Ruby stared at the prince, digesting what he had just said to her.
"Um...did you hear me?" The prince asked, taking a step towards Ruby, and taking her hand. Ruby shook her head, dazed, and the prince sighed, leaning close to her ear.
"I said...you are welcome to return with me, to the castle," He murmured. Ruby's eyes widened in response. "That is, if you want to." He took a step back, waiting for Ruby's response.
"Return with him..." She thought, her cheeks turning red. "To the castle..." She had heard from other gems that the prince was kind, and treated all he met with kindness and respect. Images of summer picnics and warm winter cuddling filled her mind. Ruby shook her head. "Be sensible Ruby. If I'm to be his consort, it'll also be boring." She met the prince's gaze.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWCQ3QTihs
"I want to." The prince's eyes lit up.
"Are you sure? Is this what you truly want?" Ruby nodded, taking the his hand.
"Yes. I want to return with you to the castle." 185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqNEKnVhAs
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"This is your room." The prince said, stepping aside to let Ruby enter the room. She looked around the room in wonder. The room was simply furnished, with a bed, a desk, and window. She turned towards the prince, and hugged him.185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJxMXY8OCB
"I didn't decorate the room," He said quietly, a faint blush on his cheeks. "Whatever you want the room to look like, just tell me, and I'll get whatever you need." Ruby thought about spending the night in the room, and shook her head.
"Could I spend the night with you?" She asked, looking up at him. "For a few days at least?" She gave him a small smile. He nodded, and the pair walked hand-in-hand, to the prince's room.
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