~LEVI~

Phillip showed me the room I'd be staying in. He placed my suitcases near my bed and propped my guitar case against the wall.

"Enjoy your stay," he said pleasantly with a quick bow before exiting the room with Amelia to show her her own quarters.

I sat heavily on the soft white bed, my head finding it's way into my hands. Words couldn't describe how it had felt to see Charles again. In an instant, every single wall I'd been putting up to get over him over the last few weeks had come crashing down. The feeling had been so overwhelming that I couldn't even hold eye contact with him. There was something strange about the way he was staring at me—it was the look I knew was reflected across my own eyes. A look of 'I'm not really sure how to feel right now'. The only difference was that he looked scared half to death.

My hands itched to do something, so I stood and opened my guitar case, pulling out my Taylor acoustic guitar. It was the only guitar that I had; my parents didn't think that music was important. I had to beg for years to even get it, but it was all that I needed. I've had it since I was nine, and sure it's been through a bit of wear and tear, but it's mine, and it's special to me.

I sat back down on the bed and picked a few notes, relishing in the sound. I strummed my favorite chords, played my favorite scales, before letting my hands take over. I found myself playing a song I knew all too well, one of my favorites. The slow chords sounded beautifully, resonating throughout the entire room. I began to sing words I knew all-too well, about that heart-racing, gut-curling feeling that was too good to be true and would never end well. I was only just getting to it when a knock sounded at my door, like an omen.

"Come in," I called hastily.

I was startled to see Prince Charles enter my room. Automatically, my guards were up; this was the boy who had the power to break me. "Um, did you need something?" The question came out ruder than I'd intended. I mentally scolded myself.

Charles blushed. "Um, yeah, sorry... It's time for dinner."

"They couldn't send Phillip up to fetch me?" I immediately regretted my harsh tone as Charles visibly winced.

"He's getting your sister..." Charles trailed off. "Um, I know I've told you this before but you're really talented..."

Had he heard me through the door? Had he been listening the entire time? Shit shit shit.

I just nodded curtly. "I'll be down in a minute." Charles took that as the sign to leave, so he exited the room with an awkward nod.

I wasn't completely sure why I had been so rude. The fear that he would hurt me had set up my defenses. I didn't want to let him in, because I knew that if I did, I would fall hard. It was inevitable. Everything about him drew me in. It was an unstoppable, unexplainable attraction.

To a straight boy.

A straight boy who would be marrying my sister in five weeks.

There was no point in getting my hopes up. There was no point in having feelings for him. In the end, I would just end up getting hurt.

So maybe that was the reason I was acting so strangely. I honestly didn't know.

It was all too much to think about, so I put my guitar in its case and walked reluctantly downstairs. It took a few minutes in the unfamiliar castle, but I found my way to the dining room. Amelia, Charles, the King, and the Queen already sat at the large wooden table. There were a few seats left, but I assumed that this was just their family dining room. Their Grand Dining Room seated about two hundred people, if I remembered correctly from my tour.

I awkwardly took the seat to Amelia's right, which left me directly across from Charles. I contemplated moving, but that would look a bit strange, so I reluctantly stayed put.

"So," The King spoke, "You are all aware that in five weeks, Amelia will be marrying Charles. We, along with the King and Queen of Author, of course, decided that it would be a good idea to have Amelia stay here for a month to get to know Charles better. We asked for Levi to come along because we know the two of you are friends–" Charles coughed awkwardly– "and we figured that the kingdom of Author would like to know that Amelia is in good hands, so we thought it would be best for you to observe and see what a pleasant man Charles is for yourself.

"Anyways, for the first few days that you are here, you will all be excused from your lessons. As a matter of fact, we've planned a few things for you to do together. We know you two must be tired from your plane ride, so there is nothing planned for tonight. Tomorrow, however, Charles and Phillip will give you a tour of the entire castle, so you know how to get around. Levi, we are aware that you've already visited much of the castle, but there are still many rooms that you have yet to see.

