~LEVI~

"There you are!" I turned to see Amelia hurrying in my direction. I had navigated (with some difficulty) back to the ballroom, waiting for this disastrous event to end.

"Hey," I said quietly as she reached my side. I doubted she could hear my soft voice over the chatter of the ballroom, but that was the last thing on my mind at the moment.

"So, how did it go with your little prince? Don't think I didn't notice that you've been gone all night," Amelia winked suggestively.

"I don't want to talk about it," I tried to speak a bit louder so that she could hear me over the noise, but my voice wouldn't go past a quiet mumble.

Whether Amelia had heard me or just noticed that something was off, I had no idea. "Hey, what's up baby brother?"

"We're twins."

"Don't change the subject, Levi."

I sighed; she knew me too well for my own good. "I'll tell you about it when we leave."

My sister opened her mouth to say something else, but was interrupted by a voice speaking over a microphone, silencing the entire ballroom.

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight," a man, who I presumed was the King of Elizabeth based off of the massive crown on his head, addressed the crowd with a proud smile. "It's always lovely to meet with other kingdoms and their people. Now, without further ado, it's time for the final dance of the night. I'd like to ask all of the heirs to their thrones—all of my beautiful princes and princesses out there—to step onto the dance floor for this last number. Goodnight!" The King glanced around irritably, as if looking for someone, before making his exit. That's when I realized that there was no sign of Prince Charles. Great job, Levi.

The orchestra began playing a nice classical piece. All of the noblemen and women, Dukes and duchesses, and kings and queens cleared the dance floor to give the heirs room. I reluctantly followed Amelia, though dancing was the last thing I wanted to do at the moment.

Just a few minutes. Then it will be over.

"Levi, you're not okay," Amelia said in concern as we waltzed to the music.

I humphed. "Tell me about it."

"No, seriously. You look like you're about to pass out."

"I'm fine."

I wasn't fine. I was lightheaded, my legs felt weak. I was having trouble focusing my eyesight. Charles's words had affected me more than I would care to admit to anyone, including myself. My sister didn't argue, giving my hand a comforting squeeze.

The dance felt like it lasted an hour, when in reality it was only four or five minutes. It was the processes of leaving the ballroom that really seemed to last an eternity. Hundreds of bodies attempted to exit through the ginormous marble doors at once. After at least a solid half hour, with Amelia holding my hand for comfort the entire way, we made it to our white limousine where our parents were waiting. Once they saw that we'd arrived, they entered the limo through the door nearest to the front. Amelia and I entered through the door at the back, into a completely different room than our parents.

Fancy, I know.

As soon as I sat down, I turned up the AC. My body relaxed slightly at the cool breeze.

"Alright, talk," Amelia demanded.

I explained everything to her, from the moment I saw him to the moment he shoved me away. The hurt that I'd been pushing away had taken over by the time I was done. Hurt that he'd said what he said, hurt that I'd ruined it for myself, hurt that I'd lost my chance. Most of all, hurt that I'd somehow allowed myself to fall so quickly.

Amelia shook her head sympathetically. "It's alright, Levi. He doesn't deserve you."

"He didn't do anything wrong, Lia. I came onto him. He had every right to push me off."

"Yeah, but he had no right call you... You know. The son of a bitch kissed you back and then left you there! I swear if I ever meet this boy..." Amelia was livid.

I'll admit, what he said hurt. A lot. His words had cut through me like a knife and left me defenseless. Yet I couldn't bring myself to be angry with him. He had the right to be upset. I was the one who messed up, as usual. I went too fast. I screwed myself over.

I must have been sulking, because Amelia took my hand comfortingly. "Levi, you know what they say. There are plenty of fish in the sea. One day you'll find a great guy who'll—"

"That's the thing sis—I don't want just a great guy. I want Charles. I know I only met him tonight and I must sound insane but... I don't know, Lia, this is different. I've never felt so... so... so drawn to somebody before. I've seen guys and thought they were cute or interesting, yeah. But I've never wanted to know someone as much as I want to know him. Everything about him sparks my interest. I saw him and it was all a blur from there. I know I sound like a goddamn idiot, but I can't explain it, Lia. I could spend years trying to find the right words, but there are none. I just..."

