Formalities

~Formalities~


Light bled through the royal curtains as if they were not there but still he slept. Mayleena, the prince’s maid, chose never to wake him until around mid-day. He was always up so late outside the castle, the mischief he committed keeping him as such. They had developed a sort of trust over the years that resulted in her being closer to him than any other individual, even his own father.She took a deep breath, the morning ritual of waking the prince usually quite taxing. He never seemed to want to wake up without some sort of struggle. It was always amazing he could sleep this long, however.
Mayleena could hear a faint creak of a door opening on the other end of the west wing. It could be anyone she thought. But she had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t.
Quickly, she opened the door and ran to the prince’s bed. He was still sound asleep but she shook him and he jolted upright.“Your Highness, you must wake up now! Someone’s coming!” The prince’s head felt of slight vertigo, still woozy from last night, but he knew that he must awaken quickly. He sprang up, his silk nightclothes sliding effortlessly across his royal sheets. The maid turned around, as she was accustomed to doing so often by now. He quickly strode to his closet and ripped out his attire for the day. He changed swiftly behind the screen.“Mayleena, I thought I told you to call me Hawkeye from now on.” He was still changing but they talked to each other from beyond the wall, as usual. He pulled a nice doublet over his wild, brown hair, not even unbuttoning it.“You Highness, it is not right for a maid and a prince to become as close as we are and I don’t think we should make it any worse than it already is.” She said this with an endearing smile, knowing that indeed they had become quite close. Hawkeye smiled as well, preparing to do something foolish but fun. He stepped out from behind the screen, clothed and respectable.“You know,” he walked up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders,” you really need to brighten up just a tad.” He kissed her on the cheek. Mayleena flushed heavily, averting her eyes from his.“Hawkeye, er, I mean you High—. ““You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed, you know that?” And with that he left, the door closing extra softly behind him.“Why do you have to be so—. “ She left it hanging, her blush subsiding. She sighed and cleaned up after her lord.
Hawkeye chuckled to himself as soon as he was sure that the door was closed. He knew that what she said was true, that they were too close, but he didn’t care; those were his exact feelings for his position in the world. A lazy, reckless, young man trapped in a prince’s body. He saw that the person coming for him earlier had been Jeremy, one of his father’s advisors and one of Hawkeye’s tutors as well.“Ah, there you are. Have you been in your room this entire morn my lord?” Jeremy smiled, his youthful face showing true. Jeremy knew that he slept this late quite often but he didn’t have any problem with it, that he displayed at least.“What am I to do today Jeremy? History lessons, fencing class?” Hawkeye returned the smile as Jeremy slowed his pace and turned around to continue down the hall beside Hawkeye.“Actually, we have something quite interesting to discuss with you today Hawk. I know you don’t normally care about what goes on but today…” He winked slyly.
Jeremy was one of the few he could count on to treat him like an actual human being, not a piece of property or a title to throw around. Granted, he didn’t do so in front of the other advisors, but he was a good friend nonetheless. They moved to the council room, Hawkeye now more or less awake. Hawkeye’s presence went unnoticed as he took his seat next to his father and Jeremy next to him.“Just recently, DeNninca amassed patrols on both our and Feylen’s borders, to the north. They have yet to move in any direction but scouts report that much of their population is armed.” This caught Hawkeye’s attention. DeNninca was a large country to their west, a river being their common border. Feylen bordered them from the north and there was ocean from east to south. However, DeNninca was known for its agriculture, not military. Then again, it did have ten times as large a population as either Feylen or Florid, their country. Jeremy stood and continued where a previous councilman had left off.“In hope of gaining allies against this numerable threat, King Margrave has offered a proposal.” Chattering began at this but Hawkeye’s father silenced them and motioned for Jeremy to continue.“You Majesty, King Margrave Mansel of Feylen has offered a wedding proposal to your son, his Highness, Lord Hawkeye to marry the princess of Feyland, her Grace, Princess Faye.”
