☀️ JEAN ☀️

I was about to go outside for a while to get some fresh air. As I step down into the castle courtyard, I saw Eric and Lyra talking up on the balcony of the tower. Eric looked handsome, I can never get used to his fine appearance, too good for a prince of his stature.

Lyra pulled herself to Eric and kissed him on the lips. The contact lasted for about five seconds before he moved away from the kiss.

I ran to my old room.

I knocked.

Alexios opened the door. “Hey!”

Looking down, I gazed at him. “Hey.” I forced a smile.

“Come in?”

“I will. Thank you.”

Then my tears fell down to the ground unwillingly.

“What happened?”

“It hurts, Alex. It hurts so much.” I never cried in front of anyone as long as I can remember. It is prohibited for us to.

“I can’t deal with this now, can we talk some other time? I just want to be alone.”

“Do you want me to stay with Eric for the night?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay. I’ll be just a couple of rooms away, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Alexios left.

Lyra and Eric’s kiss was vivid for me. It was a stab through my anxious heart.

Eric made me confused about everything that night. He wouldn’t verify anything clearly with me. Yes, he might be enjoying my attention and company, but he could have liked my sister more than how he liked me.

Overwhelmed with the situation, I thought of the unpredictability of Eric’s feelings. He might like my sister. He might just have cuddled, kissed, and fucked with me because he was so lonely. Who won’t? If you’re a crown prince expected of more than what you can deliver.

Lyra fits perfect for Eric. If you’ll look into it, the most powerful houses of the lands, united by a less intriguing marriage—of a future King and a princess.

While being with me didn’t make sense. I am a prince, destined to bring success to my family by being wed to a princess, to unify relations with other houses inside or outside my kingdom.

I usually am full of confidence. Only Eric brought this kind of anxiety to me.

I cried and cried until I was able to sleep.

💮 🏰 💮



The tent of the Alliance Affairs Council was gathered in a small tent near the conflict zone, steps away beside the tent of the War Council,  where I can hear voices on top of their lungs. They had conflicts especially in a pressured time but will result in being able to decide as one.

“Can we talk about you two?” Alexios

“No.”

“Why not?” Reia raised her chin.

“Because George would hear it.”

George said, “I knew what’s happening between you guys. From the moment I joined here.”

Without any further excuse I could think of, I told them the truth, “I think Eric loves Lyra.”

“That’s it?” Reia asked.

Alexios put his hand on my shoulder. “I told him to ensure you about his feelings.”

“He should be. And you should have guaranteed it.” George put his hand on my other shoulder.

“I saw them kissed last night.”

Reia gasped. “Who kissed who?”

“The princess kissed Eric. I think Eric could have enjoyed it.”

“You’re only over thinking.” Alexios said.

“He didn’t pulled away from Lyra that suddenly. He enjoyed it, I believe.”

“Think of it like this: maybe, my brother just don’t want to hurt your sister by abruptly pulling himself away from her,” Reia suggested.

George pulled a chair and sat down. “Knowing how Eric could have been thinking, Reia has a point.”

“I hate him.”

“You told me to let him know not to disturb you.” Alexios reminded him.

I crossed my arms. “He should have. I cried the whole night.”

“You’re like a girl now.” George chuckled.

I narrowed my eyes. “Who’s like a girl?”

“Crying isn’t only for girls!” Reia cleared, “I myself is a very strong woman.”

George waved his hands up. “I stand corrected. I’m sorry.”

“Then you go talk to him. Don’t avoid him.” Alexios made sense, but I still wouldn’t.

“Hear me out. As far as I know,  my brother would not let you feel anxious if he knew the real reason behind you avoiding him. Which makes him feel that you need space: so he won’t bug you, and let you have that space.”

“I think brother will have his crown pushed aside for you, if needed be, right?”

“He told me that.”

“Then you relax and trust him. You need to trust him, Jean.” George advised.

“Okay, I will. Thank you all.”

Still, I thought that I wouldn’t talk with him.


💮 🏰 💮

As I walked to the dining hall that night, Eric gazed at me as I sat far from my usual place, which is beside him. I avoided any further eye contact with him.

Alexios leaned to me and whispered, “You haven’t talked with Eric, have you?”

I leaned to him as well. “Not yet.”

Alexios leaned to George and George leaned to Reia. Reia looked at me, swining her head to the sides. I bit my lower lip.

Later, as we enjoyed our desserts, the helpers rang the tiny bell, so I searched for who might talk.

Eric stood up.

“May I have your attentions please?

“There are few things I would like to clarify.” He glanced at a small paper on his hand.

“We, princes and princesses, are advised these days to marry who we wanted to be with all our lives. It is harder for many of us to secure just that given all our duties to our kingdoms. Often times, our parents arrange who our partners suits us, knowing what would benefit more, for our kingdoms, from our marriages.”

Impossible.

Eric continued, “I regret to inform you all that the engagement between me and Princess Lyra of Anbeia is now done. What will remain is our friendship with each other. Thank you Princess Lyra, and I am very sorry for not letting you know as soon as possible.” He smiled to Lyra, she smiled back with a gentle nod.

“I am gay and I loved a prince so much.”

Gasps was heard from everywhere.

“I will pursue him, no matter what.”

I almost cried. Reia clapped her hands and stood up. Our friends followed then everyone did. Father looked dissatisfied. King Eugene looked more proud with a grin on his face, while he clapped as well.

My heart rejoiced. Most people stood up and went to Eric. I immediately told Alexios I would be with Eric tonight.

I raced to Eric’s room.