"Y/N dear are you almost ready?" Your mothers screeching voice called out to you.

"Yeah mom I'm ready." Responding to her as you took one last look in the mirror.

Tonight you and your family were invited to the royal family the Evans castle. Nobody knew exactly what it was for just that it was mandatory for every family that had a daughter over the age of eighteen to attend.

Some people had suspicions as to what this party was for, but of course nobody dared speak a word about it. Everyone in the town would be glamouring up their daughters, and hoping they would catch a certain man's eyes.

You've never met the Evans but you've heard many stories about them. There were rumors they were cruel and heartless, and then there was some that were sweet and down to earth. Nobody really knew what they were like expect for what people wanted to perceive them as.

Now their son Chris on the other hand everyone knew about him. He was notorious for being a womanizer and a drunk. Having a new woman warming his bed each month. Kicking them out whenever he was bored with them. He wasn't married, and never intended to marry.

Scaring any woman off that his family tried to arrange. He was the only heir to the throne, and they didn't know what else to do. His parents were at their wits end with him, and knew he needed to grow up sooner or later.

Thing is you've never seen the prince or what he even looked like. Not even in pictures. So for all you know you could meet him tonight and then have no idea. You knew what his parents looked like, but you were clueless to him.

Which is what made you even more nervous when you heard about the letter. The last thing you wanted was to secretly meet the pompous prince, and then he falls for you and wants you all to himself. Then demanding you leave your family behind to come live at the castle.

Of course when your mother received the letter from the castle she about passed out. Screaming through the house about how you were going to get married dancing around the rooms by herself. Your mother wanted you married off to a wealthy man as soon as possible.

You were the only child so of course she was extra pushy with you. No man had ever asked for you to marry them, and you certainly didn't expect that to happen any time soon. You were never lucky in the art of love. Disappointment after disappointment with each relationship you've had.

"Get your ass down here now we're going to be late." Rolling your eyes as you adjusted the straps of your dress.

Grabbing your phone and putting it in your purse you carefully walked down the stairs. Both of your parents standing there waiting for you. Turning up to look at you all dressed up your mother clasping her hands up to her mouth as she smiled widely.

"You just look so beautiful."

"Yes honey you look absolutely perfect."

Both your parents complimented you as you sheepishly looked down at your heeled feet. You've never been one for getting all dolled up like this, but of course this was something different and lord knows what was actually happening tonight.

"Do I really have to wear this dress?" Looking down at yourself in emphasis. "I mean don't you think it's a bit much?"

"Absolutely not you have to look your best when visiting the royal family." She nodded her head at you.

"I look ridiculous mom." Tossing your hands up just wanted to go back upstairs and change.

"You look just like a bride." Frowning at her words hating how she chose the lightest colored dress she could find. "Doesn't she look like a bride?"

"Yes dear she does." His tone unamused as he just gave you a sly wink making your smile.

"I'm changing." Turning to head back upstairs her voice stopping you.

"Oh shut up you're going and that's final." Waving her hands around as you father laughed to himself.

"Can't I just stay here and you guys act like I don't exist?" Suggesting keeping your fingers crossed.

"That's ridiculous they know we have a daughter." Your mother argued back. "They know all the families."

"Then it would be a shame if I were to run away." Teasing as you saw the look of panic strike across her face.

"You wouldn't dare." Pointing a finger at you a stern look on her face. "I will drag you to this party with a gun to your back if I have to."

She threatened as you tried not to burst into laughter at how serious he expression was. This was one opportunity you guys had to meet the Hansens, and your mother especially wasn't going to let anything get in the way of that.

"Okay honey we should probably get going." Your father looking at the time on his watch.

Your father grabbing your mothers hand leading her to the door just wanting to get this night over with. Starting up the car as he took off down the street. Sitting in the back looking out the window watching as everybody else was leaving as well with their daughters strutting to the car.

The goal being that you would stand in the back avoiding the Evans and their son Chris as much as possible. Since the party would only last so long, and maybe he'd find some girls to distract him and he wouldn't even take notice of you.

Maybe you'd see your best friend Natasha there, and the two of you could mingle together and make the most of things. She always had a way of cheering you up and making you feel better. She was always their for you every time you got your heart broken. The two of you were inseparable.

The castle wasn't far from the town as several minutes passed by, and you looked straight ahead to see it just over the hill. Sighing to yourself wishing you would have seen the letter before her, or simply just ran away.

"Oh look there it is." Your mother exclaimed she she clapped her hands together. "My god it looks so stunning."

"Wow." Was all your father said as he tried not to swerve.

Crossing your hands over your chest as you drove to a gate with armed guards everywhere. They asked for a name and checked off the list letting you guys through. Low key hoping they denied you access and you had to turn around and go back home.

Driving down the extremely long driveway you finally pulled up to the castle. Looking out the window and looking up in amazement with your mouth hanging wide open. You've never seen a house this big, and certainly not one like this in person.

Pulling up to where more guards were standing, and people were being directed inside. Taking a deep breath when you parked and someone was opening the door motioning for you to get out. A hand helping you out as you fixed the body of your dress.

