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"So…" Alfie wrung his hands, as Jerome stood in front of his mirror "Since you totally rejected Mindy, you wouldn't mind….if I asked her out?"

Jerome frowned, pulling off his cloak, looking through the wardrobe for another one "What?- Oh sure Alfie, whatever you want."

Alfie smiled, sitting up, watching Jerome "What was wrong with the red cloak?"

"Mara's coming." He said as if it were obvious. He pulled on a blue cloak and examined himself in the mirror. Turning to Alfie. "How do I look?" and the 23 year old looked fantastic. A white tunic, black trousers, and a silk cloak, his sword hung from his belt, his head held high, blond hair pushed high and to the side, eyes glittering blue. If possible, he was even more good looking that he was before. Alfie rolled his eyes

"Jerome-"

"I know." Jerome rubbed his face with his hands in frustration "I look great." Alfie laughed lightly "But Mara wants more than that in a man," he turned back to his reflection, as if searching for something else there. "I'm a good archer, I'm intelligent, funny, athletic- what more could she want?"

"Someone kind, caring and goodhearted?"

Line Break

"That's the thirteenth Duke you've rejected," her father noted, the two of them leaned over the side of the boat, nearing Queen Clara's Kingdom. "You didn't like any of them?" King Jack was hopeful that she was rejecting them for Jerome.

"Sorry father," Mara touched his arm gently, the 23 year old had taken to clipping the sides of her hair up, her fringe now completely gone, she looked more beautiful than before. "They just…lack something, for me,"

"Have you ever…" King Jack trailed off, unsure how to continue "Um…" he changed his mind "Packed everything?"

Mara smiled "Of course I have," she watched him leave, before sighing, looking back at the ocean. None of the dukes had been for her. They had come and they had gone. Some where atrocious, and it was obvious they were unworthy, but others…there was nothing wrong with them, and she completely rejected them. She and Amber couldn't figure out why.

Line Break

"Mother, is she here yet?" Jerome asked, walking out into the front gardens. Queen Clara smiled at her son, who was obviously smitten with Princess Mara.

"Coming in now," she nodded at the gate, to see the carriage being pulled in. Jerome took a deep breath, he stepped forward. And he saw her step out. She was…even more beautiful than he remembered. His dreams had done her no justice.

He bowed lowly at her courtesy "It's wonderful to see you again," he kissed her hand, before reluctantly letting go. Mara smiled at him, cocking her head slightly. Their parents watched, enthralled. "Um…" he fought his stutter "Do you need any help with your bags?"

"I don't need to pack right away," Mara said in a friendly manner, than almost made Jerome blush. "Why don't we go for a horse ride? About the Kingdom? I've never actually seen outside the castle walls?"

"O-of course," Jerome nodded, turning to his mother, silently asking if it was okay. She nodded eagerly, watching the two of them walk to the stables.

Line Break

Jerome's entire Kingdom knew. They knew of the plan to get Jerome and Mara married, And they were under strict orders to make sure neither of them found out. So as they trotted on their horses through the Kingdom, they could barely contain their glee.

"Princess Mara," a flower girl called, lifting a bunch of daffodils. Mara took them with a smile

"Thank you," she said in disbelief, waving goodbye to the little girl. "People here are so nice,"

Jerome laughed "They've always been like that,"

Mara turned, she watched him carefully…he looked like a King, riding proudly on his horse, sword in his belt. He noticed her stare and arched an eyebrow. Mara almost blushed "We're friends now, right Jerome?"

"Yeah," Jerome nodded "Yeah I think we are,"

Mara beamed.

Line Break

Jerome walked into the library and froze. Mara was on top of one of the bookcases. Literally a meter away from the high ceiling. She was lying on her stomach, in a beautiful red summer dress, reading. "Mara?!" he exclaimed. Mara looked down and smiled at him "What are you doing?"

"I'm reading, Jerome."

He rolled his eyes "I mean, on the bookcase?"

Mara thought about it for a moment "Reliving my childhood?" she guessed. She swung her legs over the side, and smiled cheekily at him "Will you catch me if I jump?"

Jerome's mouth dropped open, "Mara, you're 23 years old, you're not going to jump off a bookcase, that's-" he was cut off when she jumped. He leapt forward, arms out, and he did catch her, bridal style. She laughed, looking up at him

"I knew it," she smiled, getting on her own two feet. Jerome watched in shock, waiting for an answer "Well you know…a Prince always saves a Princess,"

"Right," Jerome responded sarcastically "How many Princess jump out of their towers though?" he shook his head "You could have broken your leg,"

Mara stepped back, observing him with a furrowed brow "You've…changed," she cocked her head, and Jerome stared right back. "You're…"

"I don't act like a child anymore." Jerome nodded. Mara's eyes widened a fraction. Jerome had matured, a lot in the last two years, he spent his time rejecting girls and doing archery, horse riding, etc, pranking had become…of no use. And then Mara said something he never thought he'd hear her say

"Why?"

Jerome laughed, as if it was obvious "Well…I'm going to be King in a few years Mara, no time for childish antics,"

Mara scoffed "I understand that Jerome. But it's summer, relax."

"You're telling me to relax?" he exclaimed "You're the one that's uptight-"

"Not right now," Mara murmured under her breath, a small smile lit up her face "I think someone needs to be thrown into the pond," Jerome's eyes widened, and he took a step back, and a small smile crept over his face, and he was…suddenly he was reminded of his youth.

"Not if I throw you first."

Line Break

The whole summer, the two of them were inseparable. They were like best friends. They had horse races, and Jerome took her to meet all the lovely people in the kingdom, she helped him rebuild his tree house, which had been discarded and forgotten.

Four times they each fell in the pond. They had midnight feasts and…Mara reminded Jerome how to be childish, which Jerome had never thought would happen. Jerome even took her to the theatre, and found his attraction to her did nothing but increase. Alfie's irritating comments did nothing to ease his stress.

Their parents noticed with a smile, as did the people of the Kingdom, all nodding their heads at the success so far.

The night before Mara was meant to leave, the two sat in the small room, in their night robes, in front of the fire. "Mara," Jerome said quietly, he handed her a book, his book, the book that was the exact copy of the one of hers he had thrown into the fire. Mara gasped "This is mine and…I want you to have it,"

Mara took the book, fingering the cover gently "Jerome," she whispered, shaking her head "Honestly, you don't have too-"

"I want too," Jerome pressed. The fire flickered shadows across the room, the only source of light. Mara shook her head in awe, and she watched his face. He smiled. He smiled kindly, and…Mara saw him in a whole new light. Jerome Clarke, was her prince… she leaned in, and pressed her lips against his. Jerome's whole body reacted, electricity running through him. His dream was coming true, and she was perfection. They moved in synchronisation for a while, refusing to break their bond.

"This is my idea of fun," Mara whispered.

Jerome laughed.

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I'm about to start writing the next Spiderman chapter now, I love all of you! xx