I decide to go to bed early. It's not like I can actually go explore my new home, i would get lost so fast, or end up somewhere I'm not supposed to. That would be just my luck. I lay down in the soft sheets and try to relax. At least the bed is comfortable, but how long will I be staying in this bed? I feel warmth spread across my face and feel tingles in my stomach. In a few months I could be sleeping in someone else's bed. I try to imagine sleeping with Nichole. She would probably sleep on her back with her hands crossed over her stomach. Her long hair would be splayed across the pillow like a halo. I would be close enough to smell her. The tingles spread through my body. Her smell would wrap me up like a warm blanket and infiltrate my dreams.

There is a low creak and candle light comes through my door way. I try to swallow down the feelings and the thoughts that shouldn’t occupy my bed at night. A figure walks up to my bed and leans over so his face is right in the candle light.

“My god you go to sleep early, it's not yet ten!” Nicholas says. He looks strikingly similar to his sister in his face and hair color, but that's where the similarities stop. His hair is messy and curly and his jaw is square and handsome. His eyes are a light playful green and his face is clean shaven.

“I wasn't quite asleep yet,” I say hoping he couldn't see my blush in the candle light.

His eyes travel across my face and down to the rumpled sheets. His gase makes my heart race. He smirks, “Well, if you’re done here, you can join me.”

“Join you?” I ask.

“I’m sneaking away to go to a party,” he says then stands straighter, “And I’m inviting you.”

Nicholas waits for me by my door way as I dress. He didn't tell me what is appropriate to wear, so I pick a blue one that flows to the floor and cuts low across my chest. The only type of party I’ve been to is a ball or tea party, but something tells me this will be nothing like that. I step out the door and look over at Nicholas to lead the way. With the torch light in the halls I can see that he is wearing a dark purple shirt that hugs him tightly. Almost as if someone had spilled a bucket of paint on his torso. It leaves nothing to the imagination.

He reaches over and grabs my hand. He coocons it in his own hands. Electricity shoots up my arm. “I knew you would come,” he says.

I tried to organise my thoughts. His sister had grown to be a goddess and he grew to be a god. There is no way that I could measure up to either of them. “Why did you invite me anyway?”

He’s quiet for a minute, “Everytime you came over, we had a lot of fun, so I wanted to see you again.”

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We sneak to the back of the castle where he has a carriage waiting. He tells the driver where to go and helps me in the carriage. There is another person sitting inside. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He seems to be wearing the same kind of shirt as Nicholas, except its red and doesn't seem to complement his body as much. His eyes follow me as I take my seat.

His eyes narrow, “Who is this?”

“Apparently my future wife,” Nicholas says and puts his hands around my shoulders.

Butterflies fill my stomach.

“I thought she had to choose you or your sister?” the man asks.

“There is no way I’m losing to my sister,” Nicholas says.

Anger bubbles up into my throat, “You know I'm right here!I’m not some game to be won,” I say then give the man a threatening look, “Who are you anyway?”

“Where are my manors?” the man says then grabs my hand and kisses it. It's cold where some of his spit stayed behind, “I’m William. Prince Nicholas’s best friend.” He nudges my foot with his boot, “We are a package deal if you know what I mean.”

Wow, this guy is gross. I look over at Nicholas. He just has a beautiful smile on his face. Well, I guess looks aren't everything.

We make it to a beautiful cream colored manor. It's all lit up and decorated for a party. I even see a cake through the glass doors that towers over everyone’s heads. I definitely made the right choice with my dress, most of the women are wearing flowing low cut dresses and gowns. The carriage pulls right to the edge of the steps and the foot person opens the door. Nicholas gets out first. I go to step after him, but William grabs my arm.

“You’ll pick him,” he says.

“What?” I ask and try to pull my arm away.

“You’ll pick Nicholas,” he says.

“Why do you care?” I say and try to pry his fingers off.

“I’ll gain a lot when Nicholas is king,” he says and stands so he can whisper against my neck, chills go down my body from his hot breath, “If you even think about not choosing him, I have a few friends in the castle that wouldn’t mind showing you the power I already possess.”

He lets go of my arm and i shakaly step out of the carriage. Nicholas is facing toward the house. I should tell him what just happened. But they are best friends, what if he doesn't believe me? No, I should tell him. I tap Nicholas on the shoulder and he turns to face me, as if in a daze.

“Are you ready to go in?” he asks, already looking back to the party.

Is he already drunk? He didn't drink anything on the way... “There is actually something I want to talk to you about?” I say.

William walks up behind us and puts his hand around my waist, “What are we waiting for, let's go in already!”

Of course, he would come at this moment. It's okay, I'll find a way to tell Nicholas at some point during the party. I take a deep breath and head inside.