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Adele looked back up at the sky, where the sun was now nearly right above them. "People think it's so easy to be a royal, and we're both proof that's definitely not true. I just wish..." Adele sighed. "I wish life was easier. But again, we all do. There has to be something I can do to help my kingdom with that. But I don't know what it is." Adele thought again about what Caelan had said. "So... you don't want to be king?"
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"I mean, it's nice to be the next king but at the same time a ton of pressure, you know?" He said simply, shrugging "Being king is....challenging and a bit frustrating but rewarding in the end." He added after a moment of thought
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(sorryyyyy I have writer's block right now :/) Adele nodded in agreement. She didn't really know what else to say, so instead she changed the subject. "Did you say you had something for me? Or was that about the lemonade and food?"
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Totally fine, life is crazy rn...) "No, I really do have something I got made for you." He said, shaking his head and reaching into a saddle bag. He pulled out a pair of jeans, riding boots, and a loose blouse that cinched in just snug enough around the bottom hem that the blouse wouldn't catch on anything. "For you, Adele." He said, nodding his head gently and passing her the clothes. "They have no trace of Night Kingdom on there at all. No emblems, signatures from the tailor, nothing. I promise. I just...wanted to give you something that would make your life easier." He admitted, blushing a bit but keeping eye-contact
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(Oof. Hope it gets better soon.) Adele, sitting up, watched curiously as Caelan pulled out the clothes. When she saw what they were, her eyes widened, and a smile grew on her face. She let out a single laugh, a true smile taking over. Adele accepted the clothes and admired them, fingering the fabric. "This is... the best gift. Exactly what I need." She looked back up at Caelan, eyes shining. "Thank you." Adele suddenly felt the urge to... ...Do something that would break every rule of being the heir of the Day Kingdom. She barely resisted it, and looked back down at the clothes in her hands, face growing warm.
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thank you <3) Caelan smiled softly. "Of course." He said, watching her admire the clothes for a moment. "Adele?" He murmured. "I...have something to tell you...." He began, blushing a deeper red. "I...like you. I need you like I need air and I love your smile and the way you say my name, I love the way you ride and laugh, I love the way you are willing to try anything at all at least once--even use daggers. I love the way your hair looks like it's glowing in the sunlight, I love your love for the beach and snacks as much as I do, I love how you've decided to stay here with me even when you knew I figured out who you are and you trusted me." He said, the words flowing out like a river. I can't believe I just told her everything....Well, she should know, I suppose. He thought, smiling softly and tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "And I'm sorry if me saying darling or sweetheart makes you uncomfortable." He added quickly, as though that fixed the fact that he wanted to disobey everything he'd been taught and kiss her right here and now.
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Adele slowly set the clothes down, listening to Caelan intently. She knew she was blushing, but she didn't really care. She looked into the prince's eyes, understanding everything he was saying more clearly than ever. When he was finished, Adele sat there, still gazing at him, unsure what to say. Finally, she said, with a small and nervous laugh, "Wow, Caelan. That's a big confession." She spoke sincerely, and said whatever came to her heart. "The truth is..." She bit her lip, then continued. "I think I like you, too. I love the way you were kind to me the moment you realized I was lost, I love how you love the stars, and animals, and nature as much as I do. I don't think I realized it until now, but I do like you. And you're so gentle, kind, and caring that I hardly care that you're my kingdom's enemy. To most people in my kingdom, your wings would just prove how evil you are. But to me... They're a part of what makes you, you." Adele finally trailed off, unsure what to say now. She knew Caelan was being 100% honest with her, and that she was holding back something huge. She needed to tell him. But if she told him now, would he simply leave her there and forget everything he just said? She should wait. "But you realize that we really can't be together, right? Our kingdoms are at the brink of war! They're sworn enemies for some reason, and I know for one that my father would personally kill me and my mother would lock me up in my room forever if they found out..."
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"I'll protect you.I promise, Adele. I'll never let anyone harm you or keep you from me." He said, moving closer to sit beside her. He cupped her face, his thumb stroking her cheek gently for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. He leaned in, waiting for her to tell him to piss off, before crushing his lips against hers
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Adele looked down, fiddling with her thumbs. When Caelan moved closer, she stopped and looked at him. She was about to say something, when he touched her face. Adele looked into his eyes, then leaned in. She kissed him back, savoring the moment. After a few seconds, Adele pulled away. 'That felt so right, but it was so wrong' she thought, turning her head away from the prince. She did like him, a lot, but one, they couldn't be together, and two, she had never actually seriously considered a realtionship like that. In fact, that was her first kiss. Adele buried her face in her hands, trying to get her thoughts together.
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Caelan pulled away, the smile dropping from his face. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that...." Caelan said, moving back to his spot on the blanket and keeping his head down. "I'm sorry, Adele"
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