Drakon

I laid next to Prince Jase that night with a restless mind. Even though we still hadn't solved every enigma between us, it didn't seem to matter at the time. The day had been long and tiring, but it had ended sweetly because Prince Jase had helped me understand several lessons that I had previously found difficult to grasp. I had managed to keep up with him somehow, and that little victory made me happy.

I was on the verge of falling asleep when Darla's words kept repeating in my mind. She had talked quietly urgently that morning as we sat side by side making breakfast. Darla had warned, "If you don't approach the decisions you make now with care, Cam, you might come to regret them." She continued, "A single poor decision could mean your doom. Don't you think you might want to wait for someone else?"

Her remarks had affected me deeply and caused a tempest of doubt to rage within me. I had opened myself to her, sharing with her the depth of my love for Prince Jase, as well as the uncertainty, bewilderment, and longing that clogged my heart. “Darla, tell me: could one ideal prince truly be all I need?” I had asked, sighing deeply. "Prince Jase has my undying affection. I am aware of his devotion for me. The person I desire is right here by my side, so why should I wait for someone else?"

In reply, Darla had sighed, her eyes softening as she related her own story. "There was a time, Cam, when I was completely enamored with a man," she related. "We were inseparable, two spirits bound together by an uncommon and deep connection. However, I turned him down when he requested for my hand in marriage. I knew I had made the correct decision, even though it hurt to watch him so broken. Although I think he eventually came to terms with it, we split ways, a decision that was primarily motivated by my convictions. I resented that moment every day for years. Every week, sometimes every hour, the pain tormented me. Looking back, though, I'm glad I made that decision. I realize that my doubts would have grown and bitterness would have poisoned us if I had married him."

At that moment, she had turned away, leaving me to battle with her words for almost seven hours.

The next night was the same as the previous one. I laid next to Prince Jase, but Darla's advice had eaten away at my determination. What was it I was thinking? Had I been correct to give myself over to him so totally, to love him so intensely without considering the consequences? I might doubt his loyalty a hundred years from now. What would happen if Darla told the truth? What if I wasn't meant to be with the man I loved with all of my heart? Torn and unsure, I decided to put those thoughts away for the time being, to keep them at bay, and have faith that in a year I would know if Prince Jase and I were really destined to be married.

The return of Queen Bria was far earlier than we had anticipated—indeed, too soon. I was completely unprepared, as was Prince Jase. I caught a glimpse of her coming as we were enjoying a peaceful moment over tea in The Moonlit Gardens. I had just poured some milk into my cup when I noticed her walking briskly in the direction of the entrance.

"Oh my god, Jase, Queen Bria is back, sir!" I yelled with a tone of urgency. "Please take my tea. I'll enter. You make a circle and appear to have been walking. She's probably going to see you later."

"Very well, Camryn," Prince Jase replied in a gentle, loving tone. "I cherish you."

I forced a small smile and hurried off. I hurried up the stairs and rushed into Queen Bria's rooms. "Queen Bria, you are back!" I exclaimed. "How unexpected! I would have waited for you, but at least three more days passed before I expected you."

"I understand," Queen Bria replied, smiling broadly. "Well, assist me in changing." I did as she asked, helping her get ready to see King Ryn. I made sure everything was in order when I packed her bags later. She was so exhausted by supper that I made arrangements for her food to be served in her room.

"Queen Bria, how was your journey?" I asked softly, attempting to get her to talk.

"I'm exhausted," Queen Bria admitted, letting out a tired sigh. "I had to entertain everyone who demanded my attention."

"I apologize, Queen Bria," I offered.

"Yes, all right," Queen Bria acknowledged. "How are things doing over here?"

I stopped to gather my thoughts. How did things go? Beyond my personal responsibilities, I had become disconnected from the rhythm of the home. "Well, all right, Queen Bria," I began. "I believe I was at my mother's house when you departed. I completed the tasks you gave me. It should everything be going smoothly. It has also been quiet."

