Wendell
The three teenagers go their separate ways once school lets out. Kana reminds her friends of what time to arrive at her house before departing off down the road. Soon as the prince and dwarf are far from earshot, she is the first to speak.
"The grand seventeenth, huh. How crazy to imagine that as of tomorrow, Kana will be considered a woman. Does the thought make you more nervous around her now?" Saelufu teases with a smirk and he blushes slightly, averting his gaze.
"We're only one month apart so it's not that big of a deal..."
Though he says this, it is weird to think as far as their laws goes the girl will have reached adulthood. Officially able to wed--apart from royal marriages of adolescents--and drink alcoholic beverages are some of the rights she'll claim, though he can't imagine her doing the latter.
"It's an important date but I'm still surprised she's throwing a birthday bash to celebrate, considering Kana rarely ever has guests at her house. Did she invite you too?"
"Yes, she asked me yesterday. It's the first time I've ever been, besides going there as Frederick."
Kana explained to them she will be throwing a small party at her home tomorrow afternoon. The furthest she has allowed the prince near her house is to view the damage when showing him around Rainswood. Now the girl invited both himself and Frederick to come over for the celebration.
"I figured since Frederick agreed, you'll be planning a ruse similar to the play? There you had someone stand in for you but that won't work this time. The best bet is to have yourself go earlier while Frederick runs a little late. Then you can act like the two of you simply missed each other by chance... Hey, are you even listening?" The dwarf questions, her annoyed tone making his head pound.
"Sorry, I'm just a bit tired. I thought the same thing when agreeing that Frederick would go."
"Well, the details can get sorted out before we arrive tomorrow," she replies, and a short silence falls between them.
"...Did something happen with you and Justus? I had overheard him mention Windmill Park and there was an awkward air this morning."
The two friends were speaking and it didn't exactly feel like either was angry. Still, he is certain more occurred yesterday than watching horses race. Saelufu's unusual shift of mood confirms his suspicions, her wearing quite a flustered look.
"Actually we went on a date," she reveals, having his blue eyes widened.
"I wasn't aware he asked you that."
"He didn't use this wording but that was his intention. I'll spare you all the extra details though... At the end of it, I told him about my personal promise."
"What was his response?" he inquires, and she aimlessly kicks at the dirt.
"Justus said he would wait for me. Until the day I'm ready to take a romantic step forth with a human. Can you believe it? Young and kind, I'm sure as an adult he'll move on and find someone else. Why bother to make a commitment like that in the first place?"
"Regardless of what-ifs it still made you happy, right?" Wendell glances back at his friend whose feet abruptly halts.
"...Yeah, I guess it did," Saelufu mumbles, wearing a tender smile he has never witnessed before. The pair met by chance at the palace ball and continued to grow closer since that day. Maybe she isn't prepared to open up her heart now, but anything can change in future years.
I do hope down the line they both receive their happy endings. Even more-so together with one another.
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"Up and at'em, Your Highness!" Margaret announces, waltzing through the bedroom door. "You requested to be woken up sooner for your duties since you have plans this afternoon."
Wendell blinks a few times greeted with daylight from the glass ceiling above--this causing him to cover his face. The sun might've risen but it doesn't feel like he got an ounce of sleep last night through all the tossing and turning. Much as the prince would rather stay put in bed, he needs to get up and start on his lessons for today.
Hearing his name called yet again finally has him throw off the cozy cover. Though this action makes a shiver run down the prince's spine, and he hardly moves an inch when a dizzy spell causes him to drop to his knees. Margaret--who is just turning to exit--rushes over to the prince's aid.
"Your Highness, what's the matter?!" She calmly studies the boy's appearance pressing her hand under his damp bangs. "You're burning up! Well, right back to bed you go."
"But, Kana's birthday party..." he murmurs, but the woman helps him lay back down.
"You aren't in any condition to be doing lessons, furthermore to leave the castle. I'm sure she'll understand but what you require now is rest."
"I'm all dressed before big brother for once!" Wendy exclaims, skipping into the room followed by their dog. Although noticing his flushed skin, her mouth curves into a small frown. "Um, is he feeling okay?"
"Don't worry, it's just a summer cold. I'll draw a hot bath to help sweat that fever out. I'm gonna set my tiny bell here so ring if you need anything." Margaret places the object on a nearby dresser and disappears around the corner.
"It's a bummer being stuck in bed all by yourself..." Wendy glances at the rottweiler who barks as if on the same page. "I was going to play treasure hunt with Max in the garden, but since you're sick, he can be your company today."
