Wendell

Most would consider servants buzzing around like bees while they take care of morning tasks quite a luxury. These are services that just a selected group is privileged to experience, and royalty is among the top of that list. In Wendell's case, witnessing the castle cooks at work in the grand kitchen has become routine. The head chef comes out into the dining hall, approaching the blonde seated at the long table.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Breakfast consisting of eggs on toast, stew, and a variety of fruits will be served to you momentarily... Well, given the young princess isn't also present." His eyes are locked on the empty seat across from him, and the maids should've had his sister dressed by now. This only means the child was sidetracked, and with that, Wendell takes a stand.

"I'll go look for her; I don't want her food to get cold."

The prince roams the many halls in search of his only dining companion. Their mother is always served breakfast in bed, and she promptly goes to the throne room once finished.

"Wendy!" His calls fall on deaf ears with his target nowhere in sight, and he squints from the powerful sunshine hitting his eyes.

The bright light seeps through the large windows with not a dark cloud spotted in the vanilla skies. This pleasant weather could lift anyone's spirits who are getting up on the wrong side of the bed. Although to disrupt such peace, a loud commotion suddenly comes rushing past him.

The girl runs freely, despite it being such an early hour, with their dog right on her tail. He doesn't even get the chance to intervene as she ends up colliding right into a small stand. The glass vase on top of it wobbles dangerously and slowly tips toward the hard floor. Wendell acts fast--diving in just enough time to catch the object before it shatters. He releases a soft sigh as he promptly places the vase back where it belongs. Then he faces the culprit, who avoids eye contact with a guilty grin.

"Uh, that was a great catch, Brother!"

"Wendy, what did Mother say about running in the halls? You would've been in major trouble if this had broken, and you could've injured yourself," he lectures, causing her to pout and their dog to whimper.

"But Max and I are playing treasure hunt. We're trying to flee from the deadly traps, so we won't be stuck in the old tombs forever!"

"I can't believe you have this much energy the moment you spring out of bed. You should be heading to the dining area as breakfast will be served in a minute."

"Mentioning food, have you heard about the cute little cafe up in Everlane?" Wendy begins, and he can predict what is sure to follow. "I wish to dine there and try these popular sweets for myself! Oh, pretty please can we go?"

"Versace is rumored to stay crowded upon opening until the time that they close... Why don't we wait a week or two so their newcomers can thin out first? In the meantime, any desserts you request from the cooks can easily be made right here at home."

His suggestion doesn't appear to be a favorable one as the girl's excitement vanishes, now puffing her cheeks.

"You just don't get it! All of my noble friends would've eaten there while Versace is still the talk of the town. This disappointing news has completely ruined my appetite! My breakfast can get saved because Max and I are off to continue our game in the garden. Come on, Boy!"

Heeding this order, the rottweiler tags behind and her small feet stomp down the long staircase.

"Wait, Wendy!" he calls, but this is ignored and the prince runs his fingers through his hair. "Impatient as always."

His cute seven-year-old sister, Wendy, is his only sibling. Anyone could tell the two are related, even if they're clueless about their royal title. Both share ocean eyes, rosy cheeks, and ash-blonde locks though her's flowing well past the shoulders is left tied back. They may look similar in terms of appearance, but their personalities differ in many ways. Wendell wasn't nearly as hyper nor bossy back when he was her age.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Conveniently, you saved me the trip to the dining hall."

Wendell turns to find this address from one of the castle butlers who's cleaning his faint fingerprints off the glass object he touched.

"The queen wishes to see you, so please head to the throne room before going to eat."

"Alright, did she say for what reason?"

"I'm afraid she didn't explain to me the details, only that it is important business concerning you."

"Okay, I'll go right away then," he responds, the boy rather curious now. It's unusual for her to summon him and the morning sun has barely risen. Nevertheless, the teen moves toward the destination in haste.

