THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER

CHAPTER 18

Beverly's POV.

*********************

It's been two weeks since that night. The night I first visited Asher's cottage. The night since we took things to the next step. The night since our relationship tightened. The night since I began to believe there's hope for us entirely. We still see each other every night, but instead of at the Blue river, it is now at his cottage. I always spend the night, but I leave very early just so I can arrive back home before James, Mike and Ashely arrive. I have asked him during the past two weeks to visit my house so I can introduce him to my family and my friends, but he says it isn't time yet. At first, I was a little worried about that response. I was scared he might not want to be entirely tied down to me, however, he undid all my insecurities and I know when the right time comes, he will introduce himself to them.

I have been delighted recently. I can not stop smiling and my mood has been on cloud nine. Mike, James and Ashely have noticed and whenever they ask, I do not bother lying anymore. Instead, I always say to them when the time is right, they would know the reason for my good mood. I am currently at home as today was unbearably hot, thanks to the Fire Nobles, who were having their semiannual fire dance. I was taking this moment to get some work done and also trying to invent a new recipe. Jake went with my parent to an extended family three days wedding in eagle kingdom, so I was alone. Mike, James and Ashely decided to spend the day with me, and I didn't mind, it just means we get to hang out and they'll also leave early so I will have time be able to see Asher tonight.

"Are you okay?", Mike asked as they were all staring at me.

"Uh? Yeah. Why'd you ask?", I replied confused.

"You look a bit sick", Ashley responded.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm just a little tired", I replied with a smile.

"Are you sure?", asked James.

"Yeah, I am".

` They gave each other a look but did not say anything on the matter anymore. They then began to discuss other things like the Prince's ball that would be taking place in four weeks if the Prince does not fulfil his end of the deal which is to cancel the ball, he has to choose a wife that he is in love with. According to what Mike said, there are rumours in the castle that he might have found someone since he has been very happy lately, but they have being no proof, so they just remain rumours. Ashely is hoping the rumour is true so that she doesn't have to attend the ball. She seems to be the only Noble I know who is not jumping on the idea of possibly being the next crown princess, then Queen of the Unicorn-Dragon kingdom. But I guess I do not blame her, the pressure seems to be a lot. I mean if the royal family is going through all this just to get a suitable princess, it must be a difficult task then. Good thing I'm not royalty. Even if I was a Noble or Royal, I would also not want to go since I have already found my prince charming, Asher

Whiles, they were discussing that, I allowed my mind to wander back to Asher and me. I like the way things are between us and I can definitely see us having a future together. I can picture us having our own little family. But, I keep wondering where we would stay. It has always been an idea of one that I might end up leaving Unicorn-Dragon kingdom. Asher is from the Fish Kingdom and we might end up moving there. But, he has also shown a lot of interest in this kingdom so I am kind of caught. I guess this is one of the things I will have to bring up with him when I see him later tonight. I hope we are able to come to a decision soon.

"We have to head out now", Mike said, as he and James stood up.

"Why? Extra patrol?', I asked as I put down my rolling pin and allowed the rolling pins to magically continue to bake the pies I was currently baking.

"Yeah, something like that. We have an extra shift today, not for any extra reason though", James said as he ran his hand through my hair.

"Okay", I responded as I swatted his hand, while he laughed.

"I think I'll leave too. I have something to get done", Ashely said.

I said bye to them as they left and I went back to baking. I looked at the time and noticed it was 5 PM which means I still have some time left before I have to meet Asher. I decided to get some chores done in the meantime. By the time I was done with everything, it was already 9:30 PM. I decided to take a quick shower. After I was done, I put on a dark blue maxi dress with a black cloak and picked up my pies. When I was all done, I checked outside my cottage before I left to make sure there is no one there. After confirming that, I left.

By the time I got to the Blue River, Asher was already waiting for me. He must have sensed my presence because he turned in my direction the moment I go to the clearing. When he saw me, his face lit up with a smile so bright, it was like he had since the most precious gift. I felt my heart race when I saw his face and smile. No matter how many times I see him, he still remains the most gorgeous person I have ever seen.