"That's excellent," Queen Bria remarked. "You know, I allowed Prince Jase to go back to school."

"Queen Bria, you did?" I asked, surprised. "That was very kind of you."

"So I thought," Queen Bria mused, "but I'm tempted to revoke them because he hasn't come to see me."

“Queen Bria, should I go get him?” I asked.

Queen Bria thought about this for a moment. "Yes, why not?" she decided. "I've finished my dinner. Bring him over, then grab my tray."

"Yes, Queen Bria," I confirmed. As I walked out of the room and knocked on Prince Jase's door, I said, "Hello, sir."

"Hi, Camryn," Jase replied.

"Queen Bria asks you to come," I relayed. "She says you ought to have come see her by now. Something about perhaps reclaiming your education."

Jase scowled. "Inform her that I will be there soon," he instructed. "All I have to do is make sure the ink dries on this."

"Yes, sir," I acknowledged. I took the tray to the kitchens after relaying her message. It had been such a long day. All I could do was hope Queen Bria didn't know about my relationship with Prince Jase.

I sneaked into Prince Jase's room at midnight a few days later. Queen Bria was unlikely to wake up at this late hour, having retired hours earlier. When he muttered back, I rapped quietly on his door and slipped inside.

"Hello," Jase whispered.

"Hi," I whispered back. "How are you doing?"

I took a seat at his table after nodding. He sat at his desk, but it appeared like he had lost focus.

"What's the matter, Camryn?" Jase asked.

"I'm not sure," I murmured. He got up and sat next to me.

"Tell me," Jase urged, his breath warm against my ear.

"I hate to keep it a secret, Jase, but I love you," I confessed. "I know it seems silly, but I just can't stop feeling this way!"

He pulled me in by putting an arm around my shoulders. "I have the same sentiments," Jase murmured.

He then gave me a kiss. I was startled, but I didn't back down. I wanted his kiss to last forever since it was unlike anything I had ever experienced, but he eased back. We sat in startled silence for a moment. Then a grin appeared on my face and grew wider. I laughed and turned to face him; he grinned back and laughed too. I leaned in and gave him another tender kiss that was infused with our mutual happiness.

I couldn't remain, though. I almost cried out in joy as I reluctantly made my way down the hallway to my room.

I went up to the grand hall two weeks later. The place needed to be cleaned for Queen Bria's upcoming ball. I entered and started sweeping. The door creaked open as I was approaching a remote corner. I turned to see Prince Jase. I called, "Hey."

Jase smiled as he walked up. "Hey," he greeted back. "You know what? My book, which I have been writing all year, was read by the two professors I met last week." I gave a nod. "They adored it," he continued excitedly. "They said it's full of new ideas and viewpoints, and they'll publish it as a college textbook if I finish it by June! Are you able to believe it?"

"Oh, Jase, that's amazing! That's incredible!" I exclaimed. "I was completely unaware that you were writing it. Are you able to complete it on time?"

"I believe so," Jase said, excitement evident in his voice. "I can't express how excited I am! to believe that my efforts are finally being rewarded!" He let out a sigh. "Just think of my book being read, studied, and used as a teaching tool by college students!"

"I understand; it's remarkable," I agreed. He smiled lopsidedly and softly at me. "What?" I asked, noticing his expression.

"You know, without you, I couldn't have done it," Jase stated sincerely.

"Jase, don't be so dumb," I protested. "I did not assist in any way!"

"However, you did!" Jase insisted. "I was challenged by your distinct insights while I tutored you. I made revisions to the book after realizing that not everyone shares my viewpoint. And those evenings when you gave me tea kept me writing and revived me. You really were a huge help, Camryn."

I raised my hands in mock defeat and muttered, "Okay." I added playfully, "But I deserve a kiss if I was that helpful."

Jase smiled. "You definitely do," he agreed. This time, he leaned in and gave me a passionate kiss that ignited my emotions. He put his arms around me and then withdrew, his own smile bright, as I smiled into the kiss.

Then we heard footsteps.