"Thanks, Wendy." The ash-blonde gives Max's head a rub to which he happily wags his tail.
"Come on, Princess! He can't properly rest with you in there chatting away!" Margaret's call has the young girl dash right out of the door.
With his sister gone, only himself and the dog remain, and Wendell can't believe he has caught a cold today of all days. Naturally, him not being able to attend means Frederick will also be absent, though the prince doesn't want to think about this problem right now. He closes his heavy eyelids to obtain some decent sleep until the hot bath is prepared.
...
Wendell hasn't watched the court jester perform in such a long time. The man's magic shows and comedy acts forever kept him entertained when younger. As back then, his interest is piqued as he finishes off yet another trick. Removing the white rabbit from his hat, there is a sudden knock at the door.
For a split second, the prince foolishly believes it might be his mother standing on the opposite side. However, his visitor is none other than a certain dwarf Wendell hadn't expected to drop by. The queen ordered maids to pass along a message 'of praying for a speedy recovery', so he shouldn't have thought she would change from her old habits. Work was the number one priority rather than catering to a sick child. Although his late father always peeked inside, even if just for a few minutes.
"Hey, sorry to ruin the show," Saelufu greets, as the jester vanishes from the room.
"He was about done so you have perfect timing. I'm surprised you showed up given we were supposed to be meeting-"
The prince is cut off as Max jumps onto the short girl who gives him a ruffle behind the ears.
"Seems neither was Max expecting your visit. It has been a while since he last saw you."
"How ya doing boy? We'll play a game of fetch during my next visit, okay?" she promises, the dog barking in response. Petting him a little more, she flops down on the edge of his bed, and Max peacefully curls up under her feet on the floor.
"When I woke up this morning a sixth sense kicked in. I just knew my friend was unwell and rushed here to see you once I got ready," she shares, and he can't help but let out a chuckle.
"I failed to realize our bond was that powerful."
"You know I'm only joking. I came so we could discuss your move for the Frederick swap, but that's of no importance now. I didn't know you were stuck in bed with a fever until Margaret informed me. How're you feeling?"
"Honestly, not too good. I've had a headache since morning and after the bath, my pajamas are still sticking to me. I wasn't feeling well yesterday either, though I tried my best to ignore it. Now I have to miss Kana's birthday and cause 'Frederick' to do the same," he hoarsely finishes, followed by dry coughing and a deep sigh. The first time she welcomes him under her roof, and he won't even be able to make it there.
"Well, you have been managing a double life for a month and a half. That would exhaust anyone out at some point, but you've pushed through it with no complaints. Though I'd say the biggest shocker is you acting all buddy with Oliver by choice."
Wendell chuckles again at this and he's indeed been playing Frederick an awful lot recently. What began as three hours at the schoolhouse and occasionally spent with Kana turned into far more than anticipated. He and the brunette don't spend as many days together, perhaps because of her hectic work schedule. Still, Oliver started asking to hang out with his other persona, besides just going on patrol. Nowadays dressing up over weekends leaves him with hardly any free time.
"It does stink that you have to miss the party. I'll think up a clever excuse to tell Kana when I arrive. We can't give her the exact reason for your absence to cover Frederick. Oh, I nearly forgot! I witnessed the weirdest thing during my walk through the town square."
Saelufu abruptly switches the topic which has him raise an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Get this, I spotted Hannah browsing inside one of those fancy boutiques." The dwarf leans in whispering as if this gathered information is top secret. "She carried multiple shopping bags too. It's hard enough for my family to purchase much, unless we catch sales or buy little trinkets. I can't fathom how she could afford it, especially with Kana's dad out of the house."
"So you are talking about Kana's mother. Are you sure you didn't simply mistake her for someone else?"
"Hey, I've seen the woman more often than you and I'm positive that was her mom. I didn't approach Hannah though since it would seem kinda nosy on my part. Could've Rocco maybe lucked up with some high-paying job? Has Kana told you anything?" Saelufu asks, and he slowly shakes his head.
"No, not that I remember..."
Wendell promised he wouldn't tell anyone about her predicament, including his best friend. Nevertheless, his thoughts drift away at this shocking news. The sole way her mother could have splurged in the capital is by using the gold he just gave Kana a few days ago. Did the brunette agree to waste coins on expensive desires rather than put them toward important matters? Is it a possibility Kana wasn't in need to the extent she acted like?
It was the gossip in town too... Argh, why am I pondering this right now? I must hold onto this fraction of trust in her or what else do I have?
