Wendell
Although many hours have passed since their conversation, the prince is still distressed by her unexpected reply. He decided to question Kana on her feelings playing as Frederick for the ultimate test. She thinks the country male and himself don't get along, so there wasn't any reason to fret about her answer reaching his ears. What he didn't anticipate was the girl's response would fail to fall in either category.
I thought of everything in black and white. Mother warned me she could have other personal struggles to be against marrying a prince, no matter how she felt. Honestly, this is harder to accept than her love being a sham from the start.
Wendell makes his way through the castle gate as the wind gust grows stronger and the rain picks up. The ash-blonde is lucky to have left out earlier than planned, otherwise he would've been soaked to the bone during the walk back. While dragging his feet across the long bridge, a familiar figure standing at the opposite end causes a deep sense of dread to come over him.
"K-Kana, what are you doing here?!"
"Y-Your Highness, it's quite the terrible weather we're having to..." Her voice trails off as the girl's emerald eyes widen at his apparel. "Ah, those red overalls are the exact ones Frederick was in today. Why would you be wearing such an outfit?"
The grip on his hat and wig tightens as the prince poorly attempts to hide them out of her line of sight. Regardless if she didn't notice these accessories, there are still the thick-framed glasses in plain view resting on the bridge of his nose. After their talk at Greendale Hill, he made a detour to Saelufu's residence and joined her family for supper. The disguised royal needed to vent about the answer he was told from his beloved, but now he wishes to have simply gone straight home instead.
"Those rectangular glasses too... I-I can't believe I've been so blind this entire time," she mumbles, realization slowly sinking in with a hint of confusion by her furrowed eyebrows. "...Frederick Muller was you from the very beginning, but why dress up like a foreigner pretending to stay with the Evans family? To go as far as attending the schoolhouse while keeping your identity a secret?"
Wendell's mind goes blank with not a logical excuse he can imagine would ever fool her. Perhaps it is cruel karma he ran into her like this to finally confess the whole truth. Kana has the right to know everything, despite what reaction he might receive.
I shouldn't have been trying to take the cowardly way out by making Frederick disappear without a trace...
"Kana, I never shared this when speaking about my engagement, but two months ago I made a deal with my mother. If I was to propose to the one who had stolen my heart before the wedding date, I'd be allowed to marry the girl of my choice. The arrangement with the Valenta family would be no more. That special person I sought to take the hand of...was you."
"R-Really?" she murmurs, a light tint rising in her cheeks though he wonders how long it will last.
"...However, I wasn't quite sure if you loved me like my genuine feelings which arose ever since we first met. I just couldn't propose if there was a possibility you would accept for all the wrong reasons. That's why..." Wendell inhales deeply, hoping the extra oxygen will force out the words stuck in his closing throat. "I chatted with Saelufu and she suggested using a different persona to discover your heart. If I acted as a mere peasant boy and your feelings didn't waver it meant your love was indeed real. On the contrary, if you no longer held any interest in me then your affection was only a facade."
The prince forces himself to make eye contact with the girl who remains speechless by his explanation. The emotions that stir in her heart must be having a small delay to take effect, and this reaction is practical when learning she has been misled for countless weeks. After another minute of silence, Kana's hands cling tightly to her tattered dress as the initial shock has passed. The violent air gusts around them escalates like this weather is reflecting her current mood.
"So even Saelufu knew about all of this then. To think, those precious moments I experienced with Frederick were you dressed up the entire time. Did you suspect my true feelings because I'm a lowly peasant from Rainswood? Is that why you assumed I'd marry you out of greed?" she coldly asks, but that wasn't the sole reason for his doubts.
"N-No, I've just encountered numerous people in the past who grew closer to me for my title and riches alone. I developed trust issues with others, and not even someone kind-hearted as you were an exception. Although..." Wendell fetches the coin pouch out his back pocket that's a little lighter from his earlier generosity. "I had been rather curious about your change of behavior around Frederick, including these rumors of the gold spent carelessly that I gave you to put toward expenses."
