Finding Strength

Dinner Disaster

***

Jessica looked at where the scrape on her knee had been, but was now only a red spot like she'd only bruised it. She'd always healed quickly, but not so absurdly quick that it would make anyone's head turn. The only thing she could boast about, was the fact she'd never been sick a day in her life.

She lowered the skirt of her sleeveless sky blue dress that was elegant and yet simple. It was made of silk and tulle once again, limiting how uncomfortably warm it otherwise would have been. It had a crew neck line, so once again it was conservative in design. Her raven hair was done up in elaborate braids and pearls that gathered into a bun, with a few wavy strands left out to frame her gentle face.

"High highness is surely lucky to be betrothed to you, I'm sure he'll know it!"

One of the hand maidens stated as she admired the finish product with pride in her eyes.

"I certainly hope so, It would hurt if he were repulsed by the idea. I mean... we're already close, right?"

"I would say so! You two are thick as thieves!"

Feeling reassured, Jessica got up from her seat and made her way over to the door. After all, mother and father were waiting. Yet when she opened the door, she wound up staring at steel grey eyes- the ones belonging to her brother.

"Hey! I'm capable of walking to the banquet hall myself you know.."

He chuckled and offered his arm for her to take, so that he may escort her.

"I know, but I figured you'd be nervous. I wanted to make sure you knew that I'm here for you, no matter what happens."

"When do I get to meet your mystery lady?"

Jessica ask, opting to change the subject and pry into her brother's private life a little.

"Soon. Very soon. I will be asking our parents for permission to marry her, or at the very least let them know that I'm seeing someone so that mother will quit introducing me to noblewomen."

"Your life is so hard."

Jessica stated as she rolled her eyes. Part of her was really jealous that he could choose his potential wife, whereas she had no say. Especially not when she hadn't shown any potential for magic. In a kingdom of magic, the royal bloodline was supposed to be the strongest of them. Loving though they were, her parents couldn't ignore the fact that she was pretty much a disgrace to the family and very unlikely to be married off to anyone decent- even with her royal blood. This was her only option for a halfway decent husband and future. She could not mess this up!

Her brother, on the other hand, got to chose his future wife and could take as long as he wanted doing it. He was strong, well mannered, and was next in line for the throne. If anything, he already had numerous lords trying to arrange a future marriage with their daughters. Every single one of them were turned down. 

"In its own way, yes. I know you're only saying that because you're nervous for tonight, because I can assure you that other parts of my life are plenty stressful."

Jessica frowned as she looked over at him and gave a sigh.

"I just want to enjoy my dolls and play with friends for a while longer... not worry about my future so soon."

Nathaniel's gaze softened as he put his hand over the one holding his arm.

"I know, sis, I know... but there's no point in dwelling on those thoughts. All you can do, is your best."

They walked the rest of the way in silence, due to the fact she was so nervous. How would Ritty react to the news? He seemed agitated earlier and she really couldn't place why that was. In the banquet hall, it seemed everyone else was already in attendance. Did her hand maidens take a long time on her hair again? No wonder her brother was at her door, they probably sent him to see if she was close to being ready!

"My dear, it's about time! I thought something might have happened to you!"

Her mother spoke up, having risen from her seat.

"No, mother, the handmaidens took a while to decide what they wanted to do with my hair again."

Jessica explained while she took her seat as Nathaniel helped her like a proper gentleman, before moving to take his own. Her eyes landed on Ritter, who seemed to be adamantly avoiding her gaze. What did she do wrong?

Ritter couldn't believe Jessica could appear even more lovely than she did earlier today and that very thought agitated him beyond measure. Why was he thinking of his best friend like that lately? It's weird!  He had to get a grip! The only way he could think of to manage that, was to ignore her altogether. Maybe he could apologize in a letter or something, but for whatever reason, he just couldn't get her out of his mind today. He was so entirely focused on his thoughts and his meal, that he entirely blocked out the conversation that was occurring.

"Ritter...."

"Ritter..."

"RITTER ALEXANDER PEIRCE!!"

He jolted from his mother's voice yelling his name all of a sudden, yanked from his thoughts as he stared wide-eyed at her.

"What?!"

"What do you mean 'what'?! I said that we have arranged for you and Jessica to wed when you're both of age."

Ritter dropped his fork, letting it clatter against the china as his jaw dropped in total shock. Rage  and frustration immediately bubbled and exploded within him.

"Absolutely not! I refuse!"

His father spoke up, slamming his fist against the table.

"That's not for you to decide, and don't raise your voice to your mother!"

"How can you do this?! this is MY life you're messing with! I do everything else you demand of me, why can't I have a say in who I marry?!"

Ritter challenged as he rose from his seat, making his father do the same.

