2 Dinners and Visits

*With Christina and Andrew*

"I'm glad they love you," Andrew told Christina.

"I'm grateful for that also," she replied.

"Well, since the introductions are over, why don't you two go and get to know each other better?" said King Caldwell. Andrew nodded his head and gave a smile to Christina.

"My princess, I know a place where we could go," he told her. She nodded her head before Andrew pulled her away from the balcony.

…

"Here is our garden," Andrew said. Christina gazed over the vast field of green, pink, red, and orange. The dew on the fresh grass still glimmered in the sunset.

"All of these flowers are breathtaking", Christina admired.

"No, some of them are hideous", Andrew told her. She turned to him to question him about the ones he didn't like, but he had already answered it.

"Those are the ones," he said, as he pointed to a small group of roses. "They do not stand tall and strong, like the others. Therefore, they are unnecessary." He picked up one of the crimson, slightly wilted roses and threw it far away. Christina's eyes widened at his sudden action. She didn't think the roses looked horrible. Sure, they tilted a little, but their natural color was still there.

"I thought they were beautiful," Christina said softly. Andrew's fists tightened. He remembered that his brother said the exact same thing that same morning.

"No, Christina, you are royalty," Andrew sternly explained. "You should not have imperfect things in your future kingdom."

"Well, I still like it," she firmly stated. She picked up one of the wilted roses and walked away.

Andrew watched her go.

"She needs to think about what I said. She cannot think like my idiot brother," he thought.

*Christina's P.O.V*

As I walked away, I put the rose in my hair. I had hoped Andrew wasn't stuck up, but if he thinks that way, I guess he is. The garden here was gorgeous, and I couldn't believe he let a few flowers get him upset. Nothing is perfect, that's what makes the world aesthetic. Then, I heard rustling coming from the bushes on my left. I quickly turned to it, and it stopped. Was there an intruder? Was it one of the gardeners? I decided to find out.

"Hello?" I called out. No one answered. "Who is there?" I yelled even louder. I decided to leave the area. If it was an intruder, I needed to alert a guard.

"Guards!" I yelled. "I believe there is an intruder in the garden!" I heard the rustling again.

I turned around to see a flash of dark clothes approaching. Before I could scream, a hand covered my mouth. I became even more frightened when I could feel someone's arms pinning mine down to my sides. My heart stopped completely, shocked at the speed at which everything happened. Then, the attacker turned me around. I looked up to see a man. He had brown skin, and his height stood above me by several inches. His eyes were brown, and they gave me comfort. He inspected me carefully.

"Do not cry, princess," he told me softly. "I'm not here to harm you." His bright eyes held truth, and I immediately knew I could trust him.

*Andrew's P.O.V*

I can't believe she's still gone! I've just met her! I'm going to be her husband, and she already left my side. I heard the sound of a horse galloping towards me, so I turned around. One of my father's men approached me on his white steed and a second one followed after him.

"Prince Andrew," he said. "Where is your bride?"

"She left to that side of the garden," I told him, pointing to the direction she had gone to.

"Why would she do such a thing?" he asked me.

"She's just doing some exploring," I explained. "She was very excited about the garden." I wasn't going to tell some random guard that I was already having complications with my future wife.

"Very well," he said, nodding his head. "Well, your mother and father want you back at the castle to eat a celebratory dinner." I nodded my head.

"I will let her know," I replied.

"Take this horse with you, so you will arrive faster," the guard said, gesturing to the second white horse. I mounted it and took off to where Christina had left.

*Mysterious Man and Christina… 3rd P.O.V*

"Who are you?" Christina asked.

"I am Andrew's brother, Treyvon," the man answered. It instantly made sense as she realized how he favored the North King. His hair was dark and tightly curled, and his jawline was sharp yet his face looked young.

"Why were you over here?" the princess inquired.

"I was relaxing," he explained. "I often go there to think." She nodded at his answer. Treyvon looked up at the sky.

"It is beginning to get dark," he stated. "Let's go back to the castle." She nodded as he grabbed her hand. She heard him call out, and a horse with a black coat trotted towards them. She silently admired the majestic creature. She could see the bond between Treyvon and his horse, as the prince petted the steed gently. It made her smile.

