Chapter 2: A Perfect Suitor

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Chapter 2: A Perfect Suitor

At first, Jack was surprised. Then, he slowly returned the kiss. I pulled away for a short breath and went in for a more passionate kiss. After what seemed like forever, Jack finally pulled away and murmered in my ear, "Your father's watching."

My eyes widened and I giggled, "He's probably dancing a jig right now. I've never seen him this happy about one of his selections."

Jack chuckled, "No love, I requested to come. I've heard so much about you. For years I've listened to any stories about you, any news from your kingdom. And finally, I've come." He smiled at me and stroked my face tenderly with the tips of his fingers. "Now, I've finally met you in person and I realize, the stories lied. Your much more beautiful than they say. Your life is so different from what they say. Your different than what stories tell and to me, that is good."

I gave him a small, loving smile. "I've honestly never heard anything about you but..." I paused, wondering if I should share my dreams with him.

Jack gave me a curious look and urged, "Go on. Tell me, love. I can handle it."

I hope you can, I thought. I stared at him with soft eyes for some time and then finally said, "I've had dreams of you. Your always there when I have these dreams. Usually on you drag-" I cut off mid-sentence. That was such a stupid thing to say. Speaking of him being a Rider in my crazy dreams. It was absolutely insane. Jack stared at me for a while and didn't say anything. He seemed to be thinking. After some time he led me to a stone bench that was in front of the fountain. I sat down without any words.

Finally, Jack asked, "How much do you know about Riders?" He searched my face for any reactions.

I kept my face straight and answered, "Quite a lot. You have to remember that my mother was a Rider."

He nodded. "That much I would suspect, what about dragons?"

"Some things. I used to be close to my mother's dragon."

Again, Jack nodded and rubbed his chin. After what seemed like an hour he smiled and then told me, "Alright, I have a surprise for you. Meet me in the garden tonight. Right here. Around midnight would be best."

I looked at him curiously and nodded. What was so important that he couldn't show me now?, I thought.

We walked back into the castle with my arm in his. A few servants walked by and saw us. I couldn't help but notice the looks an their faces as they slowly came to realize that Jack was with me. Jack and I walked back to the throne room where my father was sitting in his throne, beaming as if he knew a secret. I eyed him curiously and bowed. Jack bowed also and said, "Your Highness, Kae has shown me the castle and I feel that I know my way around. What we discussed earlier about myself having a guide, I'm sure that it will be unneccessary."

Father nodded, still smiling. "Then there will be no guide. I do hope that you will tell us if you need anything. You are our guest, it is the least we can do.

"I will, your Highness. Thank you for your hospitality."

Father's grin widened and he beckoned for me to come to his side. I went to him obediently and stood beside his throne. He leaned towards me and I bent down to hear him. "Well?" he asked, "What about this one?"

"Father, I think you've made a good choice this time."

He chuckled and asked, "So, you think he's a good man?"

I glanced at Jack who was talking to one of the knights that was always in the room. I nodded and said, "He's a nice man. He told me things about his life and he respects me greatly." I paused and looked at my father. "He loves me immensely. And I, him. Funny how love works, I only met him today."

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