"It's a great match and it helps both kingdoms! You'll marry her and that's final! It's already been decided and the agreement signed!"

Ritter let out a roar of frustration before turning on Jessica, who had being oddly quiet.

"Why aren't you backing me up?! Tell them you don't want this either!!"

He demanded, making Jessica swallow hard. She hated seeing him so upset, but the truth was that she had no real say and he was a far better choice than what she otherwise would have. Saying she didn't want this would be a lie.

"I-I can't.."

She responded meekly, earning the full brunt of his rampant emotions.

"WHAT THE f**k, JESS?! I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS!! YOU TRAITOR!!"

"Ritter! Calm yourself!"

His mother demanded, but he didn't stop. He had fully lost his temper and the only person that shouldn't have been the target of it, was.

"I CAN'T STAND YOU!! YOU'RE SO WEAK AND PATHETIC! YOU WOULD BE A s**t QUEEN AND A SHITTIER WIFE! I HATE YOU! I HOPE YOU DROP DEAD SO I DON'T HAVE MARRY SOMEONE WAS DUMB AS YOU!"

"RITTER PEIRCE! GO TO YOUR ROOM!"

His mother ordered as Ritter panted from his outburst. The hurt in Jessica's eyes were enough to make him instantly regret what he'd done, but now pride demanded he hold out at east a little longer. Besides, if he was going to win his freedom, he couldn't show weakness. Unsurprisingly, Jessica broke down into tears and ran from the room and her brother chased after her to make sure she was okay.

"Don't touch me! I can walk to my room myself!"

He demanded as he slapped away a guard's hand and stormed out of the banquet hall.

***

He... He hated her...?

He words played in her mind on repeat, making her relive that moment over and over again. She didn't let her brother in, so he had rejoined their parents for dinner while she locked herself in her room to cry. She knew that there was a chance he'd be upset, but she never imagined it would be to such an extent! Did he truly hate her?! She toyed at the raw emerald gem that she got today as it was now bound by a black cord so she could wear it around her neck. He wanted her to remember him... but what about now? All she could see now, were his features twisted into such rage and aimed directly at her. Had he always had such a temper? Or had Zeke added to it by accident?

Hours rolled by, until there was a knock at her door once more.

"Who is it..?"

She called out with her raspy voice, wiping away fresh tears.

"Your favorite brother."

Nathaniel answered, hoping his joke would help lift her spirits a little.

"Come in..."

Her head was throbbing, so she gingerly sat up to receive her guest only to be made to lay down by him.

"You don't need to push yourself for me, I know your head is hurting."

"How's Ritty?"

Even after how horribly he treated her, she still asked how he was fairing. After all, he'd been her best friend for years.

"He's still pissed off, so he and his family are heading home tonight. They don't want him ruining your birthday. They promised that he'll come around eventually, he just needs time."

Jessica nodded slowly, starting to weep all over again. All Nathaniel could do from that point on, was comfort her and get her anything she needed. She didn't need to hear that his parents allowed him the engagement he wanted with Mia, that wouldn't be fair to her and would only make her hurt more.

"I'm sure he'll apologize the next time you see each other. He'll realize how much of an ass he was and beg for your forgiveness, and you'll forgive him because you're too kind. He doesn't deserve you if he's going to treat you like that..."

She sniffed and accepted the handkerchief he offered.

"We both know that's not entirely true.. not with my worth hinging on my title alone."

Nathaniel frowned as he dabbed away at her tears.

"When I become king, that will change. Women are capable of plenty of things, they shouldn't be seen as just breeders. It's disgusting."

Jessica smiled up at him, happy that he thought that way.

"I think you're one of the only men in the world that think that way."

Nathaniel grinned and gave a single tap to the tip of her nose.

"That's because I'm the smartest of all of them, clearly."

She chuckled as started to find it impossible to keep her eyes open. When she finally drifted off to sleep, Nathaniel kissed her on the temple and quietly left the room. He was furious with Ritter, but he could also understand his rage.

"That idiot.. he shouldn't have taken it out on her like that..."

He muttered to himself as he headed to his room.

***

Ritter yawned as his family passed through the gates of Asmeiria, not looking back for fear that he'd see that heart broken look in her eyes again.

Ugh.

Why the hell did he loose his temper like that?

"Pick up the pace, boy."

His father's voice demanded in a manner that told him his father was furious. Good. Let him be angry, it serves him right for ruining his friendship with Jessica. Why the hell were they rushing him to the alter, anyway?! Nathaniel was older and still not being forced to marry anyone! It wasn't fair! He wanted to find the girl of his dreams, not be forced to marry a girl his parents picked for him. She didn't even fight it! That enraged him even more, how spineless could she be?! she could find someone in Asmeiria, surely! Why'd she have to ruin his life like that?!