* * *
“Surely, father, you jest. I wish to marry to a man that I love.” Faye was pacing back and forth furiously, her slender body moving as quickly as her mouth. Her hands were seemingly tearing out her long, blonde hair but she cared not. “Please, Faye, you must listen to reason.” Faye and her father Margrave were alone in the throne room. “Prince Hawkeye is of marrying age, as are you. Both Feylen and Florid are surely to benefit from a marriage such as this. And besides, he may be a very nice guy. You said so yourself, you’ve never met him.” Faye continued to pace frantically, her arms waving wildly as her father informed her.“Father, why though? Why can’t we just agree on another treaty? Why does it have to involve me?” She had stopped pacing, her eyes boring deep holes into her father’s.“My dear Faye, you know that both your mother and I have nothing but the best at heart for you. And besides all that, from what the wind has told us,” he winked,” this Hawk is actually a lot like you.”
She winced, not sure if she could stand to argue with anyone as stubborn as herself. She sighed, knowing that she could do nothing about this. Now. She bowed without another word and left the room, the door slamming behind her.“Nice display out there.” A deep voice came from behind her.“Slash, the shadows really don’t suit you. Come out and let’s talk.”“I have little interest in your frivolous talking but,” he sighed deeply,” if I must.” A tall boy emerged from the shadows, his choppy black hair and silent demeanor exiting with him. He wore a thief’s garments, clashing opposites with Faye’s bright blue dress.“Oh c’mon Slash, you know that you can relax in my presence.”“I never relax.” His eyes were a steely blue and his arms were crossed.“Oh whatever, just c’mon, I have lots of terrible news.”“I heard; have fun getting married.” Faye had gotten used to Slash’s bluntness by now.“All right, so you know. But what do you think of it?” She stopped and looked at him, her interest in his answer noticeably apparent. He neither stopped nor opened his eyes but just continued down the hallway.“Hey! Just a small answer, please?”
“You’ll do as your father says. What more is there?” More with the blunt answers, she thought.“But what do you think? Tell me more please. Is it a good idea?”“It doesn’t matter what I think; you’ll do as they say. This marriage is vital for both countries so I’d recommend not doing anything… regrettable.” He turned aside and began walking down the hall again. Faye smiled and quickened her pace to keep up. She knew he meant well, but she wasn’t going to just give up her life without a fight.
* * *
Hawkeye struggled to remain calm as they read the marriage proposal out loud. He kept a straight face throughout the meeting but he was outraged inside. He had no intention of marrying some foreign princess he neither knew nor loved. But of course, he let no one know this.
After the meeting was adjourned, Hawkeye sprinted back to his room. He found Mayleena asleep on his bed, a bundle of Hawkeye’s clothes next to her.
He smiled; she must have fallen asleep on the job, he thought. He took a moment to remove the pile of clothes from the bed and covered her with his blanket. Starting towards his closet, he stopped for a moment. He went back to her and leaned down, kissing her on the forehead.
“I told you to stop doing that.” Hawkeye jumped in surprise as Mayleena’s voice caught him off guard.
“You faker!” accused Hawkeye.
“You tramp!” accused Mayleena.
“You can’t call me that; I’m a prince!”
“You can’t kiss me like that; I’m a maid!”
“You—I—“Hawkeye whirled around, remembering the awful tragedy he had on his hands. Mayleena smiled for a moment but soon realized that something was wrong, Hawkeye’s frenzy a telltale sign.“What are you packing for?” she asked.
He was crazily shoving clothes into a bag.“You haven’t heard the terrible news? I am supposed to marry some princess from Feylen!”“Feylen? So you mean the Princess Faye?”“Yeah, her!”
Mayleena raised an eyebrow.“You aren’t-you aren’t going to run away, are you?”
He turned around and glared at her.
“No. No, I won’t allow it.” Mayleena stood in front of the door.“You can’t stop me.” He didn’t even turn around but continued to pack for his departure.“Aye, I can and I will. I’ll tell everyone about your leaving the castle; everything that you do at night and where you go and--” He stopped and whirled around, advancing on her. Should he have been any other man in that fit of despair, she would have been quite frightened.“You wouldn’t dare…” He seemed menacing.“I would. If this is what your father thinks is right, then I’m going to support it.”“Fine.” He threw his hands up and jumped face first onto his bed, “You win!”
She smirked slightly; this was not the end of the argument but just a suspension. She sighed nonetheless and left the room, a brilliantly golden hue emitting from the mixture of sun and clouds. Once more, she sighed; she wished that she had been born a princess.
