Private RP with @gracehustle

(Ohmygosh yes XD, Sam and Holly would be trying their best and yet they'd still be stammering so much and blushing whenever there was something dirty written (The entire script lmao))

Alex didn't hide the present smirk as he felt her shiver, nor did he hide the playful hum as he was pressed as tightly against her as he could manage. It was only when he heard a voice that he broke out of the kiss, yet it was very reluctantly that he did so, and he didn't move his hands either. "I suppose we'll have to come back to this at a later date," He said in a low voice, smirking before finally stepping away from her and turning to the shelves. "What kind did you say you wanted again, Princess Lacey?" He asked in an audible voice, tapping his chin as he pretended to look over the selection of food. He glanced at her, winking and shooting her a grin before going back to looking. He just hoped it was a good enough cover for their actions.

(Probably best this way lol, gotta drawww things out even if it's more fun to just get straight to the endpoint. Also…Alex definitely doesn't have practice doing things like this to hide frowned upon kissing…definitely not)

(Oh, absolutely. And then they would just fall to pieces, and Lacey and Alex would just be in the backgroun laughing their heads off XD)

Lacey hid the flush in her cheeks from the passionate kiss, and her reluctance when he parted. When he stepped away, she felt much colder than before. How was it possible for one person to provide such warmth simply from a kiss? She smirked back at him, seemingly unaffected. "I think we might. If only we weren't interrupted." She spoke in a louder voice. "Oh, anything good," she said. "Although I think my chocolate is good enough for now."

There was the sound of footsteps, and one of the kitchen staff entered the pantry. She looked suspisciously at Lacey and Alex, but as there was no evidence that they had been doing anything bad, she couldn't say anything. "Your Highness, what are you doing here?"

"Eating," Lacey said, with the most innocent face ever.

(I know, right? So sad… although right now, they're only drawn to each other physically, not emotionally just yet… and he totally doesn't, I'm sure. Neither of them have any experience with anything like what just happened or anything.)

(Lmao I can see it as clearly as if it was a clip from a movie XD Alex and Lacey would be dying of laughter just either hearing a snippet of how flustered they were or I can imagine them just wheezing because they know just what is written and how hilariously dirty it is)

“That’s the answer you gave last time, Princess,” He said with a smile and a sigh when the staff member walked in, plucking a package of chocolate chip cookies off of the shelf and handing them to her, “Good choice? Or shall I pick again?” Alex turned to face the staff, shining and shaking his head, now acting like ever the gentleman, “I was to guess which flavor was her favorite…clearly I have a lot to learn about Princess Lacey.” He glanced back at her with a barely hidden grin, hoping she would go along with his thrown together excuse.

(Yeah it’ll most likely take a little while for Alex to realize that he’s attached emotionally to her…most likely through getting jealous if I’m honest lmao. Also, nah..no…not at all..these two? No experience whatsoever in being little turds XD)

(Oh my goodness yes. This would totally happen. I can feel it in my soul. And poor Sam and Holly would be wondering why they're laughing so hard…)

Lacey nodded at the kitchen staff. "He was. And he got it right, for the most part, although at the end you made him lose his train of thought." She pretended to be serious. "He does have a lot to learn if he's gonna survive in this Selection, you know." The kitchen staff looked confused, and Lacey grinned, sending Alex a wink before sauntering out of the pantry, swaying her hips more than was necessary. She picked her bag of chocolate from the floor outside the pantry and went to go see what Kohen was doing.

(Oh, I can totally see that. And Lacey would probably not realize she likes him because she's never been in love before, and just… the surprise on her face when she'd find out would be beautiful lmao. And they totally don't. None whatsoever. At all. They're neophytes.)

(Yessssssss lmaoo)

Alex paused as he listened to her, grinning back as he watched her walk out. It was more of a saunter, and it seemed clear from how her hips swayed as she walked. Not that he was going to complain though. He quickly looked away from her as she left, smiling gently at the staff member before following Lacey out of the pantry.

Kohen had busied himself with making actual cookies while he waited for the two of them to get back from…whatever they were doing. He had succeeded too, and the smell of sugar cookies could be smelled from the oven as he cleaned up his supplies on the counter. Clearly, he hadn't seen Lacey or Alex walk out, as he was humming out loud as he cleaned. Kohen seemed comfortable in the kitchen, and he didn't seem to mind the alone time either.

(Yes they would both be in such denial around their feelings for so long and gOsh. They are definitely neophytes, mhm 100% true…definitely…)

(I think we need to think of something to go wrong for them, maybe… since, yah know, we have the king murdered by an assassin with Sam and Holly… should we do something for these two?)