He noticed Kana in new outfits recently, but the sole way she could afford them was with the coins he provided. All this considered, it bewildered the prince if these actions aren't true then why didn't she fall for Frederick? Had Kana not known him long enough or was she simply talented at masking her emotions? Based on their previous conversation after dad left the house, the latter is a strong possibility.
"Of course, I seemed strange around Frederick! Because of you, I thought I had fallen for two different people! I felt disgusted even if I wasn't betrothed to you, so I ignored the warmth in my chest during the tender times that we shared..."
Kana twists the red ribbon holding her wavy hair up in a ponytail, but not in the usual bashful manner with the frown tugging at her lips.
"As for the gold, my mom was the one who spent some of it on a sale in the capital. I had forgot to change clothes upon visiting when you were sick, therefore you wouldn't have gotten the wrong idea... Going through a depression as a result of the divorce, she wanted to do a little shopping for us three. Maybe it was all to prove to dad we were doing just fine on our own without him there," she mumbles this and it's clear that scar her dad left hasn't fully been healed. "She bought for me especially with my coming of age party, though by the time I opened the gifts it was too late to return them. When my mom realized the coins were from a child's pouch, and not additional aid sent by your mother, she felt guilty for her little shopping spree."
Kana's justification is making sense and the concerns he held washes away with the water coming down. The girl had adored Frederick but chose to push aside her emotions since she loved him first. Even Hannah wasting the gold he handed over was only a huge misunderstanding.
"...Does this mean what you said on Greendale hill was the truth? That you wouldn't accept my proposal because you're afraid to gain the throne?" he acquires, needing her to confirm this once more as no one but himself, and her hollow gaze drifts upward to the clouded skies.
"I made an excuse since I was put on the spot, though I won't deny there's a little validity to it. Even before your engagement, I could never work up the courage to proclaim my feelings for you..." The plastered smile she demonstrated to him before slowly spreads across her face. "At the end of the day, I'm just a laboring peasant girl from the poorest village in Calestra. You may have felt perfectly fine with us being close friends, but I wasn't sure if you thought I was worthy enough to become your bride."
The prince's lips thin at such an assumption. "Do you really think I'm that shallow of a person?"
Once the comment leaves his mouth, Wendell instantly regrets this snarky response--the girl visibly shaking. Kana's aggravation hits its peak as endless tears overflow her usually bright emerald eyes.
"Don't you dare turn this around on me! We might've both had our insecurities, but you're the one who constantly lied the past two months! In fact, you would've taken this little test to your grave if I hadn't shown up here tonight!"
The wound of betrayal in her strained voice cuts even deeper than when her father's disloyalty was revealed.
"...Y-You're right. I planned to have Frederick suddenly vanish like he never existed. All because I was too ashamed to confess the selfish act that I've played. One fib was told after another and they just kept piling on to cover for the rest. Soon, I was caught in a sticky web of lies I created with no hope of getting free. But Kana, I swear it wasn't my intention to ever cause you this sorrow!" he desperately argues to the girl with her head dropped low, and the chilling rain can't make his body feel more numb than it already does.
"I was nervous to be granted not merely a princess but queen position. I don't have any knowledge about noble class lifestyle, and to obtain such a title by taking your hand had me petrified. Still," --A trembling hand firmly grasps her red hair ribbon-- "I wouldn't have possibly allowed my fears to withhold my love for you."
Kana snatches this accessory off her head with the girl's afro hair blowing free--his eyes widening. In the next breath, she then releases his gift from her fingertips, and the harsh breeze carries it off through horrendous skies never to be seen again. All of her tears have dried up now but his beloved's gentle face is almost like a distant memory. Kana's green eyes look so dull under the moonlight, her unable to maintain the plastered smile with her lips curved downward. It's a rare occasion where she dropped her optimistic front, and he fears just touching the girl would cause her to collapse.
"I had wished--even prayed--that if the two of us were truly meant to be together, it would work itself out somehow. Now I see that we aren't. Well, I hope you and Blanche have a wonderful wedding ceremony next week. I...refuse to marry someone who has made it quite clear the trust I had in him was a mistake," Kana utters these parting words, her dashing right beyond him out the castle front gate.
