Chapter 23: What The Future Holds

Wendell

Late afternoon in the castle throne room, both mother and son are silent. The queen ordered for him to come straight there once lessons were completed. Although he's unsure what her business is, the topic must be important with the weary expression on her face. 

"I had said once a decision was made, I would let you know as soon as possible if you're allowed to propose," she starts, and he thickly swallows, afraid these next words might reveal a problem there is no remedy in fixing.

"I'm guessing by your tone this won't be a favorable answer..." 

There is a long pause again as the queen shuts her dull blue eyes. An uneasiness washes over him now much stronger than before walking in. The prince anxiously waits for his mother to continue, only praying she doesn't pronounce one particular order. 

"Unfortunately, that's correct. When we last spoke on this subject, I warned you our ranks might not be quite large enough for battle. The situation hasn't changed and it's already set to launch a preemptive strike in the middle of next week. Then, Calestra and Khisenfire will face off for what should be the final time." 

It's an odd feeling going to war with whom was rumored to be ended by his father's hands. Wendell not only wants to claim victory for their people's sake but to avenge the fallen king as well. Though with the scales tipped in their enemy's favor leaves just a single route for them to take. 

"To be direct, I was compelled to act on the treaty deal even earlier than planned. We had to obtain additional men to stand a fighting chance against the alchemy Lorenzo has in store. No matter what clever strategy is devised, our army could never overcome this threat alone..." His mother rests her head on folded with the air changing around her as she speaks. "Mr. Valenta is in good graces with the current king of Quincy, and this connection gained us the extra soldiers we needed. However, as you know, he expects you to-" 

"Wed his daughter like arranged from the very beginning," he murmurs, this deepest fear being vocalized by himself. Wendell may have gotten a tad closer to the noble girl, but still has zero interest in Blanche becoming his bride. Kana's true feelings are quite unclear, especially with her current behavior. Whether not marrying because she doesn't love him from the heart, or denying this proposal to uphold a contract he had no say in, both of these produce the same result.

"I am supposed to meet with Gregory the following weekend after our attack," his mother softly voices, lacking her original authority. "I'll see if I can negotiate another method to repay him for his assistance. In the event my attempt to persuade him fails, Blanche keeps her engagement instead of the girl you desire. When first making our deal, I hadn't known for certain Henry was still alive nor that we would be this desperate for a treaty. Regardless, I must deliver so Calestra doesn't come off as untrustworthy... Though that means I'm forced to break my promise to you."

The parent finishes sharing her piece with a flicker of sadness behind her tired gaze. His mother seems oddly stressed about this predicament, which displaying weakness even for family is something she rarely does. It's not that he even blames her reasoning, but the whole situation can only be described as dispiriting. 

"When we next discuss this topic, I'll be giving you a proper yes or no to your proposal. Until things get sorted out you cannot drop hints to her or even talk of our deal to others. Do I make myself clear?" 

"...Yes mother, I understand," His voice is but a weak whisper which causes her present frown to deepen. 

"I am sorry to have gotten your hopes up..." The queen straightens her posture on the royal chair while crossing her legs, his mother's typical image returning. "The second purpose for your summoning was to inform you that Blanche scheduled a date for tomorrow afternoon. She wants to attend the annual field games in Zerek Cove and requests her fiance's company. Finish all of your lessons before time, and don't leave the castle grounds. You are dismissed." 

The prince simply nods, him waltzing out of the throne room without protest. If he had just proposed right after getting approval--despite his lingering doubts--this might've been avoided. Then again, such eagerness would probably have resulted in twice the troubles. Now he's left wondering what the dim future holds for the two of them. 

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Wendell is protected from the brutal heat as the carriage moves down the rocky road. 

His blue eyes stare aimlessly at residents who carry on with their day, and he can't stop thinking about yesterday's revelation. One sweet voice snaps the prince right from his trance, blinking a few times. Searching for the source, he spots the brunette waving a few houses down.

"Your Highness, good afternoon!" 

He instructs the rider to stop for a moment, and the horses come to a halt in front of Kana. "Good afternoon. I didn't expect to find you in Everlane...sweeping?" 

"Yes, since there wasn't any mail today I had to switch it up a bit. Some nobles here pay a decent amount to clean in front of their homes. Where are you heading?" 

"I'm on my way to pick up Blanche to watch the field games." 