As Wendell walks inside, guards step out of his way, giving him a formal bow. The large room is overlaid with velvet and two golden thrones are placed directly in the middle. One is occupied by the current ruler of this kingdom, Althelia while the other has remained empty for months. A sight that forever makes his chest ache, painfully aware it'll never hold King Gus in the years to come.

"Mother, you wanted to speak with me."

"I've been waiting for you, Wendell. There is a serious matter involving your future that we need to discuss. As you well know, the coronation ceremony will be held on your birthday about three months from now," she begins, his anxiety increasing at her words.

He might be a mirror image of his late father but with her, on the other hand, they look vastly different. Althelia's deep blonde curly hair is cut in a bob style as her sharp hazel eyes could crack the toughest of men. Despite subjects often praising her beauty, more wrinkles have surfaced after the king's demise.

"Yes, rules stand that the eldest son is to take the throne upon adulthood at seventeen years of age or older, if the father is no longer present," he replies and she nods.

"That's correct. As of Nomani the fourteenth you'll be King of Calestra."

No matter how many times this is repeated, he still can't grasp that fact. It feels so unreal and he's honestly not at all prepared to rule over an entire kingdom. The arranged lessons might have him flourish in many notable skills, but that doesn't help ease his nerves in the slightest.

"I didn't call you down here to state the obvious but rather inform you of the arranged marriage I've set a week before it."

"Wait, what?!" The small outburst grabs the guards' attention as he awkwardly clears his throat. "W-When did you start planning this? Isn't the marriage banquet supposed to commence when I turn twenty?"

"Yes, though with your situation and the current offer on the table, I feel it's better you wed now. There'll be a heavy weight set upon your shoulders once you take the position as king. Although I'll be here to support you when stepping down, you could still use someone to rule by your side. Normally, you'd be given a list of acceptable young ladies to choose from, but this arranged marriage will benefit us greatly."

So there's more to it then.

"The Valentine household just finished moving to Everlane all for this very purpose. The nobles have a high standing in Quincy with Buford a close confidant of King Antonio. Using his connection, we can gain a valuable ally with the military nation. He's agreed to comply if we only allow his daughter, Blanche, to be your bride."

This whole dilemma is so much to swallow that the prince simply wishes he had overslept. What can be said, if anything, in protest for such a reason? Support would be useful with the dreaded war against King Henry they're still recovering from months afterwards. Though selfish as it may sound, the prince doesn't want to marry any old noble--a total stranger. What if the two of them don't get along but are forced to spend the rest of their lives together?

Besides, if I marry Blanche then what about...

"People speak of Blanche's beauty and her numerous talents. They wish the wedding to be sooner rather than later, so we'll have to begin the preparations alongside planning for your coronation. However, you'll have some time to warm up to one another before the big day..."

There's a short pause at his silence, his mother studying his lack of enthusiasm.

"Wendell, you seem troubled. I know this is a lot to take in but I'm positive you will act differently upon meeting her," The queen bargains but that's not the real issue.

"I just...don't want to be married off to a random girl."

"Not even for Calestra's sake?" She deeply sighs as if expecting that he should take this bombshell with a smile. "Yes, this is sudden but taking on unwanted responsibilities is a part of growing up. Surely, you understand how profitable it will be to gain soldiers on our side with their capabilities? Regardless, this is far more profitable than marrying anyone you'd chat up during that banquet. At your age, you don't know the first thing about true love."

Each harsh sentence that leaves her mouth ebbs a little of his faltering confidence away. Wendell might fail to get through to her but if he doesn't try right this moment, there won't be a second chance. With that in mind, he faces her with conviction inside his ocean eyes.

"What if I told you...there was someone who already stole my heart?"

There is a certain someone in mind that he wouldn't have considered until one special night...

The prince exited the home of his friend he had been visiting since early noon. Her family-her parents and little brother-getting ready for dinner was his signal to depart. 'Family...' There was a member of his now permanently absent because his blood was shed by an enemy nation.

"It's a pleasure to cross paths with you, Your Highness."