After chatting a little longer, the dwarf says her goodbyes to head for Kana's home. She suggests taking the birthday gift he has set aside for Frederick, but the prince declines her offer. There's another test he wishes to perform since these rumors have made him quite distressed.
...
The evening skies add an unsettling atmosphere as 'Frederick' drags his feet behind the schoolhouse. Standing near the well, Kana's emerald eyes remain glued to the waters down below. He hesitates to speak up though forces out the words caught inside his throat.
"G-Good evenin, Kana! You wanted to have a quick chat?"
"...Drop the accent, Your Highness," she grumbles, turning to face him and his whole body goes numb. "You look shocked that I connected the dots. Tell me, do you think it's nice to toy with people's emotions? Or excusable to spread countless lies just one after another?"
The guilt inside of him stirs with each painful question, and her dagger gaze narrows as she waits for a response.
"...Kana, it was never my intention to hurt you. I only wanted to learn if you truly loved me, therefore I could propose with no regrets. But this entire plan got out of-"
"Just stop! I don't need to hear any more of your sorry excuses..." The girl's bawled fist slowly releases with a bitter smile forming on her lips. "Guess you're wondering how I feel about you, right? Well considering what I discovered today, it should be quite clear. You're nothing more than a selfish liar of a prince, and you had the nerve to put my heart to the test. This will be our last conversation because I don't ever plan on speaking with you again. Goodbye, Wendell."
Giving her answer, Kana storms off past him--not looking back. Although the prince's hand reaches out, he just misses her, yet his voice won't cooperate to even utter an apology. The absolute worst result has happened right before his very eyes. So many emotions attack him at once, the country-dressed boy almost feels suffocated by them all. If Wendell doesn't make amends now he won't get another chance, and the prince attempts again to simply shout his beloved's name...
"Kana!" The ash-blonde jerks upward though she is nowhere to be found. Frantically searching for her, he's still in his dusk room with Max sound asleep on the floor. His skin broke out into a cold sweat that isn't because of the fever chills as this morning. The boy takes a second to calm his racing pulse before flopping back on his soft bed.
"What kind of nightmare was that?..."
Wendell can recall every single detail of that realistic dream. It's no easy task lying to the girl he loves but also seems too far deep to turn around now. At this point, he may as well come to a proper decision, but what if Kana discovers his secret beforehand?
Glancing at his pocket watch on the nearby dresser, it's late evening now and he doesn't wish to return to sleep so soon. The prince drags his sluggish body free from under the covers to work on lessons as a distraction. He can rest again a bit later when his scattered mind is more at ease.
The ash-blonde barely makes any real progress, despite sitting down for some time. In the next moment, the door creaks open as Margaret announces his second visitor. Once Wendell catches a glimpse of her emerald eyes, he immediately snaps out of his daze.
"K-Kana, what are you doing here?!" he sputters, stumbling over to the girl and his aid gives the two their privacy.
"Saelufu told me you were running a fever, so I decided to drop by when my party ended. Oh, I hope I wasn't disturbing your sleep or anything! We knocked for a minute but you didn't respond, plus you do have a bedhead."
Heat rises to his cheeks while trying to smooth down whatever pieces are sticking up. Between disheveled hair, a cherry nose, and being stuck in silk pajamas, he doesn't currently have the best appearance. On the contrary, the brunette is wearing a new flora dress he knows wouldn't be hanging in Opal Forten's shop windows.
"No, I was already awake working on lessons I skipped earlier. Suppose I was just absorbed in it and didn't-ah..." his voice trails off, getting interrupted by a sneeze.
"Bless you," she responds tenderly before her eyebrows furrow at the shorter boy. "You know, it's ridiculous to be busy with princely duties putting paperwork above your health! You probably fell ill because of overexerting yourself in the first place!"
The flip of her attitude takes him for a loop standing with an almost identical expression to the one in his dream. Kana constantly pushes herself laboring night or day, but gets rather firm if she suspects others are behaving just as carelessly.
"I appreciate your concern but I'm okay really! I've been at the desk for a brief period and my temperature has lowered since hours ago. Still, I guess it isn't the wisest decision to be up working so soon," he admits with a sniffle, and Kana holds out a food tray the prince only now notices.
"Well, you should relax and save the rest of that for tomorrow. I'm not sure if you have an appetite but I brought soup, and the maids also brewed you some echinacea tea." She stares down at the home-cooked meal with a lopsided smile. "Um, I know it's nothing special compared to your royal menu-"
Wendell cuts off her rambling, gently accepting the tray from her hands. Not only does she travel this far distance to visit him, but even puts forth the effort to fix soup for the boy as well. Despite his mixed feelings about seeing her tonight, the kind gesture has lifted his spirits.