"The following day, we've arranged for you all to have a trip into the city to explore the urban population. The next two days day after that, you will be free to do whatever you please around the castle. Then your lessons will resume. Does that sound good?"

"That sounds lovely, thank you," Amelia said politely. I nodded in agreement.

The dinner after that was as awkward as it could be. Charles, Amelia, and I didn't say much, but the King and Queen kept attempting to make conversation. I don't think I've ever done as much fake smiling and nodding. Poor Amelia looked like she wanted nothing better than to go up to her room.

The food was incredible though, I'll give them that.

The moment the dinner was over, Amelia excused herself and hurried up to her bedroom. My heart went out to my sister; I couldn't imagine how hard this was for her. My issues were insignificant compared to what she was going through. I would have gone and talked to her, but I know Amelia like the back of my hand. Quite often when she's upset, what she really needs is alone time.

So instead of following her to her room as I so desired, I excused myself and headed to the main downstairs hallway. I navigated through the corridor to the best of my abilities until I came across what I was looking for.

The corridor extended to the left and right in a T shape. At the center of the intersection stood two tall glass doors. Through them I could see the eight o'clock moonlight reflecting across the multispectral assortment of flowers in the castle gardens.

I pushed open the massive doors and was hit by a gust of fresh air. The smell of flowers put me at ease. I walked through the gardens, letting my eyes take in the beauty of it all. After finding my way to the center, I sat on the wooden bench and stared into the pond. Pink and white water lilies floated on the glittering surface. The crescent moon was reflected perfectly across the still water.

The scene was so peaceful, so serene. It looked like something one would see in a fairytale. It was the perfect place to drift off, accompanied by nothing but flowers and your own thoughts. It was beautiful and inspiring, yet it wasn't distracting.

My mind drifted to what had happened the last time I was in these gardens. Just past them, down the hill, is where I'd kissed Charles.

I heard the doors to the gardens open. I chose to ignore it, too lost in my own memories.

"I was hoping you'd be out here," Charles' voice snapped me out of my reverie, causing me to jump. I looked in the direction of his voice to make sure that I was hearing correctly. Sure enough, the Prince of Elizabeth Island was weaving through the flowers towards me.

"And why is that?" I asked as he grew nearer. My palms began to sweat as he approached. Pull yourself together Levi.

"We need to talk," said Charles, A.K.A. the cause of all of my problems.

"Do we?" I said monotonously. Conceal, don't feel.

I trained my eyes on my lap as the Prince planted himself on the bench next to me. "Yes, we do. Levi, what I said the last time I saw you–"

"We're supposed to pretend that it didn't happen. Isn't that what you said?"

"Levi, please–" Charles tried.

"I know, you're sorry. Amelia told me," I tried to end the conversation, knowing that if it went on for long, I'd crack.

"No, you don't," Charles insisted. "Levi, I know you don't believe me, but I truly am sorry. For pushing you the way I did, for yelling at you, for just leaving you there... It was horrible, and if I could take it all back, I would."

"I get it, Charles. It's okay, I forgive you," I kept all traces of emotion out of my voice for fear that it would all pour out.

"Levi, look at me," Charles demanded. Reluctantly, I tore my eyes from my lap and fixed them on his. I could practically feel his stormy blue eyes scanning my features. "Okay," he spoke after a moment of silence, "I'm not sure how to word all of this, but I'll try my best.

"Everything I did and said that night, I've been regretting nonstop for the last three weeks. I never hated you, or was disgusted by you. I just... Panicked."

"It was my fault for coming onto you in the first place–" I admitted.

"Don't say that," Charles' eyes were full of guilt and regret. "It wasn't... I just... I could have reacted better. I know you're a great guy, Levi. I got to know you, and in those few hours you were more honest and real than anybody I've ever met. I know I screwed up. I know I was a prick, but I don't want you to hate me. I wish there were a way for me to take it all back and do things differently–"

"Well there isn't," I deadpanned. "What was said was said. If I could take back kissing you in the first place, I would. But I can't, so it doesn't make a difference." I had my guards up. I wasn't about to let myself get lost in his words.

