THE PRINCE WHO SAID NO

The day shone brighter than usual, I would know because I’m in love with the cloud. Not just the cloud but everything interests me. Everything I own. All, but him. I heaved a sigh of relief when Father told me he was visiting today. Not like he particularly told me, but my ears were wide awake at the mention of his affairs. I should probably get new designs, new lace, new hairdo, new everything. It’s been 4 years. No, 5. I haven't seen the Prince in 5 years. "Kate please get me the jewelries i customized last week" Kate took a swift bow, wondering why I was in such haste when I didn’t have any meetings or outings scheduled for today. I adorned myself with my finest wardrobe and made for the dining room. A room big enough to house my feelings for ... “Your highness”. Silence. “Welcome home”. I hesitated deeply before gracefully standing up to see my long-awaited Prince. Yes, mine because I’ve had the deadliest crush on him for 15 years of my life. “My good friend” Is that how he sounds now? His masculinity filled the room. I could hear the sound of chests bumping each other in longing for themselves. I kept my head buried in my cute little hand fan. Hoping the ground swallows me before I meet his eyes. “Sara” He called. I finally found a way to look up and meet his eyes. His captivating eyes. They held me still on a spot. Breathless. Thoughtless. I smiled. And curtsied gracefully. “You’ve grown” My smile faded. It was meant as a compliment but I couldn’t help but hear the nonchalance in his voice. Like he was surprised to see the child he left behind, grown up. “That is what you are to him”. A voice whispered, oh so close to my ears. “Your highness” I managed a word. “Come, we made your favorite. Surely it hasn’t changed over the years. Has it now?” My father’s joy filled the hall. And it became almost impossible to contain it. I lifted my head again to catch a smile escaping from his lips. He changed. Stable, Ruthless, loyal, kind as before, but this man grew more confident than ever. “I want to hear all about your trip” Father’s voice echoed through the hall in excitement. I also want to. Just a voice in my head. I dare not say out loud. Dinner continued with dicussions i could only listen to even though I had so many questions to ask. What does Africa look like? Did you have a hard time there or a swell time? Did you make friends? Did you miss me? I swallowed in hurt and buried my head in my plate. "Did your taste change Sara? You’re picking your food. One would think you find it utterly disgusting”. Is he talking to me? He is really talking to me. I lifted my head slowly to meet his eyes. again. They held me. Right where I wanted to be. "uhmm... no, it’s just....." "She’s been on the edge lately " Father’s voice cut in ruthlessly. "You know, she’s had suitors from 4 different kingdoms ask her hand in marriage" I froze. No, no no no no. You didn’t have to say that. No one wants to know that. I narrowed my eyes and gave a shy smile, just in time to catch the amusement on Prince Eric’s face. "Oh, she is all grown up. How did I miss that?" He’s doing it again. "That shouldn’t bother you, I mean you have options. And you can choose anyone you want" I want you The tiny voice in my head came again. Yet all I gave was a smile. a faint, weak smile. "And you, your highness, how many maidens do you have in waiting? My ears stood attentively. Instead, he laughed. Heartily. The kind that melts my heart every time. "Maidens? Who says that in the 21st century?" "You won’t blame me, my dear friend. All I see is my people. I have no idea what’s out there. "Well i do, and I’ll tell you all about it on my next visit" Confidence. One of the many reasons I’m in love wth Prince Eric. I sighed lightly, ready to abandon my food most politely, and hoped he’d stay for desserts because then, I could sit properly and stare directly at him. "Please excuse me, Father, your highness, I will be back shortly" I said this, curtsied, and made my way out of the large hall that felt too long to exit I made my way to my room with Kate tagging along. I could hear the confusion in her breath, but I didn’t care. I changed into something less demanding and serious and headed back to the dining hall. I could still hear the Prince’s voice and this added graceful speed to my feet, excitement clouding my sense of composure and self-worth. "She is like a sister, and I would do the same for my sisters" Prince Eric's voice grew louder. "I’m afraid if she doesn’t make a choice soon, she wouldn’t make the list of most eligible spinsters in Alphaville anymore. Men will grow scarier than they already are". Father’s concerned voice came again" They’re talking about me. He thinks I’m his sister. "You can’t be more" the voice came again "Look, your grace. I’ve watched her grow. And, she probably needs a little exposure. How about she spends a few days with my sisters in the palace, you know, live a little? Is he looking out for me? "I care, my dear friend, not just for her, but for you. And if you want her married, I could arrange a good eligible suitor for her. I’ve heard enough. Good night father, good night Prince Eric. Suddenly the ground felt too heavy to walk back to my room.