The Last Dance (6)

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xo.

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Chapter 6 - Confused

John's POV

What just happened?

We were actually getting along for a while there, and then... Did I say something? And how come she wants me to call her Cece again? After all the years she's gotten mad at me for calling her that, I finally listen and she changes her mind. And now she thinks I was being nice on a bet?

Alright, this confirms it. Celia is crazy.

Yup, I knew it all along, I mean really, I have no idea what just happened, but she's really not that bad... not that I would ever tell her that.

I guess things were getting kind of intense...

But she didn't have to freak out like that.

Girls.

I sighed, no way I was figuring this out anytime soon.

"Prince Johnathan! Is that you?"

I turned to see one of the palace workers running towards me. Wasn't that Celia's friend? Mildrid, or something... was something wrong with her?

"Yes..."

"Millie, my Prince" She said with a curtsy.

"Ah yes, Millie, what is it, is Celia alright?"

"Celia, your Highness?" She looked at me in confusion.

I sighed "Sorry never mind, what was it you wanted?"

"Your parents, their Royal Highnesses, have asked to see you in the throne room"

Oh, it was just the parents. What would they want so late?

I thanked Millie and headed inside. The halls were empty of their usual bustle which was somewhat of a blessing, I wasn't particularly up to seeing anyone right now. Unless I was to run into Celia...

No, stop thinking of her, she's the one who ran out on you. Yes exactly, in fact, she should apologize for being such a... girl.

In fact, I should demand an explanation, the least she could do is tell me why she's suddenly so upset. But being a girl I'm sure she'll expect me to know what's wrong.

Ugh.

Girls.

As I reached the throne room two men walked out bowing to me on the way. I nodded to them and continued in to see my parents and Celia's father sitting around the fire place. They looked pretty relaxed so I assumed nothing bad was going on.

"Ah, John there you are, did you see those two gentlemen who just left here?"

"Yes Father, I did"

"They came here from Fief Newberry. It seems there have been some problems. Nothing serious of course, just some routine mediation"

"I see, and you're going to be gone for a few days?"

Why was he telling me he was leaving anyway?

"No son, you're going."

What did he just say? I must have heard wrong. "Sorry, I thought you said I would be going."

"You are. You're going to be King one day and this is the kind of thing you'll be expected to take care of, just think of this as field experience."

This was not good, definitely not good. I had to help people with their problems when I couldn't even sort out my own?

"You'll be leaving first thing in the morning with Sir Corry and Sir Roden."

First thing in the morning! That was too soon, I had to find Celia now, get this thing between us sorted out... not that there was anything between us. "Well, if that's all--"

"Actually, while you're here there is something else we've been meaning to talk to you about"

I could practically feel the tension in the room rise. My Father glanced nervously at my mother who nodded in encouragement. I'd never seen Father nervous before, what was going on? I suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. Even Celia's father seemed uncomfortable.

"Son, as you know the High Ball is coming up soon..."

"Yes, I know" Celia was being presented this year, I wonder what she'd look like in a gown now that she was all grown up... wait, snap out of it John.

"...And you're now already twenty-one..."

Where was this going?

"Sir Dimitri has brought to my attention some concerns of the council..."

What would the council have to do with me? Did they think I was unfit to be King? Because they would definitely be right...

"You see we've never encountered this problem before with other Monarchs... but you don't seem to get along with any of the court ladies..."

Wait... they couldn't be talking about...

My Father sighed. "Son, you need to get married"

No, they couldn't... "Father you can't mean an arranged marriage"

He looked surprised "Why no of course not, but you do have a deadline... the last night of the High Ball"

No, I couldn't, I wasn't ready. Sir Dimitri noticed my panicked expression and guided me gently to a seat. I buried my head in my hands. They couldn't do this, it wasn't fair, and how could I find someone by then? When all the girls' at court only tried getting close to me because of my position?

My Father came and put a hand on my shoulder, my mother's eyes were filled with tears. I buried my face in my hands, both angry and worried.

"Father how can I... I don't even know these girls...."

"Well, we thought perhaps, you might consider Celia? She's grown into a fine young woman."

I looked up startled to see a similar expression on Sir Dimitris face. Apparently he hadn't expected this either.

Marry Celia? She would hate me forever.

"Father, Celia and I... we..." She would be miserable, she hated me, and we couldn't even get through one day without falling apart. No I couldn't do that to her, and besides it's not like I even wanted to marry her, before today I couldn't stand her. I still can't... I think.

I looked over at her father, pleading with my eyes for him to understand. He smiled at me reassuringly.

"Jeoffrey, if I may, Celia looks up to you as a second father and she would not refuse you, however... she and the Prince have never seemed to... see eye to eye"

"Of course I understand" He looked sad as he turned to me "It was only a suggestion, of course the choice is up to you, but a choice must be made"

I couldn't speak, I only nodded. My parents gave me a look of sympathy before walking out of the room. I thought Sir Dimitri had followed them out when I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"You won't mention any of this to her will you Sir?"

"No Johnathan, I won't."

I nodded feeling relived.

"You didn't ask for this."

How did he know that's what I was thinking? I looked up at him "It's a lot of responsibility, sometimes it doesn't feel worth it."

"I know, you're Father felt the same way at your age. It isn't an easy path."

"He did? I didn't know that."

"He hid it well, your Father was a born leader."

"But I'm not."

