A Prince's Love

Chapter 48

*Unedited* (I did better with the timing, right? 😁Call me out if you see something wrong, this is very unedited lol)

Danny

I miss her. I mean, I believe it's really obvious at this point. How many times have I said or thought that? I haven't been myself lately. I've been more detached, glum, and too unenthusiastic to do anything. It doesn't help that my parents always want to discuss this preposterous marriage as if I even care about it; the more they discuss, the more I feel myself falling deeper into a hole that will completely close me off from society.

On top of that, they have been extremely peeving by trying to force Afia on to me. Before it was annoying, now it's just frustrating. When our parents returned after the dinner they had together two days ago, my parents tried to convince Afia to sleepover. In my room. My room. Thank God she declined the offer because I would have slept outside in the bushes if she accepted. They keep insisting that she come over everyday so that she gets accustomed to being in a palace, Obviously, this is their way of punishing me. They must enjoy seeing me suffer with Afia, knowing I'd rather be with someone else. Afia is coming over today, courtesy of my parents. My mother told her to bring a swimsuit so that we could use the pool and the girl happily agreed. I think it goes without saying that I'm not getting in the pool with her.

It's almost 1 in the afternoon and I haven't stepped out of my room yet. As much as I want to lock myself up in the bedroom, I'm a growing boy and I need food. I lazily drag myself out of my room and force myself to head downstairs. As I make my way down the spiral staircase, I can hear my parents conversing with each other.

"I'll be on my way now. Would you like to escort me?" my father asks.

"Oh, I think I will stay behind today. Afia will be coming over, I want to prepare a meal for her and Danny." my mother responds.

"Get one of the maids to do it. You shouldn't have to work." he urges.

"I know, but today I want to do something myself. I miss the feeling of being in the kitchen."

I don't even remember the last time my mother cooked anything. The maids, especially Esther, have been cooking for as long as I can remember.

"If you insist. No problem, I can go alone." he finally says, before turning his head to face me once he hears my footsteps on the stairs.

"Good afternoon son." they both greet with smiles. In fact, this may be the first time they've genuinely greeted and smiled at me since the last time we were at the village. We barely speak anymore, just forced greetings and subtle jabs at me.

"Afternoon. Father, where are you off to?" I question, plopping myself on the couch.

"I'm going to see some people at the Royal Cathedral to start some organizations for the wedding."

"Of course you would." I mutter to myself. I don't know why I bothered asking. Nowadays whenever they go out or hold meetings, it's related to this ridiculous wedding.

"What was that?" he asks with an arched brow.

'Nothing. Have a great time." I force out with a tight smile.

"I thought so. Never-mind that. Where is my driver?" he replies, waving me off dismissively.

"Oh honey, aren't you forgetting something?" my mother questions with a sheepish smile.

"What?" he queries.

"Your crown. Surely, you can't go out with... that." she answers, gesturing to his balding head. I muffle my laughter into my palm as I cover my face. No offense, but he should really put that crown on.