Hurt that I hadn't expected flashed in his dark eyes. He bit his lip and I could tell that he was taken aback. "So you regret kissing me?"

"Of course I do," I said as if it were obvious. "Wouldn't you?"

"No."

His answer caught me by surprise. It seemed to shock him as well, because a strange look crossed his features and he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I–"

"It doesn't matter," I interrupted. "I didn't want to come here any more than you wanted me to, alright? I get it, you're sorry. That's great, I appreciate it. But it doesn't matter, does it? I'm well over it. I'll stay out of your shit, and that'll be that, okay? If I had the choice, I wouldn't even be here right now. I'd rather have a month of history lessons."

Charles faltered. An unexplainable pain shone in his blue orbs, but it was shadowed by the conflict that seemed to be going on.

"Am I really that bad?"

The question was ridiculous to some extent. Yet I felt for the boy in front of me. Somehow, my words had hurt him. As much as I'd like to say that I didn't care, I still had feelings for him. Seeing him upset didn't sit well with me.

"That was a dumb question, sorry," Charles said, standing quickly. "Of course you wouldn't want to come back. I don't know why I ever thought... God I'm so stupid."

He started towards the castle. "Charlie, wait!"

I shut my mouth instantly as the nickname slipped out. Shiiiiiiiiiit.

The Prince's shocked expression told me that it hadn't gone unnoticed by him. I stood reluctantly, still mentally punching myself for letting his nickname slip. "Um, I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have–"

"No, it's fine, I like the way you say it," Charles blushed at his own words. "That sounded weird, sorry. Um, what did you need?"

"I just... er..." I tried to find the right words. "I really do appreciate your apology. I didn't want to come but... Maybe this month won't be so bad after all..." I trailed off, unsure of if I had said the right thing.

I must have, because a small smile broke out onto Charlie's face. The same smile I fell for the first time I saw it. The adorable, boyish grin that I couldn't help but smile in return to.

"Yeah, maybe it won't."

~•~•~

~CHARLES~

I speed walked through the castle until I reached Phillip's room. I didn't even knock, I just threw the door open and barged in. He lay shirtless on his bed, reading a book. He looked up at me when I practically ran into his bedroom. Phillip quirked a quizzical eyebrow at my sudden appearance.

"What's up k–"

"I like Levi," I said bluntly. "Like, romantically. I have zero doubts in my mind that I have feelings for him."

Phillip grinned. "It's about time you admitted it to me."

I smiled in return. "It's about time I admitted it to myself. Now, if you don't mind, I've got a painting to work on." With that, I hurried from Phillips room. I rushed downstairs, through the music room and into the art room.

Without a moments' hesitation, I tossed the unfinished painting on the easel to the side and grabbed a new 36" x 48" canvas. I spent what could have been hours just sketching the outline. Once I was satisfied, I wanted to start painting, but the clock on the wall read 1:00 AM. Usually I would continue despite the time, but I had a tour to give tomorrow, and I didn't want to look like a zombie in from of Romeo.

Still, I couldn't wipe the goofy smile off of my face. I was confident that this would be the last time I had to redo this particular painting.

The next morning I woke to my alarm at promptly seven in the morning as I always did. I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth before trotting down the stairs, dressed in a navy sweater pulled over a white dress shirt and well-fitted jeans. I made my way to the kitchens to help the staff prepare breakfast, something I'd been doing for as long as I could remember.

I pushed open the large kitchen doors and entered the room to be greeted by Donnie, the head chef.

"Good morning, Charles," she smiled sweetly. "How did you sleep?"

"Very well, thank you," I responded politely. "So, what do you lot need help with?"

Cherry, one of the younger workers, waved her hand dismissively. "Just the usual, Charles. God forbid there was something new or interesting to do around here." I chuckled at her brashness. "Nevertheless, there is a bit more work to do, now that we've got two more mouths to feed."

