This is the shortest chapter so far, and I am so ashamed of it being so short, that to appease you (and beg you not to murder me once you reach the end of this chapter), I'm uploading the next chapter later on this evening. So don't murder me otherwise that won't happen.

I'd like to clarify now that I am not now and have never been a Kurtofsky shipper. It makes me physically sick, and if you've seen my profile page, you'll know how much I hate Karofsky. But there has to be some troubles, and Glee itself took some time to get Kurt and Blaine together, even though it was obvious that they were meant to be, so I'm following that.

Thank you all for your kind alerts and reviews. I have loved every single one, though I can't help but notice the difference between the amount of alerts and the amount of reviews, so I take this opportunity to remind you that there is nothing authors (especially this one!) like better than having feedback. Please, if you have something to say, review. It'll make me so happy :D

I still don't own Glee.


3.

One week later and Kurt was miserable. Oh, he was still happy for Finn and Rachel, and he still had the prospect of meeting this Dave Karofsky, but one very important thing was missing from his life.

Blaine.

Ever since Kurt had snapped at Blaine, the knight had disappeared. Kurt knew from Finn that Blaine hadn't gone back to Westerville, so the conclusion had to be that Blaine was avoiding him.

Kurt wasn't having that, so after the knights' practice one day, Kurt went into the armoury and cornered Blaine. Before he could get a word out, Kurt said "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I was upset and you were the first person I came across."

Blaine looked at Kurt in silence for a few seconds before bowing and saying "Apology accepted, my Lord."

"Kurt."

Blaine looked confused so Kurt clarified "I'm still Kurt to you. No need for formalities."

Blaine smiled his wonderful smile and Kurt felt himself go weak at the knees a little, before pulling himself together and adding "There was another reason I was looking for you. You know about Finn's engagement, and there's a party this evening. I was wondering if you'd come. Be my guest."

"Not Mercedes?"

"Mercedes is coming anyway, and she wants to bring her boy. Please, I'd like your company."

Blaine grinned delightedly "Okay then, I'll come. Any particular dress code?"

"Just be smart."

Kurt turned and walked away, hiding a massive smile and inwardly squealing like a little girl. Blaine was coming! As Kurt headed into the palace, his dad caught sight of him and called him over. Kurt went over and raised an eyebrow in question.

"I just thought you'd like to know that Paul and Dave Karofsky are coming tonight and you'll be introduced."

Kurt remembered, and was about to say that he didn't want to meet this Dave, not now he knew that Blaine had forgiven him, but he was stopped as his dad clapped him on the shoulder and said quietly "I'm really pleased you've given this boy a chance, Kurt. He's a good choice."

Kurt swallowed and nodded. His dad approved. Considering how uncomfortable Burt could get when discussing boys with Kurt, this was practically tantamount to Burt saying that he wanted Kurt to marry this Dave Karofsky.

Just like that, all Kurt's choices were taken away from him. His dad was already doing so much to make it alright, with the kingdom and the law, that Kurt was gay, the least Kurt could do was marry the person his dad wanted, even if his heart would probably always belong to another.

Sighing, Kurt turned away after reassuring his dad that he wanted to meet Dave Karofsky and made his way to his room, all the joy at inviting Blaine drained out of him. Upon reaching his room, Kurt did something very uncharacteristic and flopped face first into his bed, not caring that he was crumpling up his clothes. He groaned in despair.

"Kurt?"

Kurt looked up and sighed "Oh, Quinny."

Quinn sat down next to him and placed a hand on his back "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. At least, nothing I didn't expect."

"Kurt…"

Kurt sat up and patted Quinn's hand "Don't worry, Quinn. There's nothing either you or I can do, and that's just how it is."

Quinn hesitated slightly, before throwing her arms around Kurt's neck and hugging him tightly. Kurt, taken by surprise, hugged her carefully back.

When Quinn pulled away, she was wiping away tears from her eyes as she muttered "I wouldn't want to be a prince for anything."

"Well, of course not."

Quinn frowned at him.

Kurt laughed "Because you'd be a princess for a start."

Quinn smiled back "I suppose."

"Honestly, Quinny, I'm fine. I just needed a little time to get my head together."

"Is it bad news?"

"No. Just… resigning news. Don't listen to me, Quinn. The maids have tonight off, don't they? Go and enjoy yourself."