* * *
Faye’s father wasted no time in making arrangements for his daughter’s wedding after his majesty had received notice that the treaty was in agreement. A single day later, a ship carrying the princess of Feylen was moving swiftly towards the kingdom of Florid. On board was her most trusted friend Slash, at her bidding, of course and an accompaniment of royal guardsmen. Besides that, there were the sailors manning the ship and helping navigate it.“So here’s the plan. You make sure the coast is clear and I’ll jump and swim to shore,” said the princess seeming quite serious; Slash just shook his head.“Do you truly believe your presence would go unnoticed long enough for you to escape? Even if you managed to jump off without anyone seeing, this river is infested with who knows what. You jump, not only will it delay the trip, and believe me, I hate boats, but you might and probably will drown.” His eyes were closed the entire time, not a hint of emotion coming through his mouth save perhaps a twinge of annoyance. He opened his eyes to see her leaning over the edge.He still thought she wouldn’t do it but he wasn’t sure now. As he walked over to the guards to tell them of the potentially dangerous situation, he heard a man on the boat scream, “Man Overboard!”Slash ran to the side, disbelief showing. A slight grin crept to his face; the princess had actually jumped. His amusement dispersed as he looked down at her madly swimming towards shore. The tide was strong but it was swimable. Probably.This was nothing like the make believe adventures that Slash had saved Faye from when they were younger. They were quite real and as Slash took off his shoes and his shirt, he realized the direness of the situation. He stood up on the deck, took a deep breath, and dove.The crewmen threw a rope to him and, after reaching the surface, he grabbed it and saw to the princess, still swimming strongly.“Faye. Stop this and come back to the ship.” He said this loudly and was sure that if she wanted to, she could have heard it. Slash, being much stronger and a particularly good swimmer, caught up with her and wrapped his arm around her. She struggled but he held her, the rope going taut as they were drug back.Suddenly, Slash’s head snapped below the surface of the water. He drew a dagger, not knowing how much help it would be. He spun around wildly, slashing at what appeared to be some sort of tentacle wrapped around his ankle in the blackness. Faye was now tired, despite her obvious determination and barely managed to hang onto the rope. She searched frantically for Slash, wishing he would remerge soon.Snap! Twisting claws wrapped around Slash’s wrist and drug him under farther, his grasp of the knife slowly loosening. The underwater world was deeper than he had believed it could be. He caught sight of the beast, its lashing claws and tentacles connected to it. Slash cut at the tentacle but it was like cutting at metal. He dropped his dagger and concentrated on swimming up and away from its grasp. Faye held onto the end of the rope and was pulled aboard by the crew. “What were you thinking princess? You could have drowned!” Faye coughed vigorously and she sat up uneasily on deck.“Where… Slash…” She had trouble talking as she breathed heavily.“He disappeared under the waves after reaching you. Please, relax. It was because of him we were able to save you.”“No, he… he has to be…” Her head felt heavy as it dropped to the deck and her mind blackened.
“Idiot…” Faye awoke to see Slash sitting in a chair in the corner, eyes closed as always. “I’m hoping that now you’ll have enough sense to stay on board.” He spoke this through somewhat gritted teeth; Faye saw that his left ankle and wrist were bound in white, thoroughly bloodstained cloths.“I’m glad to see you’re all right too,” she said snidely. “And I would’ve made it if you hadn’t stopped me.”“I don’t think so. I barely got away from whatever dragged me under and if it had chosen you instead, you wouldn’t be here. But of course, thanks to you, I had to find that out the hard way.” He stood up, no pain even appearing as he put his weight equally on both feet. He bowed, as if to leave.“Slash, a moment, please.” Slash stood back up, his eyes open but looking down. He held no expression.“What? If you’re going to complain about your marriage-to-be, forget it.”
“I—I just wanted to say… Thanks. If you weren’t there, I would’ve died.” She was near tears but Slash could only grimace.“We covered this a moment ago. Is that all?” He bowed once more and walked towards the door. He stopped. “Stay in bed.”
He left silently and Faye smiled weakly. Although he seemed quite callous, Faye knew he cared about her. He always had cared, even when they were still young. Perhaps Hawkeye would be like that, she thought. No, no one could be better than her Slash.