"I can imagine," I internally winced on their behalf. Two more people didn't seem like much, but when they prepared breakfast, they were preparing it for everyone. It wasn't just my parents and I that they had to feed. No, they were responsible for the putting food on the plates of every maid, butler, instructor, and handler, as well as themselves. Although the staff didn't live here for the most part, other than the butlers and a few maids, most of them still ate breakfast, lunch and dinner here. Just preparing breakfast alone was a huge operation. That's why I always tried to help out if I could. It only seemed like the right thing to do.

"Alright, what's next?" I stopped in my tracks as a familiar voice spoke up from the back of the kitchen. Exiting the storage room with one of the cooks was none other than Levi.

Levi froze as we locked eyes, a confused expression that no doubt matched mine on his handsome features. I nervously ran a hand through my dark hair, suddenly wishing that I'd put more effort into doing it earlier. I absentmindedly bit my lip and the blonde prince looked away. Was he blushing?

I shook my head, telling myself to cut it out with the wishful thinking. I put my focus into forming coherent words, which was difficult when the person I fancied was looking as incredible as he was, clad in a burgundy button up casually rolled up to the elbows with the first two buttons undone. His black jeans fit his form perfectly.

Not wanting to stare, I forced my eyes back up to his face, which was still trained on the ground. Focusing on speaking didn't become any easier, what with the way his blonde hair fell, messy and wet from a shower, over his eyes. I remembered what it had been like to run my hand through it, and had a sudden urge to do it again.

Deciding that the awkward silence had been going on long enough—even the maids and cooks were beginning to get restless—I finally spoke up.

"Um, Levi... Uh, good morning," I greeted awkwardly. Wow, smooth.

"To you as well," Levi finally looked back up at me, though his eyes wouldn't meet mine.

"I hope you don't mind me asking what you're doing in the kitchens?" I asked tentatively.

"What?" Levi looked around like he hadn't even realized that he was here. "Oh, that. Yes, um, I thought I would help out with the breakfast preparations. I do it back home sometimes, and I just figured it would be polite, since your family is having me for a month and all."

"Oh," I blinked, trying not to look too surprised.

"Yes," Donnie's smile was as big as ever. "He's been a great help."

"Well I guess I'm not needed, then," I said. I wanted nothing more than to get out of the situation. The tension was so think it could be cut with a knife. Just because Levi and I had somewhat made up last night didn't mean that it was all smooth sailing from there.

"Don't be silly," Donnie grinned, "The more, the merrier! Stay and help!"

"Al-alright."

The entire time that we were in the kitchens, Levi and I didn't so much as look each other in the eye. Breakfast was no different. Sure, I would sneak a few glances at Romeo, but the thought of actually talking to him was mortifying. I never realized how difficult it would be to get back to where we were a few weeks ago, where we could talk for hours.

Now it was time for the tour, and I didn't know how I would survive.

"Okay," Phillip spoke. He was dressed in a tuxedo, standard clothing for a butler. "Now that you've seen all of the main rooms, we get to the interesting part." We turned into the hallway behind the minor common room. It was in the shape of a T, breaking off in two directions at the end. Phillip approached the first door and pulled it open, exposing the library.

Amelia gasped. Her face lit up like a kid in a candy store. She practically skipped through the library, her eyes scanning the room like it was a work of art. She looked over the rows and rows of books and ran her fingers across shelves that reached the ceiling. She was ecstatic.

"Levi, look at this!" She marveled as she reached the fantasy aisle, where hundreds of books waited. I glanced at Levi. He didn't show it as much as Amelia, but he was excited too. His eyes sparkled as he walked to catch up with her, a little bounce in his step.

"The library back home is nothing like this," his voice was breathless. I never took him as a book lover, but the boy was proving to be more than meets the eye. Somehow that made me like him even more.

