The Prince's Fiancé (BoyXBoy)

Chapter XV Royal Diplomacy

Chapter 15 Royal Diplomacy

Caleb

"What do you suppose is happening in there?" Caleb asked. The nerves that once wrecked his spine were down to tiny shivers. Caleb was able to suppress them now. Trent was no more, all that was left now, a coward.

It was as if Caleb never left home. His problems only ended up following him. Though The King wouldn't never say it, it wasn't his style, I told you so could be said with a simple look.

Mr. Bateman was already driving and he was taking a lot of random turns to avoid being followed. Caleb saw no sign of being followed, but he didn't bother voicing it. He left his absolute trust in Mr. Bateman but still felt lower than low for having left Jason, to deal with the press. His whole world fell into chaos and it was his fault. At least that's how he saw it.

Caleb was also trying to overcome his shakes as they crept up on him, like aftershocks. People and cameras did not bode well with him. Not since that day his mom accidently left him behind. The paparazzi, always obsessed with royalty, happened to be following. When Caleb thought he found someone that could help find his mother, he was wrong, and had trouble facing cameras ever since.

The King and the Queen had long since, kept their children out of the press. About as much as they could.

He thought he'd overcome his fear. Caleb hated to admit, even to himself, that he froze instead of being able to handle it. Because of his fear, he left Jason all alone and that was only the start of his problems. Mr. Bateman started filling him on the current events.

Not only was his sister dealing with an obsessive stalker who happened to follow her (and was also part of the paparazzi) and found out about Caleb. Thus bringing the recent events about.

Caleb was also more than a tad shocked to find Augustus had declined his place at the thorn. Augustus was indeed, the last person on earth Caleb thought would pull a 180. When Caleb had the opportunity to stew over the small yet big news, he saw no telltale signs to have seen it coming. The details were uncertain, but they would be brought into light once the entire family met up, in Stockholm. The parliament was due to be involved.

At the moment, Caleb couldn't stop thinking about Jason. What was going to happen to Jason?

"I don't know," Mr. Bateman replied and that didn't stop Caleb's fists from tightening on his lap.

This is all my fault.

"It could be the Queen is getting, for lack of a better word, firm with the young lad."

Caleb flinched knowing full well how lightly Mr. Bateman was putting it.

"Can't we go back?" To hell with the paparazzi. Now that Caleb was no longer... he had to fight the urge to curl up into ball. He was willing to right his wrong.

"I'm sorry."

Caleb tried not to roll his eyes and press his lips into a tight thin line childishly. He didn't realize he was leaning forward in the backseat with his hopes too high, until he felt his back almost slam back into the cushion. He felt the puff of air and could smell the fresh leather filling the inside. Mr. Bateman turned another corner but it wasn't in the direction of the school.

"I really am sorry Caleb." Mr. Bateman's eyes said it all. He was under orders and disobeying could get him fired. Caleb didn't want that either. "It is for your own safety."

Caleb could feel Mr. Bateman's eyes on him through the rearview mirror but wouldn't meet his eyes.

"But I do have, more than a slight guess that we'll be seeing more of Jason in the future." That got Caleb's attention. "Apparently the reason your mother and sister came out here, there was more to it than for a visit. Jason is the last member of the Saint Laurent family. His father, though from what I've heard recently, has passed away."

Caleb wasn't entirely sure what it meant, he gave a certain look to show Mr. Bateman that he needed more of a follow up. Why hadn't heard of this family?

"Since Prince Augustus has declined his chance at the crown that means it passes down to the next in line, member of the royal family. Your sister."

Caleb was starting to figure the rest out all on his own.

"So that means my sister-"Caleb began but the idea of saying the words out loud was already making him feel ill.

Mr. Bateman must have sensed it as well. Calmly, he finished it for him. "If she wishes to remain in the running, though I am fairly certain she will be, is engaged by a royal arrangement to marry this Jason." Very quickly he added, "Not by force of course. They both have a choice."

In short, Caleb knew Mr. Bateman was actually sugar coating things.

Caleb found himself looking at his feet and he narrowed his eyes. So why call it an arranged marriage? He continued to stare at his pair of regular white sneakers, nothing special, but Caleb needed something normal to focus on, or he'd lose it. By losing it, that might mean losing Jason. Ironically, Jason was meant to be part of the family after all. He wished Jason didn't have to be a part of it in this way.

"So when do we find out?" He knew Mr. Bateman would understand.

"Soon enough," he responded by once again taking another turn. Caleb was hoping that meant today. The sooner they could get this over with, the better.

Caleb might have understood things a little better, and would have rather taken Jason's place bearing whatever came his way from the Queen. When his mother flipped the switch from motherhood to being a Queen, it was hardly ever pretty. From the little he had witnessed of Jason, it was a toss-up. Caleb could almost see the chips moving in slow motion in the air before hitting surface. All at once.

None of this was helping with his anxiety. He really wished he could have at least been strong enough, and help Jason. Somehow.

There were some things we all have to go through alone. No matter how terrifying it might be.

"I'm going to call my sister," he said before reaching inside is pocket to get it.

"That won't be necessary," Mr. Bateman said once Caleb had his phone in his hand. "She should already be there with the Queen and Mr. Laurent."

Caleb didn't miss the title change from Jason to Mr. Laurent. Was Caleb really that powerless?

"Be strong Jason." But he also talking to himself.