Wendell
The prince presses forth on his horse galloping up the grassy deserted hill. He fetched one from the palace stables to reach his destination as soon as possible. Now is the time to finally make things right, even if a painful rejection is still the end result.
Reaching the top, Wendell allows his trusted mount to roam freely while he approaches the girl who sits against a tree. Despite his feet dragging through the grass, Kana's body doesn't move an inch. Almost as if she is disconnected from the world while spinning the single flower around in her hand. Not a ribbon decorates her disheveled afro hair which resurfaces images of that painful confrontation.
"I knew you would be here, Kana. This is the place you said for us to meet in your letter."
"Ah!... I wrote it before knowing the boy I love lied to me for two months straight." Kana glances over her shoulder and just one look at the puffiness under her eyes causes his heart to sink. "Why'd you come, Wendell? Your wedding should have already started a long time ago."
"The ceremony was abruptly canceled. Blanche did so herself after realizing there was someone she valued far more. Likewise, I have one true half to whom my heart belongs and that person is you."
Kana stays silent picking the petals off the blue rose one by one, and he can't exactly blame her cold behavior. The way he acted during their last confrontation was a total disgrace to the Chestna family name. This time around, Wendell plans to humble himself by giving her the proper treatment she deserved all along.
"You do have every right to be furious with me-"
"When it came to my dad, his betrayal wasn't really that surprising. Excluding Rocco, we were both in denial, but I never expected you would pull such a grand deception..." She takes a stand facing the ash-blonde with her identical wounded gaze implanted in his memory. The bare stem slips from her fingertips like their once priceless bond slowly peeling away. "T-The amount of trust I had up until the night you took it all away."
"I took you for granted thus ruining the tender connection we formed together. But please, give ear as I proclaim my deepest apologies and straightforward confession. If you aren't convinced of my humility and still have lingering doubts, the two of us can go our separate ways."
The prince pauses just a second in case she has any objections, but since Kana remains quiet he takes a breath to begin his unprepared speech.
"I will open by saying the trickery I did to you was unjustifiably wrong. The ridiculous fibs I uttered despite getting presented with numerous opportunities to tell you the truth. No regard for your emotions, I only thought about myself." Wendell places an arm across his chest while giving a small bow in unison. "I regret my inconsiderate actions and from the bottom of my heart, plead for your forgiveness."
"...When I woke up briefly while trying to sleep through the fever, my mom shared that you dropped by."
"I wasn't aware Hannah overheard me and your brother's conversation. If I didn't create an argument you wouldn't have run home with damp clothing in the first place..." he mumbles, and Kana was very sweet the time he had gotten sick.
"Initially, I thought she inserted flowery words with your apology to ease my pain. My mom had felt responsible for the gold mishap but Rocco also confirmed what was said. Seeing you now, I know you're being sincere, however..."
Kana's voice trails off absentmindedly twisting a strand of her knotted hair.
"If you could deceive me for weeks and own up solely because you've been caught, how can I trust you moving forward? Plus, I'm uncertain if you even believe my letter given you conducted an entire test to determine the merit of my love."
The ash-blonde attentively listens to her negative ideas that resulted from his grave errors. This is the precise moment to express to Kana just how much she means to him.
"You admitted your feelings to me in writing so it's proper I conveyed my face-to-face..." Wendell exhales, allowing his bundled emotions to flow like ink against the paper. "Upon Saelufu reintroducing us, I felt it was a spark of something special. You were the distressed brunette that failed to recognize my identity, but it had been nice to hold a chat without my royal title the center of attention. I feared this tune would change when you knew who I was--though adding formalities, your self-reliant nature stayed intact. Even if your beauty did capture me, I honestly hadn't anticipated falling for you quite fast and strongly as I did. During the difficult mourning process of my father's demise, you were a ray of light in my darkest hour."
The last piece makes the girl's bottom lip quiver ever-so-slightly. They had befriended a mere few weeks prior to the king's devastating death. When most drift away while people are in a period of grief, Kana tried to lift his spirits in any way she could. He is still even today extremely grateful for her kindness back then.
"An individual as diligent, caring, and honest, I became more smitten with you each passing day we spent together. So when my arranged marriage had been revealed, my biggest concern was getting robbed of the chance..." --Wendell kneels pulling out the engagement ring and his face nuzzles against her trembling right hand-- "to get down on one knee and ask, will you marry me? I'm in no sense perfect as others might perceive, thus cannot guarantee I won't make mistakes in the years to come. I can firmly say, henceforth, that I'll never lie to hurt you like this again. Kana, I love you dearly and hope your genuine feelings toward me haven't perished."
