As we made our way through the vast plains and a few hills, I was left in awe as I took in the whole scenery in front of me.
It was… breath-taking.
It was beautiful to be able to see nothing but grass, majestic trees, and colourful flowers, as well as how the slopes looked. This view was definitely better than the view that I had from my balcony.
“This place…” I said, my mind drifting off slowly as I tried to form a coherent sentence. The beauty of this place rendered me speechless. It was as if all the words were taken from my mouth.
“Don’t worry, I understand how you feel right now,” she giggled as she found me dumb-founded. “That’s the same thing that I said when I first discovered this place,” she continued. She hopped down from her horse, and I followed suit. We walked towards a hill. A tree stood on top of it, tall and proud.
“When did you find this place?” I asked.
“When I was first brought into the town, I looked for a place that only I knew about. A hideout, to put it simply,” she explained. She continued, “One day, I was running from a boy who was trying to hurt me. He taunted me with a stick that had thick thorns on it. I kept running until I ended here.”
As we reached the peak, we sat down and allowed our horses to roam free. They stayed within our sights, as well as within our reach so we were able to have a calm atmosphere.
“Does that mean you come here often?” I asked as I sat beside her, making myself comfortable.
“Most of the time, I come here when I have nothing to do. Whenever I need some time to think, or when I need some peace of mind,” she replied as she looked ahead. Her eyes never left the view before us.
“Is Grandpa Ben aware of this place?” I asked, still looking at the scenery. The cool breeze was so gentle to the skin. Birds flew freely across the sky. Some of them even headed to the tree behind us. Lady and Leo seemed to enjoy their feast together.
“I’m not quite sure about that,” she replied, making me turn to her. Her lips were now in a firm line as she tried to think if Grandpa Ben knew about this place. She continued, “I never told him about this. But, there is a possibility that he already knows. He’s been living here before he adopted me so it’s impossible for him not to know every passageway and any place within the town.”
“If that’s the case, then I won’t tell anyone about this place,” I assured her, hugging my knees closer to me. “It is my respect to you, so that you can continue to have this place as your refuge from the outside world.”
She then looked at me with her beautiful smile. “Well, then, Prince Robert,” she crossed her legs as she leaned back, her arms right behind her to support her weight, “How do you find life as a prince? How is life in a grand castle?” she asked.
“Well, it’s not that bad, but it isn’t that grand at the same time,” I stammered as I laid out my legs for a stretch. I also leaned back, with my hands behind me to support myself. “It’s not always plagued by boredom, but the thrill of fun is scarce. I don’t want to describe my life in any extremity, so I will settle with just… fine,” I explained.
“You don’t seem to be that enthusiastic in talking about your life,” she said, confused.
I huffed and replied, “Well, there are certain aspects that I’m not proud of.”
“Really? Why is that?” she asked as she fully turned herself to my direction.
I did the same and explained, “Life inside a grand castle doesn’t mean it’s all about the glamour, pretentious balls, and over-the-top branding of luxury. Even if I’m given everything in this world, it doesn’t make me happy. On the contrary, worldly delight can make someone its prisoner.”
“There are people in this world that would love to be in your place, Robert,” said Laura. “And by the sound of your voice, and by how you describe your life, you don’t seem to have any sort of appreciation for what was easily handed to you.”
“My life isn’t easy, Laura. It’s quite easy to assume that, but it’s further from the truth. I do have all the riches that the universe can offer, but it has shackled me until the end of my life. I have no freedom in anything, even with marriage,” I complained. I continued, “My father - I mean, James - doesn’t even act as a father for my sister and me.”
“At least, you have some sort of family to call your own,” she replied.
My brows furrowed slightly as I said, “You have Grandpa Ben.”
“I do have him, and I’m thankful that I do. However, I do wish that I have a real family of my own,” she said as she looked down to her hands.
I looked at her for a bit before asking, “You really have no clue on who your true family is, don’t you?”
She sighed as she shook her head, “How I wish I did.”
“Your family is somewhere out there, Laura. I’m quite certain of that,” I replied as I moved closer to her. “I also believe that they didn’t mean to leave you behind, especially your mother.”
After a deep breath, she raised her head. “Anyways,” her voice changed to a lighter tone as she looked at me, “I do have another question.”
“Ask away,” I smiled.
“I have a friend of mine, who is incredibly smitten with a man she’s known for almost all of her life,” she said. “They are now a couple, but she said it was only for a little while.”
“I don’t understand why you’re telling me this,” I replied as my brows knitted together.
She continued, “They are in a pretentious, short-lived relationship, even when the man doesn’t love her. Do you think that’s fair?” She asked more questions, “Will you allow yourself to be with someone who doesn’t have the same affection for you? Will you bear that pain, just to be with that person?”
Guilt slowly ate my conscience as I reflected on Laura’s questions. What she told me was very similar to my situation with Mallory, and I couldn’t help but be nervous about this conversation. “If I was in your friend’s shoes, I would say it’s unfair.”