Lacey observed him for a long moment. "You were busy," she remarked, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. If her father had seen her then, in her nightgown, having just kissed a guy, and was now alone with another one… well, he'd either be super pissed or super happy that she was being with the candidates, even though she didn't want to before.

(Oh, absolutely. Maybe even to the point where all of the other candidates are just like, 'choose him already and get it over with so we don't have to watch you slobber all over each other' or something lmao. And they really are… pure, innocent beans… that's them…)

(Ooo yes pain for characters is always needed…though the question is then…what to do?)

Kohen turned back to look at Lacey, clearly caught off guard. He had a bit of flour in his hair and on his hand still, but he smiled at her anyway, ignoring it as he bowed to her, "I was a little busy…and hungry. I didn't figure you'd mind me baking, but just in case I made extras." He seemed embarrassed to be caught cooking, but it was something he liked to do, even if it wasn't in his Caste's job. Plus, cookies made him think of home, and he was already slightly homesick.
Alex had followed Lacey to the door to the kitchen, though he stopped beside her, winking at Kohen as they met eyes. He walked out easily in front of her, then copied Kohen's bow, "I suppose I should head to bed and leave you to have some time to speak to Kohen. It was lovely spending time with you, princess, I hope we can do it again soon," He said, grinning at her before adding on in a softer teasing voice, "Save me some of whatever Kohen is making, and behave, princess."

(Gosh what if someone like Kohen actually had to say that to Lacey to get her to realize her feelings? Now that would add drama…especially if there was already drama or they had an argument before that. These pure children…so so innocent…they haven't even heard or thought of doing anything naughty.. not them)

(Murder! Death! Kidnapping! Betrayal! I dunno… maybe kidnapping? Maybe?)

Lacey shook her head and grinned at Kohen. "I don't mind. I'm glad that there's someone here who knows how to cook without burning anything." She shot a look in the direction of the pantry where Alex was, and saw him coming out.
She smirked at him. "I hope I can enjoy the pleasure of your company again soon," she said with a smirk. "And I always behave. I'm a princess, I make laws, not break them."

(I can totally see that, actually. And she's about to hit him because there's no way she likes Alex - oh wait. No, not them. They are simply the purest and more innocent characters I've ever met…)

(Kidnapping sounds quite exciting if I do say so myself :) But then the question is, which one of them?)

"I'll take your word on that," He replied, winking at her as he wandered off, but not before speaking to Kohen for a second. "If the Princess doesn't please save me some of whatever you make," He said, bumping the other male's shoulder and murmuring, "Best of luck my friend. Be bold." Then he was off with a grin, disappearing out of the kitchen several seconds later.
Kohen chuckled and shrugged, carrying his dishes to the sink and preparing to wash them, "You learn to cook fast when you're in charge of birthday meal preparation for the family." Glancing at Alex, he just nodded in response, then went back to waiting for the sink to fill so he could wash, "Plus you learn how to make treats for said birthdays, including the secret recipe for the best sugar cookies."

(Yessss it's perfect…maybe it happens before a big cut of the guys have to leave and there's a good chance Kohen and Alex could be one of them? Something along those lines at least…they are the purest beans, even more innocent than Sam and Holly themselves. Nope, never going to get into trouble those two. Just perfect little angels…)

(Why thank you! And I don't know… we could either do the Prince Charming saving the maiden, or the maiden saving Prince Charming. Either would work.)

"I can imagine," Lacey said with a small grin. She watched Alex leave for a moment, and then turned to Kohen. "Did you always make the birthday meals, then, or just most of the time?" She ran her free hand through her long hair, and with the other, dropped the bag of chocolate onto a nearby counter.

It was fairly late at night, and from the lack of noise, most of the castle was asleep. Not that she minded. This was usually the time when she was most awake, and she would usually be running on 5 hours of sleep or less.

(Ooh, yes!! That would be amazing. The question is, though, would either of them have anything to do with the bad guys? And they are the most pure angels I have ever written about. So clean and gentle… we should stop…)

"When you meet the princess, be nice, none of that flirty junk."

(Reading through the old responses, and… well, his sister was wrong…)

"What if something bad happens to me? What if I get kidnapped by one of them?"

(She can tell the future…!)

(I don't know which idea I like better…it makes sense for Lacey to be the one being kidnapped, possibly for political gain. But then it also makes sense for maybe a botched kidnapping and they take Alex instead for some reason? Maybe a guy in the selection paid for it to happen to get lover boy out of Lacey's sight's?)

