Chapter 19:

The rest of that conversation was all a blur for Peyton, Nathan, Haley and even Daphne. It all revolved around the wedding, who to invite, what the palace would look like, the engagement celebration, the child-to-be. Peyton and Nathan got through with forced smiles, nods, and Yes's.

It was only when a messenger had excused himself to tell King Peter that they had an important "visitor" in the premises.

Once they all stood up, Peyton pulled Nathan's arm and discreetly said to him, "You, Haley and I HAVE to talk." With a serious look in her eye, "Now."

Nathan looked around to see who might've been looking. No one. Before he could respond, Peyton had already caught sight of Haley and was almost dragging Nathan to where Haley was.

The three went outside in the garden and found a safe spot. Nathan was dumbfounded as to how he was supposed to react. He wasn't entirely sure what Peyton knew and thus wanted to talk about in the presence of Haley too. As he was about to utter something, Peyton stopped him with a gesture. "Wait." A quick break for a quick breath. "Seeing as how my father is rushing everything we have to keep up. I'll be...uncharacteristically brisk and straightforward and any query you might have will have to wait when I'm done speaking." Not sure where to begin, and switching glances from her left to right foot, she remembered Haley was also there. "Ah. Haley. Right. Umm...You. Umm...You are the only one within the right to butt in and make this all clearer to Sir Nathan here."

Agitated like Peyton, Haley nodded repeatedly before she could say "Of course. Of course."

"I understand." Nathan simply said.

"Brisk and straightforward it is." "I can't marry you because I want to marry Lucas. If that's even possible. You, on the other hand, can't marry me because you love Haley." Upon seeing Nathan's eyes widen with worry, Peyton relieved him with the following words, "Now don't fret. I don't mind. Believe me. I don't mind at all. In fact, if we lived in our own little non-royal bubble, that would actually be perfect!"

"But we don't," Haley continued. "And Peyton and Lucas both know that I am nothing more than Lucas' friend."

"Yes that's right. Oh and by the way...hmm...what's a humbler way of saying this..." She scratched her chin casually, until she came up with her best try at it. "Let's put it this way. How you and Haley feel about and see each other is how Lucas and I feel about and see each other. No secrets. Phew. There. Umm...What else..."

Haley added, "Oh I know! Lucas doesn't know yet that you sir are no longer competing with him for...Well, you know...Peyton's heart. Hmm...Did we cover everything now?" Haley asked Peyton, both ladies still very agitated.

"Yeah. Uhhh I think so. Umm.. Nathan? Anything?" Peyton said.

Still taking everything in, it took Nathan a good 10 seconds to respond. "That was pretty brisk and straightforward, and...I have to say..." He shakes his head but with a good feeling and a smile on his face. "I am relieved." As he breathed heavily out, they all laughed at how the conversation went.

"But I figured you'd have to tell Lucas about his...well...Not really victory, but you know what I mean." Nathan shyly said.

"Ha-ha. What choice of words Nathaniel, and add that to your sarcasm. You might just get a good slap from me," Peyton joked to the friend she so long missed. "But I do have to tell him...Perhaps later in the afternoon, if you would accompany me please cousin," she asked of Haley as she held her hand.

"It's no problem at all. The problem is probably with your father. Will he let you go out today?" Haley asked.

"Well, that messenger was a bit shady about the 'visitor' for the king. And did you notice his mood change as he went with the messenger?" Nathan brought up.

They all stood there thinking but not really trying to make complete sense of that little detail. "You're right. Let's hope that 'visitor' stays long enough." Peyton said.

"Alright. We'll meet here at around...2 in the afternoon?" Haley asked.

"Two is good. Thank you very much Haley." Peyton responded.

"Well I better get going. My father's wondering where I've gone for sure." Nathan said.

The two girls waved goodbye. Before Nathan left though, he turned around to surprise Haley with a kiss. "I love you." He said.

Peyton smiled like a little sneaky and teasing kid. "Mmhmm."

Haley and Nathan giggled. "Oh I'm sorry. I love you too, my best friend." Nathan said kissing Peyton on the forehead.

"Yeah. Right. Save your lips for Haley over here." Peyton joked.

After another quick laugh, Nathan finally left. A short while after, Haley left to freshen up and do some errands too. Peyton chose to stay in the garden and think more things over.