A Christmas Walk

1.

Of all people and of all places; I would get lost from my group of friends, in the small country of Baltaver. I look around me to try to gather my bearings. A small tea shop was to nestled on a corner in the square. I sighed a little. Maybe someone inside could help. I walked into the cafe. The shop was empty except for the few employees and a man. He had beautiful, slicked back hair and a clean shaved, porcelain face. He wore a rich red sweater and black slacks. This man might have been the best looking guy I have ever seen.
"Hello?" An English women's voice snapped me out of my trance. I looked at her. She seemed a little worried. "How did you get in?" I pointed behind me.
"The door?"
"You're American?" She seemed to surprised. I felt excruciatingly uncomfortable but I nodded.
"It's fine." The man stood next to me. I looked up at him. I thoughts was older but up close he looks close to my age, just well put together. I could only wish to be that put together. "Hello, and you are?" He had his arms clasped behind his back. His strong English accent garnished every word.
"Horribly lost." Was all I could manage. He smiled a little.
"That is quite a name." I shook my head at myself.
"Autumn Leon." I stuck out my hand. A smile spread on his face.
"You really must be lost." He looked down at my hand and back up at me. "Prince Hayes Winterhaven." I scrunched my face in embarrassment as I retracted my hand. My face grew warm.
"Isn't your name William?" Did I just correct the Prince on HIS name?
"Prince William Hayes Winterhaven, yes. My fathers name is William as well. In the castle I go by Hayes." Anxiety surged through my.
"Right. Well, I'll just find my own way, thanks." I tried to flake.
"Would you like tea?" He stopped me.
"What?" I twisted my diamond earring.
"Would you like some tea?" He repeated.
"Uh, no. I, I just came for directions." I sputtered. How embarrassing!
"Well where are you going?" His hands never left from behind his back.
"What?" Why was that the only word I could say? A smile spread on his face.
"Do you have a hearing problem?"
"No." I recoiled a little. "A comprehension problem." When I was nervous or flustered I made jokes. It was an annoying I can't help but do.
"Ah." He chuckled. I just stared at him for a moment. He really was beautiful.
"Okay, well." I clapped my hands together. "This was," I shook my head looking for a word to describe what just happened. "something. It was a pleasure to meet you, your highness." I started for the door.
"Where are you going?" He asked again.
"The door?" Prince William smiled again.
"And after the door?"
"The big fountain." I rested my hand on the door knob.
"The big fountain?" He laughed. "Do you mean Divus Divitii?"
"Yeah." I said softly. "I can never remember what it's called." I laughed a little at myself. No matter how many time my friends told me, I'd always call it the fountain. The Prince smiled.
"Well you're in luck, I know where it is."
"Oh, I couldn't be a burden."
"Please, it is no imposition. I'd love to go." I inhaled.
"Okay." He grabbed his mug off his table and his coat from the back of his chair.
"Would you please put this in a to-go cup?" He asked the girl behind the counter then looked at me. "Would you like anything?"
"No, no. You're already doing too much."
"What's your favorite type of tea?"
"I don't like tea." I answered sheepishly.
"You don't like tea?" I scrunched my nose and shook my head.
"No, I'm more of a coffee person."
"They have coffee." He pointed to the menu behind the counter.
"It's," I shook my head a little. "I'm fine, thank you." I smiled. He nodded. She slid him a large cup. I knew he didn't have that much left in his mug, she must have added more.
"Thank you." She bowed as he left. I opened the door. He stopped and put his hand above me on the door. "Ladies first."
"I think royalty trumps the ladies first rule."
"I refuse to let royalty take precedent over chivalry." I huffed a laugh.
"Well, thank you." He followed me out of the door. A car had pulled up in front of the building. Prince William leaned in close.
"Would you like to walk?" I must have been staring at the car. I say car but really it was a limo. A nice one too.
"Uh, you can just tell me where it is and I can walk." I said nervously.
"Why are you trying to get rid of me?"
"I'm not!" I said quickly. "I just don't think our styles mesh, that's all."
"That's why I'm offering to walk."
"I don't think making the Prince of Baltaver walk, is polite." He laughed.
"I'm not holding you to royal standards. I'm asking if you'd like the company or not." A smiled flickered on my face.
"I would."