Unexpected Ever After

Chapter 5

A/N I realize now that I forgot to mention Tyler's eye color in the previous chapter sooo it will just remain a secret until a moment where Carter cares to notice them a bit more.

By the way when there are italics it means they are exaggerating that word. 

Time ~ Late Afternoon ~ Tyler's POV ~

Location ~ Where the Princess is Being Held ~

     After days of traveling I finally arrived to where the princess was held.  After having to cross gorges, avoid hostile beings, and finding my way through the enchanted forest just to have to get some girl to marry whom I have never met.  It might will all be worth it though when those cocky people from the Kingdom of Swords lose their most precious item.  I was confident that I would be able to convince who ever had the princess that I was a good match for her.  That was until I saw my competition.  He was a good bit taller than me and more muscular as well.  He had tan skin and copper hair.  The thing I noticed about him most though were his eyes.  They were a very beautiful shade of green.  They kind of reminded me of tsavorite green garnet (reference image at the top) and they were brought out by his dark lashes that framed them.  While looking at then I also noticed that he had a light dusting of freckles across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose.

     I of course didn't stare at him while I noticed this because that would be weird so instead I just snuck glances at him.  Based on is annoyed expression I guess he didn't notice.  I wouldn't be surprised if he was upset due to the lack of attention.  It was typical for someone like him but it also made me feel something.  I'm not sure what though.  I mean I knew that the princess was my goal but I when he made that look I felt something.  Well it was probably just random.  I put those thoughts aside and focused on how I was going to prove I was worthy.  I mean I do have pretty stiff competition.  Based on things Ashley told me I'm pretty sure if any one else saw him they would be worried about him stealing their significant other.  I'm sure he could if he wanted to.  My thoughts were interrupted by him speaking to me.

     He turned to me and stated, "May the best man win."

     I of course responded with, "Yeah, you probably will."

     He turned to me and like any other person who heard my responses and looked surprised.  I was used to that reaction by now because for some reason when you're a prince everyone expects you to be confident for some reason.  Which happens to be the exact opposite of what I am.  Despite his initial after the shock died down he looked genuinely curious about why I responded that way.  This caused suspicion and before I knew it I was staring at him trying to figure out why he would be curious about me.  When I finally noticed what I was doing I felt heat rise to my face and I looked away from him as quickly as possible.  The worst part was that he saw me staring at me as well.  I think I felt embarrassed at my actions but I wasn't sure since I get most of my information on how normal people act from my friend and books.

     After a few moments of awkward silence I shook off my nerves and headed toward the cottage's entrance.  Once I reached the door I gathered up all the courage I had remaining and knocked.  I was greeted by a sweet lady who looked to be some what close to... the age that I remember that woman being.  She had silvery hair and eyes the color of lilacs.  Her skin tone was on the darker side and her lips were the color of blood.  She was tall and thin but in a graceful way that not many people can pull off.  When I was about to speak to her it was like she read my mind and answered my question before I asked it.

     "My daughter has already found a partner so there is nothing more for you here.  In other words, just leave," she stated bluntly.

     I was at a loss for words.  I had travelled all this way only to find that the person I was looking for wasn't even here.  I was beyond upset.  I mean if my father was going to make me go into the outside world he should have at least had up to date information.  Once I had regained my composure I simply gave to woman a nod and turned to walk back toward my horse.  I risked a glance towards the other boy to see his reaction and he seemed, relieved for some reason.  It just didn't make sense to me.  For someone who just wasted a lot of time coming here only to be told what they came for was already gone and then be calm, no happy about it.  It didn't add up in my mind.  I was so caught up in thought that I didn't even notice him examing me with an amused expression.

~ Conner's POV ~

     As I watched the other boy stare at the ground with a confused expression I felt a smile creep onto my face.  It was funny how confused he was right now.  The humor of the moment was only increased by the fact that I was the one confusing him.  I mean its normal for people to be confused but it was just funny considering he was probably smarter than me.  I mean even though I'm amazing I know I'm not the smartest from what my father and others have said about me behind my back.  It doesn't bother me though because besides that one thing I'm pretty much amazing at everything else.  I thought of this while watching the boy for a couple of minutes before I decided it was about time I introduced myself.  I mean even though he's probably awful it's still the polite thing to do.  I walked up to him and tapped on his shoulder causing him to be startled.

     "Hello, my name is Carter prince of the Kingdom of Swords.  What's your name?" I said to him.

     "My name is Tyler.  I'm the prince of the Kingdom of Flowers.  Why are you talking me?  I mean doesn't your whole kingdom hate us for no reason," he replied with and edge in his voice.

     "Well it's only polite to introduce my self to someone I haven't met before.  Well that might be a foriegn concept to you considering where you're from."

     "I'll have you know, that unlike your kingdom we're known for our friendliness to everyone who comes to our kingdom.  That might be new to you considering where you're from." 

     "I was trying to be nice but I guess that's not going to work with you.  Well since I can't be nice then I guess I'll just have to be rude to you to get anything across, so Tyler just know that I was going to try to be nice to you but that apparently won't work with you so I guess I'll just be a jerk instead!  You're probably just a stuck up little brat who can't do anything right except read, so why don't you do me and everyone else a favor and get lost for good!  Even if the bet gets changed you won't be able to win based on how you act so just give up!" I screamed.  Before I could process what I just said to him he turned away and said something I didn't expect to hear.

~ Tyler's POV ~

     As the boy named Carter screamed at me I just stood there looking down.  All I could do was listen to him yell at me.  While he did I was reminded of what my mother used to do and before I knew it I was on the brink of tears as I was reminded how useless I was.  I just listened and questioned why I was even alive.  When he finally finished I turned away from him and said.

     "I know that I'm useless and that I should just het rid of myself.  Trust me I would have if it weren't for my dad.  You don't have to worry I won't have to get in your way ever again after today."After that I mounted my horse and went back home. 

     When I got back I was greeted by my father and explained to him what happened.  He said he understood and I went to my room to get some rest.  I was surprised to find Ashley there waiting for me.  I of course hugged her and asked what was going on.

     "Well I figured it would be better if I told you.  You see your father arranged for you to have a huge party for your 18th birthday," she told me.

     "What!  I can't believe he would do that behind my back!  He knows that I don't like social gatherings!" I exclaimed.

     "Well you can't change his mind so prepare yourself you have one week," she stated then walked away.

     I just stared at the doorway in defeat knowing that I would have to attend the party.  I slumped over to my bed and thought about what I did to get into this situation before drifting off to sleep.  Carter's words echoing in my head.