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Adele followed Aurora and Caelan down to the beach silently, wondering what had happened to make Caelan's additude change so fast. When the prince dismounted, she followed suit and sat down next to Caelan. She was quiet for a moment, then said, "Crying helps me understand what I'm feeling and what I need to do next. I don't mind if you do." She fell silent again, looking out over the ocean. |
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"I'm not weak..." He blurted, the phrase drilled into his mind from his father's beatings to him. "That shows that I'm weak and unfit to be a king. I never was, in fact. A king, husband, father, none of it. I understand why now....I'm too weak..." He said, voice breaking in pain as he refused to cry once more. He'd already shown too much vulnerbility in front of her and she wasn't even able to stay with him, so why bother? Why drag him along and say she really liked him, when she's betrothed to another? I should have known.... He thought, nearly shaking in emotional pain as every thought was directed toward violence at himself |
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Adele's face grew stern, feeling the how serious and bad Caelan felt. "First of all, crying does not mean you are weak. I've cried in front of you at least two times, and do you think I'm weak? Every strong person in the world has cried millions of times, and they are strong. Second of all, you are the most worthy person of being a husband, father, and king that I've met in a long time." She spoke gravely but seriously, meaning every word she said. "Also, a few hours ago you fought off two cougars practically bare-handed. I do not call that weak." Her face softened, and she reached up to curl a strand of his hair in her finger. "Anyone who does really needs some emotion lessons." She pecked his lips, lingering for a moment before pulling away, keeping her face close to his. |
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Caelan let her kiss him, gently wrapping his hand around her waist before pulling her to his chest. "I love you" He breathed, crying softly. His shoulders shook with every tear that rolled down his face. He loved her, but she wasn't his |
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Adele nestled into his chest, glad he had given in to crying. She was sure crying was good, at least most of the time. That's what he mother had told her, and that is what it was to her. Good. "I love you too," She murmured. Adele wished she knew what was bothering the prince, but if he wanted to keep it to himself, it was best not to force it out of him. Adele stayed there, tucked between Caelan's arms, suddenly feeling very vulnerable and powerless. They had to get moving or they wouldn't make it before suppertime. But she couldn't move with Caelan acting so strange... He needed her right where she was. Adele decided Caelan being happy was her top priority for now, as he couldn't function well enough to negotiate with her father when he was in personal conflict. |
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Caelan pulled himself together a few minutes later. "I just...you're betrothed, so we can never work out, Adele. You'll have your husband and I don't think I could marry anyone but you..." He admitted, standing |
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Adele stood with him, forcing him to stand still and staring him in the eye. "Being betrothed doesn't mean I'm going to marry him. I definitely DON'T want to, but you know how parents are... Listen, all I'm saying is, don't give up hope. I want to marry someone I love, not someone I'm being forced to get along with. On the contrary, I'd run away again just to be with you, but that's not really an option for a future queen." Adele hugged Caelan, then said, "This is not the end of this conversation. But for now, we need to get back on the road." |
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Caelan nodded and grabbed the horses, holding Calvin steady as Adele mounted before mounting up onto Aurora. He had the expression of a prince--not a cruel one, but a patient and objective one. He rode beside until they reached the Day Kingdom's gates. |
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Adele mounted Calvin, nodding thanks to the prince when he held the gelding for her. The ride was quiet and awkward, neither royal speaking the entire way. Even from miles away, Adele recognized the curve of the hills and the spires of the castle, stretching towards the sky. Before they entered town, Adele helped Caelan don a cape to hide his wings. Once that was settled, they rode into the city, winding through the bustling, colorful streets, filled with people selling their wares, pedestrians walking with dogs, and people walking next to carts being pulled by donkeys, mules, and horses. It took about ten minutes walking through town atop their steeds to reach the castle gates. They were greeted by three stern-faced guards holding tall spears. The head guard motioned for them to stop and said, "Who are you and what is your business with the King?" He hadn't recognized Adele yet, but when she spoke his eyes widened with shock. "Baxter, I am here to see my parents." Baxter bowed crisply and took Calvin's reins, leading the horse inside the gates. "Princess Adelaide. Your parents have been searching for you. They are very worried." He summoned a messenger to tell the king and queen that their daughter had arrived, then helped Adele dismount, before handing Calvin to the stable hand. Baxter's eyes turned to Caelan, suddenly much colder. "And who is this who comes with you?" Adele tried to keep her voice steady, though she was terrified what they would do if they found out who the prince was. "He is here to make a deal with the king and queen. If you want to keep your job, don't ask any more questions." Adele had never spoken to someone like that, especially someone like Baxter who she respected so much. The guard nodded, a little surprised at her tone. Adele waited until Caelan had dismounted and handed Aurora to another groom, then followed an escort of four palace guards towards the throne room. |
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Caelan followed silently, scared but hiding it beneath his mask of royalty. "You think this will work?" He whispered in Adele's ear, fear laced with anticipation leaking into his stoic sounding voice. |
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Bright Sunshine with a few High Clouds
