She Really Just Let It Slip, Didn't She?

When we returned to the Palace, I got scolded. Ms. June had only discovered a little bit before we returned that I was gone and caused an uproar; I just walked right up to her, and she was so mad that I got out somehow and nearly gave her a heart attack. Like I thought, everything was locked up tightly so I couldn’t slip out again. It sucks, but the price I pay for being impulsive. Oh well!

Val seemed confused about the extra security measures added to the room, but Ms. June was too embarrassed to admit how worked up she got over me slipping out and ‘wandering the halls’ as it were. You can’t really blame her, considering everything, but still. She has an excuse.

Speaking of, Val ended up staying out later than I thought he would. He arrived back just as the sun began to set, barely making it to his bed before crashing. It seemed like he had a lot of fun, if how tired he was is any indication. I watched him as he fell asleep, wishing him sweet dreams for the night.

Since then, though, the days returned to routine. Leo returned, and for the most part, acted the same when Val and I passed him in the garden. Doesn’t seem like Val has yet to give him an answer, if the conflicted look in his eyes means anything. If I know Val, he definitely doesn’t want to keep him waiting too long. He’s probably thinking about it a lot. So I can’t help but wonder; what has him hesitating? From my point of view, he at least thinks Leo’s cute. They get along well. Did Marius confess after we left? But he’s still talking to him like usual…

Well, I suppose it’ll just have to run its course. Not like I can force anything to happen outside of manipulating a few meetings.

The books Val got have been interesting, though. We’re already on the third one since the book fair, although the first two were on the shorter side. Val said he picked out a few specifically for me, and I found where he put them. Yes, more romance novels~ That will fuel me for a long time to come!

Today, he’s decided to take me to our study refuge. It’s been a while since we’ve been to our not-so-secret book nook. It makes me happy to watch the sun rise while Val reads one of the new books he bought. The soft colors of a chilled morning outside mixed with the warm light of the study and the cozy blankets we smuggled in makes for a perfect morning, in my opinion~

We’re snuggled up, Val under the blanket and me loafing on his lap, as he carefully reads each sentence. Sometimes, Val will slow down as he reads to ensure he doesn’t mess up the next few words, and yet manages not to stop completely. He messes up regardless here and there, but keeps going. Val looks annoyed when he does, more so each time. I wonder why, it’s not like he’s reading to the public, he can make mistakes while reading to his cat. Not like I’m going to judge or heckle him! I hope it’s not something bleeding in from his recent work-related stress.

After he trips on another sentence, he sets the book to the side, leaning his head back and resigning to a sigh. Val glances out the window for a beat and grumbles.

”Annoying… I can’t even read right lately.” He says more to himself than me. “Am I out of practice or something…?”

Not likely! You read to me every night just fine. Maybe you just woke up too early today and are still tired? I’ll try to see if I can get him to sleep in just a little bit more before he starts his day tomorrow. See if that lifts his spirits!

I place my paws on his chest, meowing at him my promise. His hand comes up to stroke down the fur on my back, though his gaze remains out the window.

”…Sorry, Princess. Just a bit… off, today, I suppose.”

Everyone has off days! Please don’t beat yourself up over it!

He remains like this for a bit, before he stands, taking me with him as he does.

”Let’s call it here for today.” He tells me. “We’ll come back later, I need to get started on today’s work.”

What?? Noooo, Val! I don’t want him to leave all sad like this. The worst part is that I don’t even know why he’s so upset! Did he just wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something? Hahhh…

Val gathers me in his arms and begins walking out. However, my keen cat hearing alerts me to another person in the study. I have no doubts about who it is! So, without hesitation, I managed to wiggle free from Val and leap away, taking off in the direction I heard the soft footsteps. Val gasps, then sighs. He’s pretty clearly not in the mood, but still entertains my antics. When we round the corner, there’s Yancy, trying to dust off one of the higher shelves. She’s almost comically short when next to the bookcase!

I walk over, giving her a bonk on the leg with my head, startling her as she lets out a yelp. When she looks down and sees me there, then sees Val walking towards her, she gives a relieved sigh.

”Oh my goodness.” Yancy places a hand over her heart. “Princess, you scared me half to death…”

”Sorry about that.” Val offers her a lopsided smile. “We were on our way out. She must have heard you over here, she just darted right out of my arms.”