"Ah, a date with your fiancee, I see. She's the lucky one. It would've been nice to go if I wasn't stuck working," she responds, both of them wearing a forced grin for different reasons. 

"Care to at least take a short break then? I'm a little ahead of schedule," he offers, scooting over so she can have a seat beside him. Kana accepts the invitation, dropping her broom and releases a sigh once under the roof's shade. 

"It's stayed really hot for summer to have just come in. It wasn't so unbearable to work through last year." 

"Summer is no sense my favorite season. I hope some fresh air can help balance this humid weather when the games start up," he agrees, preferring the cool autumn breeze much better than damp clothing. 

Having a closer look at her, there is a tiny but noticeable speck of dirt on the girl's cheek. It most likely happened while she was busy sweeping, and without a second thought, his hand reaching toward Kana. The prince swipes the filth away with his thumb, and she lets out a squeak quickly creating distance between them. 

"W-What are you doing?!"

"My apologies. I was just getting a bit of dirt I saw off your face..." 

"Oh, s-sorry for overreacting." Kana sits back properly though she is acting rather off today. 

"Is something troubling you? I do have a small window to listen, if you wish to talk. I gave my word that I would always make time for you after all."

Similar to the incident with her father, she's definitely upset right now. Kana doesn't appear to hold agitation but what exactly is weighing on her mind? Even if this won't be a quick conversation, he can arrive tardy when supporting his friend in need. 

"I, um..." Kana's emerald eyes are glued to her worn dress as she fiddles with her hands. "It's just difficult for my family to make ends meet. Actually, because of my parents separation we've struggled all the more to put food on the table. What he was providing wasn't anything noteworthy but losing that leaves the burden on my brother and I alone." 

"That's right. Your mother suffered a bad injury and can't do any heavy labor. What about the aid my mother has sent?" 

He talked to his parent seated on the throne after the impoverished theiving children in the capital. The house damages and family sizes must be taken into account making it quite the process. Though luckily, she recently informed him to have gotten to the last few families that were waiting. 

"We received the queen's aid and it helped... somewhat. Still, it's not quite enough while Rocco is trying to find a more steady job that dad's gone. That's why," --Kana bows forward while sitting with her face to her lap-- "if it's not too much trouble, I wanted to humbly ask for your charity! Just a few silver coins we can distribute towards groceries and household supplies to hold us until the end of the month."

This marks the first day she has ever pleaded to the future king for silver. The ash-blonde may be wary of asking her hand in marriage, which he might no longer have the opportunity to do. Nevertheless, Kana would never lie to him over such a serious issue. Believing that wholeheartedly, he pulls out a coin pouch.

"Here. This is roughly fifty golden coins for you to carry home. It will last until next month and then some." 

"What, no I can't accept this much!" Kana immediately declines this offer with frantic hands. "Requesting fifty silvers would seem greedy, further yet fifty gold coins! I mean, you're being way too generous..." 

The prince ignores such objections and places the alms in her palm. 

"I insist you take it. You're constantly working hard so I'm sure both you and Rocco deserve a break. Only be careful not to blow through this, okay?" he adds with a teasing smile, and she looks at ease compared to her earlier behavior. 

"Of course, we will. I can't thank you enough, Your Highness. Ah, please refrain from mentioning this to anybody though! I don't want my friends to know how bad things are at the moment..." 

"Alright, I won't tell a soul," he promises, and she leaps out of the carriage tightly clutching the munificent present. 

"Well, I should continue my job before I get in trouble, and you shouldn't keep Blache waiting. Thank you a lot for your generosity."

"You're welcome. Make certain to drink plenty of water and rest in the shade prior to walking home in this miserable heat. It would be terrible if you faint here from exhaustion..."

"Yes, I'll be extra careful. I appreciate you lending me an ear again today. Have fun and I'll see you later," Kana responds, waving goodbye as the carriage resumes its journey down the road. 

Wendell handed her all the gold currently in his possession without a lick of hesitation. It was a bit over the amount she required, but he didn't want to postpone giving her the coins. The girl was so earnest while asking it has him bewildered by her true emotions. 

It's pointless to keep wondering and a wedding with her is near impossible now. I guess it's time to get rid of Frederick as well since I can't propose. It is sadder thinking Kana's love could be real, than her just acting for selfish reasons. 

