Hunter leans down to meet our lips. His kisses are so sweet and soft, I feel as if I could melt. The kiss is like in a book: sparks flying. My hands slither into his hair and his wrap around my waist.

Slowly, we both back away.

"Wow." I mutter, touching my fingertips to my lips.

"That was... great!" He shouts causing me to giggle.

"Shhh! Someone will hear you! We should be getting back soon before they come looking." I frown in realization that if someone found us, we'd be publicly humiliated.

We sneak back into the party and act as if we never left. No one seems to have any recollection that we haven't been around for five minutes, so that's good!

Before I know it, the fun of the picnic is over and the King announces that we have the rest of the day off and will take dinner in our rooms.

As I shuffle down the corridors to my room, Gracelyn jumps front of me and squeals while dragging me to some obscure room.

"I'm so happy for you! I mean he's my brother and ew, but you two look so good together!" She explains giddily.

I cough awkwardly, eyes widened in shock. Did she see us?

"What do you mean?" I inquire after gaining composure.

"Well silly, I obviously saw you two sneak off. You aren't very secretive. I had to be all dramatic and knock over a bowl of fruit to keep everyone distracted!" She complains as I start to laugh at the thought of Gracelyn falling over fruit.

"I'm sorry!" Is all I can muster before clutching my stomach, tears rolling down my eyes, as I choke on my giggles.

"Yeah, well... you owe me one, Missy!" She grumbles while flipping her perfect curls over her shoulder.

"Do you think anyone else saw?" I ask in a more serious tone. I don't know what would happen if Amelia or Erica found out about this. Most likely my hair would be dyed and my skin turned orange. I'm both fond of my hair and skin, any damage to either wouldn't be fun.

"I don't think so. Besides, I was making a huge commotion, so if they saw you sneak off, they wouldn't be able to follow you."

~~~~~~

After our lessons on Thursday -yes, I did finally start to join in- I settle in the Woman's Room with London when I hear a girl named Monica shriek.

Everyone in the room -no matter what they were doing- stopped to see what the commotion was.

Monica throws something at Erica who screams at the top of her lungs. Swiftly, she makes her way to me. The apoplectic look in her eye makes me want to curl under a blanket and hide.

"What the hell did you do to him! Did you seduce him into a corner or something?" Her face compares to London's cherry colored dress. Steam is practically coming out of her ears.

"What? I did not seduce anyone! What are you even talking about!" I growl, irritation radiating off of me. Any nervous inkling in me was worn down to fury. What is she getting at?

"This!" Erica yells as she shoves a glossy stack of paper in my face.

I look at the magazine and swallow harshly.

Lips locked. Eyes closed. Clearly lost in the moment. The title was big and bold and read Prince Hunter's First Kiss.

Our first kiss - possibly his very first kiss - is plastered on the front cover of Illea Update. A magazine that is very popular among the people. One where you are positive that millions of copies have been published and bought.

Still clutching the article, I run out of the Woman's Room and make it safety to the nearest room which happens to be the parlor where Hunter and I had our first date.

I sit down in a small velvet chair in the corner and open the magazine to the story.

The Prince's First Kiss

Prince Hunter Schreave has been hosting the Selection for a mere four days but that didn't stop him from seizing the day by kissing Lady Corrine Jameston. Lady Corrine is a seventeen year old model from Angeles and lives with Sir and Lady Jameston.

Most reactions of the pair's kiss is that it's too early but there may be more than we know. Lady Corrine's Mother informs us, "Corrine is a lovely girl. We go to all of the royal family's parties and the two have been around each other since childhood. A romance started blooming at the last ball when she was Prince Hunter's first dance. It's no doubt that they'd kiss sooner rather than later". As it seems, the two have hung around each other for years. If anything, it may even be a long time for the the two to be smooching.

Whether the romance is new or not, polls say that they are happy for the Prince. 29% of the population voted for Lady Corrine; 17% voted for Lady Amelia; 11% voted for Lady Erica; and 6% voted for Lady London. The rest of the votes were scattered amongst the girls.

Statements from the couple is yet to be released. Let's just hope that the romance is as perfect as we will it to be!

Lauren Laupern

Oh my goodness! What will Hunter think? I bet he presumes I only kiss him for the publicity of it. But he has more faith in me... right? If he doesn't believe in me than I should be the one who has the right to be upset... right?

As I finish going through a mental debate, I just realize that I have company. London stands by the door: arms folded and head down.

I groan of frustration and she hurries over.

"Oh honey! It'll be alright, you see. This isn't bad news. You not only were his first kiss but the public loves you two together." She assured me sweetly.

"Am I a wanton?" I ask, relieving myself from the dying question.

"Gosh no! Cor, don't even think that way. You are a good person who really likes someone. You've known this person longer than others have. Plus, you have a crew of people searching for anything remotely interesting. This was bound to happen to any of us." London gives me a tight hug as she explains.

"Really? But what if Hunter thinks I led him out into the garden and kissed him just so it could be caught on camera? I heard that Queen Eadlyn did that to King Kile during her Selection." I ramble off thinking back to one of the many articles I've read over the years.

"What! Where did you hear this?" London gapes. Obviously oblivious to the Selection two generations ago.

"An article a few years back. It was a special addition for their fiftieth anniversary."

"I remember that article." A new voice says in a hushed tone.

Both London and I turn to the sound to find Queen Georgia standing by the doorframe where London was merely five minutes ago.

"Your Majesty." We greet while dropping into an elegant curtsy.

"Please girls, rise. There is no need for formalities. And to hush your worries dear, he is not upset with you, only with the camera crew. We're working on making restrictions. But I must say, the others do not seem thrilled with the sudden showcasing of your standings." She notes while gliding across the wooden floor. Even though I knew her more than the others did not take away that this woman was not only the man I'm pining after's mother but also my Queen. She could arrest me if she wanted to. As sweet as she is, it doesn't take away from her aura of power. She's extremely intimidating.

"I bet tomorrow that my hair will be blue." I whine aloud; Amelia and Erica will most definitely get their revenge.

Queen Georgia and London giggle at that.

"Maybe you can stay in my room tonight. We could get Bianca, Aurora, and Princess Gracelyn and have a sleepover!" London squeals in excitement.

A girls night is exactly what I need. We could do face masks, do our nails, stay away from evil skanks, gossip!

"I'd love to!" I reply smiling widely.

"Well it seems that you two have much to chat about. It was lovely talking to you both. Have a splendid day." The Queen says before strolling out of the door, leaving London and I to talk about our slumber party plans for the evening.

Thank you all for reading! I love you all and I am so sorry that I haven't updated for like... forever!

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