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~Veronica's Pov~

I don't know how I got here or why I was even here. Standing before my eyes were Alexander and Charles. They both were on their knees, with a ring in their hands. The crowd in the ballroom ball was staring, as they asked for my hand in marriage. I stood there, not knowing what to do. For the two men, I love were there. How could I have decided? I stood there, taking small steps backwards. "I...don't know..." was my answer. And so I ran, out of the corridor, picking up the hem of my dress. I ran through the gardens, the wind blew against my hair and I stopped, looking back to see him. Charles. There he was, as he ran towards me. I was at a dead end. He reached for my face in his and said, "Veronica, please dear, I love you." My eyes were heavy with tears, "you know I can't Charles, I love you both." He looked at me, sorrow in his eyes. "Veronica, please..." he begged." A tear slipped from my eye, he gently Wiped it away, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I...do." I looked up, meeting Charles' ocean blue eyes. "But I'll have to tell your brother." Charles looked at me, gently kissing my lips, before reaching for the ring in his coat. The ring was silver, embedded with amethyst, the bands around the ring were etched with leaves before it met the rose-shaped amethyst. Charles gently took my right hand, sliding the ring on my finger. It was gorgeous. It was the colour of my eyes. He then kissed my hand before tucking a strand of ginger hair behind my ear. I looked up at him, before walking back into the palace to find Alexander.

I roamed the palace halls, before seeing him, Alexander. He noticed me walking towards him. He quickly made his way over, he looked panicked. I gently looked at the ground, frowning. It hurt me to tell him, the man I loved that I chose his brother. Alexander finally made his way over to me. "Veronica!" His gray eyes were still as bright as ever. I gently took his hand in mine. "Shhh, Alexander." "Veronica..." He noticed the ring on my finger. "I'm sorry Alexander...you knew that I loved you both!" "Yet you chose him? My brother over me." His eyes were saddened. "I...I'm sorry." My eyes met his. We just stood there, staring into each other's eyes for what seemed like forever. I gently caressed his face, soothing him. "Alexander, it'll be alright, you know that I do love you." He then smiled, oh how I loved his smile, but his smile was not the same but saddened. I smiled at him, with a gentle tear escaping my eyes. "I'm sorry, I truly am." I then gave him one last kiss on the cheek, "I should go dear." Those were the last words I told him before turning around and walking away for good, or so I thought.

Veronica's Pov

As I walked away from my first love, I turned back just once, to see him again. For was this something I was to regret, I did not know. But I had Charles waiting for me. He is who I was meant to be. Yet maybe if I could just go back to the beginning and see...

A few months ago

Today was the day! The day I became my own woman. I quickly woke up from my bed, my maid, Jessica gently knocked on my door before entering. "Good morning miss, shall we get you ready?" I gently nodded, as I got out of bed. She gently grabbed the dress from the mannequin, it was a gorgeous pale yellow, with etches and ruffles of white. Accompanied by brown boots and a matching umbrella to go with the floral design. It was the outfit I planned for my first outing. Father never let me leave the house, until today. Today was the day I was finally going to see the world. Once Jessica dressed me, she gently brushed my hair, before braiding into a lovely braid that rested upon my shoulder. Once she was done, I quickly jumped up, opening my bedroom window, sighing at the sunlight creeping in.

I then rushed down my stairway, sliding down the handrail. "Good morning sunshine!" I landed at the bottom of the stairs, as my father greeted me. He gently gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Morning Papa!" I beamed. "Now, how many times have I told you about not sliding down the staircase." I gently giggled before giving him a kiss. "Not that many times!" I sat down at the dining table, as my meal was served. "Mmm, my favourite! Pancakes!" I gently grabbed the syrup, pouring it's very beautiful golden self onto my pancakes. I quickly stuffed my face, finishing up my food. With anticipation, I stared at papa. He gently sighed before speaking, "Yes, you can go." I squealed, "Thank you, papa!" I gave him a quick peck on the cheek before taking Jessica out to the front carriage.

Ever since I was born, it had just been me and papa. Mama died while giving birth so papa was extra careful to make sure I was safe. As the duke's precious and only daughter, I was sheltered and never to leave the house. Finally, I was allowed to leave, just 17 years too late...but that's not the point! I finally get to see the world. Jessica and I entered the carriage, making out way to the town square. I opened the window, staring out the ride. There was a gentle breeze as I stuck my head out of the carriage gently. "Miss! Please, stay inside the carriage, it's dangerous." "Oh come on Jessica! Stop being such a worry wart like my father." I gave Jessica a look before bursting out in laughter, "Alright, alright, I'll sit down." "Thank you, my lady."

Once we arrived in the town, I was amazed. I gently stepped out of my carriage, opening my umbrella and making my way to a stand. The town square was quite crowded, but that wasn't going to stop me! "C'mon Jessica!" I squealed, rushing into the crowd. "Miss! Miss! Where are you?" Fascinated by the scenery I made my way to a flower cart. I looked at them in awe, gently sniffing their aroma. I was too fascinated to realize that I had lost Jessica along the way. "Huh?" I turned behind me. "Jessica? Where are you?" I then thought to myself, it'll be alright. We'll probably find each other later and maybe she went to get some groceries and such. Suddenly someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, as I saw this man standing over there. He had eyes as blue as the ocean, with black hair. He wore a blue suit, that was a great fit. Startled by the sudden realization that there was a handsome stranger in front of me I panicked. "A-ah! Why um, what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you." I gently looked at the ground, nervously. He chuckled, and our eyes met for a few seconds. He gently picked up a gorgeous Wisteria flower holding it in his hand. "I just noticed that a gorgeous woman should have a beautiful flower to accompany her." I was startled by his complement and gently blushed at his words. "Why thank you." He then proceeded to tuck the flower in my hair. "It suits you." "A-ah, yes." I gently tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear. "I suppose it does."

From the distance, I heard Jessica calling my name. "I suppose that's my queue to leave." I gently turned around. "Wait, miss, may I at least get your name?" I then turned back and said, "Veronica Smith." The man grinned, "well then Veronica, may I have the pleasure of meeting you again?" "You'll have to tell me your name first, I said wittily." "Charles, Charles King."