Christmas Plans

CHAPTER 12

POV : Adrian

"Who was that you were dancing with?" Adrian's father said in a slow way. A way that always gave Adrian goosebumps. 
"No one, Father." He looked to the floor as his father paced the floor. 
"I know for a fact that it wasn't no one. Now tell me, who was that?" Adrian's hands were shaking but he had them behind his back. He sure hoped it didn't show. "Adrian, I need to know who that was. If he is you who want, then we can just call off any and all previous engagements." Adrian looked up at that. 
"I'm sorry, what? I'm not sure I heard you right." His father sighed. 
"I know I may not be the most supportive father around, but I'm not blind. I know you like a man. I know he was who you danced with last night. I know that you gave him your first kiss. I know that you ran off with him after. I also know that while I don't disapprove, you need to provide an heir. I don't see why you can't have him for any reason other than that. If you can find a way for them to be of your blood, then we can talk." Adrian had renewed hope building inside of him. "But, until that happens, we will continue to look for a wife for you. I will give you until the new year to find a solution. If you can't do that, I will have the lovely Lady Christine marry you. She is of good background. She will be able to provide an heir. Please don't disappoint me." Adrian nodded, bowed, then left. He had to go and tell Jamie. He ran outside and grabbed Eggs. He led him out and away from the grounds before hopping on him and riding down to Jamie's. He rode Eggs as fast as he would go and made it to the apothecary in only twenty minutes. He briskly entered the store to find Jamie unloading herbs from a basket. He was pulling down jars and pots and putting them in so fast it seemed like magic. He cleared his throat and Jamie whipped around. He had a hand to his chest. 
"Saints, Adrian you scared me!" He took a deep breath and smiled. "To what do I owe the pleasurable company of The oh-so-powerful Prince's company?" He did an exaggerated bow and Adrian rolled his eyes, laughing. 
"I talked to my father after last night's events." Jamie blushed at the memory of the tender kisses. "He said that if we could find a way to provide an heir for the throne, I could marry you instead of some noble girl! I mean, if you want to." He realized his words were probably overstepping many boundaries. 
"Of course I do! I mean, I know you better than someone my parents would have set me up with back home. Plus, I enjoy your company." Jamie lit up. "Oh, I forgot I have something for you!" He ran behind a fern curtain and returned a moment later. In his hands, he had a small, white box. He handed it to Adrian. "Don't open it now. Save it for later." Adrian bowed his head and tucked the box away in a pocket. 
"So? Do you have any ideas on how we could do it?" Jamie blushed profusely but appeared to be deep in thought. 
"I'll have to do some research. But I don't see why we wouldn't be able to." Adrian beamed but hesitated.
"Uh..Can I kiss you?" Jamie smiled and nodded. He stepped forward into Adrian's arms and kissed him gently. They both sighed and smiled. "Can't wait to see you again." 
"I'm right here, silly." They both laughed and Adrian rested his forehead on Jamie's. They stood there for awhile before the bell on the door rang. Jamie tried to spring away, but Adrian's arms stood firm. 
"Um, excuse me. I was looking for a Mr. James Kook?" A lady dressed in a lovely silk tea dress came in. 
"Oh, Christine, how lovely to see you." Christine smiled knowingly. 
"I was just hoping to get some Viburnum opulus. I'm sure you have some. You have quite the reputation, Mr. Kook." Jamie blushed at the attention but extracted himself from against Adrian. 
"Of course, madam." He pulled the lovely bush off. Clara always loved to use the flowers. She actually had a plant of her own. "How much do you need? And would you like some steeped now?" Christine grinned. 
"Actually no. But thank you! You are just as pleasant as everyone said you were. And I need at least four stalks of the plant. Adding the flowers and berries would be nice, too." Jamie nodded and got to work. He cut in a way that wouldn't harm the plant too much. "Sorry for the trouble. I am traveling with both my mother and my sister." 
"Don't worry about it. I always enjoy working with my plants. Also, if you ever need flowers of any kind for any occasion, my friend Clara is the best for it. She operates out of her parent's house and is trying to move out. She has quite a bit of my floral herbs, including this one, in her garden. So, if you're ever in need." He tied the herbs up with a length of twine and handed it to her. 
"Here." She handed him a gold piece. 
"Oh, no. Ma'am, this is too much." She glanced over her shoulder. 
"Maybe you two could use it to buy a house or something." She left the shop without another word leaving two very flustered boys. 
"Well, I should be on my way..." Jamie sighed. 
"Yeah, I guess you should." Adrian made eye contact with Jamie and pulled him back into his arms. He planted a sweet, little kiss on his forehead and squeezed Jamie. 
"I swear next time I come around, it will be for longer." He let go of Jamie and left the store. He waved over his shoulder and through the window before riding away on Eggs." He was smiling to himself the whole way back to the castle.

Dear reader, I'm so very thankful that you read this and I hope you enjoyed! If you didn't, I would appreciate any and all feedback to help me improve! I am pretty darn new to writing even though I have written a lot.  I hope you are having fun on this journey with Clara, Mel, Jamie, and Adrian! Please keep reading, and Merry Christmas!