* * *
On the morning of the princess’s arrival, Hawkeye awoke much earlier than was usual for the prince. It was essential to find a way to escape quickly! He was sure Mayleena would be a problem but he had to make a break for it; if problems arose, then so be it.He chose his clothes carefully. Although he had no intention of being caught, he chose clothes that he would wear to meet the princess but also loose and stealthy enough to avoid getting caught. He just didn’t have a way to get past his maid. Oh well, he thought. I’ll just wing it.“What are you doing up!? You usually don’t wake up for at least a few more hours.” Mayleena was in shock as he emerged from his room; her shock didn’t last long, however.“Ah, I couldn’t sleep. I’m supposed to meet the princess anyway and I thought it rude to show up late.”“You’re right, it would be. So why do you intend to run off so soon? Wouldn’t it be more polite to at least meet her, speaking of etiquette?” Man, she knew him too well, he thought.“What? Oh, no, I wouldn’t dream of running!”“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t call for the guards right now. I know you plan to run and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind escorting their dear prince to his appointment with his future wife.” Her voice had a scary edge to it and Hawkeye decided he had best drop his ruse.“Ah, you have caught me I suppose. However, I do intend to escape!” He grinned defiantly.“I’ll make sure you attend.” Mayleena put her hands on her sides and looked him square in the eyes. He thought for a moment. New plan.“Mm, okay, how about you come with me? We’ll run away together and neither of us will have to listen to anybody.” For a moment, all was calm inside Hawkeye’s maid. Mayleena’s heart wrenched. Of all the questions he could have asked, he asked that one, she thought. She fought back the unexpected tears but was unsuccessful as her composure was lost completely. She turned from him, her vision flooded, and dashed down the hall, crying audibly.Hawkeye stood there for a moment, dumbstruck. He had not expected anything like that. After a moment however he cracked a smile; the coast was clear now. He snuck down the hallway, creeping ever so softly.
* * *
A mass of guardsmen created ranks around the princess’s miniature body, Slash somewhere in the vicinity. He never walked around in public, but she could have him next to her in a matter of seconds. They strode off the boat, a crowd of most of the people in the kingdom there to receive her and view their prince’s fiancé. To Faye’s relief, a prince was not among them. She smiled, remembering that Hawkeye was supposed to be a lot like her. Perhaps he had fled, as she had attempted to do.They marched to the palace in the center of the city. Faye began to think of what this prince would be like. Perhaps he would be respectfully awaiting her in the palace. Or perhaps he would be there in his pajamas, just waking up. Faye grinned, wondering if he would even be there at all.The door was thrown open to a large throne room and Faye was announced. Inside, Hawkeye’s father sat atop the throne in the middle. However, the lesser throne next to it, the prince’s throne, was devoid of any said prince. She smiled, realizing now that this was where he was supposed to meet her. They approached the throne, Faye curtsying gracefully.“Greetings Princess Faye of Feylen. I am in disappointment to announce that my son, Prince Hawkeye, is nowhere to be found. However, once we find him, we will— He was cut off as the door to the throne room was thrown open and Hawkeye was half pushed, half thrown in. Behind him stood Slash, his eyes closed and his arms crossed.“He was fleeing. This is the prince, right?” Hawkeye picked himself up and brushed himself off. He had been caught. How, though, he didn’t know. He had been very successful in his flight until this guy had come out of seemingly no where. His strength was unbelievable considering his lankiness but Hawkeye was easily forced into submission and led back to the throne room where he had been more or less tossed.“May I present my son, Prince Hawkeye,” Hawkeye’s father picked up without missing a beat, chuckling slightly when he said it; he seemed to be more amused than angry. Hawkeye waved but realized that might be just a bit too casual and bowed instead. He saw the princess, almost a full foot shorter than he was, but she was actually quite beautiful. He walked over to her and outstretched his hand.“Hello. You must be the princess. Nice to meet you.” He smiled as he stood in front of her.“Um, hi. You’re Hawkeye, right?” She forgot her manners momentarily and bumbled slightly. She raged on the inside; his hair was messy. His clothes were scuffed and dirty. He was obviously a scoundrel. She was not going to marry someone so unclean and improper.Talking commenced but Hawkeye and Faye had no say in this; they just retreated to a far wall, away from the politics. This wasn’t the way things were done as they both knew; neither cared. They both delighted in their mutual disagreement of the situation and it helped in getting their minds off the actual marriage; they cared little for etiquette.“Prince Hawkeye and Princess Faye shall be wed tomorrow at midday.” The final decision was announced loud enough to blanch both the faces of Hawkeye and Faye. With a few parting words, they broke apart. Faye turned and walked east, instantly accompanied by Hawkeye’s assailant Slash and he went west to his room.
