Unspoken

Hidden Insecurities

Chapter 2

(Desmond POV)

I walked over to the door and saw one of the maids going into a curtsey, "Prince Desmond, dinner will be served soon. I can escort you to the dinning room." "Thank you" I smiled as she stood up. I hadn't been in this castle since we had worked on our projects for the Enchanted Science Fair. No, no Desmond no nostalgia. Focus on your job you are here to help James not fantasize over what could have happened with Amber. I tried to take my mind off the past but I was surrounded by tapestries picturing all of the great adventures that these three had went on. That is when it hit me, I had yet to see Sofia. I knew she graduated from Everrealm Academy after two years as she was only an advisor but, I hadn't heard from her in so long. I wonder what was going on? I let these thoughts drift there towards my friends Sofia it was the only thing keeping me from thinking about her.

We arrived at the dinning hall much too soon for my like and Amber and I were the only ones there. The King and Queen hadn't arrived yet nor had James. I bowed toward Amber and then took my seat looking at a spot on the wall as we waited for the others to arrive. "How are you liking things Des?" Amber tried to start a conversation. I continued to look at the wall, "Everything is great Princess Amber." I could hear her let out a sigh, "Des are you ok? Did I do something to make you mad? If so I'm sorry," Why was she apologizing and still talking. "No I am not mad at you and I am fine," It came out harsher then I wanted and I could see Amber recoil in her seat. I closed my eyes and cursed at myself for making her feel bad, I cleared my throat, "But Thank you." I added. It alleviated some of the tension between the two of us.

But, before either of us could speak James came bursting into the room, "Ahh, nothing like sleeping in your own bed after a long journey. Sorry to keep you two waiting." Amber quickly put on a smile and faced her brother, "Don't be silly we weren't waiting long." It only felt like an eternity. King Roland and Queen Miranda soon joined us and I was able to fade into the background of their family dinner.

Despite myself I kept stealing glances at Amber when I knew she wasn't looking at me. She had somehow managed to become more beautiful in our years apart. She had grown up and developed some curves but that wasn't my focus. For me it had always been about her smile. It had grown more brilliant and warm since I last saw her. James and her were laughing as they playfully fought with one another as siblings. King Rolland and Queen Miranda shared knowing glances and shook their heads smiling at the two's antics. I was happy to be a fly on the wall of this family moment. King Rolland then tapped his fork to his glass, "A toast, Welcome home James and Welcome to the castle Prince Desmond." I felt their eyes on me now as I held up my glass. I looked at the King, "Thank you, your kingdom is a most gracious host." We all clinked glasses. Queen Miranda then turned to me, "How long will you be staying with us Prince Desmond?" I felt myself choke on the water I was sipping but managed to gain control before I created a scene. I looked over at her, "I will be out of your hair after a year Queen Miranda." "What?" Amber said.

(Amber POV)

I was relieved to know that Desmond wasn't mad at me but, why wasn't he talking to me. I know he was closer friends to James and Sofia when we were kids but, I thought that we would at least be able to have a civil conversation while we waited for the others. Does he just not like me? Were we never friends?

I swallowed the lump in my throat as James walked in and quickly put on a smile. I could not think about Desmond anymore. I hadn't seen my brother in almost a year and today he came home. That was cause for celebration and I planned on enjoying it... or at least believably pretending I was enjoying it. James began joking around and I playfully fought along. I really had missed him and it felt good to know that James would be around for a while now... Him and Desmond. The though creeped into my mind and I couldn't help but smile. I then saw Dad starting a toast and I raised my glass and reached out for Desmond's. He was tapping on everyone's glass and I tried to make eye contact but no luck.