the Crown of Edom {Solangelo Prince AU}

15. going somewhere?

Dinner was awkward, to say the least. Luke sat next to Nico and across from Octavian. Will stared at Nico from the other end of the table, where Hazel and Percy were discussing politics, occasionally pulling Will back into the conversation. Leo and Annabeth were chatting about mechanics. All Nico did was stare blankly at his food.

"The wedding will be accompanied by all folk in our kingdoms," Octavian informs. "Is that not so exciting?"

"I can not wait to be king," Luke grins. "And to marry you, of course."

Nico blinks himself out of his daze and forces his lips into a smile. "Same here."

Octavian eyes Nico. "Are you feeling alright? You have not eaten anything."

   Nico feels like puking. He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. "I'm fine. I just have a headache."

   Octavian nods slowly. "Odd," he whispers, in a way that proved that is not what he thought.

   Nico didn't like Octavian. Luke wraps his arm around Nico, and leans in, whispering in his ear, "I thought about you every night."

   Nico's eyes flicker up to meet Will's staring back at him, his blue eyes a vast ocean of anguish. Nico feels like crying out. Will was so far—everything they wanted was so far. There were all of these people between them, but all Nico wanted was to wrap his arms around Will and feel secured.

   He felt so empty and cold, as if he wanted to return home, despite already physically being inside the castle.

   But he reminds himself of everyone at the bar, everyone he had met in town, everyone who needed help.

   Nico pulls his eyes away and smiles at Luke. "Did you now?" Nico asks, taking a sip of his wine.

   Luke slides his other hand onto Nico's thigh, squeezing it. He leans in and Nico quickly glimpses at Octavian, who's gaze is so threatening it makes Nico shiver. Nico turns back and quickly places his lips on Luke's, before turning back to his food.

   At the other end of the table, a chair scoots out. Will politely bends over, excusing himself quietly to Hazel, and looks up again at Nico. To anybody else, he would seem perfectly fine.

   To Nico, who could see him clearly, Will was heartbroken.

   As Will leaves the room, Nico quickly stands up. "Please excuse me."

   Octavian expresses a look of annoyance that matches his brother's as Nico scurries after Will, who's already storming out of the door.

   "Will," Nico says.

   Will stops. They're outside, only the sound of crickets accompanying them along with a small hum of other insects. Will turns, his eyes glossed over, but his face emotionless. "Yes, Nico?"

   "Are you upset?"

   "No. I just wanted some fresh air," Will presses his lips together. "I'm fine."

   "You're lying to me," Nico sighs, tears building up. "Will, I know I'm fucking up royally here. I don't know what else to do."

   "You are doing what will make you king. Why would I be upset?"

   "You know why."

   "D-do you want me to upset?"

   Nico groans. "I don't want you to shut down! If you're angry at me, be angry! If you're sad, then tell me. I just..." Nico approaches Will, taking his hands. "I know it hurts. I'm going to tell Luke soon, I promise."