”I… I see! I’m glad she likes me.” Yancy giggles, reaching down to offer me a scratch behind the ear. I lean into it, purring as I do.

”As am I…” Val trails off. He looks like he’s debating something, but in the end a sign of resignation flashes through his eyes, and he kneels to scoop me back up. “I… should probably go. Please excuse me.”

He turns to leave, and I am in despair! He doesn’t even want to talk to his friend?! I cast a wide-eyed stare back at Yancy, who fumbles for a second, but takes a few steps to catch up to Val.

“Um…! Is something the matter…?” She asks, and Val stops in his tracks. Yancy blinks as she pauses her movement, hands fiddling with her apron. “I… just… thought you seemed a bit… down, this morning…”

Looking up to Val, I can see his face twist. It’s like he’s arguing with himself in his head, like he doesn’t know if he should say anything. But when he opens his mouth, Yancy beats him to the punch.

”You… can tell me anything, you know? I won’t tell a soul. Is there… something bothering you…? I… would like to help.”

Val’s expression softens, and he turns to look back at Yancy, who’s staring right back at him, determined. Finally, Val smiles.

”I appreciate it.” He says, sincerely. “I just… You know, my birthday will be coming soon. And my father has been urging me to marry. Well… he wants me to pick a bride by then, so that it can be announced at the celebration.”

”O-Oh…”

”I’m kind of glad he’s not trying to force me to marry a stranger, but I can tell he’s impatient. He hadn’t dropped it since I returned home from my trip to… um… my friend’s house. I would like to take my time, but… well…” Val rubs the back of his neck. “I won’t lie, I’m a little worried he’ll renege on his promise to let me choose who I want to marry and just arrange something. I don’t want that.”

”I… I’m sorry to hear that, your Highness.” Yancy looks down, frown etched on her face. “Is… there someone you would like to marry, or someone you have an eye on?”

Val hums, tilting his head as he looks at Yancy, who’s oblivious to his gaze.

”I… have met a few people, admittedly.” He confesses. “I guess I’m too indecisive. I don’t want to hurt any of them, every time I think of someone… I don’t know. I’m not good with this kind of thing… I’ve never dated before. I’ve had a crush, that’s about the extent of it. I don’t want to make a mistake and hurt anyone…”

”You could never!” Yancy lifts her head and declares with her chest. “No matter who you end up with, they’ll be happy! So lucky! And I’m sure the others you considered, if you are close with them, would want you to be happy too! I know I do!”

”I… you do?”

”Of course! I care about you a lot… ah, I mean…” Yancy’s face turns red so fast I’m surprised she’s still standing up straight. “I-I mean… you’re a good friend and good person… s-so…” She quickly shakes her head. “You shouldn’t have been put in this situation in the first place. I hope you can at least make the best choice for yourself…”

”The best choice for myself…” He echos, staring off at a space behind Yancy, undefined. “By chance… Do you mean as just a friend, or more?”

Somehow, Yancy’s face only turns redder.

”I—!! I could never! I mean, not that I would never, but… I-I know my place, I could never insist…”

”I’m not offended.” Val says gently. “Was just… curious. You’re kind and passionate about things you love, so when you said all that…”

“Y-You’re too kind…” Yancy mutters, eyes glued to the floor. “I… perhaps… if you ever considered me… I wouldn't be opposed.”

“I’m flattered by your affections, Yancy. Thanks. I don’t know if I’ll still make the right choice… but I appreciate and will consider your words.”

”Then, I’m glad.” She gives him a shy smile, still not meeting his eyes. “You know… y-you can talk to me anytime something is bothering you. As a friend.”

Val gives her a nod. He looks down at me, all bundled up in his arms as a ball of fluff, then turns and leaves. He’s still tense, but the tension in his expression has lessened. I hope he’s feeling a bit better… He never told me any of this, how am I meant to help if I don’t know what’s going on? Then again, it’s not like I can do anything to change his father’s mind as a cat. Maybe I could…

No. Asking Yancy to turn me human again won’t change anything either. I doubt his father will listen to some random girl that shows up and demands he ease up on insisting his son get married. How silly.