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"Not it," I sighed.

"This one only has three leaves," Sybil murmured. She looked over at Ashton, who was sulking at the clovers. "Did you find any yet?"

"I'd let you know if I did."

"Is your boyfriend always this grumpy?" she whispered, pointing at him.

My cheeks flushed. "He's not really my boyfriend."

"Not yet." She winked. "But I think he will be soon."

I shot a glance at Ashton, who was obviously listening in on our conversation.

"What are you a psychic?" I joked.

"Something like that," she admitted, twisting her bangle nervously between her fingers. "It's also one of the reasons people think I'm weird."

"For real? That's so cool though," I giggled.

"You don't think it's creepy?"

"Of course not. You're like Raven from That's So Raven."

She smiled and let out a sigh of relief. "You're the first person to respond like that. Well the first apart from my mom and brother. Everyone else just avoids me because of it."

"I bet they wish they were as amazing as you."

"Right?" she chuckled. "It's not like I can see the future though. It's more of a feeling I get, like a premonition. Like how I just feel like the prince will be here tonight."

"Everyone seems to be looking for the princes tonight," I murmured.

"Yeah" she nodded, leaning down to count another clover. "Some people aren't excited about them coming back. But I guess it's to be expected. On the other hand, some are excited because they hope one of the princes will notice them and fall in love." She rolled her eyes. "Life isn't a Cinderella fairy tale and stuff like that just doesn't happen. Which is why I want to be my own Prince Charming." She took a breath. "Oops, sorry for the rant."

I shook my head. "You're right. Life isn't perfect. I can attest to that."

"So can my student loan debt," she chuckled.

"It's bold of people to assume that the princes can just pick whoever they want to marry," Ashton quipped. "If they end up paired with someone they like, then they're really lucky."

His eyes softened as he looked at me. "Just as I am."

"I bet you are," Sybil murmured. "Hey, look!" She pointed at the ground excitedly. "I think I found one."

She carefully plucked the clover from the ground. Her eyes shone proudly as she held it out for us to see.

"Five leaves," I noted. "That's super rare. Good eye!"

"It's perfect," she muttered softly. "Each of these leaves mean something. Hope, faith, love, luck, wealth... They're all things people strive to get and for some it takes sacrificing one to get the other. I hope giving this to someone special will remind them to hold these virtues close to their heart even if times get hard. I hope the crown prince will remember that."

We sat in silence for a moment. The noises of the festival faded into the background as we reflected on her words.

She stuck the clover out at Ashton with a knowing smile. "I want you to have this."

"Isn't it for the prince?"

"Yep."

He stared at her. "The crown prince is Prince CaVaughn. Why are you giving it to me?"

"Just a feeling."

He sighed and then accepted the clover.

Sybil stood up and stretched. "I'm leaving."

"You should stay for the fireworks," I urged. "They'll start in a few minutes."

"I did what I came here to do. Thank you for being my friends for tonight."

I smiled up at her. "It was fun clover hunting with you, Sybil."

"Thank you, Beth Elizabeth," she grinned. "And nice meeting you, Ashton DeLorentes."

Before he could respond, she waved and skipped away, humming to herself. He chuckled before getting up and dusting himself off.

"That was interesting."

"I like her," I mused. "She has you all figured out."

I glanced at my phone. "It's almost time for the fireworks. We should meet up with everyone so we can watch them together. But before that... I want you to tell me what's wrong. You don't look like you're enjoying the festival."

"Sorry about that," he sighed. "I don't want to spoil it for you."

"I don't care about the festival half as much as I care about you."

Did I really just say that out loud?

The corners of his mouth twitched as my face turned red.

"That's nice to know. You should say that more often."

"Wouldn't you like that," I muttered drily.

"I would," he smiled, turning the clover over in his hand. "I'm genuinely happy that you're my soulmate. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else."

His smile drooped as a thought crossed his mind. "That's why I wonder if you feel the same way... about me."

"I do," I murmured. "And it's scary."

"Do you ever think about going along with this... like the whole engagement? I know it's a lot to think about," he rushed.

"I've thought about it," I answered slowly. "And I'm still thinking about it. In a way, I think I care about you a lot more than I ever thought I would, considering you are an arrogant jerk."

"Hey," he protested. "I am not an arrogant jerk."

I giggled at his pout. "You've definitely changed though. I couldn't stand you a few months ago. I hate crowds but I don't mind being here with you. I think you'll make a great leader."

He sighed. I could see the uncertainty playing in his eyes.

"Don't you agree?"

"I am willing to become the next king of Crysauralia. It's just... I don't know if I'm ready."

"You have time," I reminded him gently.

"Just a few more years," he murmured. "Seeing all the citizens of Crysauralia here tonight has really made me see things differently. For the most part they're happy to celebrate the return of the princes. And if the king goes through with his plan to turn this into an empire, there will be even more people depending on me. I don't want to fail and let them down."

"You're a real softie on the inside, aren't you," I teased.

"I'm serious," he sighed.

"I know you are," I said, wrapping my arm around his waist. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown. It's a fact. You have a very big responsibility and you'll be responsible for millions of people. The fact that you feel pressured just goes to show that you care. And if you care about the people, then that means your heart is in the right place. I believe in you, Ashton. Your friends and family are rooting for you. Even Madame Lucille's eyes shine like diamonds when she talks about you, and believe me that's an accomplishment in itself. You're not alone in this."

"That's reassuring," he breathed. "But what about you?"

"What about me?"

"My family is a mess. Even if you decide to give this a chance, you'll have to deal with the king. If you get too close to me, you might end up hurt."

"Oh, I'll deal with the king alright," I scowled, still upset at the stunt he'd pulled. "Every family has their issues, some bigger than others. But I'm not dating your family. I'd be choosing you. Remember the clover and have faith that everything will turn out just fine."

He smiled. "Thank you, Elizabeth."

"Hey, it's nothing. This is the least I can do for you right now." I checked the time and pulled out of the hug. "The sky's pitch black now. We should go find everyone."

But his arms snaked around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "Not yet."

"But the fireworks," I complained.

"We'll make it in time for the fireworks," he breathed, pulling me even closer.

Being so close to him made my senses muddled. I got tingles from where he touched me and it still felt amazing. He tilted my chin up and laced kisses along my jaw before his lips met mine.

The sky above us lit up like dynamite and was filled with colors, blooming and blossoming in excited bursts. And it felt as if time stood still for us in that magical moment where there was only me and him.

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