The prince is well aware that if he doesn't catch her now, the slimmest odds to watch her walk down the aisle dressed in white will perish. Nevertheless, it's as if his very limbs have given up hope that mere words can mend the heavy damage he has inflicted. Wendell is unable to move a single muscle--revolted by the reflection of himself in the mere puddle on the ground. All the while, Kana's splashing footsteps grow fainter and fainter from earshot. The raging storm, at last, begins to calm just like the drama that unfolded has reached an end.
Going inside, Wendell drags himself up the staircase as he ignores the maid's protest for them to dry off his soaked clothing. Upon entering his bedroom, he spots a single envelope that is set in the center of his desk. The prince has a seat examining the item before he slowly removes the heart seal. The beautiful handwriting is painfully obvious, and the boy forces himself to read what she wrote.
To My One True Love,
The header alone sounds a bit cliche, but there's no better phrase to describe what you are in my eyes. If anyone asked my opinion about romance before meeting you, I would've answered that such an experience is a valuable gem--only a limited number of people can ever obtain it. When you recognized me from that snowy evening months ago, I firmly believed our interaction had been the budding of something special. I won't say it was love at first sight like a children's fairytale, but the closer I got to you the stronger my admiration grew.
To be honest, I did question if my feelings were planted just because of your royal title. I came to realize that even without a crown your kindness, bravery, and loyalty are the qualities which sprouted my love for you. Not the amount of gold you possess, how big a palace you live in, or other material things. Many young girls dream of a dashing prince to appear and whisk them away on his horse, but you eventually grow to learn true joy comes from that one individual who makes you feel complete. It just so happens for me that the person who captured my heart is both. Once my rose hit full bloom, I knew the flower would wilt if I didn't confess these emotions, no matter how difficult.
Hence, if you also cherish the time we spent together and would like it to flourish forevermore, then please meet with me on the top of our usual spot tomorrow at noon. Regardless of whether you show up or not, I'll always feel fortunate to call you a dear friend.
From, Your Possible Second Half
Even in the case scenario, Wendell missed Kana leaving the castle; he would've still recognized her tone from the first sentence. That outburst showed a broken side of the girl he has never seen before, and an exact opposite of the chipper mood she must've experienced while writing this letter. A nauseating guilt stirs in the prince's stomach that it was his deceit that brought her such misery.
Why didn't I just apologize rather than make excuses out there? Why couldn't I tell Kana the truth on my own with the several opportunities given? Why hadn't I turned down the idea to create Frederick in the first place? If only I never doubted her from the start...
The old paper begins to dampen which he presumes to be from his wet hair, though soon acknowledges it's a result of the salty tears running down his cheeks. Wendell fails to notice the door swing open as his gleeful aid greets him with wiggly eyebrows.
"Your Highness, the maids informed me you just arrived home. I see you've found the mysterious love letter that was dropped off for you here this evening. Any guesses on who it might be from?" Although the teasing manner is replaced by a worried frown when she gets a look at his face. "Dear heavens, why are you crying?! Surely these are joyful tears you're expressing?"
"...I should've listened to your advice back then. I-It's all my fault, Margaret," he hoarsely chokes out, clinching the thin paper as this letter might be the only words of affection from Kana he'll ever know.
"I see now. Everything's going to be alright."
Margaret's arms wrap around the shaking boy which gives a small comfort to his heartache. Doesn't matter how desperately Wendell wishes time could just rewind, but nothing can change his old mistakes because he is forced to live with them. The so-called red string his fiancee mentioned must be a cruel fate as the chances of marrying Kana are little to none.
💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌
Early in the morning in the prince's bedroom, he finishes sharing with Saelufu what all occurred last night. Although she blames herself for suggesting the reckless idea, this dreadful outcome lies solely on his shoulders. The arranged marriage--which will be called off this evening--may as well get set in stone if anyone but Kana is his bride.
"I'm positive she must be awfully mad at me too. First, you received a complicated answer from her about being on the throne, and now she doesn't trust you that our private test has been uncovered."
"I apologize for letting your name slip. I was so overwhelmed by the sudden confrontation that I couldn't think straight," he admits, but the dwarf releases a heavy sigh.
"No, I deserve it for giving you my worst scheme up to date. I'm stunned the very day Frederick said his goodbyes, Kana discovered the truth. So, what exactly are you planning to do?"
