Chapter 5:
Months past and six girls become four, to two. Mia and I were the ones left standing. The public, the King and Queen and HRH Prince Dylan all took a liking to me which blow Mia's core which in my opinion should not be a princess quality. Dylan appeared to me before I went down to the Great Hall for the announcement.
"Ava," he began nervously, "when I say 'if I have approached you before coming here today please stand' that is your cue to come towards me. Hopefully, Mia will not stand and then will have a very muddle girl think it's her when I am in love with you."
"I'll be sure to keep my ears peeled for those words." Mocking into a curtsy.
We both laughed. This was the moment I'll become a true princess and the future Queen of Sunset Kingdom. Too many thoughts going through my head right now to think what is going to happen in the next hour. My maids made a gorgeous rogue summer dress for the occasion. It was perfect.
Everyone was already in the ballroom; all by Mia, Dylan and I. We all had our cues to come in. Mia was obviously first, I second and Dylan came in once we were all in position. Mia and I were sat opposite and the entire time she gave me the glare that I wasn't going to get it. I just ignored her.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Prince Dylan started his speech as my concentration fell to him, "many months ago, I started the Selection with twenty girls. Now, before your eyes are two girls. One knows they are a true princess." I started to blush.
Prince Dylan told everyone how he made his decision and said: "If I have approached you before coming here today please stand." That was my cue. However, Mia stood too. Now what was going to happen. We both made our way to the Prince. Dylan kept my eyes on me the entire time; comforting me with his dreamy eyes.
"Please don't tell me you are going to marry a girl with no family and fortune." Mia started.
"Yes," he replied, "it doesn't matter where you have come from or if you have a family or not…"
Before he continued, I left knowing what would happen. I could hear him tell everyone that I was the long-lost princess from the Kingdom Believe land. My parents were there already as they stayed an extra few weeks.
Once in my chamber, I collapsed on the bed into a fit of tears. My maids were brilliant by just leaving me until I was ready. Unfortunately, the peace broke by a knock at the door. Lady Margret answered it already knowing it would be the Prince. I sat up; desperately not wanting to look him in the eyes. He began to speak:
"Ava," he was desperate to get my attention, "please. None of this was supposed to happen. Mia was outside when I told you what to do. I am sorry that your secret is out. Please," he sounded more desperate.
I moved myself to my balcony. I needed fresh air. "Dylan, how I meant to marry you if I haven't been faithful to you and your family about my identity from the start of the selection?" my voice was angered.
"Because you are the true lover I am meant to marry. We were betrothed from the day you were born. I love you no matter what."
Just hearing that he loved me made my world come back to normal. Without thinking or seeing who was in the room, I rushed over and gave Dylan a desperate kiss. The world around me steadied and came back to view. Right there, Dylan popped the question:
"Ava, I loved you when I first saw you. You were my world, my soulmate, my everything; even if you were a stubborn princess. Our love for each other is as strong as us playing. That is why I want to spend my day and years with you. Would you do me the massive honour of becoming my bride, my princess, my queen for the rest of our lives?"
There was a few minutes' silence before I replied with a nod as I was in fits of tears and could not speak. The ring was beautiful; a blue diamond in crested by a sliver design. Out of nowhere, my parents gave me the biggest hug ever. I missed their touch, smell and feeling for fifteen years.
This was truly the nest moment in my life.
