I will fall in love with you over and over again

Royal AU

Aiden's POV:

I was used to being by myself. It always seemed to be that way. With my parents constantly travelling to other kingdoms for trade and deals, I was often left alone. Of course, I was never really alone. I had servants and maids, but I wasn't particularly close to any of them.

My cousin did stay in the castle with me, and we hung out as much as possible, but with me being the upcoming king, I often found myself busy doing prince things. And whenever I wasn't busy, Ben was always off with his girlfriend, Taylor. I had met her a couple of times and I really do think she is good for him.

I was also relatively close to one of my organisers, Logan, but I always felt like Logan only talked to me because it was his job.

I never really enjoyed when my parents were home either. They had this habit of picking at everything I did, or more likely, everything I didn't do. That's exactly what was happening at the lavish dinner table that night. I sat across from them while they absolutely shredded me about anything and everything.

"So Aiden, it's coming to a time when your father and I can't rule anymore," my mother stated matter-of-factly.

"Okay...?" I questioned.

"That means you need someone to rule with you. That's why we have chosen the best matches for you from the surrounding kingdoms," she exclaimed.

"I mean, my personal favourite is a lovely girl from the kingdom one over, and I do say she seems rather interested in meeting you as well."

The sheer thought of some random girl being 'interested' in me made me shiver slightly.

"That's why we have organized a ball and invited all your potential matches, their families, and some of our friends."

When my mother said friends, she really meant a group of other wealthy people who all pretended to like each other because no one else could put up with their next-level snobbery.

"That's nice," I mumbled, knowing full well I wasn't going to get stuck with some spoiled brat who only wanted to marry me so she could be Queen.

Dinner went on with my mother explaining every last detail of the agenda for the upcoming ball. After my meal, I decided to go for a walk outside in the castle gardens.

I climbed up onto the walls and sat there, looking over the village just below. That's when I spotted a flash of orange from below.

I strained my eyes to see it again. I only caught glimpses as it weaved in and out between the gaps in the houses. The girl only stopped once she reached a lonely tree near the base of the castle walls, the very section I was sitting on.

She sat down with a huff and looked up at the moon, and the light caught her face slightly.

I gawked.

Every single one of her features seemed tailored to catch my attention. From her emerald-colored eyes that sparkled in the moonlight, to her freckles that mimicked the stars in the sky.

I was in awe. Something about this girl made me want to climb down the wall and find out more about her. I followed her gaze to the stars and toyed with the idea.

When I looked back down, the girl was staring right back at me. I could feel my grin growing even more. With her looking right up at me, I finally got a full view of her face, and my god, it couldn't get better.

I started to wave at her, and I watched her face contort in and out of confusion and amusement. Then unexpectedly, she waved back. I felt the heat in my face grow. She waved back. Maybe she wants to get to know me too, maybe she is just being nice.