Royal: Chapter 53

Instructions

I CRADLED THE pocket watch in my fingers, carefully tracing the flower embossed on it. I wished Hana were in this room with me. I imagined what my life would be like without her. If I hadn’t seen Hana that first day, I would be in school right now, probably participating in MSPP or whatever it was. I opened the lid of the watch, greeted by a photograph of a woman with Hana’s eyes and a bundle of gray hair perched on the top of her head. It was only eight forty-five, but I was spent. I sighed and placed the watch on the nightstand beside my bed. Pulling the covers over my head, I fell asleep. ~•~ I awoke to the sound of footsteps coming from the hallway. I sat up in bed, the curtains still drawn. Opening them just enough to let the sunlight in, I sank back into the silk sheets. I took a deep breath in, rubbing my eyes. Making the delayed decision to get out of bed, I paced the length of the large room. I got to the other wall and turned around. The footsteps returned. “Vigilius?” Father called from the hallway. I stopped my pointless pacing, walking to the door. “Father? What are you doing here?” I asked as I opened the door. “I’m…” he trailed off, running a jittering hand down his face. “You…?” “I think…” I was getting impatient. “You think what?” “About the princess—” “Which one?” I interrupted. “Crown Princess Alexandra of Simrieg. Her idea to create a treaty without a marriage involved…” Father scratched his jaw, visibly second-guessing himself. My heart started racing. “What about it?” “I… maybe your mother should tell you.” “Do you approve or not?” “We are having a council meeting to discuss it further, but it has come to my opinion that her idea is revolutionary.” I felt my jaw drop to the floor. “I know what you are thinking: Can I come to the meeting? The answer is no.” I hadn’t been thinking that. Hana and I will be able to wed. Hana and I will be able to WED! I repeated it over and over in my mind. My palms clammed, my sanity giving way for the one thought. Father’s words melded together into a gibberish I didn’t understand. I slowly set myself onto the chaise. My head boomed with the thought. I didn’t fully believe Father, but I wanted to. “Vigilius? Are you listening to me?” The words brought me to the ground. “No,” I replied. “Could you repeat that?” “It’s not for certain that the council will approve of my idea. I believe that it will be more likely that they won’t. No other country will agree to a treaty.” “But think of what Colonel Lee said! No princess of an agreeable age will be available for a treaty with marriage.” “That is true, and the council may decide to take that risk. It is not entirely up to me what happens. I believe a well-rounded kingdom doesn’t rely on just the king.” I hope the “well-rounded” kingdom chooses the right way. “I’d better be going. I came up here to tell you, and I’ve told you.” I nodded, still dazed. It’s all going to work out. Just one more hill to get over. Father left the room. I restarted my pacing. “Louie? Can I come in?” a soft voice said. I guessed it was Hana. I stopped pacing to answer the door. “What are you doing here so late in the day?” I asked, checking the clock. It was eight in the afternoon. “I— I don’t know. Do you want me to leave?” Hana asked. She didn’t sound like herself. Scared. “Of course not!” Hana sighed, relieved, and stepped into my room. “Are you alright?” I asked, slipping my arms around her waist. She stood rigid. “I— I’m fine.” “Are you sure?” I pulled her closer. She nodded. “I’m positive. I’m just scared…” she trailed off. “What are you scared of, Hana?” I pressed. “I just… I want… so badly… I—” Tears started streaming down her face as she cuddled into me. I stroked her hair. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” I promised in a whisper. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” Hana breathed. I held her out at arm’s length, studying her face. “What do you mean by that?” “I’m worried the c—council won’t approve of Allie’s i—idea.” “You heard about that?” “I was there. I used a secret passage.” I smiled. “Of course you did.” I pulled her closer. “They will approve of her idea,” I promised. I kissed her.