"Midnight, this is Christina, my brother's bride," Treyvon said to the horse, gesturing towards Christina. "Let's go to the castle." He mounted Midnight and motioned for Christina to come closer. When she did, he grabbed her arms and pulled her onto the animal.

"Hold on tight," he told her. She followed his directions, and they set off to the castle.

*Treyvon's P.O.V*

It seems like a huge coincidence that Christina came just as soon as I went back into the garden. If one minute had passed, she would've found out my escape route to leave the castle. She doesn't really need to know what I do, because if she did, she'd probably think I was foolish. Just like Andrew. I shook my head at the thought of my brother. We were so different, and he never bothers with trying to understand me, like how I try to do with him. It's been like this ever since I can remember, which is very far back. I just wish things could change for the better between us. Then, I realized that Christina had been quiet for a while. I slightly turned back to her.

"Are you okay?", I asked her. She nodded, and said "Yes". Then I heard a small gasp escape her lips.

"Andrew," I heard her say. I looked forward to see Andrew riding on a white horse towards us. I came to a stop as he drew near. His facial expression showed annoyance and confusion.

"My princess, what are you doing with him?" he asked Christina.

"Hello to you too, Andrew," I said to him. He merely glanced at me and looked back at Christina, waiting for her to answer. I sighed. He had an attitude again.

"I saw him at the garden," Christina explained. "He told me that he was your brother. It was getting dark, so he offered to take me back to the castle."

"Andrew, surely you wouldn't want me to desert your bride in an unfamiliar place," I told him. He shot me a glare and then focused his attention back on Christina.

"Christina," he called out. "Come with me."

"Aren't we going to the same place?", she asked. I had to control my laughter and settle for a chuckle. Andrew's face settled into a grim frown. Then, all of a sudden, his lips curved up into a smile. I felt a lightning strike of chill run up my spine.

"Well, you are going to be my wife, so I want you to be comfortable around me," Andrew explained. "And I want to talk to you…privately." His tone held no space for refusal, and I raised an eyebrow. I didn't know what he had planned for her, but I was very concerned.

Surprisingly, Christina softly got off of Midnight and walked towards Andrew. The air around me became cold. A part of me wanted her to be back by my side, but I couldn't understand why. Andrew put her on his horse, smirked at me, then headed towards the castle. Christina gave me one last parting glance then left with Andrew. Is she happy with him? I thought. I immediately shook my head. It doesn't matter anyway. She's his bride. I took a deep breath and followed them.

*Christina and Andrew… 3rd P.O.V*

After Andrew and Christina arrived at the castle, some men took Andrew's horse. Andrew grabbed her hand and led her down some hallways. Finally, he stopped in front of the door, opened it, and led her inside. She took in the whole atmosphere the room. It was red and gold along the walls with wooden floors. The bed was large, and there was a portrait of him on the wall where the head of the bed was. There were gold and silver valuables on the dressers and a mirror next to it.

"Andrew, what is this about?" Christina questioned.

"I told you that I wanted to talk to you privately," he said simply. Then he looked at her seriously. "Why did you walk away from me?" he asked her.

"We were arguing about something as simple as a flower," Christina replied. "You seemed to get upset, so I left you alone to gather your thoughts." Andrew laughed.

"My princess, you don't need to leave my side, just because we didn't see eye to eye for a moment." She just nodded.

"Please, Christina," Andrew said. "You will soon be my wife. Do not walk away from me for petty reasons like that." Then, his voice became dark.

"Especially to my brother." The word "brother" seemed to leave a bad taste in his mouth, making his frown.

"Treyvon seems very nice," Christina said, defending the man she met not too long ago.

"The word 'seems' means you are not completely sure," Andrew argued. "To you, he is a stranger. Do not approach him."

"But he is your family," Christina continued. "Why do you speak about him in such a manner?" Andrew gave her a cold look, and it silenced her. She could feel that he wasn't going to explain himself any further.

"Get ready for the dinner with my parents," he told her. "You will learn what I'm warning you about later." He walked out of the room and called a guard.

