Prince Uncharming

My lessons on prince duties expounded on the importance of hiding my identity, and even if that wasn't explicitly taught, I won't share about myself regardless. There is nothing good to talk about.

I am a fruit of a loveless marriage. A farce, to keep face for the scorpion kingdom. And here I am in the borders of Lion Nation, collecting stones. Not a single person in my kingdom noticing my absence. That is how insignificant and disposable I am.

‘I like that red stone you are holding. But you can keep it.’ She said, snapping me back to reality.

‘Huh? What makes you think I am going to give you this?’

’That’s why I said you can keep it!’ She looked annoyed at first, then giggled.

’So you can react too!’ She beamed even more.

‘I see…’

So this is what riling up means. She’s intentionally trying to get a reaction out of me. People around me always said yes to me and never dared to make me unhappy. And when I am not around, they do not look for me. What did I even do to deserve such inauthentic relations?

’You’re disconnecting again’, She said.

‘You are annoying.’ I said in an attempt to return her banter, which probably came off as haughty and arrogant.

I don’t have any experience with witty remarks. I do not have any friends I can share a laugh with. Only staff that are faking their smiles around me.

‘And who do you think you are to order me around?’ I added.

I don’t think I am doing well at this conversation thing.

’I AM A PRINCESS!’, she exclaimed in surprise at my remark. Yet she regained her composure just as quickly and said, ‘I am Ina.’

Ha! I riled her up too! I could actually be good at this!

‘…What?’

A princess? Is she lying? Just because I said I was a prince? What would a princess even do out here? But what if it’s true? I am a prince and I am out here!

I have read in some books that I should be courteous and show respect to other royals, but I wasn't taught that by my instructors. My mother in particular wanted me to be as demanding as I could, for everyone to cater to me.

I can’t tell her I am from the sand kingdom of Solkari at least.

There was a lingering silence between us as we looked at each other's faces. I could tell she is studying me to see if I am an actual prince. I already knew she is of high standing, but I did not expect to see a princess of another kingdom so randomly out here in the wilderness.

How do I get a clear view of her face when I’m the one facing the moons and her back is against them? Why are all the moons on one side tonight?

’Can I.. Can I dance with you?’ I blurted out of nowhere.

The slow surprise forming on Ina’s face triggered many regrets.

I have finally made a simple conversation with someone who doesn’t put me on a pedestal yet I just have to make it weird.

‘Do you mean a dance for couples?’ She exclaimed pleasantly.

’Only if you feel any better, but I am sure you are. The cloth I wiped you with has healing magic’, she added as she stood up and dusted herself.

She offered a hand and I took it hesitantly.

I have read about this and played it in my mind too many times but never actually practiced this!

‘I will lead’, Ina said as she entered my personal space and placed my other arm around her waist and her right arm around my shoulders. It seems like she read my mind.

‘It is my dream to dance like I am in a snow globe. This glitter rain might stop soon so let's get to it right away. I do not mind letting you in my dream moment. But do not think that you are the main character here, that’s me.’ She stated matter of factly.

‘Step here first and then here’, she said as she swayed us left and right and in circles.

More rocks fall from the sky all around us, giving our background an explosion of colors, as she continues leading our movements with her hums. For the first time, I feel that I am seen as the child that I am. Not a status.

’So you can smile too’, she said. This time, no hints of taunting in her eyes.

What am I supposed to say in this situation?

I must’ve been blushing hard. Ina noticed my complicated reaction and leaned her head on my shoulders and did not push me anymore.

’Thank you’, was all I managed to say as we continued swaying side by side for a while.

*I had loved you forever. Thank you for allowing me into your heart, Ina*

Who said that?

******

The phenomenon Ina called Glitter rain finished and so did our dance.

’Thank you prince Marik!’ She said as bent her knees, one behind the other, opened her arms and lowered her head.

Is she saying goodbye? NO! STOP!

‘I am here to collect these stones.’ I panicked and showed her what I gathered so far. Anything to stall.

’Wow! You’ve picked up a lot already! I only have this’, she showed me in return a huge plain stone.

’About that red,‘ her sentence got cut off by a loud roaring.

I am the son and grandson of the strongest scorpions to ever rule this planet, and I know no fear. Well, I knew no fear. That roar frightened me enough to make me stumble backwards and onto the ground.

This must be her guard.

Her puzzled face as she looked around for the source of the roar was illuminated by the night finally.

She’s beautiful.

’Here’. Flustered, I mistakenly threw at her a portion of the broken green stone, instead of the red one she liked.

‘Thank you!’ She beamed at the nothingness. I was no longer by her side the moment she looked up to where I was.

Ina…

‘How can you do this to me?’ Said the huge lion, after transforming into a basic looking boy.

So he was the one who gave the mighty roar. 

He pulled Ina into a deep hug, concern and terror written all over his face.

Huh, just a little bit more muscular than other boys our age. Maybe also just a little bit more handsome than other boys our age. A little bit tall. That’s it. Nothing special. Nothing at all…

‘I am fine Riye. I made a friend.’ She said as she hugged him back.

I must’ve heard it wrong but the topic of marriage came up between them.

Is this feeling in my chest right now is what they call jealousy?

I wanted to listen in on them some more but the way Ina is looking so content on this person’s arms is somehow stirring up emotions within me.

Ina. We will meet again. I will make sure of it.

As I moved in my hiding place, to retreat, this lion looked towards my direction and almost made eye contact with me.

I am a few trees away and he sensed me?

‘Riye I am cold. Let’s go home.’ Ina asked very adorably, effectively diverting the attention of the lion. 

I wasn’t sure if she did it intentionally but I am grateful regardless. This Riye person doesn’t seem to be the one to cross.

I can understand why Ina likes this person. Rather, why he deserved Ina’s admiration, at this moment. I just have to become stronger to become someone worthy. Worthy of what though? I do not know for now but I will know it when I become powerful.

For a long time, I was looking for a shortcut in understanding others and knowing their intentions. I didn’t know that if at least one person showed interest in getting to know me, then the rest of the world misunderstanding me wouldn't matter.

Ina I will show you my gratitude the next time we meet.