* * *
“Well, it definitely went better than I had expected. She was entertaining to say the least but quite beautiful.” Hawk had described his encounter since he had gotten back and every time Faye’s name had cropped up in his words, Mayleena felt small pangs of jealousy. She chose to ignore them.“You know,” interjected Hawk into his own story,” you need someone too. Next chance I get, I’m going match-making for you.“That’s alright. I really don’t feel like I could handle anyone like that.”“Really? But after I am married, who will kiss you?” He kissed her swiftly on the forehead, her height allowing this easily.“Hawkeye, stop it! You can’t just keep doing this. You’re a prince.”“Maybe but even after I’m married, I’ll still love you.” Mayleena could feel sharp stabs, her heart crying to her in pain. She wanted so to look up into his eyes, run to him, to wrap her arms around him and bury her face in his chest. But she kept her eyes down; it was not her place. He was a prince and betrothed nonetheless. Even so, rationality couldn’t keep from blurting those words that she wanted to ask more than anything.“If—if you could… would you marry me?” She kept her gaze down while saying this, her cheeks slightly flushed. She could feel her heart beating violently in her chest. Hawkeye looked at her with a look of pure surprise but faced her, a calm coming over him. He stepped towards her, placing her soft hands in his.“You speak so often of our placement in this world, how you are but a maid and I a prince. What brings this question out all of a sudden?” He bowed his head, so as not to let her see his own excitement.“Earlier, you mentioned running away with me. If I had said yes right then—.” She left it hanging, her heartbeat skyrocketing.“We would be in a far distant country by now,” Hawkeye answered wistfully, his voice quiet. “Would you now?” She couldn’t help herself; the words just came out. Mayleena looked into his eyes as her words lifted his head in astonishment. Hawkeye could feel his own pulse heighten and he smiled dreamily.
“Yes, of course.” He didn’t care what this might result in. He loved her. She looked down, reality smacking her in the face and deadening her ecstasy. Hawkeye changed that effortlessly. He lifted her face, placing his gentle fingertips upon her cheek. He kissed her, not on the forehead but on the lips. She knew it wasn’t acceptable but she felt so alive. The thing she had dreamt of for her whole life, her single most desired wish, coming true in that moment.
“Ahem, Hawk,” Jeremy was standing in the doorway. Hawkeye and Mayleena both hated him this moment, but they could do little but throw themselves away from each other.“Um, yes, what, uh, did you need something Jeremy?” said Hawkeye, stammering slightly.“Dinner has been served your Highness.” Jeremy left with a sly look and Hawkeye shared a glance with Mayleena, both of them blushing slightly. They brushed hands for a moment, Hawkeye turning to leave. She smiled, having gotten to share a kiss with the man she loved. I got what I’ve wanted for so long, she thought. But what will happen the next time we’re alone. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to just be his maid anymore.
* * *
After parting with Hawkeye, Faye had been led to a large bedroom. This will be my room until my voyage home- she halted in that though. Would he be going home if she was wed?! She shook off the shock and looked around. Slash stood in the corner, leaned against it with, wouldn’t you know it, his eyes closed.
“So, what should we do now?” She knew Slash was listening intently.“We wait,” answered Slash with scarcely more than a whisper.“I don’t think Prince Hawkeye was all that impressive. Next time try not to dirty them up so bad, okay?” Faye swore she saw something of a smirk on Slash’s face but the shadows of the corner could have been playing tricks.“Don’t scare them away and I won’t have to.” Faye put on a playfully aghast look and Slash stood upright, opening his eyes. “I’m going to go for a walk,” he said suddenly. “When dinner comes, be on your best behavior. Don’t… embarrass yourself.” He walked towards the door to leave.
“Do I ever embarrass myself?”
“I suppose not; you’re shameless.” He left after his answer.
“I’m... shameless? What- Slash, you get back here right now!” She stood up, opening the door. But he was already gone.“You Grace, your presence is requested in the dining hall.” Faye jumped as a man was suddenly next to her. She nodded to him, returning to her room.