...

The engaged pair walks through the beautiful village as they pass numerous cozy cottages. Then shortly entering a huge field where many people prepare for the grand event. Wendell guides his giddy fiancee by the arm whose amethyst eyes sparkle at the sight. 

"Look at the variety of games getting set up. I'm so excited to see what all of the fuss is about! It's nothing remotely like this back in Quincy nor any of the other kingdoms I've visited."

"I assumed you didn't care to participate in stuff like this. Was I wrong?" he asks, and she spins her parasol.

"Absolutely not. I could never endure such activities with the awful sweat and grime. Watching from the stands is more entertaining in my book." 

The two find a great spot to view it from with free space on one of the higher benches. Going up to their desired area, he catches the dwarf out the corner of his eye seated alongside Justus. He's unsure if they came together or simply ran into each other by chance. Wendell gives his friend a small wave--which she returns--and patiently waits for the games to begin. 

A personal favorite of most watchers and the first game is the classic bean bag toss. Everyone who signed up ahead of time to participate gathers around the grassy field. The three top scores will earn a ribbon as their reward, and a special trophy for the person who wins the majority. He hasn't been able to join or even spectate the games for years now. Unfortunately, Wendell can't enjoy it as he would like, the upsetting news of this permanent engagement clouding his thoughts. 

After the first competition ends several are to follow including tug of war, the hammer throw, and kick the can. Blanche seems quite invested as she only maintains light conversation over the action in front of them. When the fifth game is announced, Saelufu shockingly skips out on the field. 

"I forgot she spoke of signing up for one of the games this year. So she'll be competing in bobbing for apples," he mumbles as she sets up with the partakers. 

"A childhood friend of yours, correct? She is a dwarf that lives in Opal Forten. Justus has told me plenty about her." 

"Has he now?" 

This is a bit surprising but they've become good friends ever since Justus joined their class. Perhaps it could even be a romantic spark, him glancing at the strawberry blonde across from them. There have been other signs he noticed--on his end at least though wonders if these feelings go both ways.

Saelufu stands in position and once the loud horn goes off, her head dips into the bucket. Pulling one apple after another out of the water, she gets a decent lead being tied with a skilled opponent. He can tell his friend practiced beforehand, but just falls short of first place settling in second. Despite this loss, the dwarf did an amazing job and had fun while doing so. Wendell claps for the girl with the rest of the audience as she receives her silver ribbon. 

"She managed to pull off a second-place win. I always performed terribly at that contest when I was younger," he shares, thinking back on those fun times.

"Good luck, Oliver!" 

Blanche's encouragement causes the black-haired boy to awkwardly wave in return.

"The apple toss was difficult but why don't you leap to victory in the sack race that's about to start? Based on the names called out, we know Franklin Morse isn't here. They must have an extra sack you can use." 

"I can't just jump in and I never signed up," he dismisses, her suggestion absurd. 

"Such trifles shouldn't matter. You're the crowned prince soon-to-be king of Calestra. I'm sure they won't refuse to bend the rules for you, so hurry up before it begins!" The noble girl gives him a gentle shove, and Wendell has no clue why she is determined he participates. 

The prince speaks with the host who doesn't mind and even strongly encourages him to join. Presented with a large brown sack to use, Wendell searches where to stand on the starting point. Luckily he finds a spot toward the end, which unfortunately is right next to Oliver. 

"You're competing in this race? Don't recall seeing your name on the sheet given I was the last to enter. I practiced three long years to come in first, and this will be the one of my taking. Especially with her here watching," Oliver declares, though the ash-blonde pays him little attention.

"I didn't train for this at all. Besides, I'm only racing for fun." 

Wendell is not in the mood for a typical one-sided argument with him today. However, since their deep conversation on Greendale hill, he does understand Oliver's inflated ego now. The boy confessed things he would've never said, if not chatting to Frederick. 

I suppose knowing that I could make an effort to tolerate his attitude more than I already do.

When the race commences, people of different ages hop as fast as they can go. Everyone is determined to be the first one at the distant goal across the lush green. Despite not ever trying this particular game, he manages to keep up with the other racers. Oliver slowly gains an upper hand--and though there isn't a large gap, the prince gets fourth as his self-proclaimed rival scores first. 

"I've won it! Didn't I warn you before the race even began that it was foolish to compete against me?" He laughs proudly at his triumph but the ash-blonde rolls his eyes. 