They spent a solid half hour in the library, more excited over books than I'd even seen anyone. It seemed like their libraries back home contained mostly textbooks, not so much stories.

"Sir, madam," Phillip's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I apologize for interrupting, but we must continue with the tour."

Levi looked Phillip over curiously. "Are you always this formal?" He asked.

I couldn't hold in a laugh at that, remembering all the times that the butler had been anything but formal. I awkwardly coughed to cover up my chuckles, but Phillip looked as if he were refraining from cracking up as well.

"I assure you," I said, "he's not."

Levi looked surprised that I'd addressed him directly. I had to admit, I was shocked with myself as well. It had come out naturally, without any thought.

Phillip rolled his eyes. "Shall we go?"

Levi set down the book he was holding, which I recognized as Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief. Phillip was absolutely obsessed with that series.

The next room was the fencing room. I remembered Levi and I's match in here, when it all had seemed so simple. I stole a glance at the other boy, who bore a faint smile. Maybe we were thinking about the same thing. Maybe that was just more wishful thinking on my part.

"So, as you can see, this in the fencing room," Phillip stated the obvious. "I'm actually the fencing instructor here. Are either of you any good?"

Levi smirked. "I'm alright, but Amelia here is the real star." His sister blushed. "She can take on almost anyone. She's beaten me quite a few times."

I had trouble believing that. Amelia was so small and delicate. There was no way she could take on Levi. I may have beaten him, but he was a formidable opponent.

The blonde prince must have noticed my disbelief, because his smirk only widened. "Don't believe me, huh? I dare you to challenge her. Right here, right now."

"Um..." I looked for an excuse, not wanting to fight the princess for fear of injuring her. "We're not in proper uniform."

"Yeah—" Amelia's face was tomato red.

"Nonsense, kiddo," this time, it was Phillip who spoke up. "As long as there is only light contact, it should be fine."

I gaped at my butler. Was he condoning this? The smirk on his features said yes, yes I am.

"I can't believe this," I shook my head. "I won't do it unless Amelia is fine with it." I turned to the brunette girl. "Are you? I don't want to hurt you."

Her eyes widened. "Hurt me? You think that I'm scared of you hurting me?" A newfound determination sparked in her eyes. "Bring it on, Princey boy."

Amelia marched confidently across the room and grabbed a foil. It took me a moment to register what had just happened. Amelia grabbed a second foil and stepped onto the mat after removing her shoes.

"What are you waiting for?" She taunted. Still a bit stunned, I took off my own shoes and stepped onto the mat where she stood. She tossed me one of the foils and smirked. "Come at me bro."

This girl was good. She moved with such agility, it was hard to keep track of where she was. Her thrusts were quick and her parties were quicker. Within thirty seconds, I was disarmed and defeated. Amelia wore a smug expression as she withdrew her foil and grabbed mine, sauntering over to the case that she had gotten them from without a word.

Levi whistled. "Nice going, Prince Charming."

I had to force down a smile at the return of the nickname. Looking at Levi, I could tell that he wished he hadn't said it, but I was glad that he did.

"Oh shut up, Romeo." It was risky using the nickname that I'd been keeping to myself, but it just sort of came out, and it kind of felt appropriate. Levi was clearly taken aback, but he didn't seem, well, unhappy.

I backtracked, trying to take attention off of my slip. "You're just salty because I beat you last time." I stepped off of the mat toward him, crossing my arms defiantly.

Levi rolled his eyes playfully. "I was distracted, ye bastard."

"Ooh, you just went a tad bit Irish there, mate."

Levi's smirk returned. "What can I say?" He joked. "I'm a man of many dialects."

I snorted. "Please. Your 'dialect'," I made air quotes, "is pure British. If I didn't know you, I'd think you were from London."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Levi put a hand over his heart in mock offense.

"It means, your accent is as posh as they get."

"Ha! Have you listened to yourself talk?"

"It's hard to hear myself over your—"

"Ladies, ladies," Phillip stepped between us with his arms out. "Break it up."

