5 Five Years Ago II

Raven: Do you perhaps think you can help me out?

Jayden turns towards me and looks into my eyes sincerely. He takes my hands in his. I blink at him in surprise.

Jayden: I know this is going to sound crazy, but.... You should stay.

Raven: W-wait, what?

Jayden: I don't want to tie you down or anything. You know, I... I love you.

Raven:...!!

I had guessed that was the case long ago, but I wasn't sure if I was correct. To have a Prince fall for you would sound pretty exciting to some, but in my case, he has only ever been a friend. I could've fallen for him too if I wasn't so focused on training myself all these years. However, that's not the point here!

Raven: Jayden, you know I...

Jayden: Please let me say this now.

The pain in his eyes snatches away the words from my mouth and I sure quietly as Jaiden continues.

Jayden: You can get anything you ask for if you marry me; you wouldn't have to go anywhere and you would also get to be the Security Chief. Even if you don't love me, you can still get these privileges.

Jayden... He is ready to spend his life with me even though he knows that I don't have feelings for him? I've know Jayden for 6 years now, he's always been bubbly and easy to talk to, but now when I look at the pain in his eyes, I feel as though I'm... Betraying him as a friend. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes. I lower my head so that he doesn't see them.

Raven: I know that I can't return your feelings and as nice as it sounds to be your wife, I'm afraid I have to deny. I can achieve my goal if I stay here and wed you however, that would fail my will power. All these years, I've been training only to accomplish one thing, by myself. If I just rely on you, it would demean my hardwork. So please... Let me go.

Jayden doesn't reply for a while. Is he angry? You nitwit, of course he is; I said all that to him. What if he takes it the wrong way?

Jayden: It will take time to train and find another Chief, so, if you can find another Security Chief in 5 years, you can leave.

Raven:...!! What?!

I look up, astonished. Is he giving me the green light?!

Raven: That's enough time! I-....

Jayden: But if you can't,

His expression hardens.

Jayden: You'll stay here and marry me.

Raven: What?

It takes me a while to process all what he said. I'll have to stay here forever if I don't? No, I shouldn't be pessimistic! Five years, that's enough time.

Jayden: Do you agree?

Raven:.... Yes. But, what about you? If I find another Chief, you know.

Jayden: I would make myself worthy of you by the time.

Raven: You know that won't make me change my decision.

Jayden gives me sad smile.

Jayden: Well, it's worth a try.