"You don't need to explain, Levi," my sister interrupted softly, giving my hand a squeeze. "I know what it's like to be in love. When I'm with Adrian—"

"I am not in love," I said firmly.

"Levi..."

"I met him maybe four hours ago, Amelia!"

"It doesn't matter," my sister argued. "It only takes a second to fall in love if it's the right person, Levi. It's love at first si–"

"Love at first sight doesn't exist," I protested. "This isn't a Shakespeare novel, and I'm certainly no Romeo."

"Levi–"

"Drop it, ok?"

The drive was silent after that. When we reached the private jet, we exited the limo silently and boarded the plane. Amelia gave me space, which I both appreciated and regretted.

~•~•~

I thought that after a day it would wear off. I figured that everything I'd felt the previous night had just been in the heat of the moment, and that I'd move on quickly.

When the day had passed and Charlie was still the only thing on my mind, I figured a proper night's sleep without the disturbance of plane turbulence would help me set my thoughts straight.

Another day went by. Then another. After a week of thinking nonstop about that stupid prince, I needed a break.

His dark blue eyes would appear in my mind during maths lessons. I'd find myself drifting off during science at the thought of his dark brown hair that I never got to touch. I could almost feel his lips against mine, his hand in my hair, his chest pressed against my own.

He was taking over without even trying.

"Sir Levi!" My butler, James, called from outside of my room. He's pretty cool, in a 'dad' sort of way, given that he's almost forty. "Your father would like a word, sir."

I groaned, setting down the guitar I'd been playing mindlessly. Rolling out of my king sized bed, I dragged my feet to his office where, sure enough, he was waiting.

"Sit down," he instructed.

"Well good morning to you too, father," I greeted. He didn't break a smile.

"I'm sure you already know what I've called you here to say," he continued as if I'd never spoken.

"Well there's always the hope that you called me here to tell me that you love me and have a nice hug," I prompted. When I received no response, I shrugged. "Yeah, I figured that wasn't it. The usual, then?"

"That's enough, Levi," his voice indicated that I'd best stop babbling. "You're slacking off in your classes again."

"I have all 'A's!" I protested.

"'Low A's are not acceptable," my father corrected sternly. "None of your brothers—"

"I don't give a shit what my brothers have!"

"Watch your mouth, son," he silenced me in an instant. "What's going on with you? You've always been... Different. But this past week you've been more distracted than ever. You need to get your act togeth—"

"You know what," I interrupted, putting my hand up to stop him. "I don't need this right now, alright? My grades are fine, and you need to get off my arse for a minute, kay? Yell at me some other time, just not right now. I've got enough on my mind."

I stood and stormed out of my livid father's office. Although I would have loved to go back to my room and curl up in bed, I knew I'd just get called back to my father's office again. He doesn't take well to being talked back to. Instead, I made my way to the front of the castle and through the enormous wooden doors at the entrance.

"Where are you headed, sir?" One of the guards at the door asked.

"None of your business, sir," I retorted.

The guard just nodded reluctantly, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. I didn't blame him—he knew I was sneaking out. However, it wasn't in his power to stop me from leaving as long as I was staying on castle grounds.

I quickly walked past him and the other guard, knowing that if I lingered too long anywhere I'd get caught. I kept heading straight until the massive castle gates were in sight.

"Levi, wait!"

Dammit.

I stopped in my tracks to let my sister catch up to me.

"I knew you were sneaking out," she declared triumphantly.

"Good to know, sis, but I'm going to have to cut this conversation short," I began walking again, only to be stopped once more by a strong grip on my arm. For such a petite girl, she had a firm hold.

"Levi, you can't leave. Father is already unhappy with you!" She protested.

"And that," I said, shaking her hand off, "is exactly why I'm leaving." I continued towards the gates again.

"Levi, you'll be dead meat when you come back," my sister warned.

