Splatter

15. The Prince 2381

No one had tried to stop Dean from entering the stadium, no one dared tell him not to get on the stage and except for stage hands rushing around in complete confusion not much happened. For some time. Dean's optimism that Castiel would come for him held fast for most of the morning. He stood for a while in the centre of the stage, not paying any mind to the cameras or the audience. He had a lot to think about. Everything he had learnt about the complicated society the Mer lived in, the political instability and all the nooks and crannies of his own existence that had been revealed on the island. In amidst all that, the strange interconnections pulling him and Castiel together. The warm little bond they had forged despite all that deception. After a few hours, Dean sat at the foot of the bed, the lights dimming as the sun rose higher. The sporting field was slowly filled by spectators hearing news of Dean's strange vigil.

When it was noon, a trolley was rolled out and Dean was surprised to see Hannah pushing it. She was refined as always, her face set in steely determination as if she was about to walk in on a battle. Dean found out soon enough that she was adamant that he would eat and drink all of the provisions on the trolley under her watchful eye. Dean did not put up a fight. What was the point when he knew he needed to sustain himself for a presumably long wait.

"Where's Cas?" Dean asked through a mouthful of stuffed bagel, one of his favourites from the district he used to work in, Dean wondered who had thought of that.

"He's not coming, Dean," Hannah said without much intonation.

"Just a matter of when," Dean proffered his bottle of water in a salute to her. "Cheers."

She sighed and pulled a strand of her dark black hair behind her ear in a vague gesture of frustration.

"So don't you have better things to do than serving lunch to a guard?" Dean asked after a few more minutes of thoughtful chewing.

"We're short handed for suitable staff to bring you nourishment."

"What makes you so qualified, princess?"

"Apparently, because I have no desire for a consort of my own, I am considered pure enough to be in your presence without sullying your innocence," she said, rolling her eyes now in a gesture that reminded Dean a little of Castiel.

He snorted and ate some more.

"Well at least you are cooperating."

"Oh yes, gotta keep my strength up for when Cas comes."

Hannah crossed her arms, tilting her head at the fruit on the tray. Dean picked up a green apple and bit into it. It was tart and sweet at once, with a mouth watering aroma.

"You think this is a game," Hannah said as she picked up the plate, glass and silver tray. "When he wants to give this whole world to you."

Dean scoffed. "The world doesn't belong to anyone, whatever royalty they are."

"The prophecy said the prince of the Mer would unite all the fractions and perform a great deed, one that will be remembered in history and that would mark the turning point for our species. I am sure Castiel is the man to fulfil it." Hannah took the tray with a shrug to her shoulders. "Or at least I was till he met you. He was always a reluctant but effective leader. Never a true believer."

Dean blinked at her, then swallowed. He dabbed his mouth with the napkin provided and pulled his shoulders back. "Okay, look, I know. I'm hardly worthy of Cas but I'm the one he wants. Of that I'm certain. Down to every fibre in my soul."