“However, your friend is… for a lack of a better term, ignorant. My apologies for the word, but with your description, she’s hoping on the wrong person,” I explained. I added, “I don’t want to come out as a judgmental person. Perhaps, without your knowledge, they already had their own conversation about it.”
She nodded. “You have a point. But, still, it’s an injustice towards my friend.”
“In my personal opinion, nobody will win in this situation that they created themselves. At the very end of it all, everything will get worse than it was before,” I replied.
“You’re right about that,” she nodded, disappointed.
“With all honesty, both of them aren’t using their brains,” I blurted, which made Laura snicker. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, and I also don’t want to speak of your friend because I don’t know her. However, in reality, that is how they’re currently acting.”
“Don’t you worry, Robert, I understand completely. And I agree with you,” she said as she looked directly at me. “My friend’s a bit of an idiot, I do admit. She’s willing to do anything for this man, even if it’s absolute stupidity,” she groaned as she rolled her eyes.
She followed with a question, “How about you? Are there ladies in your life that you care about?”
I was caught off-guard at the moment, my eyes widened as I stiffened.
Should I tell her?
Should I share the details about my marriage arrangement?
I was fully-aware that the right thing to do was to tell her. But, a part of me wanted to know her more. And I was afraid that my arranged union with Princess Lorain would ruin that chance.
“Robert, is there something wrong?” she asked.
“Oh, yes, um,” my brows furrowed as I still tried to think of a better way around it. But, the more I tried, the more I realised that there was no other way to tell her.
I supposed there was no other way to tell her. Carefully, I said, “Unfortunately, I’m in a marriage arrangement.”
“Really? With whom?” she asked, her eyes widened as she moved closer to me. She seemed eager to know more, which was the complete opposite of the expected reaction that I was waiting for.
I explained, “I don’t know her personally because it was our parents who created the entire ordeal. We, however, do send letters to one another to build some sort of friendship.”
“Isn’t it tradition to meet your future bride as soon as possible?” she asked.
“Our parents had agreed that we should meet each other, only on the official announcement of our union,” I replied. I continued, “According to them, it was to ensure the loyalty and patience between us two. They want this marriage to happen because it was some sort of seal.”
“A seal for what?”
“My future bride is a princess, the heir to their kingdom. Our marriage will be the symbol of an alliance between their kingdom and ours,” I started the story.
I continued, “Their kingdom was never militarily strong, but they have a lot of resources. And that was something that our kingdom lacks. Their kingdom was blessed by gods to have an abundance of materials that can be used for many purposes. Most notably, weapons. And my parents saw it as a way to ensure our kingdom’s safety in case of a war.”
“I see,” she nodded. She then asked, “Do you think you will like her, even though you’ve only communicated with her through letters?”
“I already like her as a person, a friend, a confidant,” I replied, careful with my words as I didn’t want for them to be contorted differently. I added, “She seems to be a kind person, and with great manners. However, I would love to know her personally because that’s vital in a marriage.”
“So, does that mean that there’s a possibility for you to like her?” she repeated.
“Maybe. We don’t know. As of now, we are good friends so that’s a start,” I answered, with full honesty.
“Well, that is better than nothing. It’s better to start with friendship to have some sort of foundation,” she nodded.
“How about you?” I asked, quickly changing the topic.
Laura scoffed in disbelief. “Trust me, there is no one,” she said. “That’s impossible, Laura. A simple admiration is a normal emotion to have,” I replied. “Well,” she then played with her fingers, “There is someone that I like. And there is someone, who I believe, is trying to gain my affections.” My heart stopped as soon as she said that. Her admission destroyed my hopes that maybe she was the one for me. But, it would seem that her heart was already occupied. “Really?” I asked as I tried to hide the pain that was about to come out of my voice. I asked again, “Can you tell me who they are? For sure, I’ve never met them before.” “For now, I’d like to keep things to myself. It’s something that I don’t want others to worry about because it’s not for them to think about,” she answered. “I understand. But, perhaps, you can describe them?” I asked, still hoping that she would tell me more. “The one who, I think, likes me is very sophisticated, to say the least. He acts as if he was
A little while later, we arrived at Leo’s stable. I hopped down Lady as Laura allowed Leo to rest. Once her champion had settled, we headed to the front of the bakery. “Thank you for the stroll and stories, Robert. I enjoyed it,” Laura broke the silence between us. Couldn’t she tell that I had been trying to pacify the storm inside me? Was I not sending enough signs for her to realise that? “Well, I guess this is where we part ways,” she turned to me as we arrived in front of the bakery. “Thank you again, Robert,” she repeated as she turned around, making her way back inside. My mouth suddenly blurted, “Are you not–” I stopped myself before I could even continue. Laura stopped on her tracks. She turned around and returned to me. She then asked, “Is there something that you want to tell me, Robert?” “I just…” I trailed off as I fought the urge to speak out; the urge that was pushing me to the edge. It was forcing me to tell her what I had been feeling ever since we left the field