Wendell hesitantly lifts his head as a floodgate of tears run down Kana's rosy cheeks. This setting is polar opposites to that stormy night--the gentle breeze calms the prince's thumping heart, but he only hopes her glistening eyes are from joy and not sadness. The atmosphere is perfect though he doesn't know for sure, unless she confirms with a single response.
"...No," Kana whispers, Wendell's optimistic mood crumbling in mere seconds, yet the corners of her mouth slowly tilts upward. "My love for you hasn't faltered. I yearn to live by your side, despite the hardships we may undergo."
That teasing reply is much deserved after all I put her through.
"I don't expect you to be an ideal prince without a flaw inside him. Just promising to give your best effort is plenty enough for me. That being said..." Kana's loving smile widens as the absent twinkle returns to her emerald irises. "Yes, I'll gladly take your hand in marriage."
"Y-You really mean it?" he stampers, the prince simply needing to hear it once more to solidify her answer. It is one thing for Kana to have forgiven his previous deceit, but now accepting this proposal just feels too good to be true. He ruled out any possibility of a future with them untied, but these dying desires of yesterday are becoming a reality.
Kana eagerly nods to further express her approval, and sliding the dazzling jewel on her ring finger, it's a terrific fit. His overwhelming emotions can no longer be contained, him twirling the brunette whose soft giggle is music to his ears. The hot wave of summer wind causes loose flower petals to dance around them, as if even this weather is matching their glee. Little critters join in making noises from trees like they're cheering the joyous moment with his beloved.
When the excitement for the pair, at last, calms down they gaze at the vanilla skies overhead sitting side-by-side.
"I need to stop smiling given how my face is hurting but I just can't help myself," Kana gushes beaming while she stares at her ring before the girl becomes more composed. "What should we do now? You said earlier Blanche stopped the wedding because of someone more important. That implies she actually chose another over you?"
"I'm not sure if I remember this, but Oliver mentioned him and Blanche were childhood friends from Quincy. He is the one she boldly declared her love to before all our wedding guests."
"Wow, I only ever met Blanche at the tea shop that once, yet somehow not surprised her and Oliver make a great match," Kana replies, and her first question should be properly addressed.
"Before getting ahead of ourselves, I just want you to know our wedding doesn't have to be right away."
These words have the brunette tense up a bit and he needs to ease her confusion.
"The reason I proposed after my apology is because I now know without a hint of uncertainty that you're the woman for me. However, if you require more time before diving into marriage, I have no qualms over waiting. It's not mandatory for me to have a bride until age twenty."
Though couples can legally get married upon entering adulthood, most refrain from doing so the moment they reach seventeen. They're still quite young for such a huge commitment, and divorce isn't discussed with their religion--unless in the act of unfaithfulness.
"I know that the one beside me is the only person I can envision as my husband. What's the difference between holding off for another three years or marrying right now?"
"If that's your answer then..." The prince whistles to reveal his horse from among the shadows, and after hopping on the mount, he extends a hand. "We must head back to the palace and inform my mother of our engagement. Then our next step is beginning to plan a memorable ceremony to follow. Let us be on our way, Kana."
Wendell offers her assistance stepping up, and a nostalgic air bubbles of their interaction when first crossing paths. The familiar grin proves she recalls the same scene as Kana's hand grasps his own. Her arms securely wrapping around the prince's waist tight, the black horse trots off toward the castle.
...
Directed by servants, the two make their way inside the near empty chapel. All guests have left the premises as only his mother and their archbishop continue to pace. The earlier dread the prince felt when walking in this afternoon has vanished. He's now quite eager to share such happy news with his family.
Kana, however, seems rather anxious as her body almost unnoticeably shakes. To ease her nerves, his fingers intertwine with her own and then shoots the girl an encouraging smile. This small gesture does tighten her clammy grip while they slowly approach the altar before them.
"Welcome home. As you can see, the guests left soon after you dashed out the door... Is this the young lady our old deal rested upon?" his mother questions and he gestures the brunette forward.
"Yes, I'd like to introduce my bride-to-be, Kana Littleton."
"I-It's an honor to meet you, Queen Althelia." The taller peasant girl immediately bows low, keeping her eyes pinned down at the marble floor. "I love your son and I'm ready to do whatever need be to gain your approval for our marriage."
Kana timidly lifts her head, his mother studying the brunette in absolute silence. She has already conducted a background check and given him verbal permission, so there shouldn't be any random issues with their current engagement. Thankfully, to soothe his growing worries a nostalgic smile spreads across the queen's lips.
"You have delicate eyes similar to my late husband. His gaze moved the very hearts of the people, though mine above all else. Wendell recently informed me of your charming qualities, and I am pleased my son chose someone acceptable as his future wife."
