Royals

Chapter 23: collin

     Izze did not want to talk to me. Though I knew she did. They way she nervously bit her lip, holding back that "I'm sorry."
    My mother had wanted to talk to me. About gods knows what, probably about the marriage... I slowly was approaching the throne room.
It was late in the afternoon. Outside you could slowly see the sun setting. Another day closer to becoming, king. I had to, no matter how not ready I was.
     I stopped in my tracks as I saw a familiar figure standing in the room with a few other familiar people. The only one that stood out was Sarah? Sarah.
    She was here again, but she was the same old strong, brave girl I knew. And maybe liked. My brain wracked trying to think of what to say.
    She started talking when I blurted out, "Sarah."
     Abruptly, Sarah stopped and looked at me. About the same way I had look at her a few seconds ago. She cleared her throat, "Um hi Collin..."
     I stepped forward, "What are you doing here?"
"I um..." She trailed off as if she didn't know her self.
"She's here for us!" My mom exclaimed. "Sarah and her family will be here, along with my mother. For your sister's birthday and the marriage...."
I nodded slowly as I continued to look at Sarah. From the corner of my eye, it seemed like a hint of sadness or hurt flashed in her eyes. It made me curious.
"Mom I want to see Izze and Adrianna." Kayla murmured. I held back a laugh, must've thought only Heather could hear her.
I wrapped my arms around Kayla, hugging her. My lips right next to her ear and I whispered, "I'm sure you can see them soon." I let go and watched her cheeks heat up.
"Lillian can show you around...or if Sarah would like to she can." My mom looked at her. Asking for permission. She seemed concerned...
"Oh um sure your majesty..." She stopped and grew solemn. I understood why my mom seemed concerned. For Sarah, she'd be back in the hall. The one all three of them stayed. It brought back memories.
"I can take them." I say stepping forward. In a quick motion I sling an arm around Sarah's shoulder. Taking her by surprise. "Need to catch up with Sarah.."
"That would be nice, but I need you here. For you know..." My mom says, reminding us all once again. I groan quietly and drop my arm.
"I'll take them sweetie." My grandmother says. My mom looks at her mom and sighs before nodding. "Right this way."
All four of them leave the room, leaving just me and my mom.
    "Catch up with Sarah?" My mother asked, disapproval lacing her voice.
     "What?" I ask, although I already knew what she would say.
    "I know you know what I mean, Collin. You need to focus on bigger things right now. For example, the betrothal and the wedding that will come along with that." My mother explained.
     "That's so many months from now mom, can't I—"
    Before I could finish she cut me off, "Three months Collin! Only three! I don't care if that's a little less than a hundred days, it's coming up fast! The days are getting shorter..." She practically yelled.
    "Why can't we start working on things in September?" I ask.
     "You know why Collin, can you for once act like the king you are going to be? I always thought you'd be understanding like when you were younger, but I was obviously wrong..." She said shaking her head.
     "Why is this so important?" I shoot back.
     "Because...." She trailed off, her eyes closing.
    I pushed further, stepping towards her, "because why?"
      My mother looked up, tears seemed to threaten to spill, "You are our only hope to keep this kingdom going, keep it alive."
      Every word strikes me, making more the reason for me not to look that forward to being king. I walked away, walked away from her.
    
~*~
   
    I bumped into something soft, I looked up to see Sarah staring into my eyes. "Oh...sorry I didn't see you there." She says.
     "It's alright." I say. We then fall into silence.
     Sarah was the first to brake it, "So what was your mother talking about, marriage?"
     I sigh and rub my temples, "It's a long story.."
     She laughed. I missed that laugh. Then...I missed Nora, but she just seemed to fade away.... Except Sarah, she stayed.
      "Well I'm here for awhile, a long story could fill most of my time.."
     I looked up at her again, "If you really want to hear it."
    "I do." When she said those words I immediately explained. Occasionally Sarah would nod or just listen to me.
    
   "Oh..." She said rubbing her neck. I nod in response watching her. Her eyes filled with an emotion that I just couldn't read. That was one thing Sarah was usually not so good at.
     "I'm sorry that you had to come back to..to this area." I say quietly.
    "The hall?" I nod, "Oh, well I mean I guess it's fine. I do miss them though. Everyday."
     Out of no where I blurted out, "Did you miss me? I mean...me, Adrianna and izze?"
     She raised an eyebrow, but shook her head, "Of course I did. You guys are like my family."
     I smiled.