"Take her to her quarters to get ready," Andrew told him.

The guard led Christina to another room down the hall. She walked into a room that was similar to Andrew's. Red and gold adorned the walls. She felt the bed, and it was extremely soft and smooth. Everything looked pristine and untouched as if no one had ever used the room before. She opened the closet to see many different colored dresses. They all looked very expensive, of course, and had different types of designs. She decided on a green, silk dress. She went into a bathroom and cleaned herself. After she got out, she changed into the emerald dress. It fit her at the top and flowed freely from her waist and under to end at her ankles.

She looked in a mirror and noticed the wilted rose from earlier was still in her hair. She took it out and brushed her hair. After she finished, she looked at the rose once more. After contemplating about it, she decided to not put it back in her hair. After all, it was the reason for her and Andrew's argument earlier. She heard a knock on her door and left the bathroom to open it. When she did, she saw Andrew dressed in fine clothes, as always.

"My princess, you look truly beautiful," he admired.

"Thank you," Christina replied. "You look handsome also."

"I know," he said confidently. "As prince and future king of the North Kingdom, I always have to look the best in the kingdom." Christina's smile faltered. It was going to be a long night.

*Treyvon's Room… Treyvon's P.O.V*

"I can't believe Andrew did that!" I exclaimed.

"You should believe it," William told me. "Andrew always has a need for complete control over others. It's his dream to get married to a princess, and become a role model of the whole kingdom."

"And what did he mean by 'talk'?" I continued. "Did he threaten her?" I shook my head. "I just don't trust him with her. She seems nice, and he's mean. It doesn't mix." William raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I inquired. "I always want the best for others. She is no exception." William nodded his head.

"I know," he said. "I've just been noticing how… upset you are." William cleared his throat. "It about time for you to get ready for dinner, sir," he told me. I groaned.

"I told you about calling me 'sir', William", I said to him. He shook his head.

"Fine. Treyvon, it's time for you to get ready for dinner tonight. You don't need to be late," he said.

"Better", I said, smiling.

William was more like a friend than a servant to me. It didn't feel right for me to allow him to call me titles that made him seem so insignificant compared to me. In fact, I never even refer to him as my servant. I always call him my friend.

I walked to my dresser and pulled out some simple clothes. Then I thought about Christina. What would she be wearing to dinner? I contemplated whether if I should wear something fancy to impress her. But why would I need to impress her? She's Andrew's bride. On the other hand, it's a celebratory dinner for my brother and his future wife, so maybe I should dress fancy. But then why should I pretend I'm someone I'm not by wearing fancy clothes?

"Are you having complications?" William asked me. I had forgotten he was there.

"I…uh… was just wondering about something…," I answered.

"I wonder why," I heard William say in a knowing tone. I barely caught it since he's so quiet, but I still heard him. I turned back to him.

"What did that mean?" I questioned.

"What are you talking about?" he asked me. He was expressionless again, and I couldn't detect anything from him. Whatever he meant by it, he wasn't going to explain.

…

After changing clothes, I went to the dining area for dinner. For once, I was actually on time. Usually, I dreaded eating together with my family, because Andrew made it so hostile. The air would feel stiff, suffocating even. I had decided long ago that I'd rather have William bring my dinner to my room, so we could eat and talk together. However, today was an exception. Christina would be at the dinner table, and I was curious to see how everything would play out. I also wanted another chance at talking to her again. Surprisingly, Andrew nor Christina was at the dinner table when I arrived; only my parents.

"Treyvon, how are you?" my mother asked, as I sat down in an empty chair. I paused. I wasn't used to talking to my parents alone like this. I was very nervous.

"I'm fine, mother," I answered.

"You were gone for a long time earlier," my father started. "What were you doing?" I didn't answer. I didn't want to discuss anything concerning my constant disappearances from the castle. I didn't need to be judged.

Then, I heard the doors of the dining room open. I prayed to God that it was Christina. I turned around to see Andrew. Well, at least they won't focus on me. Then, Christina walked into the room, wearing a gorgeous, green dress. I watched her closely as she and Andrew walked to the table. Gratefully, she sat next to me, and Andrew sat on her right side. As I looked at her, I was captured by the gracefulness of her movements. She was beautiful.