"I'm the only one in the family that could cook decently, so I made them all," He said with a soft laugh, a gentle smile on his face as he quickly started and finished washing the dishes. Kohen glanced at her as he did so, glancing at the pantry and letting his smile grow, "Not to intrude…but do I want to know what you two troublemakers got up to in there?" He set the bowls out to dry, then dried off his hands, turning to face her, "Or is knowing going to scar me for life?"

(Oh, I could totally see that. Or maybe there was just a candidate who got annoyed that Alex was so arrogant and insufferable XD. I don't know which one I like more…)

Lacey laughed and watched him. He had a pretty nice figure, and he was handsome… although not as much of a heartbreaker as Alex was. Would he be just as fun to play with? "We were eating," she said with a smile that made her look like an innocent angel… although anyone who interacted with her would know better.

(Oh now that's a much more plausible option XD I can see that happening)

He raised an eyebrow and chuckled, nodded, "Ah alright, I just wanted to make sure Alex wasn't being a dick." Kohen leaned backward against the counter as he spoke, then pushed himself up so he was sitting on the edge of it with a smile, "Do you normally stay up this late?" Just from the look of how comfortable and awake he seemed at this time, Kohen clearly stayed up all night, and he hoped that he had found someone else who shared the same problem with never getting the recommended amount of sleep.

(I know, right? And then that candidate ends up getting kicked out of the Selection for his bad breath or something lol)

………
He didn't get it. But that was okay. Maybe it would be refreshing to talk to someone who wasn't constantly flirting with her? Lacey didn't know. She grinned at his question, tilting her head so that her hair fell in glittery waves over her shoulder. "I stay up as late as I possibly can," Lacey said. "Although my maids aren't happy about that. But sleep is useless." She didn't add that she had insomnia… but that didn't matter.

(Lmaooooo yes that would be hilarious..should that be our gameplan?)

"Very true, Princess Lacey, sleep is an unattainable goal most nights," He said with a smile, catching himself studying her hair silently for a second. Quickly he looked away, though he didn't look flustered, just held the same calm but happy look on his face. "The cookies will be done in a few minutes if you want some, otherwise I don't have to take any more of your time than needed." Kohen picked at his sleeve as he talked, brushing hair out of his face.

(Yeah, probably!)
(Also, fun fact, Lacey was a side character in a fantasy novel of mine… and then now she's awesomer.)

"I'll wait," Lacey said with a smile, enjoying him looking at her… although his reaction was disappointing. "Who needs sleep when they can stay up and make their lives miserable." She grinned at him. At leasy he knew the pain of staying awake… or maybe sleeping. Either worked.

(Really? She's extremely awesome and I love her so much)
Kohen chuckled at that and returned a soft grin, patting the counter beside him, "Also right there, Princess Lacey. You can come sit if you'd like, I don't bite." He leaned back on his hands as he watched the oven, every so often glancing at her and smiling gently, "What do you think of the Selection so far? You've seen how many guys you're going to have to learn about and decide between…it's going to be stressful."

(Thank you! She was super badass. She was also the only protagonist in the book who survived, so……………..)
(And I found this dialogue prompt on Pinterest that kind of fits Lacey and Alex… if one of them was evil lol)

Lacey laughed and moved over next to him, hopping up onto the counter next to him. She propped her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand, watching him. "I don't actually like it very much," she said, winking at him, "but don't tell anyone. I honestly was not expecting it when my dad told me about it. I think there are too many guys, and maybe not all of them enjoy my wonderful charm."

(Hehehehe I may or may not have made many scenarios using that prompt…it very much applies to them though if for some reason they were evil like you said)
(I can definitely see her surviving and she would honestly be my favorite character)
“Don’t worry, I won’t reveal your secrets. They’re safe with me,” Kohen said in response, winking back at her with the same soft smile, “In my opinion there are definitely too many guys around here, it’s not going to end well I can tell already.” He seemed to be unbothered by her company, but it was harder to tell if he actually enjoyed it or if he already just saw her as a friend. “My advice, if you’d like it at all, be tough the first round of eliminations. At least then you know that you enjoy the company of the remaining men, even if they’re not your top pick.”

(What? Why on earth would you use a prompt like that? That's weird XD)
(She is one of my favorites, too. I've written so much about her… she my baby lol. Best part is that she didn't have a love interest, and so this could even have happened lmao)
(Normal stories/rps: the characters get kidnapped for political reasons or something along those lines. Alex gets kidnapped because he was being a dickhead. Figures.)

