Engaged to the Prince

Stubbornness

They all sat inside Arden’s car, all silent, none wanting to break the tension. They heard Katie’s breath hitch and she looked away, wiping a tear threatening to stream down her cheek.

“We’re going back to the pa-”

“Take us to the studio,” Katie said firmly.

Alexander’s head whipped toward Katie’s direction, surprised at the princess’ response. He had anticipated she would follow Arden’s advice without question. “Are you sure? You don’t have to force yourself.”

“My imagination played a trick on me. I am not injured,” Katie replied opened the door and got out once they had reached the studio, dropping any further protests.

Both men exchanged glances on the rear-view mirror before following Katie. Arden felt irritated that he couldn’t stop Katie from practicing once she had calmed down. The princess slightly threw open the doors, showing aggression, but trying to be polite at the same time.

“Was she always this way?” Alexander whispered to Arden.

“I’ve… never seen her angry up close before,” Arden admitted. “But it’s best you leave her alone.”

Alexander nodded. “She looks like she’ll punch the nearest person when she’s angry… It’s a little scary.”

“Yeah, well…” Arden gave Alexander a heavy pat on his back, flashing a smile. “It’s not too late to back out.”

After a brief demonstration of the dance, the couple took their places. The instructors approached them, both holding extra swords.

“Are those real?” Katie muttered, poking at the flat of the sword.

The instructor laughed, amused. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Katie wrapped her hand over the hilt. When the instructor released the sword, Katie grunted, lifting the sword with both hands. “Oof! It’s a little heavier than I anticipated,” she chuckled shyly.

“You’ll get used to it,” the instructors said encouragingly. One of them stepped forward. “Alright! Let’s begin. Point the sword downward and slowly raise it in an arch until it is over our heads.”

Katie grimaced as she struggled to raise the sword with one hand. She dropped her arm and attempted once more, managing to raise it higher but it was nowhere close to her head.

“Please bear with me,” Katie muttered, her ears turning red. “Please continue.”

In spite of Katie clearly struggling to carry the sword, the practice carried on for a couple hours. When the instructors could notice she truly needed rest, they called for a break.

Katie sighed and slumped on the floor, dropping her sword in obvious frustration. Alexander sat beside her and offered her a drink.

“You feeling okay?” he asked, taking a gulp from his water bottle.

“This is… not one of my best days,” Katie replied, looking down.

“Don’t be down. You’re still adjusting to the weight of the sword. You’ll manage when you get used to it.”

“Do you really think I can carry a sword in a week?”

“If it’s you? I believe it.”

For the first time since the temple incident, a small smile appeared on Katie’s face. “What made you say that?”

Alexander sucked in a breath, tilting his head. “I guess you made me rethink my opinion of your capabilities when I saw you manage the engagement ball and the problem with the band,” he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “That reminds me… I didn’t get to thank you for sending Arden to check up on me.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” Katie laughed when she saw how Alexander’s expression soured slightly. “Just kidding. He said you were burning up. I’m glad you were well enough to attend the party.”

Arden waited by the entrance, watching Katie converse with Alexander. When she laughed because of what Alexander said, he looked away. He stared at an empty corner until a hand waved in front of his face. He looked up and was greeted by the female instructor’s enthusiastic smile.

“Hi!” she stretched a hand out, which Arden briefly shook. “I’m Rose.”

“Arden,” his smile quickly faded. “Thank you for taking your time to teach them.”

“Oh, my pleasure! Although, I am a little concerned about the princess. I’m not sure she can learn the dance in the given time frame,” she sat beside Arden. “But enough about that. I’m curious about you. I always wanted to meet the famous royal physician.”

“Really? What have you heard?” Arden muttered, inattentive.

“They said you’re quite the gentleman,” the female instructor inched closer to him. “Quite the ladies man, as well.”

“It’s unfortunate, isn’t it? Be nice to others and they mistake it as flirting,” his eyes flitted to Rose, noticing how she moved closer to him but made no move to back away. “Believe the rumors if you wish but please don’t assume anything.”