"Smile." A voice sneered at you realizing it was your mother.

"I am." Keeping the same face not wanting to be here.

"Smile or I will do something that will even embarrass me." Hearing those words had you straightening up plastering a huge smile on your lips.

Your mother was willing to do or say anything to her what she wanted. She didn't care if it made her look ridiculous it took a lot to embarrass her, so when she made that threat you knew it was serious, and that you should probably listen to her at this point.

As you walked up the stairs to the castle your heart was beating faster. Your palms felt like they were slippery and wet. For some reason you were more nervous than you intended to be. All you needed was some fancy wine in your system and you'd feel a whole lot better.

Walking through the double doors your mouth almost dropped to the floor. This was just the main entrance and it was massively huge. Multiple chandeliers hung on the ceiling as well as many paintings no doubt that were drawn by famous artists.

It felt like you were walking into a museum rather than someone's house. Everything was shiny and clean, and you were afraid to even touch anything. No doubt the maids had their work cut out for them cleaning this place up. Surely this place got dusty so easily and was a pain in the ass.

Following the other guests as you were all being led into a huge ballroom. There was light music being played and the room was filled with laughter and chatter. The king and queen sat in the front of the room watching their guests mingling and talking. Waiters and waitresses walking around with drinks.

People were waiting in line to talk to them and presenting them with what you assumed was gifts. Shaking their hands and bowing to them which just made you roll your eyes. Sensing they were a snobby family, and expected everyone to approach them instead of walking out to them.

"Easy on the wine." She eyed you as soon as you snapped a drink from the tray.

"Bite me." Walking away before she could respond looking around for your friend Natasha.

She was nowhere to be seen which was a major disappointment, but maybe she just hasn't arrived yet. She was the only thing that would keep you sane here otherwise you'd be pounding back the wine until the room would begin spinning.

Finishing half the glass already as you slowly walked around the room hoping you could at least spot someone you liked. Surely there had to be a familiar and friendly face in this ginormous room. You certainly weren't going to stand by your parents the whole night.

Not really wanting to be here and looking at it as an excuse to get drunk. Watching the mingling guests as you already finishing your glass. The liquor already taking its affect on you, but that didn't stop you from grabbing another one. Sipping on that as you looked around wondering if any of these men that were walking around were the prince.

Maybe he was a good looking man with a heart of gold, and you were just too quick to judge. Or maybe he was like what everyone said he was and was the complete opposite of what you would hope for. Upon hearing those rumors he was probably with a woman right now taking her in an empty bathroom.

There had to be a legit reason as to why they sent letters to every family that had a daughter. Maybe it just went over your head, but you really had no idea. At first you thought it was cause they wanted everyone in the town to see what it was like to live in luxury, but that didn't make sense cause only the families with daughters were invited.

As more people filled the room you found yourself becoming overwhelmed. You needed fresh air fast otherwise you were afraid you'd get sick. Your chest was starting to hurt as your breathing became more scattered and shallow. You knew this feeling and you just needed to get out of this room fast.

Spotting a hallway you sneakily took off down there. Looking around to see no guards so far which was incredibly surprising. Assuming they would be posted on every corner of every room.

Not knowing exactly where you were going as you turned down random hallways. That's when you spotted what looked like a balcony. Making your way over carefully opening the door as the breeze brushed on your skin. The fresh air filling your nostrils calming down your nerves.

Leaning against the rails as you over looked your view that looked like their garden. From what you could see it looked spectacular and the kind of garden anyone would be envious of. There was lights shining down on the path with gazebos and benches along the way.

You really hated to admit it, but this place was breathtaking. It would be awesome if you could live here or simply visit here all the time. You weren't the type of woman to want fancy stuff like this, but now seeing it you were exactly complaining anymore.

"You lost?" Jumping hearing a deep voice intruding your daydreaming.

"Jesus Christ you scared the shit out of me." Placing a hand over your chest feeling it beating rapidly beneath your hand.

"Sorry I just didn't think anyone would have been out here." The man stepped forward so you could get a better look at him. "Everyone else is inside."

"I'm sorry do you own these balcony's or something?" Arguing with the strange man suddenly becoming defensive.

"No I don't." He had a look of amusement on his face smiling showing off his white teeth.

This man looked like pure perfection to you. His hair was a dark brown that was wavy but slicked back. He had little scruffs of hair across his jaw, and some scars on his cheek. His suit was a dark navy blue suit with matching navy blue suede shoes. That color really suited him even more so when you took notice of how thick his arms were.

This man looked like he was sculpted by God himself. Trying not to drool over him as he now stood in front of you. Maybe coming to this party wasn't such a bad idea after all. If that means you got to chat with the most handsome man you've ever met.

"Why are you out here?" Throwing back in his face.

"I came to get some fresh air." He answered as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Why are you out here?"

"And don't use the I was looking for the bathroom excuse." Quirking an eyebrow at you with a smirk on his face.

"I had to get out of there." Motioned back inside as you sipped your wine. "It was becoming too much."

"Yeah it seems to already be getting pretty wild." He agreed leaning his right elbow against the railing.

