The Pains of Guilt

Chapter 16

Twilight POV

"Is that why you asked me to walk with you?"

"Originally, yes. But after everything you just told me, more like 40% yes. What do you say?"

"If getting drunk is on the table then thanks but no thanks. Who knows what I'll do this time around."

"I don't think that'd be on the table at a ball. I highly doubt that it'd be appropriate."

"A ball you say?"

"Yes."

"Alex, you've known me since we were kids, right?"

"Yes. If I remember correctly, you were five and I was seven."

"So, you know me very well, right?"

"Yes."

"That being said, since when do I put on fancy dresses?"

"Never because they're not your cup of tea. You make a fair point but on the other hand, there's a first for everything."

"Then why are you asking me, of all people?"

"I just thought that it'd be a little more interesting with you there."

"Alex…"

"It'll be fun. If anything, I think you need the change of scenery. Even it's just for a few hours. Think about it, I need a date and you need a change of pace. If you ask me, it sounds like we'll both benefit from this. It's a win-win, right?"

He does have a point.

"Ok, when is it?"

"In two days."

"And you're only telling me about it now?"

"To be fair, I didn't know that having a date is a must until a few hours ago."

"To be fair my ass. With you being the king and all, don't you normally go to these things? In fact, don't you host these things?"

"To answer your first question, yes but a date wasn't required. As for your second question, not always. One of my nobles did."

"But you can decide if you don't want to go with one or not go at all. You're the freaking king, aren't you?"

"Yes but I already gave him my word that I'd go and I don't want to look like the sad king who can't get a date while everyone else can. And my mother has been badgering me to bring a date this time."

"You're killing me."

"Please."

"Fine but where am I supposed to find a dress in that amount of time? Not to mention, I have a baby who isn't even close to being old enough to take care of herself. I'll only go if all that is sorted out."

"I already have the dress covered."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"What if I had said no?"

"But you didn't."

"What about the baby situation? I can't just dump her onto my dad whenever I feel like it."

"Then bring her along."

"You cannot be serious right now."

"Maybe I am."

"Alex, there is absolutely no way that I'm bringing my one-year-old to an event where we'll be the only wolves in a place filled with demons. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that as a parent, it doesn't sound right to me. Especially because she loves wandering off to who knows where and she always finds a way to do just that. I can take care of myself if anything happens but she can't, she's still a baby. And I can't take care of her if she's out of my sight. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to her that I could've prevented."

"Ok, so that idea is off the table."

"Actually, I just thought of something."

Though I'll probably regret it.

"So, it's a yes?"

"Just this once but the next time you ask me last minute, it's a no. I won't care if you'll look like the sad king who can't get a date while everyone else can and you’ll have to deal with your mom on your own."

"Good enough for me."

When I got back, I went upstairs to check up on Natsumi. Since it was pretty late, I expected her to be asleep but she was awake. More like, she was about to go out just as I came in. I wonder how she was going to reach the door handle but then again, she's capable of climbing out of her crib. Who knows what else she has up her sleeve.

"Tsumi, what are you doing up so late?"

"Look for Mama. Hungry."

"Promise you'll at least get half of it into your mouth instead of well, everywhere else?"

"Hmm, maybe."

“We both know that it’s virtually impossible for you to not make a mess. But anyway, let's get you fed."

I picked her up and went downstairs to put her in her high chair.

"Mama, can see Papa tomowwow?"

"I have a better idea. Would you like Papa to look after you instead of pop pop?"

"Hmm. Yeah, ok."

Looks like I have a dreaded phone call to make tomorrow morning.