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!

‘…a 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 seemed 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.

Show globe?

‘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?