"I was already planning to be tough," Laey said with a laugh. "I have standards, you know." If she did end up choosing Kohen, she knew that he was a good conversationalist, so he had that going for him. And he could cook. "You might see lots of guys leaving in tears during this time." She smirked, already imagining the drama. It wasn't that he was cruel, she was just… Lacey. There was really no other word for it.

(Not with Lacey and Alex, but I've used other characters I have that it's much more applicable to XD)
(In defense of whoever had him kidnapped, he may have deserved it…he can be a bit of a dick sometimes lol)
(Lacey and Alex are meant to be then if she doesn't have a love interest lmao)

"Whether I am or am not one of those guys, it's going to be an interesting time watching you pick who leaves," Kohen said, chuckling and shrugging, "It's going to get competitive after that…I have a gut feeling about that. Not just battling for your time and attention, but fighting against the other remaining men." He looked over at her, studying her face again before the timer went off and he stood. "Quick pause on this conversation. I have to go get the cookies." grabbing an oven mitt, he opened the oven and pulled out a tray of perfectly cooked sugar cookies.

(What do you mean he may have? He more than likely did lmao)
(Yes. Yes they are. This is happening for sure.)

Lacey's mouth twitched as she watched him go save the cookies from getting burnt, as she thought over what he had said. Yes… it would be competitive and maybe even slightly bloody, but without the actual blood. She would be lying if she didn't say that she was excited to watch them fight over her… or at least her title. Maybe she would rile the men up against each other, just to make it more entertaining. She could already hear her father's voice in her head: "Lacey, you are a princess, and the future ruler of this country. Everyone is watching you. You have to be a good example." Yeah right.

(lmao all I can imagine is Lacey riling all the men up and Alex getting into an actual fight…which leads to his kidnapping…my mind is going wild)
He set the tray on a hot pad on the counter, walking over to her and leaning against the counter as he waited for the tray to cool. "How long are you going to wait before doing the first elimination? Until you've gone on a date with all the men? Or just until after you've spoken to all of them?" Kohen glanced at her, genuinely looking curious and interested in whatever she would say. Even if he wasn't nearly as flirtatious as Alex, Kohen had his conversational skills to help him out, and even if Lacey preferred flirty, conversation would be quite helpful to help run a country.

(Oh, please let your imagination run wild, that sounds beautiful and hilarious and would totally happen.)

"I'll probably wait until I've spoken to all of them. Then I can use the excuse to the public that I didn't like their attitudes or personalities, and have a reason. I can't pretend to only like their appearances, because then everyone will know I'm as petty as I really am." Lacey grinned. "That wouldn't do to let the people know that their future ruler is the way she is." She brushed her hair back.

Kohen laughed and nodded, shrugging, "Hey, at least you admit that appearance is part of your criteria. I'm not sure if the country would even care, they all love you anyway, it wouldn't change anything." He met her eyes with a charming smile, walking over to a cooling rack he had set out earlier and a spatula. Then, carefully he started taking the cookies off the tray, setting them out carefully over the rack so they could cool faster. "It's also quite a good idea to talk to them, you're spending the rest of your life with the guy you choose, make sure they're someone you enjoy talking to not just looking at."

"Well, I'm their princess. Of course they love me." Lacey grinned and shook her head. "It sounds like you're talking about yourself and Alex," she teased, half serious. "Are you sure you don't have a higher opinion of yourself than how you currently act?" She leaned back on her hands and closed her eyes for a moment at the blissful smell of freshly baked cookies. How he had ever managed to make those smell this good was simply beyond her imagination. Maybe he was secretly magical or something.

He laughed, shaking his head while sparing her a glance, "I maybe am talking about Alex, but not myself. My opinion of myself is quite low compared to his or some of the other men here." Kohen finished slipping the cookies onto the cooking rack, setting the pan in the sink before once again leaning on the counter next to her, "Before I talk your ear off, I suppose I should ask if you have any questions for me?"

Lacey shook her head at him with a sigh. "Wow. Men are strange creatures. Are you sure they have high opinions of themselves? They might just be acting." She brushed hair from her face and smirked, tapping her fingers on the counter. "Did you cook for every meal before you came here, or what?" She wasn't exactly sure what to say, but she should at least try to make it sound like she was interested. …That made her sound like an asshole. Wow.

Kohen nodded, smiling gently, "I was the cook for the family, mostly because I'm the only one that doesn't mind it." He nodded towards the cookies, "Desserts are my favorite to make, but I'd like to say I can cook a wide variety of meals." He chuckled at her other comment, drumming his fingers against the tabletop, "I'd like to think that they think that highly of themselves. From the way they carry themselves, it seems that way."