How did this happen? Why was she here? Munto felt like he just got screwed over. Rubbing his temples with his forefingers, the young king expelled a held breath. Looking across the room, he saw Yumemi staring at him with a heartbroken expression. On his lap sat another young woman, dark black locks spilling down to her butt and mirthless brown eyes as she glared across the room at Yumemi. Her creamy complexion was marred by freckles along her cheeks, back of her hands, and her legs were also peppered with them. She was pretty, but Munto could tell her soul was ice. Nothing like Yumemi's bright sunshine.
He didn't know how this had come to pass. The young woman, Carolyn Stevfold, had been exceedingly flirtatious with him and he was trying his best to ignore her. Hearing Yumemi's approach as she called for him, Stevfold jumped onto his lap just as Yumemi entered his throne room. And that was where they were now, staring at each other in heartbreak and horror. Munto could feel a sense of betrayal from Yumemi and felt his gut twist with anguish. She would hate him, he knew it. Not wanting it to go on any longer, Munto removed the woman from his lap, none too gently.
"Yumemi!" He called to her with a smile as the black-haired girl glared at the pair with so much anger, Munto felt his hair stand on end. She was not happy, but neither was the young king. Looking down on her with fire in his eyes, she swallowed nervously. "I recommend you do not touch me so idly, Lady Svedfold. I am a king. You would do well not to forget that." He turned away from her feeling her seething hatred. "Yumemi," he said to other young woman gently. 'Come here," holding out his hand, Yumemi approached slowly, carefully. Munto was going to make a statement to the rude witch once and for all. Grasping Yumemi's hand when she held it out he pulled her gently onto his lap. Yumemi blushed furiously.
"Yumemi, this is Lady Svedfold. She is visiting with her noble family from some small country I do not remember. It would be nice if you taught her proper etiquette. I feel she is lacking." While his tone was as sweet as ever as he address the blonde in his lap, the gaze he turned towards Svedfold was hard and cold. Not wanting to cause a ruckus, Yumemi nodded shyly. Munto smiled at her softly and leaned his head against her. "Lady Svedfold, you may leave us be. Yumemi will show you around later." The girl was seething as Munto waved her off not lifting his head from it's resting place against Yumemi's shoulder. When the door closed, Munto felt Yumemi shift nervously.
"Munto, this isn't appropriate." He snorted a laugh.
"I know, but it's so comfortable. Just stay a while longer, I am very tired," Yumemi didn't say anything. Not wanting her to feel uncomfortable he made to move his head but paused. Yumemi's fingers were stroking his head, detangling his spiky locks.
"You know, she's going to really hate me." Munto laughed at her.
"Yes well, she sees she has competition now. Though she isn't the type to win my affections. Not like you." Yumemi froze as did Munto. Curse his loose tongue! Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut? Internally groaning, he looked up slowly and was shocked. Yumemi looked back at him with the most beautiful smile and a soft gaze full of love. For him.
"Munto, do you like me?" He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. She was too beautiful. He knew he'd give anything for her to only look at him like that whether it be his wealth, soul, or even his kingdom. She could have it all, just for that smile, those eyes.
"Yes," he barely spoke the word he was so enraptured by her face. Yumemi swallowed, he watched as her throat bobbed with the action.
"Me too, Munto. I like you too." His heart stopped. She just confessed. Right? Right? His mind went blank. He couldn't form words or thoughts and just stared at her. "I have for a while." Oh, now he was breathing again. Slowly the fog lifted from his mind and he began to have thoughts flying through his mind at a mile a minute. Should he court her? Ask her to marry him? Should he wait for marriage or just plow right to it? His breath began to come short and quick. "Munto?" Yumemi was worried.
"Marry me!" He'd practically shouted it at her, taking her by surprise. She jumped from his lap and steadied him by the shoulders.
"Munto!" He stopped and looked at her fighting to gain his composure. Oh, he blew it. She looked startled and worried. Had he scared her off? All of a sudden, she burst into laughter.
"What? I don't-" She waved him off.
"Munto, we should take our time don't you think? How about a date to start?" He almost died from happiness. She pulled her hair back behind an ear, her eyes closed with the force of her laughter. Not feeling embarrassed in the slightest, Munto reached forward and touched a few loose strands of her hair.
"A date?" she giggled and smiled at him with that same soft smile from before.
"Yes, a date." Munto had no idea what she was talking about, but if she was willing he was all for it.
"Alright, a date it shall be then."
A/N: Sorry this one is so short. The next one is longer. This is becoming a whole thing and I like it. My writing could still use a lot of work though. If you guys comment I can find places where I can improve to better my skills then your reading experience would be much more enjoyable. Please don't forget to review, follow, favorite, and follow me on twitter! And happy holidays guys!
Shoutouts!
Acchan01: Thank you so much for the follow and favorite! I really appreciate your support and hope you find the next chapter enjoyable as well.