"I'm sure this will taste great. Thank you, Kana," he says with a tender smile and a faint blush comes across her face.
The pair sit down on a cushioned chair for two at the foot of his bed. Removing the lid, she cooked split pea soup with ham that still has steam rising from it. The prince can't go by the smell, but it looks promising, and he takes a spoonful as she fidgets in anticipation.
"It's delicious. I wasn't aware you were handy in the kitchen," he compliments, and she waves off his praise.
"It's my late grandmother who taught me the recipe. I had to fix this at Lucille's house since it would've turned cold during the long walk from mine. I messed up my first attempt so I'm relieved it turned out decent."
"You shouldn't act so modest, though I would enjoy this better if not for the tea," Wendell grumbles, frowning at the herbal drink filled up to the brim. "I'm aware it helps ease cold symptoms, but I still can't stand the awful bitterness. Forcing down a single cup this morning was more than plenty."
However, a muffled laugh grabs his attention with the brunette hiding her grin. He's not quite certain what he said that's so humorous to the girl.
"It's just, listening to you gripe about taking your medicine. An unusual sight when picturing the prince of Calestra," she explains between giggles, the boy averting his gaze.
"At least my childish manner is giving you a nice laugh."
"No, I worded that the wrong way. As a kid, I always struggled when it came to gross medication. I most likely gave my poor mom a hassle every time I got sick. Little similarities like this makes me believe our worlds might not be so vastly different..." The last part is a low mumble he doesn't fully catch, but she quickly dismisses it, changing the subject.
They continue to chat while he eats and she shares what he missed at the celebration. Apparently, Alphonse hadn't shown up either for whatever reason. Without himself or his other persona there, only half the guests she invited joined the afternoon bash. Saelufu told her that Frederick got in trouble with her parents, therefore, he wasn't allowed to come. A decent cover story though telling another lie sends his stomach churning again.
"Sounds like you still had a fun day. It's a shame I couldn't attend."
"Yeah, we did... Uh, I need to be honest about something. I wasn't just visiting to check on your condition, but rather to see if you had a fever, to begin with," Kana confesses, and her words have him drop his utensil. "I thought since I warned Frederick would be there, you might've bypassed my party. Now confirming that you actually are ill makes me feel kinda silly... Sorry for doubting you."
The brunette seems sincere and this whole discussion has that terrible guilt return. Could she perhaps have true love for him, despite not falling for Frederick? Stopping this test to confess everything could gain her forgiveness, but then he won't have the full assurance to propose--if he's able. Nonetheless, if the prince keeps this fib going and she discovers the truth, he'll lose her anyway.
"Kana, I-"
"Is that...for me?" Kana's gaze is locked with a particular item wrapped on his desk. He didn't expect her to be sitting beside him after all, and luckily, Frederick's gift isn't lying in plain sight.
"Yes, that you're here, I might as well give it to you." Wendell sets the tray aside and hands her the present which she eagerly tears open. "Happy birthday."
"...The heart necklace that grabbed my attention in Everlane a few weeks back. I painfully knew I'd never have enough to afford their jewelry, so I just convinced myself I didn't want it. I can't believe you actually got this for me..."
"This is an important birthday as your first one as an adult. I'm assuming you do still want it?"
"Of course, thank you so much! I'm putting this on right now." Kana softly hums while fastening the piece behind her neck. The boy is glad she likes it, stopping by several shops to find one not sold out of these colors. The pink and gold necklace is a perfect fit, yet he does feel mixed emotions toward her glee.
A yawn escapes his lips, the previous tiredness suddenly hitting him once more. Wendell stares overhead as the moon is high in the skies, and it has gotten quite late to his surprise. Kana must've realized this too, collecting the dirty dishes as she moves for the door.
"It's dark out so I should hurry home. Thanks a lot for the amazing birthday present. Please get some sleep rather than returning to your desk, and I hope you recover soon!" The brunette disappears out of the room, and he's left alone with his anxious thoughts.
Wendell was tempted to reveal it all until the interruption concerning her gift. Now he has no choice but to proceed with the second half of this test, Saelufu's during the play having failed. This will give a clear answer whether that's good or bad so the web of lies, at last, can finally be over.
What I cannot afford is to stay fibbing to her like this, otherwise, that nightmare could very well become a reality.

A/N Hello r
eaders, hope you are enjoying the story. Do you think there's a chance she could be in love with him but not with Frederick? The next update will be a little action and the conclusion to another side story.