I've decided today is the day I take another boy on a date. Wow, Blue, you're so smart. One date a day and you'll be almost done by the end of the month.
I peek my head into the Men's Room. I haven't any idea of who to take. Until a boy looks up at me. Twan? Twain? Yes, Twain. He smiles a small grin and instantly I feel warm all over. I feel myself growing attached before I even meet him. I curl my finger in his direction in a "come here" gesture. I step back out and wait.
Twain steps out of the heavy door. The first thing I notice is his suit. It's good looking. The best yet. I wonder who his designer is. Maybe they could make me a power suit? One is always needed for budget meetings.
"Would you care to go for a walk with me?" I ask. It's a formality. He most definitely will say yes.
"Yes, Your Highness," he says. We start walking toward the doors to the garden.
"Who's your designer?" I ask. "Your suit looks great."
"Oh, thank you," he says. "I think her name is Ursie Miles. She's quite talented."
"I can see," I say. "So which province are you from?"
"Hansport," he replies.
"Really? What's that like?" I ask him. "What's your family like? How many siblings do you have? What was your favorite subject in school?"
"Oh, God, um...It was good, I guess, I've never known different, so…" I nod. "My family is kind to me, very supporting. I have one little sister; she's obsessed with you. Your style, your speeches, she's your number one fan. I don't really like school so much."
"I'd love to meet your sister sometime," I tell him. "How are you liking the palace?"
"It's beautiful, though I fear I may be growing a stomach from all the delicious food. He pats his flat stomach, making a hollow sound. I laugh.
"There's always that risk, yes." The guards on either side of the door open them for us and we step into the hot Angeles air together. The flowers are extra fragrant today. My lips curl up into an involuntary smile.
"What was it like, growing up in a palace?" he ask.
"Lonely," I answer before I can stop myself. "I did play with the staff's kids and sometimes my siblings but mostly I was just alone, studying, learning new skills, most of them don't pertain to ruling the country, but I'm great with a yo-yo."
"It must be a lot, preparing for the crown your whole life, eh?"
"I guess, but that's why I'm looking for a husband," I tell him. Hint, hint, cough, cough.
"And what are you looking for, you know, besides hugs?" he needles. I flush. I feel stupid for saying that now.
"Someone willing to be seen as fool sometimes, someone stable and strong," I reply. "Other than that...I'm not sure until I find it. Something special. Do you think that could be you?"
"Not one to beat around the bush, huh?" I shake my head with a laugh. I lift my heavy ice-blue skirt to step over a rock.
"You're here for a reason, right?" I ask.
"I guess," he says. "I'm not sure if I can provide everything you deserve, but I'll try."
"What do I deserve?" I ask. He smiles and turns, picking a white thornless rose. I know that roses are cousin Eadlyn's favorite, she's quite a romantic, but my favorites are orchids. How would he know that, though? He tucks the flower into my dark hair that's been weaved up into an updo.
"That's sweet, but you just picked a flower from my garden and gave it to me." I look up at him.
"But it's sweet, right?"
"Yes, it's sweet," I laugh. Very sweet.
"This is where I start giving you my world."
"Maybe I'll give you some of mine."
A/N: Well that ended on a cute note. We need way more moments like that. Remember, though, this doesn't mean Blue and Twain will end up together. The other boys still have a fighting chance.