well, the Prince rather enjoys riding horses. I think for one Christmas he even asked for an Arabian horse. I believe that's his favorite breed." Grace explains.

"Yes, but doesn't he also enjoy the gardens? Or the creek they just made." Claire asks.

"Oh, girls, you're not making her feel any better." Elizabeth scolds.

"Oh, but I was the one who asked." I say. "Please don't be mad at yourselves."

They finish up, and I dismiss my maids and wait for the Prince to come. He's supposed to come at four-thirty. I look over at the clock. 4:32, it reads. Are royalty known for being late? Because it seems to me that they'd try to be on-time. At 4:35, I hear a knock on my door. I go to open it, and the Prince is standing right there. Surprisingly, he's wearing a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt with the top button undone. His blonde hair is a little messy, but it still looks really good. God, he looks dreamy.

"Your Highness," I curtsy.

"Lady Ara—I mean Belle." He says as he bows.

I smile. "You look quite handsome."

"And you look stunning. But I think you might want to change."

"Oh." I say. "Okay, what should I wear?"

"Just some jeans and a simple shirt will do."

"Um, okay. I'll, uh, be right back."

"Take your time." He smiles.

I look in my wardrobe for something simple. Do I even have jeans? Am I allowed to wear jeans? What is happening?

I find a dull, pink collared shirt with sleeves that only go to the very top of my shoulders and a pair of dark skinny jeans. I also find a pair of knee-high boots and knee-high socks. I leave my makeup the same, but it take down my hair. I keep the hair-tie with me just in case I need to put it up later. I open the door and put my arms out.

"Do I look okay?" I ask.

"You look gorgeous." He says. I blush and smile at this. He smiles and offers his arm. "Shall we?"

I take his arm. "We shall."

We walk downstairs and out the doors into the gardens. We go towards the stables and are greeted by a young man who looks like he could be a guard.

"Good afternoon, your highness. Lady Arabella." He bows.

"Good afternoon, Officer Moran." William says. Oh, he is a guard.

"Good afternoon, your highness. Lady Arabella." He bows. "How may I assist you?" The Officer Moran asks.

"Well, I was hoping that we could ride. I, um," William whispers something into Officer Moran's ear.

"Ah, I see." Moran says. "Well, let's get you two saddled up!"

"Oh, I've never ridden a horse before." I say.

"That's all right, you and I will share a horse." William says. "I'll go get Valiant." He goes to get one of the horses.

"But I—" I'm left standing alone as William goes to get the horse and Officer Moran goes to get a proper saddle. This is going to be an interesting date.