"I'll deal with that when it comes," I said dismissively. With an annoyed humph, my sister scurried to catch up with me.

"But–"

"Don't worry Lia, you can just go back to the castle and pretend to know nothing of my whereabouts. You won't get in any trouble, it'll all just be on me, alright?"

"You can't just go out by yourself! That could be dangerous!" She fretted.

"Then come with me," I suggested nonchalantly.

"I... Ugh, fine! I don't know why I always let you drag me into this kind of thing!"

"You don't have to co–"

"No, I'm coming," she insisted. I smirked internally. This is what always happens.

We reached the front gates of the castle, the part that gets a bit tricky. The guards here don't have to let me proceed, and if they figure that I'm sneaking out, they'll call my parents.

"Hello, fellas," I greeted. They said nothing. "Yeah, we're just gonna go..." Amelia and I slipped past them into the countryside.

Yeah, I was kidding, there was nothing difficult about passing these guards. They were the kind that stand completely still and don't talk unless there's an intruder. It's amusing, really. They make sneaking out so easy. I'm almost surprised that my parents haven't trained them to specifically not let me out, to be honest.

This is the part where it gets quite tedious. Amelia and I have to walk about three miles until we actually reach the city. Usually we think of some sort of game to play to make the walk less boring.

"Okay, go for it." Amelia said randomly

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What?"

"I want you to tell me everything you fancy about this Charles boy. You're clearly still smitten, so—"

"I'm not!"

"You are."

"I'm over him, Lia." I lied.

She quirked am eyebrow disbelievingly. "You know running away from your feelings won't make them disappear, right?"

I shrugged. "It's worth a shot."

"The best way to move on is by coming to terms with your feelings, so go. Tell me everything about him that you like." She instructed.

"Amel-"

"Go."

I sighed. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

"I can. Now quit stalling."

"Aw, you know me so well."

"Levi."

"Right. Sorry..." I drawled. "Uh, where do I start?"

"Start with what you like about him physically first," my sister decided.

"His image has already started to fade," I lied again. I could still remember every detail of his face like I'd just seen him yesterday.

Although she clearly didn't believe me, Amelia nodded. "Ok, well tell me what you remember."

"Don't you already know what he looks like? You saw him."

"As if I'd remember what he looked like. I only saw him for about half a minute before some duchess dragged me away." she scoffed. "Now quit stalling."

"Well," Where do I start? "He's got these dark, stormy blue eyes—much darker than mine. They're big and wide and innocent and fucking adorable. Then he's got the dark brown hair that frames his face well and makes those gorgeous eyes of his pop. The features of his face are really delicate, but at the same time really sexy, you know? And his smile... oh god his smile is so nice. It's really boyish and cute and his lips in general are just really soft and pink and he's such a good kisser and I can't believe I'm telling you all of this," I felt a blush creep up my neck as I realized how weird this conversation was. Amelia, however, just shook her head.

"No, this is good, keep going. Tell me about his personality," she urged.

Hesitantly, I continued. "He's got this kind of good-boy thing. He seems like the kind of guy to follow the rules without complaint. He's traditional, he likes to mind his manners and such. Yet he's got a clever, sarcastic side to him. He blushes al lot, which is really damn cute, and he tends to cock his head a bit when he's confused. Also really damn cute. I could go on but this is a bit awkward for me so I'm just going to leave it with he's a really nice guy, most of the time."

"Great," Amelia said cheerfully. "Feel and better now?"

"Yeah, sure," I lied for what felt like the hundredth time that day. If anything, I think I'd just dug myself into an even deeper hole. My mind was back to thinking about all of the things that I liked about him. It was dangerous, I knew. Charles wasn't perfect. He'd hurt me. Yet I still couldn't bring myself to blame him.

"I know what you're doing, Levi," Amelia spoke. "I can see it on your face. It's not you're fault. He was a dick, remember that. If coming to terms with your feeling doesn't make them go away, you might want to just try the next easiest method: turn them around. You have every right to be mad at this boy. So don't focus on the positives. Remember what he said to you. Remember the way he left you there. Be angry with him."

