Talk
As promised, here is the sequel to Burning Intent.
Conrad watched as his brother stalked off for the third time that week. He wasn't oblivious; he knew that the engagement was beginning to take its toll on his little brother. With no marriage or happy ending in sight, the young prince wasn't sure what to do with himself. Upon Wolfram's return, he asked if he'd mind going for a walk with him. Armed with a sullen yes, Conrad leads his younger brother outside and towards a secluded bench in the gardens. They both sit and Conrad waits for acknowledgment. Finally, he is rewarded.
"Why are we out here?" While quiet, Wolfram is tense and sounds as though he'd rather be anywhere else.
"You tell me." There is a pause and then Wolfram responds.
"What do you mean tell you? I don't even want to be out here!" Conrad turns to smile kindly at his brother.
"You need to talk to someone."
"Talk to someone about what? About how Yuri thinks this is all a joke? About how every single day for the past three years I've had to face the same exact struggle? About how no matter how hard I try, he doesn't even notice? About how this love hurts and I cry every single day because it's just too much? About how much it hurts to know that I'm wasting my time waiting for him? Waiting for someone who will never love me back?" Wolfram wipes is arm across his eye and draws in a deep, shuddering breath. "Well I don't want to talk about it." He whispers, eyes gazing off into the distance, unseeing.
After a few minutes of silence Conrad voices his thoughts. "Have you told Yuri about any of this?"
"Why would I? You know how he feels about this."
Conrad stands and ruffles his brother's hair. "You might be surprised." He says as he walks away.
Wolfram stares after him. It's not that he hadn't considered saying something… It's just that he already knew the outcome.
This too has a sequel… Which may or may not be up today but will definitely be up by tomorrow.