"Hello, King Caldwell and Queen Fiona," she said to my parents.

"Hello, Princess Christina," they greeted. She looked at me and said "hi". I almost forgot how to talk.

"…Hey," I managed to barely say. She gave me a small smile. It was contagious because then I felt a smile spreading across my face. I could feel something in my heart that just made me feel warm. As a gazed at her thoughtfully, I noticed something was missing.

"Where's your flower?" I asked her.

"My what?" she questioned.

"Your rose," I explained. "It was right here." I reached my right hand up to her hair, where the rose had been.

"Oh, yes," she said. "I took it off." I then remembered how close I was to her. Embarrassed, I pulled my hand back. I quickly put my hand under the table and looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

*Christina's P.O.V*

It felt comforting to feel Treyvon's hand in my hair. He was very gentle, unlike his brother Andrew. On the other hand, I promised my parents that I would marry Andrew, and I won't go back on that promise. I just hoped Andrew would become better soon. He has a problem with Treyvon, but I don't know why. Even their father seemed a little weary about Treyvon on the ship. Why were they behaving that way? King Caldwell spoke about Treyvon as if he was a rebellious juvenile, yet I haven't seen any evidence of that all night. Treyvon just seems interesting, and I know that we'll get along just fine. On the other hand, Andrew doesn't even want me to approach him. It was so peculiar.

"I see you have already met each other," Queen Fiona observed.

"Yes," I said. "He had scared me in the garden, but then he introduced himself."

"Treyvon, what were you doing in the garden?" King Caldwell asked. "You had never told anyone that you'd be there. The guards even looked for you today, but they didn't find you." I thought this was a little weird. Why didn't Treyvon want to be found? Treyvon looked at me, then to his father.

"I was thinking," he told the king. "The garden is a relaxing place, so I decided to put it to use." I heard Andrew laugh on my right side.

"Thinking, brother?" Andrew asked, with an eyebrow raised. "Well, you should do more of that, since you never truly act like royalty." Surprise and shock spread across my face. How could Andrew be so rude to his brother?

"Andrew, why do you speak to your brother in such a manner?" the king inquired.

"He never acts the way he's supposed to, and he dresses like a commoner half the time," Andrew explained. "It's a disgrace to our family name."

"Andrew, you can't change someone," King Caldwell told his eldest son. "Treyvon is his own being, and if he is happy, let him be." The king tried to smile at his second son, but Treyvon didn't make eye contact with him. He seemed too interested in the tablecloth.

"…Thinking gives me peace," he continued. "Sometimes people interrupting can be obnoxious."

Andrew laughed again and replied, "Like your servant - what's his name - William?"

I felt Treyvon stiffen next to me. His left hand gripped the glass he was holding tightly. I didn't know who William was, but I could tell that he was important to Treyvon. Treyvon stood up from the table and left the room. I suddenly felt a strong urge to console him. I stood up to go after Treyvon, but Andrew held my arm firmly.

"Just let him be by himself," he said. "He's only upset because I told him the truth."

I couldn't help but think that Andrew was wrong, but I didn't want to make a scene in front of his parents. Besides, I didn't even know William, so I couldn't defend him, even if I wanted to. I looked once more at the door Treyvon had just walked through, then reluctantly sat back down.

*3rd P.O.V*

Treyvon quickly walked down the hallways of the North Kingdom castle. To say he was upset was a huge understatement. He walked to his room and slammed the door shut. He sat on his blue bed and put his face in his hands. Why am I in this family? he thought to himself. I try so hard to be civil, but I can't even get through one dinner with him. He heard a knock on his door.

"Come in", he said. William walked into Treyvon's room silently, with a tray in his hands.

"Dinner didn't go so well?" he asked Treyvon. Treyvon uncovered his face and looked at his servant.

"Why do you have a tray?" he inquired. "You didn't eat dinner, so I'm bringing it to you," William answered simply. Treyvon smiled at his friend.

"How do you know that?" he questioned.