“Dinner’s pretty early here, huh?” she asked. No answer. “Oh, right. A walk…” She had forgotten Slash had left; she was hardly ever unaccompanied by him.Slash walked down the hallway in a grand manner. He hated this doublet the princess had forced him to wear; too much bright blue to accent his eyes and not enough pure black. He had not the slightest clue as to where he was headed but he was uneasy and he knew he couldn’t be. Faye depended on him to be fearless and sure, to more or less be her crutch, as he saw it. But he didn’t mind. It gave him something to do, it was entertainment, many reasons he told himself. And so he had taken a walk to calm his nerves.
He had walked down numerous hallways, calmer now. Upon reaching a certain hallway, he saw the prince leaving his room. He silently hid behind a cupboard until Hawkeye had left down the opposite hallway Slash had traversed. His curiosity piqued, he opened the door to the prince’s room.“Who—“a young maid started.
“I’m sorry; I’m lost,” Slash answered fluently. However, instead of backing away, he continued into the room.“Oh, um, are you here with someone?” She was shocked that anyone would just barge into a room like this.“Yes. You wouldn’t happen to be Hawkeye’s maid, would you?” He crossed his arms as he walked around Hawkeye’s room.“What? Who are you?”“My name is Slash. If I am correct, we are the same. You are Hawkeye’s attendant and I, Faye’s.”“Then yes, I am Hawkeye’s maid. Um, if you go back out to the hall, I can direct you-” “Then perhaps you can tell me something. Before I apprehended him this morning, why was he trying to escape so ardently?”“He just didn’t-doesn’t want to be married to your princess.”“He and Faye certainly are alike then. She tried to escape as well.”She could only nod.“How close are you to him then? Does he have multiple maids or-“
“No, I am his only one. And we’ve known each other since we were young. My parents served his.”
“I see. So then, did my liege’s arrival interrupt your romance?” He stood facing away from Mayleena, his arms crossed.
“What? How-what are you talking about?!” Her tone confirmed Slash’s assumptions.“You love him, right?”“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Mayleena responded, her face flushed red. He uncrossed his arms and walked towards the door.“If you know what’s good for Hawkeye and both of our kingdoms, you won’t.” He left noiselessly. She shook her head in disbelief. Even though she knew those words to be true, it was already too late. She could never stop loving him.
* * *
Hawkeye was relieved to find that they had yet to begin the feast. He was the last there, although this surprised no one. Even Faye was sitting at the table; both seats next to her were empty. He took a seat next to her, the left one, in order to be next to his father. He mused that the right seat would be for her friend, the one that had “attacked” him earlier. He shrugged; his stomach was empty and his eyes darted for any food.Dinner was served; Faye and Hawkeye engaged in conversation as was expected.“I’ve been meaning to try these delicacies,” Faye reached for some sort of meat and placed it on her plate. Hawkeye smiled a bit.“Perhaps but they get old after you’ve had them every day your whole life.” He picked up a small loaf of bread and took a bite. “Did you find your room to your liking?”“Hmm? Oh, it was elegant, I suppose,” she answered.
Hawkeye nodded and looked off into the distance of the room.
“I’m glad. It was my mother’s.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She felt bad now; had she known whose room it had been, she would have paid it it’s due respect.