Quinn curtseyed and began to leave. As she reached the door, she turned and replied "So long as you promise to do the same."

Kurt nodded.


A few hours later, the double doors to the already crowded ballroom were opened and Kurt stood there for a few seconds, before elegantly descending the staircase as he was announced. As he reached the bottom of the staircase, Finn and Rachel (who had gone ahead) had disappeared, but Blaine was waiting for him with a soft smile.

He was dressed in greens and golds, emphasizing the colours in his eyes. Kurt smiled back and Blaine offered his arm courteously. Kurt tucked his hand into the crook of Blaine's arm and they began to move off. Blaine's usually loose curly hair had been slicked back somehow and the scruff that generally covered Blaine's jaw had been shaved off, his skin smooth and clear. Kurt found himself constantly glancing at Blaine and then looking away, scared to catch his hazel eyes.

Blaine led him along the edges of the room, snagging two glasses of red wine and handing one to Kurt, who sipped daintily. Blaine tucked them into a corner and raised his glass.

"To your step-brother and Lady Rachel. May they be happy together."

Kurt clinked his glass against Blaine's and they both drank. Blaine looked around and pointed through the crowd "They're dancing already."

Kurt leaned over so he could see Finn and Rachel, which placed him at an awkward angle. Blaine seemingly casually wrapped an arm around Kurt's waist to support him. Kurt felt the heat and the weight of the limb and drew back, blushing slightly.

"Yeah, I suspect they'll be sickeningly romantic for the entire night."

Blaine grinned "Are you not a romantic, my Lord?"

"Kurt, Blaine. My name's Kurt."

"Sorry."

"And to answer your question, I think I would be, with the right person."

"And who's that?"

Kurt had to restrain himself from blurting out 'you.'

"You're awfully comfortable with asking me that. Most guys are a bit more nervous about…"

"Talking boys? I'm not most guys, Kurt. I'm gay."

Kurt stared, a mix of hope and regret in his chest as the beautiful boy opposite him told him that actually, Kurt had always had a chance and that he hadn't had to pick the other boy. But it was too late. It was all too late.

"Uh, Kurt?"

Kurt blinked, before meeting Blaine's confused gaze and saying "I'm fine, Blaine. I just… have to go."

Kurt got up and tried to leave, but Blaine, now with a puzzled frown on his face, caught Kurt's arm gently and asked "Did I do something wrong?"

Kurt firmly disentangled his arm from Blaine's grip and replied "No. My father wanted to see me. He's going to introduce to the man that I will marry."

This time, when Kurt walked away, Blaine didn't try to stop him. Kurt didn't look back, but if he had, he would have the momentary flash of utter heartbreak that crossed Blaine's face, before he managed to school his features.

Kurt, as he expected, didn't get far before hearing his dad call his name. Kurt turned and saw that he was accompanied by two men, the older one looking a lot like his dad and the younger one… well.

He was dressed finely for the occasion in a suit of navy blue, which had clearly been tailored especially for him. He was tall, easily eclipsing both Kurt and his dad, and he was also quite wide. He was solidly built and Kurt felt very fragile next to him. His face wasn't exactly pleasant, but like the rest of him, it was strong and solid. He had short brown hair and brown eyes.

The four men met and Burt made the introductions "Kurt, this is Paul Karofsky and his son, Dave."

Both men bowed and Kurt inclined his head. Dave, then, at a gesture from his father, offered his arm to Kurt in the same manner Blaine had done earlier that evening. Kurt couldn't help but compare him to Blaine, who had done that without having to be prompted.

'No, stop.' Kurt scolded himself 'Give him a chance. It's not his fault you're already totally in love with Blaine…'

They were silent for most of the rest of the evening, the conversation, when it did happen, was stilted and broken, though enough for Kurt to surmise that the two of them had absolutely nothing in common. Kurt caught sight of Blaine every now and again, sometimes dancing, sometimes talking with his fellow knights, but always with this pleasant smile on his face. Kurt was glad that at least one of them as having fun.

The party came to an end, and Kurt arranged to meet with Dave again, later on in the week. He tried to inject as much enthusiasm in his voice as he could, but he suspected it still fell kind of flat.

As he headed out of the ballroom, he caught Mercedes and asked "Are you free tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"Can I come round? I really need to talk to you."

Mercedes smiled "Of course, Kurt. You don't need to ask."