**Chapter 25: The Encounter**
336 Words
**MR. WALLER (Narrating)**
“**There was a time when a princess was hanging out with friends at a park. A man saw her, mesmerised by her beauty, and fell in love at first sight.**”
**THAT MAN**
“Hey there! Ma’am? Can we talk a little?”
**PRINCESS**
“Sorry, I do not talk to strangers.”
**THAT MAN**
“If you start talking with me, then we would not be strangers anymore.”
One of the Princess’s friends, sensing a connection, raised an eyebrow.
**PRINCESS’S FRIEND**
“Do you know who you’re talking to?”
**THAT MAN**
“Yes, I’m talking to your ‘little princess.’”
Their banter turned into a conversation that stretched on for hours, filled with laughter and stories. Despite her royal restrictions, the Princess felt a spark of courage igniting within her.
**THAT MAN**
“Dear, you should tell your father about us.”
**PRINCESS**
“Yes, I’ve been thinking the same. I’m sure he won’t disagree.”
With a soft kiss on her forehead, he bid her goodbye, leaving her heart racing.
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** Chapter 26: The Confrontation**
Later that evening, the Princess approached her father, who stood brooding near the beach, the waves crashing angrily against the shore.
**PRINCESS**
“Hey, Papa! What are you doing here? I have something important to discuss.”
**KING (in anger)**
“Who is that man with whom you’ve been hanging out?”
**PRINCESS**
“How do you know this? I didn’t tell you.”
**KING**
“Answer me first.”
**PRINCESS**
“He is the one I love, Papa!”
**KING**
“So you’ve made a decision, haven’t you?”
**PRINCESS**
“No, I haven’t. I’m here to ask you about this. Why are you so angry?”
**KING**
“Because you’ve made a mistake, my child. He is not a good person; he doesn’t deserve you.”
**PRINCESS**
“No, Papa! You’re mistaken. He’s truly a good person, and he loves me just as much as you do.”
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- Writer
