{Kindle}

                                    

                                          
One month later...
Aurora's father had called her to the throne room and she already expected what he was going to talk about.
A month already passed and Aurora and Xavier haven't had one proper conversation with a each other. Yes, they saw each other every now and then- they did live on the same floor- but they never really said anything to each other. Xavier was a man of little words and Aurora was still slightly frightened by the idea of marriage. They were bound to not converse.
Her footsteps echoed through the hall and she stopped once she stood in front of the throne room. Aurora looked up at her angry father and she just wanted to cower away. "I assume you know why I called you in here?" Her father said as he tapped his fingers on the desk. 
"Yes, father." Aurora hung her head low. "So why do you continue to do wrong? Do you know I've asked servants if they've seen the two of you talk, and they all answered no." Her father said, frustrated. Aurora opened her mouth to speak but the king continued, "I will not take any of this any longer, Aurora. You wasted a month!" He said as he glared at Aurora. 
Deep down Aurora knows her father is right. "I'm just frightened. I thought I was ready for marriage but it turns out to be the opposite." Aurora opened up. "You are ready Aurora. I know you are. You've grown to be a wonderful woman." The king truthfully said and he sighed when he noticed Aurora's pout.
"When your mother and I first got engaged we were both unhappy. Just like you. We hated each other. Your mother thought I was useless," he chuckled as he recalled the memories, "but one day your mother fell terribly ill. It was horrible. I thought she would pass. I immediately got the best doctor and medicine for her. It wasn't until she got better that we noticed how much we actually loved each other. I realized how terrified I was with the idea of losing her, and she realized that I tried my hardest to make her feel better."
Aurora gaped at her father. She had never heard that story. She always assumed her parents loved each other because they're still head over heels with each other. 
"I didn't know this." Aurora looked at the floor as she thought of his story. "I know, that's why I told you. I hope you learned something." The king said, hoping his daughter knew what he was trying to say. Aurora nodded, "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble." 
"Good, now I expect you to be more responsible. You're not only getting married but you're also going to be Queen of Vaughan soon." Her father said proudly. Aurora smiles lightly and began to think of ways she could get closer to the prince.
➳༻❀✿❀༺➳
Aurora remembered the gifts she was going to give Xavier and chose it was the best way to at least gain a friendship. She looked in the basket and smiled down at the fine fabrics, jewelry, and candies.
Aurora had asked around to figure out where Xavier was. Turns out he was by the guards quarters, practicing his archery. Aurora walked the castle grounds and felt excited to give Xavier his gifts.
She quickly made it to the training grounds and searched for the prince. Aurora spotted him and tried to wave to get his attention but failed. "Prince Xavier!" She called out. He shot his arrow before looking up at her. Aurora followed the arrow and looked amazed when he hit bullseye. 
"Princess," he greeted as he dropped his arms. Aurora smiled as she drew closer to him. "That was amazing! I don't think I've ever seen that before." Aurora chuckled. 
"Is your brother not good?" Xavier said, looking at all the targets that held bullseyes. Aurora scrunched her nose up, "Not at all. He's much better at wielding a sword." Xavier nods and glanced at the basket she was holding. Aurora lifted the basket slightly and put it in front of her, "This is for you."
"It's my thank you gift to you. Since you helped me on the day of the ball." Aurora said, waiting for him to take it. She shuffled her feet awkwardly when she noticed he wasn't going to take it. "I know it's something a prince already has but I didn't know what else to give you... I could have it sent to your room, if you like?" 
"I'll take it." Xavier finally extended his arms. Aurora beamed with joy and gave the basket to him. Xavier placed the basket on the wooden table beside him that held more arrows and his bow. 
"I'll take my leave now." Aurora was about to bow when Xavier spoke. "Would you like to try?" He said as he nodded towards to the targets. Aurora looked at the bow and thought it wouldn't be the best idea. She would probably accidentally kill herself or the prince. Aurora was curious how to do it though, so she thought 'why not?'
"I would love to!" She said. Xavier gave her a bow and arrow and took a few steps back. "Instead of facing the target with the front of your body, you're going to want to face it with you side." Xavier said.
"Like this?" Aurora wasn't sure if she was doing it right. Xavier shook his head and came close to her again. "Your hips and shoulders need to be perfectly parallel to the target." Xavier said as he put one hand on her hip and one hand on her shoulder, fixing her posture. Aurora felt her breath hitch from his touch. 
"I'm going to let you get two practice shots first and I want you to miss the target." Xavier said. Aurora furrowed her brows, "You want me to miss on purpose?" 
Xavier nodded, "Yes, it'll help you get the feel of it." Aurora complied and shot her first arrow. She was slightly disappointed that it went into the grass but shrugged. She got another arrow and aimed higher for this one. Aurora let go of the arrow and it flew over the target, shooting at a tree. 
"Wonderful. Now you're going to aim for the middle." Xavier said and Aurora did just that. She held her breath slightly as she concentrated and shot the arrow, expecting to get bullseye. Sadly, she missed. She huffed in disappointment and looked at Xavier with sad eyes. "It must've been the wind!" She laughed, embarrassed.
"Let me help." Xavier uncrossed his arms. He put one hand under her arm that held the bow and put his other under her elbow. Xavier helped Aurora adjust her arms to get the perfect shot. Though, Aurora felt herself become stiff. 
"Aim a little bit lower." He said. Aurora could feel his breath hit her ear, she could feel herself get goosebumps. "Don't be so tense. Relax. Breathe." Xavier said as he gently held her arms. Aurora hoped he didn't notice that her tenseness was caused by him. "Release." Xavier mumbled. Aurora did what she was told and watched the arrow zoom. 
Bullseye. 
Xavier let go of Aurora and Aurora threw her hands up in the air, celebrating her victory. "I did it," she said breathlessly, "I didn't think it was possible, honestly."
 As Aurora kept her eyes on the target while she celebrated, Xavier didn't notice the small smile that grew on his face.