Wendell looked up from his daze to find a familiar peasant girl standing in front of him. Her afro hair decorated with bows blew with the soft breeze, and her emerald eyes were closed momentarily when she gave him a bow.

"Oh, Kana. Good evening."

He didn't anticipate seeing her today just as Saelufu reintroducing them was shocking. Their first encounter was on a night of winter snow, and the single factor that was the same was this nagging cold. However, it was not a physical cause as the source lay in his chest where no fire could warm him.

"If I may ask, what are you doing out at this hour?"

"I just was departing from Saelufu's home after I overstayed my welcome. That's something I've been guilty of doing a lot recently..."

He knew that was the truth, even if his best friend wouldn't confront him on this. Not simply because of their strong bond or his crown, but sympathy for a boy grieving the recent loss of his father.

"Why are you here in Opal Forten so late? I don't imagine the postal service is still running."

"No, I was just taking a little trip that couldn't be done with the sun up. Um..."

The taller girl studied his downcast face for a moment before she proceeded to ask, "If you're not in a rush to return to the capital, would you care to join me for a while?"

With that, the prince accompanied the peasant girl up the grassy hill. Wendell already had an idea of where they were going, but he was at a loss as to the purpose of inviting him to tag along. Nevertheless, another detour from heading back was reason enough not to question her motives.

"Well, we've reached the top of Greendale Hill!" Kana did a small spin of victory before she leaned her back against the large oak tree. "I love to come when it's late and nobody else is present; plus, the stars are beautiful to gaze upon from up here."

Her head tilted upward, and she soaked in the twinkling lights that lit up the sky. "This is a comfort area of sorts where I can unwind alone."

"So, you offered for my joining because it was clear I needed an escape?"

Kana's face turned a shade red while her chipped nails dug into her ragged dress. "T-That was the idea, but you've probably been up here countless times already. I've only started making these trips since moving to Rainswood, but as royalty, you must know every inch of the kingdom. That is proof by your assistant with my package delivering our first meeting."

He had indeed helped the confused girl get her packages promptly delivered through the piles of white. Autumn leaves replaced the melted snow of last year, and now she was the one trying to do him a kind gesture.

"On the contrary, my trips here are limited. I can always gaze at the skies from the balcony of the castle, and I have never once trotted up here at midnight."

The ash-blonde fell quiet with his blue eyes searching the much darker shade above for answers.

"I... seem to be the only one who hasn't found closure in my father's demise. My mother spends even more time in the throne room or her study, and my little sister, though grieved, is too young to take this blow as critical. I alone stand in the middle of cannon fire with my heart still numb, despite his funeral being held just yesterday," he shared, his voice monotone, and King Gus's life was sealed when his coffin was put into the ground. A salty tear trickled down his cheek, but he quickly wiped away the evidence. It's not as if crying was going to raise his slayed father up out of the grave. "I-It makes it rather difficult to go home every day knowing that he isn't there nor will he ever be coming back."

The previous gentle breeze had picked up, and he had rendered the brunette speechless. 'Perhaps, I vented too much.' Given their roles, it should be the royal who holds it together for his subjects; not the other way around. An apology was about to leave his lips; however, she cut him off with a bombshell.

"I lost my grandmother several months ago. She was really sick, so we knew what to expect; regardless, death being sudden or predictable doesn't make it hurt any less." Kana placed her hand on her chest, mourning a painful experience everyone is familiar with. "I came here for a trip during that period as well. I think the night sky and death's correlation is why stargazing was emotional healing for me."

"How so?" Wendell inquired, and his depressing thoughts were temporarily interrupted.

"Take the night sky for example. A pitch-dark expanse stretches out that by itself would be lonely and terrifying." Kana looked to the atmosphere with an admiration he once held for the deceased king. "We wouldn't be able to see anything, but The Lord has governed the moon and stars to provide light during these hours. This glow is what makes the night so beautiful, and I believe it's similar for losing a loved one. Their initial passing is like the dark skies, but the memories you made with them are as numerous as the stars. If you can just focus on these special moments, it'll ease the sorrow until the day comes when you both meet again in the heavens together."