~•~•~

I was angry. Very angry. I realized that what Amelia had said was true; I really needed to stop blaming myself. It wasn't like I had just randomly come onto him. If he was so opposed to doing anything romantic with me, he should have moved the moment he realized that I was literally straddling him. He shouldn't have taken the grass from my hair so delicately, letting his hand brush my cheek. He shouldn't have just sat there when we were in such a compromising position. He shouldn't have kissed me back. But he did. He responded to the kiss. It's not like he'd shoved me away as soon as I'd kissed him; no, he kissed me back for at least a solid minute, if not more. His hand was in my fucking hair for god's sake!

This whole week I'd been doing nothing but blaming myself for his cowardice! Coming to terms with your sexuality is hard—believe me, I know—but that doesn't make up for the things he said. It doesn't make up for the fact that he left me there, hurt, to find my way back to the ballroom through the huge castle. I hate h—

No you don't.

Amelia and I had just made our way back to the castle. It had to be at least 9 PM, our parents would be pissed.

The day in the city had been a much needed one. I was so distracted all day that I barely had a chance to think of Charles. Now that we were back, however, he was all that I was thinking of again. This time, however, it was different. I was mad.

I wanted so badly to say that I hated him. That would make everything so much easier. It would mean that I was over him. It would mean that I could move on and forget about him. It would mean that I never wanted to see him again.

But I didn't hate him. I should have, but I couldn't.

I stared at my blank bedroom ceiling as if it would hold some sort of answers.

Nothing.

Who would have thought.

"Sir Levi!" James called from outside my door. "Your father would like to speak with you."

Here it goes.

I rolled reluctantly out of the comfort of my bed and, for the second time that day, dragged my feet downstairs to my father's office. His door was open a crack and his deep voice sounded through it. He's on the phone.

"I think that's an incredible idea, Meredith. There is no better way to unite our kingdoms..... Yes, yes, they should definitely be introduced first.... Another ball? On such short notice?.... Of course that could be arranged....she'll be there... Levi? Yes, of course.... Oh I didn't know that, interesting.... Ok, see you Saturday, goodbye."

Another ball? Hell no.

I waited a minute before entering so he didn't know that I was eavesdropping. Cautiously, I pushed his office door fully open.

"You wanted to see me, father?"

"You're in a lot of trouble," he stated bluntly. "First, you completely disrespect me, then you sneak out and force your sister along with you?" He scolded.

"I didn't fo– never mind," I decided it would be better off if he didn't know that Amelia had chosen to join me. She doesn't need to get in trouble as well. "You're right, I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it, sir. You need to stop setting a bad example for Amelia."

She's seventeen, she can make her own decisions.

"Lucky for you, you're off the hook this time."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"I was just on the phone with the Queen of Elizabeth Island. She informed me that you befriended her son at the ball last week. Good work, Levi. You did your job."

Barely.

"In fact, the Meredith proposed that another ball is held to further improve our relations as well as... Well, that's a discussion for another time. But you will be expected to attend–"

"No," I refused.

"Pardon?" My father narrowed his eyes.

"I will not be attending this ball," I said firmly.

"Levi," his voice was dangerously low. "You've already been pushing your limits today. I'm being generous by not punishing you. You will be attending." His voice indicated that the subject was not up for argument. Naturally, I argued.

"I can't. Father, I seriously can't. Punish me if you'd like, but don't make me go to this one. Please," I begged.

I couldn't face Charles again. I couldn't bare to see the look of disgust when our eyes met. I knew I was being a coward, but I also knew that it would be too much for me to handle.

There was also the lingering fear that if I saw him again, I'd forget to be angry with him. Hell, even just thinking about facing him made me feel a bit dreamy. If I was going to move on, I needed to keep my distance.

"Fine. Bring me your guitar."

I nearly choked on air. "W-what?"

"You heard me," my father's voice was scarily calm. "If you're not going to listen to directions, hand the guitar over. That's your punishment."

He might as well have just stabbed me.