"Have you forgotten that I always keep an eye out for your wellbeing?" William asked, setting the tray down next to Treyvon. "I also have friends who are chefs, so things like this will never get past me. Furthermore, dinner has barely started, and I heard you slam your door."

"Andrew made tonight's dinner very difficult for me," Treyvon stated with a sigh. "I tried to speak at the table, but he ridiculed every sentence." William nodded his head.

"Can you share some examples?" he questioned.

"…When I said I was thinking in the garden, he laughed and said that I should think about I don't behave like royalty," Treyvon explained. "How I am a disgrace to the family name."

"You are not a disgrace," William said. "The people in the village love you."

"Yes, but what about the love of my parents?" Treyvon inquired. "What about the respect I want from them? What if they believe everything that Andrew says is true?" William could easily see how frustrated Treyvon was.

"And Christina was sitting right next to me!" Treyvon exclaimed. "What does she think of me now? First impressions are very significant, William."

"You should eat your food before it gets cold," William told Treyvon. "Stop thinking about all the negative things that could be happening around you, and look at the positive. You're talking down on yourself for no good reasons. Don't let rude people tell you such ridiculous things." At that moment, they both heard a soft knock on Treyvon's door.

"Would you like me to open the door?" William asked. Treyvon nodded his head.

"Check who it is," the prince instructed. William opened the door and saw Christina. She was beautiful, just as the older prince had bragged.

"Good evening, your majesty," William greeted, bowing to her. "What brings you here?"

"Oh, I am here to speak with Treyvon," Christina told him. "Is he busy? I could always come back later." Treyvon instantly stood up, upon hearing her voice.

"No, I am not busy, princess," Treyvon said. "Please, come inside." William stepped aside, and Christina walked in. She looked around the room until her eyes settled on Treyvon.

"Treyvon, I apologize on Andrew's behalf for his actions," she said. "I don't know what caused his behavior." Treyvon moved his tray and stood up to walk over to her.

"It is not your fault, Christina," Treyvon told her sincerely. "Andrew is very…complicated. I am used to this type of conversation with him."

"I had hoped he wasn't as bad as he seemed…," she said softly. Then her eyes grew wide. "Wait, I apologize!" she said. "I didn't mean to talk down on your brother! Please forgive me!"

Her panicked state made her seem cute to him. She was very sincere, and she wore her emotions on her sleeve. His hand seemed to just magically find hers, and he gave it a soft squeeze of reassurance. He felt the smoothness of her skin, and time just seemed to stop for the young prince. As he gazed into her eyes, he saw innocence, an innocence that would never see the cruel fate of being forced into a marriage with someone as controlling as Andrew until it was too late. He wondered if she even had the slightest idea of what was to come. It made him feel bad for her. Maybe, just maybe, he could save her from that…

Then, Treyvon realized that his mind was stepping into forbidden territory. He immediately let go of her hand and backed away as if it had been set aflame. Christina seemed confused until Treyvon spoke up.

"Uh… I forgot I have some business to attend to tonight," he said quickly. "I will see you tomorrow, princess." She nodded her head.

"I will speak to Andrew about his behavior," she told him. Then she turned to William. "Are you William?" she asked.

"Yes," William said. She bowed to him.

"It is very nice to meet you," she said warmly.

"Please, your majesty, do not bow to me," he told her. "I am merely Treyvon's servant."

"But I know he thinks very highly of you", Christina informed him. "I would like to show you my respect." She looked at Treyvon.

"Well, I'll be going," she said to him. "I will see you tomorrow, Treyvon." Then she left the room. William looked at Treyvon.

"You got close to her and jumped back… care to explain why?" he asked.

"No particular reason, William," Treyvon told his friend hastily. "I just remembered that I have to go to the village to help some of the people." Treyvon changed into some simple clothes quickly.

"I will be back later," he told William.

He walked out of his room and headed for the stables to get Midnight. After he did, he left the castle and went to the garden. Unknown to him, a certain princess was actually following him. Christina had told Andrew that she was going to her room, but she never actually went. Her future husband had hinted that he might visit her during the night, but she didn't want to see him. She opted to walk around the castle.