The taller girl spun to face him, and the moonlight which beamed on her head resembled a halo.

"By the way you speak of King Gus, he must've been as good of a father as he was a ruler. Though it might not be tonight or tomorrow, a day will arrive when the stars will become visible."

The breeze stopped completely, with his negativity swept away alongside it. A mere acquaintance who didn't inwardly mock his moment of weakness, but instead, she attempted comfort the royal in his sadden state. Maybe she misunderstood his silence because her hands waved frantically before bowing.

"I'm sorry for rambling! I just was hoping that could lift your spirits..."

"And it did." A genuine smile graced the prince's lips, one he hadn't worn since his father's gruesome fate was revealed to him. "Thank you for the wise words, Kana."

A mutual smile reflected on her as they continued to stargaze side by side. And his return home lacked the dark cloud which formed the minute he stepped past the castle gates. Since that night, Wendell began to view the sweet peasant girl in a romantic light.

That's why just who he marries is all the more important to him. His mother maintains a piercing gaze as if questioning just how sincere his statement is. However, closing her hazel eyes, they reopen with a hint of uncertainty.

"Let's say you are indeed telling the truth and not trying to wiggle free of this engagement. Would this girl be acceptable to sit here on this throne and rule?"

"Y-Yes! I honestly believe that she will have your utmost approval."

Yet again, she falls quiet and this stretching silence causes him to fidget in anticipation. She exhales for the second time, which he can't say if it's against or in his favor. Though the expression she wears is far more motherly than her usual cold behavior.

"...If you earnestly have your heart set on marrying this girl, then I couldn't possibly be one to prevent this union. After all, your father was kind enough to take me as his bride when I was only a mere maid serving at the castle. Still, he loved me unconditionally and we were married for nearly twenty years."

The bittersweet smile on her face speaks volumes, and thankfully, she understands--once in a mutual situation. Although her father was a knight that worked for the royal family, therefore, it wasn't quite the social class gap between Kana and himself. Nevertheless, there had to have been plenty of noblewomen his late father could've picked over her, but he didn't. Wendell wants to have the same intimate connection that his parents shared with Kana.

"So I'm allowed to marry the girl of my choosing?! The arranged one can get called off now?" he eagerly questions and her typical demeanor returns.

"Wait just a moment. Everyone else outside this castle will be told that Blanche is your fiancée. You could have second thoughts about this girl or perhaps she has no interest in marrying a prince. We won't complicate things by canceling this far too soon. If you propose--and she says yes--only then will we end this arrangement. Do these terms sound fair to you?"

"Of course! Thank you, Mother."

Wendell fails miserably to hide his growing smile, but a downward curve twitches at her own lips.

"I will conduct a background check on her, and if she pleases me, you get our family's signature ring. I'm not saying to rush your proposal, but you can't dawdle until mere days before the wedding date either."

"I'll be sure to pop the question in a timely fashion," he eagerly responds, turning for the exit when she clears her throat.

"I must make one thing very clear. With this arrangement, we're tossing aside an alliance with a neighboring nation. Calestra has grown quite prosperous, thus we don't truly need their aid, however..." her voice trails off, the queen's thoughts unreadable behind her furrowed eyebrows. "Just work hard so you can properly perform these future duties on the throne. Therefore, I won't regret the decision I made today."

He can tell she is holding her tongue about something but letting go of any treaty is a huge loss. Even more, coming from his strict mother and he best prove this surprising act of kindness will be repaid in full.

"...I understand. I promise to put in triple the efforts with my lessons starting today."

"I expect as much. Well, that is all the business I wanted to cover with you. You're dismissed."

This time, he makes sure to give a quick bow of thanks and flies out of the throne room. Wendell can hardly wait until after breakfast to share this good news with Saelufu. In just a few short weeks, it's a possibility Kana may become his bride.

A/N Hello readers, this concludes the first chapter. Did it pique your interest? The next update will be soon.