Proposed Plan

The stable abutted the practice field, since the latter doubled as a paddock when needed. Once the party was inside, the strained jovial mood of the throng fell into tense silence.

My father found his tongue first, "Princess Alina, we just came from a meeting with your father. His Majesty has assigned you a detail of guards that I'm sure will be looking for you."

Alina looked disappointed, but nodded. This was not the first time she had been assigned a detail, however she was typically allowed to go into town and around the palace without such a measure. I guess her safety mattered more than her freedom.

My father and uncle exchanged a knowing glance. My uncle shook his head and squinted his eyes, obviously denying some task my father tried to pass off. Father let out a heavy sigh, then spoke again.

"Dear Princess, I do not think this next part was meant for you to hear, however I think it important that you do." My father gifted Alina a pained look before he squared his shoulders to me. "Jack, the King has come up with a solution to last night's problems that involves you."

What? How can that be? I truly do not think I'm ready for any sort of battle. "I would be honored to serve my King, but how?" My voice sounded much more skeptical that I meant to.

"The prophecy seems to be focused around Alina coming of age and potentially to power. If Alina were not the only person that could come to power, maybe the prophecy would change." My father looked at me as though I understood how that involved me. He stared at me like I should respond.

"Changing the prophecy would be ideal" I squirmed.

"How do you feel about that solution?" Uncle John slowly articulated. I must've been missing something.

"It would be great if there was a way that could happen." I looked between my uncle and father. They looked at each other and shook their heads. I looked toward Alina and Cali. They looked uncomfortable.

"The King, in his wisdom, has decided that the best way to put Alina out of harm's way is for her to marry. Since you were her chosen escort last night, you are the logical choice." My father, who I had never seen embarrassed in his life, was now staring at his shoes.

Alina looked mortified. Cali looked angry. My guts twisted into a knot. Could I marry my friend?

"Lord Jacob, my father did not think I should hear this? May I ask why?" Alina teetered on the edge of emotion, but I could not figure out which one. Hatred? If so for me, or her father? Anger? Disappointment? Fury? Despair?

"He informed the Swordsmen that you would do your duty as he bid it for the sake of the country. And although you might not have a choice, we made sure Jack does." Uncle John interjected.

My dad took my shoulders in his hands "Marriage, for any reason, is an enormous undertaking. Do not make this choice lightly." He looked over at Alina, "And do not make it alone. John and I need to get ready for the day. We will leave you to discuss everything and will be back to escort the ladies back to the palace."

My father and uncle bowed their heads in respect before leaving toward the house.

I surveyed my surroundings. The floor was still sprinkled with hay. Horses were still in their stalls. And my two best friends were still with me. How did everything feel so different from a few moments ago?

Cali's face was pinched tight. Her cheeks were red. Always a fighter. I don't think marriage was the solution she wanted out of the prophecy. She was battle ready.

Alina's expression, in contrast, looked defeated. Had she resigned herself to marrying me? I know I'm not good enough for her, much less the kingdom. Our eyes locked.

"Alina, I have never thought of you this way before.." I stammered and took a breath.

"So you'll reject me and the crown?" Alina was fighting tears and jumped at the pause in my speech.

"Hold on. Breathe a moment. First know that unless this is the solution we both come to, I will not force your hand." My head was spinning. I hadn't done anything wrong, had I? I feel like I'm in trouble. A stillness grew between us.

Cali spoke up, "This whole thing is ridiculous! No one should be marrying anyone". The red had drained from her face and she looked almost ghostly.

"The council is wise. I would do anything to protect the country and you two are my best friends. I want you safe. What if this is the only way to stop the prophecy? To save the king?" I rambled out what was on my mind.

Silence grew. Did I mess up again?

Alina cut her eyes toward me, then to Cali and back. Then huffed out a breath. "I apologize for getting overwhelmed." She took another breath, more even and deep this time. Her face cleared of emotion just like it had with the gnomes. "You are dear to me, Jack. I will admit, I could do worse in a husband. But this is not what I want."

"If this is not the future you desire, I will refuse your father's offer. However my refusal might not stop your father's quest for a suitor and the next might not consider your wants." What was I saying? Was I really trying to talk her into this madness? I don't want to be king. " Although you are beautiful and will be a strong sovereign, I have to admit that this is not what I wanted either." She had shared her feelings and it seemed only fair I shared mine.

Alina and Cali shared a glance and Alina looked troubled. Their eyes stayed locked as Cali's expression slowly changed. Her cold hard look slowly turned into one of pleading. Cali was fighting back tears. Clearly I was missing all that my friends were sharing, but I think some type of decision was made and Cali was not allowed to fight it with her words, fists or sword.

Alina cleared her throat. She could not meet my eyes yet somehow straightened her posture in a way that could only be described as regal. "Sir Jacobson, please accept my father's offer."

"If that is your wish." My voice almost failed me, being not much louder than a whisper. I'm not fit for the throne.