Then, she had noticed Treyvon and decided to see what was the business he had mentioned earlier. She watched as he rode Midnight into the garden. The shadows of the evening prevented her from seeing him after he got some distance away. She started to leave the castle to follow him out of curiosity, but then a guard stopped her.

"Princess Christina, where are you going?" he asked.

"Oh, I'm going to the garden," she told her. The guard raised an eyebrow.

"It's very dark to be in a garden," he observed. "But if you truly wish to go, I will escort you there."

*With Treyvon… Treyvon's P.O.V*

After reaching the garden, I went to the same spot I had come from before. It was a hole in the stone wall that surrounded the castle. There was a fairly large hole that was really easy to slip through. I put a large rock to cover it, though, so no guards would find it and patch it up. This is the only way I can leave the castle without the guards noticing, so I can't risk it being noticed. The area around the hole is camouflaged with bushes, grass, and trees, so no one can easily see it.

I pushed the rock away from the hole and led Midnight through it. Then, I could see the village much clearer. People were cleaning up from the celebration held earlier, for the arrival of the future queen… Christina. No, don't go there. You came here to rid your thoughts of her. Many people greeted me as I walked through the village. I volunteered to help some of them clean up. This is the type of work I normally do when I leave the castle. Andrew doesn't agree with helping the villagers.

"I am royalty," he'd always say. "They work for me. Not the other way around."

Speaking of that, what does being "royalty" even mean? Does it mean you are born with an object that just puts you above everyone else without any objection? Does it mean that people who aren't born in the "royal family" are insignificant? To me, it doesn't. The people are the most important part of a kingdom. They are the kingdom. Without them, what would my parents rule? They'd have no purpose. I'm not saying I despise the monarchy in this kingdom. I'm proud that my parents have so far kept the North Kingdom in great condition. However, I don't think it's fair for anyone to be looked over just because of the social class they were born into. Everyone is a king or queen on the inside.

I was deep into work until I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard someone call my name. I looked around to see… Christina? When and how did she get here? She ran up to me with a concerned look on her face. Oh, God, why? I already think she's a nice person, but if she has the mentality of Andrew, everything will change.

"This is the 'business' you had to attend to?" she asked. I sighed.

"Yes," I told her. She smiled at me.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she questioned. "I love going out into the village! You made it seem like a big secret!" I gaped at her. She didn't think I was crazy! She laughed gleefully.

"You've been really hard at work," she said, pointing at my clothes. I was almost fully covered in dirt from herding animals and lifting things. "How can I help?" she asked. I smiled at her. I could tell that life in the North Kingdom was about to become so much better.

*Christina's P.O.V*

I had managed to convince the guard that I was safe in the garden earlier. I retraced my steps from earlier, when I had met Treyvon. After looking around for a while, I stumbled upon a hole in the wall. I walked through and saw the village. Curiosity took over, and I began to look around. Then, I found Treyvon helping some villagers with some heavy work. He was so kind. He was nice to the people that served him, like William. Everyone always said that he would "disappear" but he's just involved with his people. I'm glad that I followed my first mind; Treyvon was just misunderstood.

…

While helping out, one lone villager called me over.

"What do you need help with, sir?" I asked him.

"Just a conversation," he answered. I stood there awkwardly. His voice was quiet, yet firm. He stood in the darkness and shadows masked his face. I began to feel wary about being near him.

"Well, I have to go back to helping the people, so…," I trailed off, as I started to walk away from him.

"Why are you so frightened?" he asked. "I haven't threatened you. Stay and speak with me."

"I have to go," I repeated. "I am helping other people, so I don't have time for conversation."

"You say that as if you really commit to your obligations," he stated, with sudden confidence.

"Andrew said to stay away from his brother, yet you followed him here." I became stiff.

How did he know that I followed Treyvon? How did he know that Andrew didn't want me to speak to him?

"What makes you believe that?" I asked him. He laughed.

"I don't know," he said casually. "Stay here and talk, and maybe you'll find out." I turned back to him, prepared for anything. Noticing that he had my full attention, he smiled slightly.

"…Now it's time to listen," he said. "No interruptions…"