"I'm not into these kinds of things anyway." Admitting to the man as he nodded.

"Yeah I'm not either I hate large crowds like this." Agreeing with you as he was leaning forward a bit.

"But of course my crazy erratic mother insisted more like decided for me that I should come." Joking as he chuckled at your choice of words for her. "She practically threatened me to come."

"Are you serious?" He asked through his laughter.

"Yeah I swear she did." Nodding as you took another drink.

"I kind of know the feeling." Looking down at his feet as you cocked your head.

"She thinks I'm going to marry the prince." Shaking your heard as you laughed at the thought.

"You don't think you will?" His question was one of genuine curiosity.

"Absolutely not." Scoffing again raising his eyebrows at you. "He seems like a pompous, rude and womanizing type of man."

"How do you know that?"

"I mean come on he's the prince for crying out loud he's bound to be what everyone thinks of him." Ranting to the man now.

"Maybe he's changed and is a new man now." His tone didn't change but he seemed a little offended.

"Please I've heard the rumors he'll never change." He nodded his head as he listened to you and thought about what you said. "Besides I heard his parents tried to force him to marry."

"I mean if I were him I'd certainly hate someone telling me who I can and cannot marry." That was true and you felt bad about ranting over someone whose life you knew nothing about.

"You said earlier you knew about knowing that feeling?" Softening your tone even more as he nodded his head.

"Your mother pushing you to marry as well." It came out more as a statement than a question.

"Oh yeah for several years now."

"Yeah my moms been planning my marriage since my birth."

"I doubt that sincerely darling." A skeptical look on his face.

Hearing the pet name that he gave you leaving his lips had your body feel warm. It's been so long since anyone that wasn't your parent call you something like that. Trying not to lean even closer, and possibly do something tonight that you would later regret. For crying out loud you just met this man, and you hadn't exchanged names.

"Yeah well you don't know my mom." Which hopefully he didn't have to otherwise he'd agree she was crazy.

"I'm sure she's a wonderful woman." This time you scoffed.

"You don't have to be nice you haven't met her yet." Shaking your head at him as you finished the rest of your wine.

"If she's anything like you I'm sure she's a lovely woman." He stepped even closer to you making your breath hitch at how close he was getting. "Beautiful, charming, funny, sweet and delectable."

His eyes lingering on your lips as they parted open as he spoke. Even with the warm air the goosebumps still appeared on your skin. This man was flirting with you and it took you this long to realize it. Judging by the way he was staring at you now it was becoming more obvious.

You could smell his intoxicating cologne as it filled your nostrils. It smelled so warm and inviting that you wanted to smell it all the time now. His forest green eyes were sinking in your face as neither of you spoke. His compliments left you speechless for some reason.

Who was this guy anyway? He didn't even tell you his name. There was a couple questions you had since mainly the people here were older people with their daughters, and he wasn't any of those. He had to be someone that worked here in the castle.

"Are you a servant or something?" Blurting out a question hoping it didn't sound rude.

Before he could respond what sounded like vibrations started to ring catching both your attention. Pulling out his phone as he sighed putting it back. Usually people would say saved by the bell but that wasn't the case for you.

He certainly knew what that signal was as he grabbed your hand and placed a soft and gentle kiss on top of it. This man certainly knew all the tricks and was pulling them all on you tonight. He already had you swooning and he was still a complete stranger.

"It was nice to meet you." He paused for a minute not having got your name.

"Y/F/N Y/L/N." Introducing as he smiled at you before letting go of your hand.

"Well it was a pleasure to meet you Y/N darling." Walking out of the balcony taking off down the hall.

Standing there frozen on the spot as you thought about what just happened. A complete stranger a handsome one at that was flirting with you at the Bradshaws castle. Even if he was just a servant he still worked with the royal family, and you had caught his attention.

He couldn't have been the Chris everyone talked about cause he was too sweet and well mannered. Chris would have probably had you bent over this railing before you could even get one word out.

This guy had you feeling like some young girl who got her first ever crush. Butterflies were floating around your stomach as you smiled to yourself wishing now you would have gotten his name at least or his number for that matter.

Surely you would see him again when you got back to the party. Now you had an excuse to actually be out there then you could have a reason to gaze at him. Knowing your luck the man was probably already seeing someone and was just being nice.

That's when you heard trumpets playing and thought it was time to get back to the party. Quickly walking down the same halls following the noise of the loud chatter. Standing in the door way hoping nobody noticed you. Taking another look around to see your friend Natasha was still nowhere to be found.

"Ladies and gentlemen." The king blared out as they both looked out to the crowd. "And beautiful daughters of our kingdom."

Scanning the room to see if you could find the same man, but he was also nowhere in sight either. Feeling disappointment hit your body as you saw a waiter walk by with a tray full of wine making sure to snag one. Looks like you were still going to have to get drunk.

"Thank you all for coming out this evening we greatly appreciate each and every one of you." He continued to speak as everyone was focused on them.

"Tonight we have brought you all here for a special reason." The queen spoke up this time a huge smile on her face. "Tonight our son will be choosing a wife."

Audible gasps and squeals rang across the room from the parents