“No, it’s fine,” he smiled,” I never really knew her that well.” Doors opened silently and Slash entered, his impressive demeanor changing the mood drastically. Faye turned to him as he sat next to her and Hawkeye focused on choking down his food. He always had felt awkward eating in front of certain people for some reason, like he was going to get some on his face or drop some on his lap and they would laugh. Slash and Faye conversed for awhile before Hawkeye was spoken to again.“So,” Faye started,” who is this maid I am hearing about?” Hawkeye gagged on his food. He wondered if Jeremy had told her, but it seemed far more likely that Slash had, since she just now thought to ask him about Mayleena. But then, how did he know her?“Well, she’s been my maid for, uh, a little while and we’ve been friends as well.” That was a lie. Mayleena had been his maid ever since her mother had died and his friend for just as long.“Just friends?” Hawkeye gulped but kept his cool.“I’m sure that she loves me but I’m a prince, as she would say. However, if this union of our countries hadn’t happened when it did,” he stopped to sigh,” I’m sure that something more would have happened.”“You are a prince and yet you feel the same way for her, yes?”“Hmm. Yes, I suppose I love her but… I guess I’m betrothed now so it won’t matter. What about you? Do you feel love for anyone that this wedlock interrupted?” Hawkeye did his best to take the spotlight off of him.“A long time ago, I loved someone. I confessed my love to him but he decided it would be wrong for me to feel that way, since he felt I wasn’t for him.” She sighed. “I still love him but he permits me to do so no more than as a brother as he loves me as a sister. However, I would guess that it isn’t the way it is for you right?” Hawkeye looked down, not sure if he could bring himself to answer that. He loved Mayleena, but he was betrothed now. And he knew that it wouldn’t work.“No, it’s… it’s the same. I love her as a sister.” It pained him to say this, perhaps because it was a lie or maybe because he realized that his love for Mayleena would have to end. “I don’t think that Mayleena will ever be able to forget about me though.”“You haven’t, well, you know—.” She left it hanging.“We’ve kissed. That’s all.”“Oh,” she responded. Silence from both of them.“Did you try to run before this,” said Hawkeye, breaking the silence.“Run might not be my choice word. Swim would be closer but yes, I did try to escape.”Dinner continued as planned, and quite a party it was, but Hawkeye felt sick. After that initial conversation with Faye, he wasn’t sure if he could even hold himself together. He was sure that Faye understood this because she left him alone for her own conversation with that black mongrel of hers.Hawkeye stood up and said his goodbyes to Faye for the night. She nodded, still eating and enjoying herself. He sighed and exited the dining hall, the party still roaring without him. He walked to his room, not sure if Mayleena would be there to greet him.He opened his door and found her in his bed, fast asleep. His room was spotless as always, not a sock out of place or a speck of dust in sight. He could only stare at her, her face perfect in every way, her breathing in perfect pattern. He left her however, and walked to another room further down the hall. He climbed into the significantly smaller bed and attempted to sleep.The night was misery. Over and over, he tossed. Nothing could sate his torturous dreams and send him to sleep; all he could do was try not to think about tomorrow. When morning finally did come, he found that he was still very tired.He wanted more than anything to clear his mind but there was no way it was going to happen. Out his window, he could see men finishing the site at which he was going to be married. It was on the beach right to the east of the castle. He could only feel soberness as he passed each window, the same loathed location in each one’s view. And without breakfast or any food at all, he took a lonely walk around the castle grounds.
“So this is it then?” asked Mayleena calmly. She stood on the other side of the divider, Hawkeye on the other side changing. So often had this been a normal feat but now they treasured these last moments they spent together.
“I can’t run now. I’ll just have to live with it.” Hawkeye stepped out, clothed in rich garments, suited for a princely groom.
“You’ve given up?” Mayleena’s eyes bore holes into Hawkeye’s and even now she could feel her vision blurring from her tears.
“I’m sorry but I can’t do anything else. This marriage… everyone needs it for our countries to survive… for the people of this country to live.” He walked towards her, taking his steps slowly. “And to protect you too.” He put his arms around her neck.
“Hawkeye—I.”
“I don’t want to do this either. I don’t want to be a prince but… I am one. And as you always say May… you’re just my maid.”
Their conversation still played in his head even as he strode along a pathway towards the castle courtyard. He did not want to be royalty anymore, as he had felt since he was born. And though he now had a different reason to want to be free, a prince he was still, as he would be even after his death.
He entered the courtyard outside the throne room to find an escort awaiting to accompany him down to the beach. Among the many soldiers and steeds they sat upon, Jeremy sat upon one as well. He dismounted and met Hawkeye a small distance from the soldiers. He looked around as he approached him.
“Hawk…” Jeremy put his arm around him and spoke into his ear,” when you get on top of your horse, break off west. I’ve already told my men to let you flee.” Jeremy gave him a wink and for a moment, Hawkeye’s heart lifted; he looked at Jeremy with such admiration. But he shook his head.
“Jeremy, thank you. I appreciate this so much. But no…” He looked away, smiling slightly.” So much depends on this that if I run away, I would be dooming so many. Including…” Hawkeye closed his eyes and looked down.
“Hawk… you’ve certainly grown up. But I understand.” He smiled and spoke quietly. “So it’s true then. The prince really did fall in love with the maid, as she did for him. Formalities, who needs ‘em?” He returned to his steed, as Hawkeye reached his. They set off slowly for the beach, fear and anguish once more settling in on Hawkeye’s heart.