"You are John, you just can't see it."

"My Father never had to deal with this though, he and Mother always loved each other."

"He and your Mother knew each other for a long time, the way you and Celia have."

"Only we don't get along at all."

He smiled at me "She doesn't make it easy."

"I don't help though," I muttered back.

He looked at me curiously and understanding filled his eyes "Ah, you're starting to care for her."

What? No I'm not, this was Cece we were talking about. The girl drove me nuts! I didn't care about her!

But after today... no.

She ran off on me, she obviously doesn't care so why should I?

"She would still never... we aren't even friends... can't even go two minutes without fighting... it isn't possible." I ended defiantly.

"Whatever you say" He smiled "Now Johnathan, I suggest you don't torment yourself further thinking of this tonight, you'll have to be ready to leave early tomorrow."

"Thank you Sir."

He nodded and left me alone with my thoughts. I was nothing like my Father, I REALLY didn't want this, I couldn't do this, be King, I couldn't... but how could I get out of it?

Celia's POV

I woke up late this morning, a first. I'm usually up before the sun, but not today. Today the sun was shining brightly in complete contrast to my mood. I felt terrible, guilty, confused...

I'd hardly gotten any sleep, I kept waking up ready to go find John and apologize before realizing I should wait until morning.

He probably thought I was crazy. I didn't blame him. A bet? What was I thinking? He actually tried to be decent to me for once in his life and I go and ruin it, and just when I was actually starting to enjoy his company...

That's it, I had to go find him, but where to look? Breakfast would be over by now. Would he be in the practice courts? No, not if he was avoiding me... but was he avoiding me? He might just be angry... I had to find him.

I was walking absently down the hall, not really paying attention when I ran into someone; a merchant from the city, and his wares went flying everywhere.

"Beg pard'n Miss, I weren't watching where I was going"

"Quite alright, I fear I was rather distracted myself" I shot him a smile and bent down to help him pick everything up.

"No need ta get ye clothes dirty Lady, I got it."

"Non-sense of course I'll help." He nodded at me gratefully and we continued picking up. He had an interesting collection here, fancy candles, beaded jewellery, and trinket boxes.

We'd just finished collecting the last of it and standing up when he caught sight of something that made him smile. I looked around confused.

"What is it?" I asked him

"That... can I be seeing that bracelet yer wearing?"

"Oh, of course" I said surprised and pleased. I held my wrist out for him to see and his face lit up. He looked at me in admiration.

"So, yer the one eh? Who's got his Highnesses favor" He grinned widely.

What was he talking about? "Sorry, I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

Now he looked surprised "Why yer bracelet, the Prince bought that from me he did, not a week afore."

No, it couldn't be, "Prince Johnathan bought this?"

"That 'e did Miss, 'n paid me mor'n its worth too, did ye not know?"

"No I just... didn't know he got it from you" I covered.

He nodded seeming satisfied. "Well then Miss, I best be off."

I felt dizzy, this couldn't be. I stumbled down the hall and, sitting heavily in a chair, buried my face in my hands. Why would he buy me something like this and not even leave a note? It wasn't like John to not take the credit for something like this. Right?

Unless he thought I wouldn't like it? Ridiculous, it was beautiful... but maybe he thought I wouldn't want it from him?

I just didn't understand, this was a few days ago now, when we still hated each other... this must have been the night I challenged him to that duel...

Of course, it makes sense, no one else had been in the room, and he came in right after me. I shook my head in confusion. Why? Why would he get me something at all, much less something like this...

I felt twice as bad now, I had to find him, but where to look? I couldn't waste a minute.

"Lady Celia, is that you?"

Millie! She would know where he was!

"Lady inside at this hour, what's the occasion?" She said with a laugh. Then she got close enough to see my face and ran up to me "Have you been crying my Lady, whatever is the matter?"

I hadn't even realized I was crying. How did he get to me so easily? "It's nothing Millie, I just need to find the Prince really badly, have you seen him?"

Her face fell. "My Lady... I'm afraid he's gone"

"Gone! What do you mean gone?"

"He had to go off to Fief Newberry on business for the crown."

"I don't understand."

"His Highness the King wanted him to gain some experience ruling."

"But... when did he leave?"

"Early this morning Lady" She must have noticed my expression because she continued reassuringly "Now now, the fief isn't far away, only a day and half's ride, and I'm sure his business won't take long, why he should be back before the week is out."

"A whole week?" That was too long! I couldn't wait that long... but I had to. I'm such a fool, how could I have let him leave with things the way they were. He must hate me all over again. I buried my head in my hands with a groan. If only I had woken up at my usual time I might have caught him...

"If I may ask my Lady, why do you so urgently need the Prince?"

"I... I hardly know myself Millie, I don't know what to say, or why I feel the need to say anything, I just know I need to, and now it's too late"

She looked at me confused. Obviously I wasn't making any sense. "Miss Celia, if you don't mind my saying, you've seemed rather emotional since your birthday, perhaps a trip away from the castle would help to clear your mind."

"That would be great Millie, but where would I go?"

"Well, why not visit your sister Anna? I'm sure she'd be happy to see you, and you could spend some time with the twins"

Of course! Anna could help me, she'd know what to do. "Oh Millie that's perfect! Thank you!" I gave her a tight hug. Anna was only a day's ride away, I could talk to her and still be back before John. But still, a whole week?