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Adele laughed and tried to curtsy back, but it was too awkward, so she bowed as well. "Why thank you kind sir, it was excellently executed on your part." Adele said in her best British accent, though it was a little too dramatized. Adele laughed with him, happy to have something to do other than think about what she was supposed to be thinking about. Adele clucked to Calvin, and they continued on, at a slow canter now. At this pace they would reach the castle a few hours after noon. |
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Caelan followed tiredly. "How would...you be the queen over there for your family and I the king here? Surely you'd hate to be queen over here?" |
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Adele, realizing Caelan was pretty tired, slowed Calvin to a trot. Adele spoke slowly, thinking. "That's a great question... My parents aren't that old so it's not like we'll be king and queen at the same time soon. When they do step down or pass away, I guess we'll just do that? You rule in your kingdom and I rule in mine?" Adele sighed. "I really don't know." |
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"I don't think...I could go that long without seeing you." He said softly, frowing a bit with shame at himself. She wants someone else and is letting you down easy, Caelan. Why would she want a Night Kingdom prince? She'll find a proper husband who can actually be worthy of her without you in the picture. His mind sneered at him, making him silent |
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A small knowing smile creased Adele's face. "I'm sure you will be able to. You just have to get used to the fact that I can't be right next to you every given moment. I need to lead my life, too. And my kingdom." Adele sighed, smile dissipating. The thought of having to rule the day kingdom was becoming more and more terrifying and pressing. Not only that, but she was sure her parents would soon be pressing her to find a husband. 'Yippee, more stress for me,' she thought bitterly. |
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"What if your parents promise you to a prince that's nothing like me? He's all charm and smoke and mirrors but hurts you? I can't have that..." He worried aloud, a small frown on his features as he looked at her adoringly |
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Adele smiled again when Caelan spoke. He knew exactly how to talk to her, kind, but worried. "Oh, I'm already betrothed to someone just like that. But my mother is way too protective to ever choose someone who would hurt me. The only thing he thinks about is himself. so I'll be just fine." Her smile faded. "Unhappy, but fine." |
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It felt like a punch to Caelan's gut. She's taken. Not yours. Placeholder. His mind chanted at him. He cleared his throat and nodded silently, his heart shattering. |
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When Caelan didn't say anything in response, Adele looked over at him. Immediately she grew concerned. "Hey, what's wrong? Was it something I said? Are you alright?" She would have given him a hug, but they were riding at a quick trot, so that was impossible. Instead, she gave him her most compassionate look and waited quietly for him to answer. |
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"Yeah, I'm fine." He said, voice breaking with pain. He didn't speak again as they reached the beach, dismounting and sitting on the sand while trying to not cry. His mother's words echoed in his mind. "Don't show emotion. That's how you show you're weak." |
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Morning Rain, with Cooling Temps Later
