Lovers End

Chapter Two: Part Three

 Once Emeric decided on a course of action, there was nothing that could deter him. His eyes scanned the tavern as he took a few purposeful steps inside. Inhaling deeply, he finally spotted her father, a slight wave of anxiety overcoming him. He hadn't conversed much with her father before. They had kept their relationship under wraps, minimizing their interactions to avoid raising suspicion. Today, however, he was done with secrecy. Confidently, he walked up to the table with a straight back, the posture befitting royalty, and looked down to meet Franklin's eyes. "Sir Cooke, may I speak with you? In private," he added, glancing around at all of Franklin's friends. He didn't want to create a scene—besides, the matter he needed to discuss was for Franklin's ears only.

Franklin scrutinized Emeric before turning his gaze back to Aurora, who had entered after him. Franklin wasn't as oblivious as his daughter believed; he recognized the look she gave whenever Emeric walked into the tavern, and he didn't approve of it. Franklin knew exactly who looked back at him when he observed Emeric—a spitting image of his father when he was young. A certain intensity in Aurora's eyes prompted him to set down his ale before standing up. "Make it quick," he grumbled in a gruff voice, gesturing for Emeric to follow him to the storage area.

"Yes, sir," Emeric replied, offering a curt yet respectful nod. His father had spoken of Franklin on several occasions during Emeric's upbringing. From what he gathered, they were good friends—serving the kingdom together and embarking on numerous adventures to thwart Asatus in their rampage against them. While the King spoke highly of Sir Cook, the man himself was typically a man of few words, at least whenever Emeric was around. He followed him to the storage area, allowing Franklin to lead the way.

Franklin closed the storage door behind him once they entered, his height overshadowing Emeric. As he turned, his eyes shifted downward to the nervous boy's face. "Well, boy?" he pressed. Emeric locked eyes with him, his lips feeling dry under his gaze. A man of his stature should not feel as he did in that moment. However, when it came to this, he became a wreck. "Per your request, I'll make it quick, Sir. I'm in love with your daughter—utterly and hopelessly. I'm seeking your blessing for her hand." As the words spilled from his mouth, Franklin's expression remained unwavering, blinking slowly.

"You've got her mind warped into thinking that's true," Frederick's first words were an accusation, his gaze sharpening as he stepped toward Emeric, backing him up. "You and your father will never get your hands on her; she has nothing to do with his tricks—NO." His words rose towards the end, emphasizing the 'No,' which caused a chesty cough. "But it is true—" Emeric began to defend himself and their love but was taken aback by the rise in his voice. Emeric's lips parted as his posture straightened at the stern voice.

Then, a realization dawned on him as he processed the words. "You know who my father is?" he asked, realizing he hadn't let that information slip yet. Perhaps his father had been talking to him. Franklin's words weren't making any sense to him, but in that moment, he didn't care about sense. He cared about a blessing.

Franklin turned away, swinging the door open. As he walked out, he turned to Aurora, who had been staring at the door. He hated to see her so hopeful, only to crush it with a simple shake of his head. Emeric followed him out, even as he opened the storage door and began to walk away. "Sir, I don't understand.Why can't it be? I love her, she loves me, and your blessing is crucial to her and to us. Please—" he begged him to reconsider.

Aurora watched the unfolding scene between the two of them, not even noticing that Theodore had walked in behind her, bringing in the cold. Franklin didn't appreciate being questioned after he had already given an answer. "I said no, enough of this nonsense! I want him out!" Franklin's cough grew worse, interrupting his words, and he reached out to grip the bar as he held his chest. "Father... just calm down, please," Aurora finally stepped in, moving to her father's side, as did Theodore, wrapping an arm around Franklin so Aurora didn't have to.