I turned my head and watched as Mallory entered the stables. “Oh, hello, Mallory,” I greeted neutrally. “Where have you been?” she asked. My brows furrowed. “Why do you ask?” I replied with a question. “Because I need to know,” her lips formed a firm line as she walked towards me. “Are you even my mother to know my whereabouts?” I replied sarcastically. I turned around and proceeded to the entrance, only to be stopped by her again. She protested right away, “I deserve to know because we are in a relationship.” “Our relationship is not real to begin with, Mallory,” I rolled my eyes as I turned back to her. “I don’t care what kind of a relationship that we have!” she suddenly shouted. She continued, “We are a couple now, which gives me the right to know everything about you!” I completely turned to her direction and towered over her. “As far as I know, you can only act that way when the relationship is real. A relationship where both people love each other, and are willing to su
“A woman?!” Benjamin asked in a sudden outburst. “Keep it down, Benjamin!” I shushed him in a panic. I didn’t want the maids to turn our conversation into another source of gossip for them. I continued, “Yes, I met a woman in the Mortal Realm.” He asked another, “And let me guess: you took a liking to this lady, didn’t you?” All of a sudden, Gonzalo arrived. With him was a cart, containing the wine, and everything else that I asked for him to bring. After a mountain of hesitation, I answered, “Well, I can’t say that I don’t.” Gonzalo finally reached us and prepared everything for us. “Is she a part of the upper class, working class or the lowest class of all?” Benjamin continued with his questions as our goblets were handed over to us. “I cannot consider her as part of the lowest class of society. She does, however, work to support herself,” I said as Gonzalo half-filled my cup with wine. I could only drink this much because I never drank wine. Unless, of course, if it was for a
As soon as James’ door was in sight, his guards immediately crossed his spears, blocking the entrance. “Your Highness,” one of them greeted, “His Majesty is currently in a meeting. Do you have a message for him?” “Gonzalo mentioned that His Majesty summoned me. I’m surprised that you didn’t know that,” I said, keeping my composure. The two guards looked at each other, confused and horrified. The other guard answered, “Accept our deepest apologies, Your Highness. Please, don’t take us as incompetent. However, as long as the king is in a meeting, we don’t allow anyone in.” Suddenly, the door opened and James’ page appeared. “Your Highness,” he bowed, “Is there something that I can help you with?” “His Majesty has asked me to fetch the young prince,” Gonzalo entered the conversation. “That’s the reason why His Highness is here.” James’ page looked at us, confused. “Did he, now?” he slowly turned to Gonzalo with an icy stare. He remarked, “I’m the king’s royal page. If he were to summ
Currently in my study as I skimmed through the new reports on my desk. Today didn’t end well, but what should I expect? Aside from my impossible relationship with James, my current situation with Laura abruptly crossed my mind. All of a sudden, everything stopped. Laura… What I did to her this afternoon was just… gut-wrenching. Unacceptable. I could only hope that she would forgive me. But, what could I do to express my guilt? What should I say in order to earn her forgiveness? I turned to the table by the window. And I immediately caught sight of a pen, on top of a few pieces of paper. A letter! Perhaps, a letter could help resolve some of the pain I caused between us? I shook my head as I removed myself from my thoughts. Why was I even too troubled about her? We just met and yet, she had some sort of impact on me. What I did to her shouldn’t matter this much to me. But why was I feeling this way? Instead of going back to work, I contemplated even more on what I should do. Sho
Water rushed in from every corner that I turned to. As I ran through the long corridor, I searched for the ones I was with. Everyone was screaming as they ran to save their lives. And all I could do was to follow the direction where everybody was headed. “Robert!” a voice shouted my name from behind me. I turned around to see who it was, only to be carried in the arms of a man. “Hold onto me, son,” the man said as he pulled my head closer to his shoulder. “You’re safe. I’m here.” It was my father and he was running in the same direction that I was. “Darling, hurry!” a woman in front of us shouted as she turned her head to our direction. It was Mother. She was holding my sister’s hand as we all ran. My father was about to catch up to them when suddenly, he slipped. He lost his grip on me and I slid to the left side of the ship. It was already filled with water, deep enough for me to be submerged into. “Robert! Hold on!” my father screamed as I did my best to keep my head above
On my way to the kitchen, I accidentally bumped into James. Just the last person that I wanted to see. “James!” I exclaimed as I stopped on my tracks. “Robert,” he greeted as he looked at me, baffled. “Why are you running in the hallway? You know how I feel about that.” “My apologies. I just needed to get to the stables as quickly as possible,” I replied. “Stables? Are you headed somewhere?” he asked. I froze for a second. ‘Great! I just gave him even more reason to question me,’ I thought to myself, scolding myself for my carelessness. ‘Think of an explanation and quick! It has to be acceptable!’ “I’m quite late for my time with Lady today. I’ve decided to take upon the responsibility to give her a bath, and everything else that she would need for today,” I reasoned. “Didn’t you assign that to some of the servants? Why the sudden interest in taking care of Lady?” he asked. I did my best to calm my nerves. I couldn’t show him that I was panicking deep inside. If he found out