"Believe I also said I wasn't concerned about winning." 

"Don't grovel over your loss, Your Highness! Honestly, you took ages to catch up." 

"Congratulations, Oliver." Wendell cuts off his celebration by patting him on the shoulder. "I'm impressed that you passed the finishing line so quickly." 

The taller boy is left mute after his genuine compliment as he leaves going back to his seat. Wendell might not have won this race, but it was the perfect distraction he truly needed. And it's all because of a certain someone who urged him to join. 

"Thanks, Blanche. I enjoyed myself out there." 

"So you're in higher spirits now? I could tell you weren't yourself since we arrived here. It's good to hear that race puts you in a better mood," she replies, then returning her focus to the upcoming game. He can hardly believe the noble girl realized his plastered smile from the beginning. Not acting well as he thought to conceal his hanging gloom, she pushed this just to cheer him up.

Blanche isn't the one I want to marry next month, but she is still a caring friend.

The final game of the event is archery. A challenging match mostly adults participate in, though to his surprise sees none other than Justus among the competitors. Blanche insists to him that her cousin is very skilled at the sport. These words prove to be true when he nearly hits a bullseye for all three of the targets. The boy is the youngest of them all, yet earns a third-place ribbon among men twice his age.

Once the dazzling trophy is handed out to the overall victor, the field games are brought to a close. All participants get in line for a yummy constellation prize, and after receiving their pie slice, the four meet up off-field to chat. Saelufu goes on loudly at Justus's performance as the boy fails to silence her praise. 

"I keep saying this but it's so cool you learned how to shoot a bow and arrow! Plus, you, a novice, got third place against those guys!" 

"I-It was beginner's luck. My dad taught me archery when I was a little kid. I could show you how...if you're really that interested," he slowly proposes, causing a fist pump into the air. 

"Darn right I am! I'll ensure you don't forget this offer either. I can't wait!" The dwarf smiles widely and he turns to his chipper friend. 

"You also did well bobbing for apples, Saelufu." 

"Thanks, I practiced loads beforehand. I was shocked to see you in the sack race of all games. It would've been perfect, if Oliver just hadn't won." 

Blanche is rather quiet while she silently stares at the dessert in hand. The delicious apple pie is given to those who partake every year. Since the noble girl didn't play in any games, she didn't receive one. 

"That pie smells so tasty. If I had known this was included, I would've found at least one game to join! The bean bag toss wouldn't have been too tiresome..." 

"Bummer, but maybe you can next year. I'm personally not the biggest fan of these desserts but their pie is one of the best." 

Saelufu holds a piece of the flaky crust up towards the light before glancing at the strawberry blonde beside her. "The apples used are actually from the orchid we visited back in Pencent."

"No wonder it's so sweet. I can see why this is popular." 

"Please, let me have a bite of yours?" Blanche pleads to her cousin who averts his gaze. 

"You should've signed up for a game when I did. I want the rest of mine." 

"Stingy! A whole year will take forever to pass, and the sweets at Versace don't compare." His fiancee's devastated gaze moves to him next, and he already saw this coming. Granted the prince wouldn't have attained a slice either, if she hadn't prompted him to participate. With that in mind, it's only proper to give her a piece. 

"Okay, you can taste-ah!" 

Wendell is nearly knocked off his feet as a sudden force shoves him aside. The culprit being none other than Oliver who breathlessly holds out his plate to her. 

"There's no reason to share with this lousy prince! You can eat mine!" 

"But apple pie is your favorite dessert..." she mumbles, the black-haired boy scratching behind his neck. 

"W-Well, I participate in these games yearly, so it's not a big deal giving up the pie just this once." 

"...Why don't we split it then? I'll ask if they have an extra plate and fork." 

Apparently liking that idea, the two strolls off together past the cottage homes. This simple interaction brings another fairly close bond to his attention. Saelufu and Justus are still conversing with each other, which reminds him of Kana's absent presence. Marriage might seem like a distant dream for them currently, but a miracle could happen in the month remaining until his birthday.

Unless we exchange vows, the future remains unclear. In the slimmest chance we

can marry, I need to be confident about Kana's unseen heart. Therefore, maybe I shouldn't discard my Frederick persona quite yet.



A/N Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please vote, comment, and share:)