Chapter 11- Final Date...?

"Sylvia, was it truly time to leave already?" I asked as she led me down the halls to meet my third and final date of the evening.

"Yes, your majesty, even past time to leave, your late for your next date."

"Well, I'll just have to skip my little outfit change then, won't I? Off to meet Jiao-Long." I was excited to see the fiery-haired man again. Something about him seemed exotic and exciting.

We rounded the corner to the doors leading to the indoor pool room. The walls of the room were stone with greenery growing atop. The sound of flowing water could be heard from the fountains flowing into the main pool. Jiao-Long was waiting for me in the hot spring. Sylvia closed the doors behind me as I walked forward to greet him.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting, I see you have made yourself right at home."

"The water is lovely, you have a beautiful home. I only regret you won't be joining me."

"What makes you think I won't be joining you?" I said with a playful smile as I walked towards him.

"Well, your gown, your majesty."

"I have plenty of gowns, it's nothing if this one gets wet." I said as I slid into the water beside him. I could tell my spontaneity surprised him.

"Your nothing like I'd thought you'd be like your majesty."

"I hope that's a good thing, I try to be myself even when faced with...difficult situations. Such as not having time to change into my swimwear. I hope you don't mind."

The fabric of my dress clung to my body showing my every curve. His eyes looked me up and down before responding,

"Not at all your majesty, I can only hope you will swim with me in more of your gowns in the future."

We both laughed, "So tell me about yourself prince Jiao-Long, what is your homeland like? What are your hobbies?"

"Well, my home is very beautiful, we have many trees that blossom with flowers, we cherish art and paintings, music and dancing. Everything is full of color and life. I love to run in my free time. But I think you may have guessed that after today." He said with a cheeky smile.

"Yes, you ran very fast today in the race. I must say I was quite impressed."

"I promise I didn't cheat either, no jumping through and teleporting to the other side."

"I believe you, but that's fascinating that you can teleport. Are you able to teleport others as well?"

"I could if I really wanted to, but there hasn't been a reason to ever before."

"Well tell me about your family do you have any siblings?"

"Yes, in fact I am the middle child, the eldest being a brother and youngest a sister. I get pretty forgotten sometimes between my parents. I guess that's kind of why I'm here today. Not because they forgot me, haha, no but because I guess I'm looking for a person that's my own. Someone to be loved by and to love back. I just want a family of my own with someone. You know?"

"Yes, I know what you mean, after my mother passed, growing up without her in my life I always felt like something was missing. My father would tell me the stories of their love for one another, and I just always wanted that. What they had was so pure and bliss. I'm ready to have that with someone too. To start a family of our own."

"I'm happy to hear we both have mutual ideas on what we want. I would want nothing more than to be the one that could give you all that and more one day. Family is important to us both, with you as my family we could never go wrong."

I smiled at his sincerity to his words. We talked on more about him and his siblings growing up together. The music he listened to, the instruments he played. He even told me about the meaning behind his name, "Looks strong like a dragon" I laughed at that.

I told him more about my hobbies and the friends that had become more like family. Sylvia for example, she was like an elder sister to me always looking out for me. Speaking of, she gave the signal for time for bed.

"Jaio-long, I'm afraid it's time to wish you a good night, I enjoyed your time so much.

"Likewise, Fanariel, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." He swam closer leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. "Goodnight your majesty, sweet dreams." He said before I made my leave.

This night left my mind spinning. The emotions that these three men awoke in me. From the physical, and intellectual connections I made with each of them. Again, how was I supposed to choose!