Happy Ever After

Bright

"I should propose, right? That's what I should do? I should propose?"

Tia looks back at me from the phone screen, eyebrow raised in bewilderment. "Good afternoon to you too."

"Tia, I really don't know what to do." And I really did not. I had no plan. I had no coherent thoughts. There was so much I was trying to process that there was nothing left in my brain but an incessant buzz.

I have been taught time and time again that in times of turmoil and indecision- you always deferred to duty. Duty was always the correct path.

So I should propose. I should do a Hail Mary and get down on one knee and beg to God that he says yes. I mean she. SHE. That Dara says yes.

One last attempt to fulfill my duty as Crown Prince and make my Kingdom proud.

"Bright! You aren't even listening to me."

I snap to attention. "Sorry. I am really not myself right now."

"That's very clear. I am flying home. Wait for me."

"That's not necessary."

"By how pale you are, I would say it is necessary. I am flying home. Please do not do anything stupid before then. Promise me."

I nod my head.

"No proposals, Bright. I will ask Mindy to make sure you don't go near any rings."

I had to laugh at that. "I think Mindy will need a raise after all of this."

Tia smiles. "At least you're laughing. Wait for me."

The phone goes silent.

I close my eyes. It's going to be a long three hour wait. And I don't know if I wanted to be alone with only my thoughts for that long.

I pull out a book.

I strum on my guitar.

I try to write music.

But my mind would not leave me alone.

It kept going back to the tournament. And that kiss I wasn't supposed to see.

Father is already frustrated at my decision to jail those Lords. And I am aware my advisors are very much against it too. It didn't matter if it was the right thing to do. And it is. In their view, respectable Lords don't belong in dungeons.

My temper rises. Respectable? They're bullies. They assaulted Metawin for no reason. If they didn't belong in a dungeon, they belonged in an emergency room. They were lucky I didn't put them there.

I take a breath.

Metawin. He always gets under my skin. Always drags me into trouble. He makes me laugh though. I like that he makes me laugh.

And that's probably the problem. I let my guard down and now -

Now, he and Dara are together.

And I will have to disappoint my Father again. No wedding after all, dad. Apparently all the private tutors in the world couldn't teach me to win at love.

I groan.
My thoughts are eating me alive.

I look at my phone. Only an hour has passed. Why was time moving so slowly?