Disclaimer: nadda

Chapter 4

The next morning when Casey woke up, she had no idea where she was at first. But then all the memories of the night before came rushing back in her head. She immediately bolted up with a huge smile on her face and rushed into the bathroom to start getting ready.

"Come in!" she called when there was a knock at her door.

Carlotta poked her head in and said, "Good morning miss."

"Good morning Carlotta."

"How did you sleep?" she asked as she walked in.

"Wonderfully." Then Casey noticed what she was carrying. "Oh, thats beautiful!" It was a flowy, dark pink dress that looked like it would end around her ankles with white lace around the cuffs and a white sash around her waist.

"I'm glad you like it dear. It's what I picked out for you to wear today." Casey's already big smile just grew even more.

When she was dressed, Carlotta left Casey's hair down, but pinned the sides back.

"There, you're all set," Carlotta commented when she was finished. "Now, let's bring you to breakfast. Eric is waiting for you." Casey blushed a little at that which didn't go unnoticed. "You two seem to be getting along splendidly," Carlotta continued as they walked.

"Yes, it's been wonderful."

"You know, everyone in the kingdom is anxiously waiting for the day that boy is finally married to a nice girl."

Casey looked over and saw her smiling suggesting-ly at her. Casey's mouth dropped open and she laughed as she replied, "Carlotta! We just met! Besides, he's a prince. He deserves a princess."

"Eric isn't concerned with status. He just wants someone who makes him smile. And that, you do."

"What does Casey do?" Eric asked as he approached.

"Oh, we're just having a little girl talk," Carlotta covered. Then she turned to the girl and said, "Well, you're in capable hands now, so I'll leave you." And quietly she added, "Just remember what I said." Then walked away and gave her a sideways glance. Casey gave her a look that read 'please shut up'.

"What was she-" Eric started to ask but Casey interrupted him.

"So, what do you have planned for today?"

"Well, I was thinking, after breakfast, I could take you on a tour of my kingdom. You should get to know where you are. You know, if you're interested."

"Of course I'm interested! That sounds like fun."

Eric smiled. "Excellent. Now come on. Let's go have breakfast." He gave her his arm and led her away.

After a quick breakfast, one of the most delicious Casey thought she had ever eaten, Eric ordered a horse and carriage and the two headed off into town.

"I still feel like I should've accompanied them," Grimsbey complained to Carlotta. "They need a chaperone."

"Nonsense," Carlotta replied. "A little time alone is exactly what they need."

Grimsbey looked to her. "What are you up to?"

"This girl may be what we've been waiting for. The one to make Eric finally settle down."

"Do you really think so?"

"Only time will tell."

"So, where are you taking me in this little kingdom of yours?" Casey asked Eric as they rode.

"Everywhere. I'm giving you the grand tour."

"Well aren't I lucky."

And he did take her everywhere. He took her into every store and in one she fell in love with a pair of bright white pearl earrings which he insisted on buying for her despite her protests. They said hello to each street vendor and little child that passed them. After two hours, they had to sit.

"So, what do you think of my "little kingdom"?" he wondered, quoting her from earlier.

"It's wonderful! It's so quaint and modest. We don't have anything like this where I'm from. There it's all busy streets and noise and tall buildings. Here, it's so...happy." Suddenly, Casey got the feeling that she was being watched. She turned and saw a couple staring at her and Eric. She then noticed it wasn't just one couple, it was people all around them; staring and whispering.

"Is everything alright?" Eric asked her, noticing her looking around.

She leaned into him and whispered, "Everyone is looking at us."

He then looked around too and chuckled. "Well what do you know? They are. Probably just aren't used to seeing me with someone other than Grimsbey." He then noticed at a small band of musicians and got an idea. "Hey," he said to Casey, "wanna give them something more to talk about?"

She tilted her head in confusion but understood when he offered her his hand. Smiling, she took it and he led her into the middle of the square. He nodded to the musicians and they started to play some sweet dancing music. The two got into a waltz position and they started to move. As they circled around, their eyes never left each other. They were so focused on each other, to them it was like they were the only two in the square.

When the music ended, they stayed in their position, but broke it when they heard applause. They broke apart, both red, and smiled.

"You-you're a good dancer," she told him.

"That's the life of a prince." He continued as they walked back to their table. "You learn to dance as soon as you can walk. But what about you. I didn't know you could dance like that."

"Dance lessons for 10 years, plus I've done shows where I had to waltz."

"Shows?"

"I do theater."

"Oh I love theater! Music too. I even play."

"You do?"

"Yes. The recorder. Do you play any music?"

"I sing."

"Well, you're gonna have to sing for me at some point."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I am very shy when it comes to singing."

"We'll see about that," and smiled smugly at her. She just sighed and rolled her eyes.

"So, what do you say? Ready to move on?"

"Move on? To what?"

"You didn't think this was all we were doing today did you? Come with me." They walked back to the carriage and drove off.

Casey was exhausted by the time they got back to the palace. After the tour of the kingdom, Eric took her horseback riding followed by a picnic, and then a swim in the sea. Finally, they went back to the castle for dinner. It was dark by the time they did. So as soon as they were done eating, Eric walked Casey to bed.

"I hope you had fun today," he said to her at her door.

"I absolutely did. Today was...perfect. Thank you."

"So I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes. Goodnight." Not even thinking about it, Casey hugged him. It took him by surprise, but after a moment he hugged her back. They stayed together for a few moments, then separated. She smiled at him then closed the door.

She leaned her back against the door, and slid down it to the floor, smiling like an idiot.

Eric POV

'What's wrong with me?' Eric thought as he laid in bed. 'I've never felt this way before about anyone. Could I actually...'

"Ugh!" he groaned as he rolled on his side looking to the door and he stared at it.

Part of him wanted to get up and go to her, just to see her again.

'I'm just tired. That's all. I'm sure when i see Casey in the morning I'll be laughing at myself for getting all riffled up over this.'

Another chap done. Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, favorited and followed this story so far. I really appreciate it and it keeps me motivated to keep writing. Please keep it up!