WINTER UPON THE SUN

CHAPTER VI

The next day is Skyler and Ethan’s last day together before the latter goes back home to the sun. The Walton family will come again for the Christmas celebration, wanting their children to be more comfortable together as much as possible.

Both teens ate breakfast together once again, still not with their parents. This time, Skyler brings his younger friend, Enzo, with him.

He introduces him and, all but unlike the two teen warriors yesterday, Enzo isn't really wary of him. He's actually more shy than cautious.

"I heard from Acacia you're studying plants?" Ethan asked, as always, trying to warm up with Enzo. He nodded excitedly. "I do love plants! Especially the princess's favorite, the bridal wreath." That perks up the young prince Ethan’s interest. Something related to his betrothed.

"It's also his birthflower!" Enzo exclaimed. "That's interesting. When's the last time you saw your birthflower, princess?" Enzo asked, turning his attention to Skyler.

"My last birthday." He calmly said, drinking his tea, giving Enzo more meat as he still had to study and work after breakfast, which the younger one gladly accepted. It was a natural thing for the princess-ish to do, since growing up, he felt like a big brother to the young gardener.

"Thanks." Enzo nodded. Ethan smiled at the way the young prince/ss treated his friend. Skyler is a really sweet, respectful and joyful kid. Anyone would be lucky to have him as their partner. "Princess Skyler, are you normally this gentle with anyone you are with?" He asks sweetly, having this teasing glint.

Skyler turned red, pursing his lips at that. "I don't really know.. This is how anyone should treat another person, right?" Enzo is just quietly watching them, grinning a little while eating.

"Of course, you're right my lady." Ethan smiled, looking at the meal in front of him. "Feed me sausage, please?" Turning his head towards the princess, mouth wide open. Skyler chuckled feeling a little shy, but cut the sausage on his plate and fed Ethan still. "Taste good?" He asks the sweet, flirty prince.

"Much better that you fed it to me." He mumbled, smiling while chewing, pinching Skyler’s red cheeks lightly. "You're really adorable, my betrothed."

Now, that is something the princess can get used to hearing. They just stare at each other for a few seconds before Nila coughs. When both were out of their enchantment, they looked at the two siblings who were grinning their way. "Good day my lady, prince." Ethan smiled at him before nodding her way.

"She’s ms. Nila. One of the greatest cooks in the palace, and also, Enzo’s older sister." Skyler introduced her, smiling widely.

"Pleased to meet you, ms. Nila. Hopefully, I will be able to have a taste of your dish, as my fiancée gives you high regards for your created dish." He grinned at the older chef. Nila chuckled and nodded at the young prince. "It will be my privilege to serve you and the princess." She bowed before excusing herself and her brother to start their work day.

"It was nice talking with you, Prince Ethan of the Summer kingdom." Enzo bowed deeply before standing up straight and walking away. The two young royals looked at the two siblings walking away, letting the comfortable silence settle in.

"I just realized it'll take some time before we meet again, Acacia." Ethan turned back to the princess, looking a little disappointed. Skyler sighed at that. He was already feeling the gloom the night before that, thinking how much he'd miss the other prince. He still doesn't think he likes the prince of Summer the way a person should like their supposedly other half, but it's the companionship Ethan will leave that is something he'll definitely yearn for the next few months they'll be apart.

"I'll send letters when I have time, my prince. There's no need for us to pine for each other that long." He chuckled, taking the older prince's hands in his before blowing hot air, making sure it was warming. "It's particularly colder today than normal." He explained, rubbing Ethan's hands to keep it warm.

Both of them are still in their bed attire so their clothes are thinner than casual. "How about you? Aren't you cold?" Ethan asked him, seeing that he seemed not to be affected.

"I am, but I have grown accustomed to this type of weather as I've grown up here. It has always been cold." He smiled before blowing hot air at his own palm and placing it on the cheeks of the elder prince in front of him.

Young Ethan felt his heart melt at that. He's still young and he still doesn't know much about love or relationships, but he knows he likes being with Skyler. "Thank you." He murmured.

"You’re welcome. Let's go inside?" They both stood up and started running inside, betting who'll get to the dining to meet their parents first.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

"Young Acacia, I will miss you sweetie." Charlotte hugged him. The royal family's departing back to their own palace, work still waiting for the royal family.

"Time will fly fast, my lady. Do not worry, as in a blink of an eye, Christmas will arrive fast." Skyler tried consoling her, to which the queen and her son, prince Ethan, smiled about. "You're really such a bright kid, Skyler." She hugged him again before looking at her son to give him time to say his farewell.

"So.." Ethan smiled his way. "I'll see you in a few months?" Skyler nodded, smiling gently.

"Do you think it'll be appropriate for us to hug even though we're still unwed?" He teases, to which Ethan laughs and pulls the other in his warm embrace. "I'll miss you princess Skyler." He whispered.

"Of course you will. I'll miss you too, Prince Ethan." He sighed at the elder’s neck.

While the two were in their own world, the two pairs of parents looked at them fondly. They're happy that their children are getting along quite well.

When they pulled away, Ethan took Skyler’s right hand up to his lips, kissing it. "Just so you know, I’ll be writing a lot so be ready." Ethan whispered that one out before letting go and helping his mother inside the carriage and waving at the other. They'll be apart for a while, but at least it won't be forever.

Until they meet again.

~TBC~