* * *
The ceremony began once everyone was present; Hawkeye stood on the stage, his nerves raging against his motionless body. However, despite his distraught mind and heart, he stayed. He could no more run away now than he could fly.Defiance and sorrow, regret and madness; these thoughts swam in his head angrily until he saw her. She walked down the aisle, her beautifully tailored dress as white as snow; the slight breeze made her veil shift enough to allow Hawkeye to glimpse his bride-to-be’s face. His mind and heart settled a bit and he smiled somewhat. He caught himself before he felt any real happiness; I want Mayleena underneath that veil he thought. He clenched his fists slightly; always before had he had a back route out of things but now it seemed all too real.
In the distance, trumpets sounded, but Hawkeye ignored them. Wedding trumpets perhaps? he thought to himself. But as others, including the princess, looked at the fast approaching horsemen, he too turned to gaze upon them.
A leader of the cavalry dismounted quickly and bowed in front of Jeremy, as he met him. Hawkeye couldn’t make out any words but when Jeremy turned to face Hawkeye and the others, he could tell by Jeremy’s bewildered expression that something was up. He wildly charged the prince, moving both of them out of the way.
“Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, there has been a change of plans. Now, I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we would all love to see these two lovely people wed and joined forever in holy matrimony.”
Hawkeye was utterly incredulous; Why was Jeremy behaving in this manner?
“However, I have just been given some rather interesting news.” He glimpsed at Hawkeye and winked, as her had done earlier. Or a bit more manically. “This wedding was to be held to unite the countries of Feylen and Floridia against the hordes of DeNninca. However, I was just informed that the packs that were camped there have withdrawn their forces from the borders!”
Hawkeye stared blankly at Jeremy. He felt his heart racing, his mind singing joyously. Jeremy smiled and as chattering began amongst the crowd, he approached Hawkeye.
“It seems that indeed formalities have their place after all.” He put his hand on Hawkeye’s shoulder and whispered into his ear. “We’d best not let all of this go to waste though, right?”
* * *
Mayleena was on the prince’s bed, face down and audibly crying. Hawkeye went to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned around and a look of pure surprise came over her, followed by a look of pure disgust.“So, you’re married now, aren’t you?” Her eyes were visibly wet with tears, her face red as though she had been crying since he had left her that morning “Why aren’t you with your wife?”“The marriage has been called off.” He kept a completely straight face. “As for the wife thing…” Hawkeye backed away from her slowly and he knelt in front of her. Her red face changed instantly to a pale blush.“May, we’ve known each other our whole lives. Throughout all of it, you’ve been at my side; through all the jokes and the occasional escape. And not once did you ever ask for my heart.“ Hawkeye smiled even as he kept her eyes locked with hers. “I know of all the pain you’ve been through. You would always say that I am the prince, that you are the maid, that we are two different types of people. Now, I offer this: take my hand Mayleena, and be, for now and always, my princess.
“Hawkeye—I—.” She was completely speechless as he knelt there before her. She covered her face with her hands and took a deep breath; when she removed them, a healthy smiled appeared.“Hawkeye, my prince, I accept your proposal and would love with all my heart to be your princess.”
* * *
Faye looked next to her, Slash for once seated in public. They sat in the audience looking on the soon to be new couple. She smiled and took his hands in hers; his eyes opened.“So, what did you think of it?” she asked.“They’ll be fine together. What else is there to say?”“Yes, I hope so. However, do you remember back when you said that you would do anything for me?”“I can see where this is going…” muttered Slash.“Then why can’t you just accept… or decline, I suppose.” She bit her lip playfully.“And ruin your fun of asking it?” he paused. “Never.”“Fine then.” She got down on one knee, grinning. “Slash, will you be my prince?” For once, Faye could have sworn she saw a slight smile touch his face, perhaps even a small blush. But if it was ever there, it was gone just as quickly.“Will it make you happy if I say yes?” Faye smiled bigger and nodded. “I don’t think so, but we’ll see.” He stood up from his seat, pulling Faye up with him. “I’m not one for big ceremonies like those two.“However,” he looked, for the first time ever, or as Faye could remember, into her eyes, “I do love you.” And with that he crossed his arms, and walked away from her. Faye wasn’t sure if she should be happy or sad but for both feelings, a tear was present in her eyes.“He said ‘We’ll see’. Good odds,” she said smiling to no one in particular.