"I'm overjoyed to have your blessing, Your Majesty." Kana does another quick bow with his mother next facing the one beside her.
"I have been deeply troubled ever since our last discussion. You looked so miserable when telling me you lost the courage to propose, yet I hadn't a clue what advice I could lend to console you. I may have adapted to my role from a maid to a ruler, but at the sacrifice of me becoming a decent parent."
"Mother..."
Wendell had no idea the queen was distressed about him this entire time. Back then, he always shared a closer relationship with his late father. Perhaps because she was a tad stricter of the two, but he viewed Margaret as a maternal figure higher than the woman who actually birthed him. Nonetheless, her current parental love sparks a warm feeling in the boy's chest.
"Admitting your concern isn't a bad start, and I'm delighted to have your support in our union," he softly responds, and the archbishop clears his throat.
"Apologies for my interruption but when will the wedding be held?"
"Well, this certainly cannot get done today. I told you we'd push the wedding after your coronation--and between the new preparations--we'll need double the time. It most likely won't be held until a couple of months from now."
A short delay is no problem to him in the slightest long as Kana will be the bride who walks down this narrow aisle.
"I warn now, there'll be busy weeks ahead so you best prepare yourselves," The queen firmly advises to which they exchange determined looks.
"We'll both work hard without any complaints, Mother."
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A group of five sits around the large table in his mother's study chambers. This marks the second meeting their families have held to plan for the distant ceremony. Today's topic mostly focuses on living arrangements after the two soon wed. Kana's mother and brother are moving into rooms that will be arranged, although not one is tidied up for her unfaithful father given their finalized divorce.
"I believe we'll end things here since it's getting dark. During our next gathering, we can start on Kana's custom-made wedding dress. Such a lengthy task shouldn't get placed before my son is crowned."
"We're willing to come at any time you set for us, Your Majesty. Do have a pleasant night," Hannah farewells, but his mother speaks as the two guests rise out of their seats.
"Wait just a moment! There is an urgent matter we need to discuss right now. This is something we should've covered once I learned of her social ranking, but it had completely slipped my mind with so much on my plate."
"Is there a problem?" Rocco hesitantly asks and the queen shakes her head.
"I don't feel it will be but I'm not the judge of that..." His mother sets her chin on folded hands, her gaze drifting to his fiancee who stiffens up. "You should be seventeen now, correct?"
"Oh, yes, my birthday passed not too long ago."
"As made common knowledge, by our laws you now classify as a young woman. When Wendell was engaged to Gregory's daughter, she was a year younger than him in age. When exchanging vows through political marriages, it can only be consummated after both reach adulthood. A just law that's been kept in Calestra where even royals won't stand exempted, but it seems in this case there won't be any issues."
The moment these words leave the queen's mouth, both teens fidget in their seats avoiding eye contact. Intimacy is never a subject any young couple will be thrilled to converse about with their parents.
"Regarding that, I'm sure you've realized that your future offspring will be prohibited from obtaining the throne. Kana granted a royal title is only possible through your union--and if anything were to happen to you, she gets stripped of her high position. The children will be of legitimate birth though are unable to rule. Hereditary rights will pass along to your sister's generation, depending on who Wendy chooses to marry. Ponder now if this is truly acceptable to you?"
Everyone's attention is directed to him as they anxiously await his answer on the issue. Wendell has thought hard over it before he proposed, but such trifles are of little importance to the prince. It won't affect him to hesitate in taking Kana's hand come next autumn.
"That is fine by me. One day when we do start a family, I only pray they'll be born healthy and maintain a happy spirit. They needn't become rulers to accomplish grand dreams in life."
"Your Highness..." Kana mumbles, her tightly clenching the locket around her neck, and his mother nods with a knowing smile.
"I predicted your positive response but needed to check, just in case you felt differently. At last, we're finally finished for the evening. Have a safe trip back home and we'll join again on a later date."
The guests are dismissed, everyone entering the dimly lit hallway as the once blazing sun has begun to set. Their meeting was longer than he anticipated, and Kana says goodbyes to her family before they head for the gate. This leaves the betrothed pair alone for the first time in days.
"You're not going yet?" he acquires, hoping she has a short window to spare.
"Nope, I have more beauty treatments, plus another lesson with Mrs. Philips. There is a lot I'm required to memorize with no prior noble experience. Actually, the scented bath was supposed to have gotten done an hour ago..."
"I see, well may I steal you away just a mom-"
His sneaky request is interrupted by several maids who drag Kana off in an instant. Spewing on how they've grown tired of postponing other tasks for her late arrival. The prince merely waves while his frantic fiancee grows further from sight.
