A Selfish Heart

Chapter 11

By Kellyq

A week had gone by since the duel against Johan and Yubel. Things became awkward after that, especially when Judai and Haou's father was told. Haou was prepared to take any punishment because he knew that it was his fault for trying to alter the marriage. The King, however, shook his head at the state they were in. After Yubel ran out, Haou had one guard look for him, so he could address the verdict to the crowd, another guard guided Judai off the arena, and two guards helped Johan so that he could get medical help. The wedding turned out to be postponed until Yubel and Johan were healed. The King knew how much Yubel loved Judai, but he had no idea that his son didn't care about Yubel in that manner, and Judai's heart went to Johan. After the king figured that out, he pulled Haou to the side and asked him why he wanted to put them both at risk when it was clear that Yubel despised Johan.

Haou shrugged. "I wanted to see how merciful Yubel is if he's beside Judai when - and if they get married." This way I might have a chance with Yubel… "and I don't think it's going to work if their love is not synced."

The King paced the length of the room. The whole thing posed a problem. He stopped and had a guard fetch Judai. A few seconds later the guard came with a disoriented son. Haou blinked a few times. His brother looked dejected and worn out.

"You called?"

"You do understand what's asked of you, right?" The king started.

Judai nodded his head. "I thought about it, and I will marry Yubel …"

As the prince talked, a maid approached the door and stopped. She crept to the half open door and peered in. Judai stood in front of his father and twin brother. She held her breath waiting to see what the King would do. She didn't want Judai to marry Yubel, who had a history of not being gentle with people, and if they were going to get married, Judai may not be the same after that.

"I do love Johan, but loyalty to the crown comes first, right?"

Haou frowned. This is not my brother at all. "Judai …"

"I thought it over… and I have to marry someone of royal blood…"

The King searched his son's face, and it was the first time he saw Judai look so heartbroken. A sigh excepted from the back of the King's throat.

"We'll talk more about this when you're ready..."

Judai shook his head. "I've already talked it over with Johan and he wants things to go as planned."

The King nodded his head and dismissed his son.


Judai opened the door to his room and walked in. He turned to close the door only to see his brother standing there.

"This isn't like you to just give up ..." Haou started, moving out of the way so that his brother could close the door.

Judai ignored him and walked to his deck to go write. After a few moments of the feather pen moving across the paper, Judai turned and handed him the note.

"Can you take this note to Yubel?" Judai requested.

"Why not take it yourself?" Haou questioned.

"I'm not ready to face him yet, and I'm sure he's not ready either."

True. "Alright. I'll do. But does he know that you're going to marry him?"

"The note explains everything."

Haou nodded his head. He turned and walked out. Within fifteen minutes, he was standing in front of Yubel's chambers. Haou knocked softly and a muffled 'come in' was the reply. He opened the door and stepped inside. Yubel turned from the window and raised a brow. But he also looked a little disappointed that Judai hadn't come to talk to him. Yubel was ready to apologize for making everyone's life miserable.

"Judai wanted me to give you this," Haou said, handing the note him.

"W-what else did he say," Yubel uttered, glancing the note over.

Haou sighed and shook his head. "Whenever he is ready… he'll come to you." Yubel nodded his head. "But are you sure you still want to marry my brother?"

Keeping the image of Judai's broken expression at the arena surprised, resurfaced. "I know I'm selfish … and the last thing I want is for people to think I have no compassion …"

Haou nodded his head and pulled Yubel close. I hope things turn out okay at the end, Haou thought, looking out the window.

To Be Continued …