Levi chuckled at the butler's words. "You're funny, lad."

The rest of the tour went by swiftly. We showed the twins all of the rooms on the first floor, some of which Levi had seen, some he hadn't. We went to every room except for the art room. Levi sent me a confused look as I pointedly avoided going in. I only showed the art room to certain people, and I barely knew Amelia. Besides, if either of them saw what I was working on... I would be mortified.

After we were finished with the ground level, we stopped for lunch. Afterward, we went to the second floor, which I hadn't shown Levi. It was more private, given that it was were the bedrooms were. We didn't go inside any private rooms, but I showed them the guest bedrooms and bathrooms.

Our last stops were back downstairs and outside. Phillip and I showed the twins the pools and the gardens. Despite the air between Levi and I having become calmer as the day progressed, he wouldn't meet my eyes the entire time we were there. After Amelia marveled at the gardens for a while, we finally headed to the stables. The stables were possibly my favorite spot on the castle grounds. The moment that Chamomile, my caramel colored mare, spotted me, she whinnied excitedly. I patted her forehead affectionately.

"Hey, girl," I greeted.

I looked back at the twins to see excitement even greater than when they were in the library.

"She's gorgeous," Amelia breathed. I nodded in agreement.

"Phillip, how much time do we have until dinner?" I asked.

Phillip thought for a moment. "Probably about forty five minutes. Why?"

I grinned. "How about a ride?"

Amelia and Levi both looked at Phillip with pleading eyes, waiting for his jurisdiction.

"I'm not sure...." The butler trailed. Levi and Amelia pouted. Phillip smiled. "Just kidding."

Amelia clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes!" She and her brother cheered.

"Alright, pick a horse," Phillip waved toward the rest of the stables.

"Any horse?" Amelia asked.

"Yup. Well except for Cammy, obviously. Oh and Blackjack. He's with me."

"Which one's Blackjack?" Levi asked, though the answer quickly became obvious. Out of the twelve horses in the stable, only one had a sleek black coat.

The twins spent a few minutes examining the horses, although they both seemed to decide on their steeds immediately. Levi was instantly attached to a white stallion, Patriot. Amelia was set on Oreo, a dark brown and white pinto stallion, the moment she laid eyes on him.

I opened Chamomile's stable door and took her lead. I directed her into the center of the stables and Phillip handed me her saddle. Once it was on, I led her into pasture, even though she knew what to do by heart. The others followed my lead until all four horses were out grazing. Phillip was the first to mount, climbing onto Blackjack's—yes, Phillip named him after the Pegasus from Percy Jackson—saddle and taking the reins. I waited for the twins to do so as well before opening the large white gate and climbing on top of my horse as well.

"Alright," I smirked. "Get ready to run." I squeezed my legs at Chamomile's sides and we were off.

There was nothing better than the feeling of being on a running horse. The wind whipping through your hair, the sensation of weightlessness, the mutual trust between yourself and the horse. What could compare?

Levi's laugh. That's what could compare. As soon as Patriot took off, he erupted into joyous laughter that was as contagious as the chicken pox. It was an almost musical sound, calming yet exciting. Soon, I was laughing along with him.

Throughout the day, we'd been becoming more comfortable around each other. Now, any tension that remained had been left in horses' trail.

Several hurdles had been set up in the field, which extended for over an acre. Every time Patriot cleared one of them, Levi threw his head back in more laughter. It wasn't a laughter out of hilarity—nobody had said anything funny. It was just pure joy and freedom. It was as authentic and genuine as a laugh could get. Right now, with Levi's hair flying around his face and happiness all over his features, I finally understood. It made sense why he was so passionate about freedom. Why he hated the feeling of being holed up in a castle and was willing to rebel to reach exemption. My feelings toward the subject, my paintings, were nothing compared to his desire to just be free. He was a free spirit.

It was as if he could never cease to inspire me. Already, new ideas for paintings and sketches swam through my head. Romeo really was my muse.