Prince Fiyero was tired. He was so tired of trying to reason with his parents. Besides, how was he supposed to explain his relationship with Fae? How was he supposed to explain that he had only been sneaking out to see one girl – or talk to one girl, whom he had never actually seen? That she was changing him; making him see things in a different light? That the stories she told him made him realize how much good he could do in the future, as king? That sometimes, he lay awake at night, imagining what it would be like to have her rule beside him, as his queen? His parents would have been overjoyed – if he could only convince them to believe him. But they had already made up their minds.
"No more arguing, Fiyero. Clearly, you are unable to grow up and settle down on your own, but hopefully having the right person beside you will finally make you open your eyes. Princess Sarima is a well-educated, mature and capable woman. She surpasses you significantly in both age and experience; and she will make an excellent queen."
Fiyero could barely register his mother's words. His mind was with Fae, and it killed him to imagine how she was feeling. She had vaguely told him about her life and he knew how important their connection was to her, even though he wouldn't dare to hope she saw him as anything more than a friend. What was she thinking, now that he was unable to come and see her? That he had grown tired of her? Abandoned her? Or maybe, that everything they had shared had only been a game to him? He could not bear thinking about that. He had to at least let her know what she meant to him.
"Wait," he said sharply, and both of his parents looked at him in surprise. "I don't want to go blindly into an arranged marriage. I believe in love, and I want a chance to find it on my own. I know I have wasted plenty of chances before, but this time will be different. I swear. And if my idea doesn't work out, if I can't choose a future bride for myself – I will marry Princess Sarima without a word of protest. Please, just give me one more chance."
The royal couple exchanged a surprised glance, and as the queen looked back at her son, there was suddenly something new in her eyes – something lighter, softer, something that hadn't been there before.
"Very well," she said. "One more chance. Now, what is this brilliant idea of yours?"