His mother wasn't kidding when she said their schedules would turn hectic and his coronation hadn't even passed. The two have hardly spent an ounce of time together this whole week. Nevertheless, once they do tie the knot a brand new path lies ahead of them.
That's right. Just continue reminding myself of this fact and I can stay patient.
Wishing to also work productivity, Wendell moves toward his bedroom to start an early language lesson.
...
The prince roams the castle halls searching for his beloved who he assumed would have departed by now. His lessons have ended but Kana hasn't gone home yet and it's well past supper time. Curious about what could be dragging on her stay, Wendell asks around where the girl was last seen. Luckily one maid points him in the right direction of the dining area.
Gently pushing on the door, he peeks through a tiny crack at the gathered trio. Kana and his sister are seated across from each other enjoying a midnight snack as Mrs. Phillips watches their every move. The elderly woman smacks the table--her stick in hand--with a disapproving frown at the little girl.
"Wendy, elbows off the table!"
"I'm barely touching it!" She tries to voice though it is hard to understand given her cheeks are full of cake.
"You shouldn't be at all and do not talk with your mouth full."
Studying her second student, she heaves a heavy sigh smacking the table which causes the brunette to jump.
"Chin up! Your back should be up straight, not slouched, and pick the food with a fork. Don't scoop, we've been over this."
"Y-Yes, so sorry!"
After observing them for a few dragging minutes, Mrs. Phillips goes to make her exit.
"That'll be it for our lesson tonight. Go over these rules we covered continually so you don't forget. I'll see you next week, Kana."
The elderly woman struts off giving a bow to the young prince on her way out the door. Wendell stops his spying and joins the girls since their lecture has finally wrapped up. Though his sister happily eats the rest of her cake, Kana on the other hand looks exhausted compared to earlier.
"Mrs. Phillip's nagging can give you a headache."
"Oh, Your Highness. She did watch me like a hawk to where I couldn't even taste the buttery crust of this yummy blueberry pie. I thought Ms. Grumphan's scowl was anxiety-inducing. Although..." Kana's eyes drop to the floor or rather at her feet that glass footwear replaces her usual torn soles. "My wardrobe is to soon be changed and I'll be forced to put on high heels more often. Originally, I only had to deal with cramped toes for an occasional ball or two. Now since I'm expected to wear them constantly, I wonder how much taller these will make me. It's a little embarrassing to have more attention drawn to myself with our engagement already made known to the public."
Although Kana forces a grin he can tell that's an obvious cover to downplay the frustration and fears within herself. The girl is stepping into an entirely different world and it will take some time for adjustment. If it was a challenge to get comfortable when acting as Frederick, this must be quite a difficult experience.
"Shall we hold a date in the garden when you complete your etiquette lessons? You'll get the opportunity to savor your desserts rather than eat them in tension. And as for your height dilemma, I think" --Wendell leans on the table closer to the girl with a dashing smile-- "people only stare because your beauty stands above the rest even greater now."
This action and words makes his precious finacee's face redden though her gaze doesn't waver from his own. "T-That's very flattering of you to say. I told the queen I was willing to do whatever it took to become a worthy bride. This pressure won't break me though I can't deny your reward date is a nice motivator."
"Are you two gonna kiss? I thought you were supposed to wait until the wedding." Wendy eyeballs the teens which have him quick to create space, and he momentarily forgot about his younger sibling's presence.
"Didn't Mrs. Philips tell you it's impolite to stare? A child needs to butt out of couples interactions."
"Stop treating me like a kid!" Wendy shouts with a pout before chewing on another bite of her dessert. "Besides, I'm just here nibbling at my sponge cake. You guys are the ones being all lovey-dovey right in my line of sight. I mean, you've been elated ever since she accepted the proposal. You continued to lose focus during your lessons because of it!"
Her blabbering mouth leaves him flustered as he can feel Kana's teasing smile without a simple glance.
"Seems I haven't been the only one struggling with my lessons. Our engagement has kept your head stuck in the clouds. That's cute," she voices with a giggle, and he spins to hide his blushing face.
"I-I'm sure the carriage is ready so I'll escort you to the castle gate."
Wendell is thankful she drops the topic following behind the boy toward her ride home. While they go, the older swipes the single raspberry on top of his little sister's cake as payback. Popping the juicy fruit in his mouth, he ignores Wendy's loud complaints that can be heard from down the hall. Precious times like these are ones he aspires to always have, even
through future years of rough patches.
We may face unpredictable obstacles but foolish secrets won't drive us apart again.

A/N Down to only two chapters left to go. Please vote, comment, and share.