The Heart finds its Way

A very hard decision

Note: I'm baaaaaccccckkkk! And yes, I promise this time, I'm back to finish this tale! :) Hope you enjoy how this all unfolds!

After the holidays, Hetty and Granger were spending more time together. So much so, the press were beginning to gossip that they were potentially engaged!

Birkdale castle.

'Not that it's any of our business, sir. But are you potentially in love with Princess Henrietta?' 1 Advisor asked.

'I might feel something for her, yes. But why are you asking me this?' Granger replied.

'We've seen how the press is talking about you 2, in both kingdom papers. While it is nice to have a fling, you do need to 1 day decide where this will eventually lead to. If it's marriage, will she move here, or will you move to her kingdom?'

(Heavy sigh). 'If you nosy people must know, yes. I do intend to 1 day ask the princess to marry me. But I don't plan on doing it right now! We're having fun together, and her mother is still in fair health, why should we rush things?' Granger asked.

'All that is very fair, sir. But we've been speaking to the princess's advisors, and they do not feel you are worthy of her.' Advisor 2 said.

Granger was dumbfounded by that.

'She doesn't care what they think of us! Why should I care what they think?!' He angrily exclaimed.

'Because it concerns your image, sir! If they start saying bad and potentially false stuff about you to the press, the people there might turn on you! How can you be a king to both kingdoms if you do not have the love and support of your queen's people?! Her people love her, they need to love you back. Please be reasonable, sir!' Advisor 3 pleaded.

As much as Granger wanted to stomp off and potentially ask Hetty if they could elope, he stayed.

'What do you propose I do to win her stupid advisors over?' He grumbled.

'Join the army. Serving your kingdom through it's military is a very honorable thing, and may help convince them.' Advisor 1 suggested.

'And if I end up getting killed? Remember what happened to Prince Sabatino? He got killed in battle trying to win over a girl he was in love with 6 years ago!'

'Well sir, I believe if you and the Princess are destined to be together, the you will live to fight and come home.' Advisor 2 concluded.

Lake Leanne later that day.

Granger told Hetty what he was going to do, and as predicted, she wasn't happy about it.

'Oh balderdash! Why should I care about what my advisors think you?! They know I like to do things my own way, why should I want their approval of whoever I choose to 1 day marry?!' Hetty exclaimed

'Because if our friendship, advances, then it won't just be my people I'll have to rule over, it'll be yours as well! I can't rule properly over both kingdoms if 1 kingdom's people is against me.' Granger replied, hoping she would understand.

'But my people already love you! What could possibly make them turn against you?'

'Gossip in the press, perhaps? Vicious lies planted by anyone? I've got to prove myself worthy of you, and that's why I must go away for awhile.'

Sad look. 'This isn't fair. You're already a worthy man in my eyes, why should you have to prove your worthiness to my stupid advisors?' Hetty asked.

Taking her hand. 'I believe this is called 'Facing reality and growing up.'. And if we want to advance this friendship, we've got to make tough decisions. I've proven myself to you, now I must prove myself to our people.' Granger solemnly replied.

'But what if you get killed?'

'Here is a letter for you. Do not read it unless I am dead.'

Hetty didn't know what to say to that.

'I'll be back someday, I promise. I'll write whenever I can, and I will make it home to you, only this time, I will be a much more worthy man of your hand.' Then they hugged.

'Please be careful out there.'

'Will do.'

'I love you.' Hetty whispered.