"Hello, beautiful", he said with a smile as he hugged and kissed me.

"Hi", I responded with a blush.

"You look as beautiful as always", he said as he placed his palm on my cheeks.

"Thanks", I said, my face heating up as he collected the basket where the pies are from me.

"Shall we go?', he asked as he held my hands. I nodded and we began walking toward his cottage.

On our way to the cottage, we made small talk and both our faces were filled with smiles. I can not believe how lucky I am to have gotten a man like him. A man that treats me like a princess, A man that has been very honest with me even from the moments we were just strangers. He is all I could ever ask for. We arrived at his cottage and we went in. Aiden and Steve were currently arguing over something, while Collins was seated on one of the sofas reading a huge book. I have always known he is the nerd of the group and I tend to tease him about it sometime.

"Guys, Bev is here", Asher announced. They all stopped what they were doing and looked at me as they said their greetings. I waved at them and went to sit beside Collins. Asher walked towards me and knelt in front of me with a frown on his face.

"Are you okay? You look sick", he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, I'm just tired, Why is everyone asking me that today?', I responded with a smile.

"That's because you do look sick", Aiden said as he and the others also looked worried.

"What others?", Asher asked with a look of jealousy. Yeah, one thing I forgot to mention, in the recent time I have been with Asher, I have come to realize he is a very possessive and jealous type.

"Seriously, Asher?", Aiden joked as Steve and Collins laughed.

I just smiled as I nuzzled him since I noticed he loved it when I do that. Aiden took out the pies from the basket and they all began to wolf down on them. Asher just smiled and shook his head, as he looked at them, then asked them to leave some of them for us.

"Okay, come on. You need to lay down", Asher said as he stood up and lifted me princess-style. He began to walk to his room. He opened his room door, walked to his bed, and gently placed me on it. He covered laid with me and placed my head on his chest while running his fingers through my hair to lure me to sleep. However, before sleeping, I decided to speak to him about what has been going through my mind.

"Do you think you'll get married to me?', I suddenly asked.

His fingers froze in my hair and he frowned as he told down at me, "Of course. Is that not the plan?"

"It is. It is just that I feel like we haven't really discussed that", I said as I ran my hand down his chest.

"Look at me, Bev", he said as he lifted my chin so I could look him in the eyes, "You are it for me. You are the one I am going to spend the rest of my life with. You are the one I will start my family with. There is no second guessing that", he said fiercely.

"What about our living arrangement? Will we be moving back to the Fish Kingdom or will we remain here", I asked.

"It doesn't matter where we stay, as long as I'm with you", he responded.

I smiled, he kissed my forehead and said, "Go to sleep, you look very tired".

********************************************

I opened my eyes a while later and smiled as I saw Asher's sleeping face. However, when I looked at the clock, I saw the time was 4:50 Am. I jumped out of the bed immediately and in the process woke Asher.

"What's wrong?", he asked worriedly.

"It's late. I have to get going", I said as I began to tidy myself and Asher also began to get dressed so he could drop me off.

After I got fully settled, we both left the room and Asher knocked on Aiden's room to inform him about me leaving. Asher and I walked out of the cottage hand in hand. The walk to the Blue river was silent and extremely comfortable. When we got to the Blue river, Asher gave me a tight hug and a kiss.

"You look a bit better this morning. Try getting a bit more sleep when you get home, okay", he said.

"Okay", I smiled.

"See you tonight", he smiled at me as he gave me deep kiss.

i waved at him and began to walk to my house hurriedly. I was praying and hoping I would be able to sneak into my house without anyone noticing. As I approached my house, I was beginning to feel good, having not noticed anyone. I opened my door and walked in, ready to get back to bed. Just as I turned around, I froze as I noticed James, Mike and Ashley in my living room and they looked worried and angry.

'Where have you been?', Mike asked calmly.