🛡️ ERIC 🛡️

The library was filled with pleasant energy but different when I and Jean worked here all alone. Jean had been comfortable with George today, they bonded and get along well during the party the night before. They threw puns against one another, and boasted with each other often. No one wants to be left behind but me. I enjoyed our bond and adding new person to our work place had been better for us both.

"Bye George!" I shouted as Jean dragged me out of the library.

George waved. "Bye!"

"See you later! I will be seated beside Eric at dinner, yeah?" Jean scolded before we were out to the nearby practice hall.

He asked me to teach him piano.

"What's with you?”  I asked.

"I want to learn to play piano."

I squinted my eyes. "Why?"

"Because of you. I want to be just like you."

"You won't learn because of me. You have to like it yourself." It’ll be difficult for him.

"I like to play it."

I giggled. "Then why just now after almost twenty years?"

"I don't like it then. I also tried to play it. And oboe. And cello."

"Why didn't you learn then?"

"I learned a bit with all, barely playing a complete, simple piece. I am much more into sports, less with music," he shared.

"Then stay into sports, believe me."

"Yes, but--"

"Why do you want to learn?"

"Because I like you."

I was unconvinced. "You cannot learn just because you like me."

"I will because I want to prove to you that I like you. I want to experience your world for a bit."

I felt butterflies in my stomach, then sighed. "Okay. But in one condition."

"Okay. What is it?"

"You will not get new lessons from me if you can't play properly what I assigned you with."

"Okay. Deal."

I searched for a beginner piano book in the nearby shelf. Then I started to teach him how to play the piano.

🌺 🌺 🌺

I was about to change clothes after dinner as I enter my room in silence, the interior gave me a fresh feeling from the extravagant design of the rest of the palace. I saw a folded paper on top of my more organized study table. Written was, “To Eric,” in Jean's cursive handwriting. I opened it and revealed a note which says:

Prince Eric,

I do hereby inform you that I’ll be enjoying the stars tonight for a bit outside the gardens near the nearest wall from our room. I’ll love it if you’ll join me.

Sincerely,
Jean

Curious and excited, I went to the place he said in the letter. I was amazed that there was a blanket on the grass, a couple of lanterns, and some snacks and drinks. I waited for a bit beside the set then I saw him carrying a telescope, wearing a big smile.

“You won’t give up, will you?”

“Giver up what?” He set the telescope up.

"Never mind. You like astronomy?" I asked.

"Not so, but with you, I do."

The back of my neck became heated. "There he is again."

He raised my chin with his folded fingers lightly. "I want you to be happy."

"I am happy."

He moved so close there was just inches of gap between our bodies. "But you can be happier."

I sighed. I won't win with him. "Thanks."

I pulled away from the closeness he made. He gestured for me to sit so I did. Like a child, I adjusted the telescope excitedly and tried to locate some planets that we could enjoy looking at that night.

Not happy with the lack of information we had, I rushed to the library to look for books which will help us determine which planets or stars we can see more vivid tonight. I continued to look for those heavenly bodies when I returned with four books in astronomy as guide.

I looked at him who seemed to be so happy about making me happy, guilt eating my anxieties because I know I was ready to return all his attention to me. I was hindered by my objectives in life: I am the crown prince.

But as I analysed more, I guess he couldn't seem to care more about his duty and cared more about himself, which I felt I could not do.

"Any problem?"

"Nothing."

"You have a problem. What is it?"

"No, I don’t have."

"Okay." He held my hand and made sure I looked at him. "I'm always here. I'll listen."

I nodded. "Thank you. There's no problem." I smiled.

Hours after, and my eyes started to itch, my signal to head to bed. I told Jean that I was sleepy so we packed things and went back inside.

His thoughtfulness shone but he won’t make me surrender from being the crown prince and be with him. Though it was easier if I could.

As we arrived in our room, I stared at all the extra pillows on our bed which I really wanted to be removed. I looked at Jean who was busy preparing to bathe. I fought the urge to go to him, reach for, and feel his revealed chest. Thinking about the possible outcome of us getting closer and closer made me weak. This situation I can handle, all the pillows would help me.