Rose looked down, discouraged. She was silent for a short moment before speaking again. “I’ve heard that the princess Katie is more known because she is always in your presence,”

Arden shot the instructor a glare. “Katie is known among the people regardless of her relationship with me.”

“Oh, of course! I was just trying to say that you’re…” she paused and plastered a sheepish smile instead. “Never mind. So why are you here with the royal couple today? Here to make sure you can tend to them in case they get injured?”

“I’m their glorified chauffeur,” Arden shrugged.

“Aren’t there bodyguards? Don’t you… hate it?”

Arden glanced at Katie who was now scrolling through her phone, sipping water constantly. He felt his heart drop when he saw her frown and toss her phone aside. “You know what, I… actually don’t mind. If you’ll excuse me.”

He stood, dusted himself, and walked to the frowning princess. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Katie looked up, almost startled, but relaxed when she realized it was Arden. “If that were the case, you owe me a lot of pennies if you were counting.”

Arden rolled his eyes back and forth then snickered. “It’s enough for one coffee. I’ll just give you that.”

Katie managed a chuckle. “Why are you really here?”

“I saw you sad and thought I would cheer you up.”

Katie flashed him a doubtful expression. “Did you need help with miss Rose?”

“My intentions are pure!” Arden made a show of sulking. “Take a breather with me?”

He stretched out his hand. Katie stared at his hand then took it reluctantly. “Are you taking me out for coffee?”

Arden shrugged. “I figured just a little tap dance outside is more fitting.”

Arden smiled dryly at the female instructor standing by the door as they walked past. Katie bowed shyly. “We’ll just step outside for a moment, miss. We’ll be back before the break is over.”

“Be careful, Your Highness.” Rose replied with a defeated smile.

They walked across the street to the park visible from the studio. At dusk, people were scarce and others were too busy rushing home to mind others’ business. Katie took one last cautious glance, making sure no one was around, and stretched her hands to her sides. She groaned and spun in place, rapidly picking up speed, and then abruptly stopped.

“How long have you wanted to do that?” Arden muttered, laughing in amusement.

Katie spun in place again, her laughter the only noise audible from the park. When she stopped, she was panting. “My arms are tired from trying to carry the sword,” she turned to him. “You attack me with those all the time, are they really that heavy?!”

“Well, I’m used to its weight so I can swing it around pretty easily. I was actually surprised you were struggling. Haven’t you been practicing the sword with your tutors?”

“They teach that, too?!” Katie exclaimed in disbelief.

“Combat expertise is still considered as one of the qualities of royalty in Aelysia,” Arden’s smile faded and he exhaled, nostrils flared. “Why am I still surprised they didn’t teach you that?”

Katie pat Arden’s back. “I know, I hate them too.” She picked up a stick sticking out from a thin blanket of snow and started recreating the dance. “You know, the dance is actually easy, just the sword aspect is making it difficult.”

She took a stance and did a stabbing motion, then gracefully spun on one leg, the 'sword' swinging over her head. When she finished the dance, she looked back at Arden, whose expression had suddenly darkened. His gaze was toward her yet he looked preoccupied with something else.

“Arden?” she waved her hand in front of his face. When he still did not respond, she tapped his shoulder.

She pulled her hand back and Arden grabbed it with more force than she expected. “Arde-” she winced as his grip got stronger and his hand wrapped around her wrist even tighter. “Arden, you’re hurting me!”

Finally, she let out a cry of pain, snapping the entrancement out of Arden’s eyes. He released her arm and she pulled it close to her chest. Arden scanned her face in panic and could only see fear. When he took a step toward her, she took a step back, still clutching her hand to her chest.

“I- I think I should go back,” Katie stuttered.

“I’ll-”

“No, you won’t!” Katie snapped at him, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “Take some time by yourself, I don’t care, just-” she went silent, wiping a tear from her cheek. “Leave me alone. Please.”