"Princess Alice, now that you are of age, it is time for you to chose a husband," Queen Agnes nodded. "The kingdom is awaiting your decision."

The Princess of Edella sighed. "I've been thinking over my choices, Mother. The thing is, I just don't particularly like any of the princes from the other kingdoms."

"Well, you have until supper to make your decision," the Queen said firmly before exiting the Princess's chamber.

Alice sat down upon her bed and ran a brush through her long blonde locks.

"Princess Alice!" Called a handsome voice from outside her window. "Alice, my love!"

"William?" Alice asked with a hint of excitement in her voice. "William, is that you?"

"Yes, it is I," the stable boy replied.

Alice hurried to her window. "My dear," she smiled. "Oh, William, do wait for me. I shall be down in a moment." She hurried to her chamber door and pulled it open with a loud creak. After being sure that the passageway was clear of servants, the Princess ran down the long, winding staircase.

Alice stepped into the throne room and saw her father, King Ferguson, talking with Prince Adam of Edinia.

"Oh, no. Not another prince," Alice whispered to herself, looking around frantically. She saw the entrance to the castle and ran as fast as her legs would carry her.

Fortunately, she was unseen by her father and the Prince, and made her way safely outside. "William?" She called.

The stable boy rounded the corner and took her by the hand, running with her to the fields behind the castle.

They stopped running when the castle was far off in the distance and they felt like their strength would give out if they took even another step.

"My Princess," William said breathlessly, "has anyone every told you that you are exceptionally beautiful?"

"Many times," Alice laughed softly. "But it is much more special to hear it from your lips, my love."

William gently cupped her face in his hands, caressing her rosy cheeks with his thumbs.

"I wish we could tell everyone about us," the Princess sighed, closing her eyes as she melted into his touch.

"Alice, what are you afraid of?" William whispered tenderly.

"They'll dismiss you. I know...we'll be parted forever. They won't let us marry," Alice said heartbrokenly.

William looked into her beautiful blue eyes. "Isn't it worth the risk, my dear? If there is even a chance we may be able to be wed, shan't we take it?"

Alice thought this over for a moment. "Yes...I suppose we shall."

"Pardon, my lady, but would it be too forward of me to ask to kiss you?" William whispered breathlessly.

The Princess shook her head, giving him her mind blindly.

William leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, lingering there for a long time.

Neither wanted the moment to end.

So there they stood in the field, lips locked in a tender kiss until Alice whispered, "I love you."