Wendell squeezes the cushion of the long seat that once sat Kana when he was sick and she came to visit. "Well, I'm in no position to consider asking her to be my bride given the pain I induced. However, I should apologize to Kana the proper way, unlike my pathetic behavior amidst the storm. She deserves that much..."
"I'll accompany you!" Saelufu insists, leaping on her feet. "I still am partially responsible and I'm the one who shoved this love operation down your throat in the first place. Us girls need to chat first so I can clear the air-"
"That isn't necessary."
"But, Wendell-"
"You can apologize to her on your own time but this mess is between Kana and me. I'll take my leave now, so I can make it back before my lessons start up. Thank you for coming all this way to check in on how I was managing," he replies with a weak smile, then retrieves his golden cloak and exits the bedroom.
...
Wendell aimlessly stares at happy couples enjoying this bright morning while riding in the carriage toward his destination. As they approach Greendale Hill, the prince orders his driver to stop recalling her love letter. Although he takes a quick look around, there's not a soul in sight amongst the little critters getting fresh air. It is a tad ahead of the hour Kana requested to meet, but he highly doubts she would have shown up either way.
As the travel continues, the prince arrives at Rainswood gate earlier than he hopes. His mind is quite jumbled on where to even begin with his apology. Saying one wrong remark can make the situation far worse, if that's possible at this point.
Perhaps it may have been best to give her a few days to cool off, though I'm not certain time will heal these wounds or deepen them...
Suddenly at her home, Wendell gives a gentle knock on the wood and nervously paces wondering just who will answer. A few minutes later it opens up with none other than her older brother peeking his head out. Mere seconds after their eyes lock, Rocco immediately tries to slam the door closed without a single greeting. Luckily, the prince acts fast--sticking his foot inside the small crack, and ignores the pain as he still yanks to keep him at bay on their doorstep.
"Wait, Rocco, please let me talk with her for only a moment!"
"I can't believe you had the audacity to show up here. It's your fault my little sister came home a total wreck last night, and that's she's currently in bed with a fever today. She's trying to sleep and you're not gonna disturb her rest."
"Kana is unwell?" he asks, fully aware the girl wasn't okay emotionally but didn't expect this to take a toll on her physical health as well.
"Yeah, I guess being stuck in wet clothing a long walk home would do it, or maybe Kana's aching heart is the real cause for her sickness," he snaps, the prince lowering his gaze to the muddy concrete. "The affection she had for you was genuine, unlike those other girls consumed with greed. Yet, you ignored her honest gestures and threw aside her trust. Even I'm a factor if I just hadn't..."
Rocco doesn't finish his sentence leaving the ash-blonde curious about how he would've contributed to this disaster. Regardless, her brother has every reason to be upset after all the anguish his countless lies brought Kana. No measure of guilt can equal a fraction of what she must be experiencing right now.
"Look, royalty or peasant, I won't tolerate anybody hurting my family. The smart choice for you is to just turn around, go on back to your ornate lifestyle, and cut ties with her. I'm not warning you again to get off our property."
"Of course, you're furious and I hurt someone important to you. I can only imagine how angry I would be if a boy made Wendy cry." Wendell hesitantly removes his foot from the gap--and much to a surprise, Rocco doesn't shut the door on him. "I understand how tactless it was to test Kana's emotions, which now ruined any chance of taking her hand in marriage. Still, can you at least tell her these final words of mine?... I'm deeply sorry for not just yesterday's conflict but everything that led up to it. For foolishly allowing past experiences to warp my sense of judgment. I do hope in the future you will find a man who is worthy of your love, and that our precious friendship can one day be rekindled."
Giving his piece, the prince swiftly turns toward the village entrance. Rocco may decide against passing his sincere message along to the sick girl, though he can't blame him. So much has conspired this week that his body feels utterly drained, despite the blinding sunrise. Two months ago, Wendell was eager to discover if he should propose to Kana and presently is left troubled if they will even remain on speaking terms.

A/N Hello readers, how d
o you feel about this chapter? I've been typing like crazy to catch up on schedule. There's one last side story chapter left next update!