The Dragon & The Prince - A Moceit Story

"Heartbreak"

It had been nearly a month since Janus was supposed to have arrived back in Parthenia. Roman and Logan were both very worried, but Patton wasn't concerned in the slightest. He was sure that Janus would be arriving any day now if he just kept faith. Whenever he could, he would sit on the steps of the castle and wait to see Janus's carriage. When he couldn't sit on the steps, he wandered the halls just like he and Janus had before he left.

Occasionally Patton wondered what was taking Janus so long, but he was quick to brush any worries aside.

He was strolling through the courtyard one afternoon when Roman joined him.

"How are you holding up, Patton?" He asked.

"I'm just fine!" Patton smiled, glad to have his brother's company. "Thanks for asking."

"Of course. I can't imagine how worried you must be."

"I'm not worried at all."

"You're not?"

"Why should I be?" Patton asked cheerfully, jumping up to balance on the border of the flowerbeds.

    "Um, because your fiance is missing?"

"I'm sure his driver has just gotten lost or something."

"Patton... it's been a month." Roman stated gently.

"He's coming back, Roman." Patton insisted.

"Perhaps, but still. I've seen you the past few weeks. All you have done is wait around on the steps for him to return."

"He will return to me." Patton twirled hopping onto the path.

Roman considered arguing but decided against it. He couldn't bear to be the one to break his brother's heart.

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Days passed, still with no word from Janus. The wedding was supposed to take place tomorrow, and the majority of the castle residents had given up on hoping Janus would arrive. Unsurprisingly, Patton hadn't given up. He still believed that Janus was on his way. Despite all of the signs pointing to other explanations, he refused to accept any other outcome. He knew in his heart that Janus was doing everything he could to come back to him.

Patton was looking out at the ocean from his balcony in early evening when Logan knocked on his chamber door.

"Come in!" Patton called. Logan walked through his messy chambers and out onto the balcony with him.

"I hate to bother you about this, but in regards to the wedding... the decoration staff had been unsure of whether or not to set up for tomorrow or not."

"Why wouldn't they set up?"

"Well... because we cannot be certain that the other groom-to-be will be in attendance."

"Janus will be here."

"How can you be sure?"

"Do you see that star just above the edge of the cliffside?" Patton asked, pointing to a small star.

"I do."

"Every night I wish on that star that Janus will come back to me. I believe with all of my heart that he's on his way. I can feel it in my heart that he is." Patton explained with a dreamy expression.

Logan wanted to argue, but he couldn't risk upsetting the prince. So he let the deluded boy believe what he wanted.

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