Kurt didn't go to school the next day, he packed instead.
"You sure about this kid?" his dad asked standing in his door way while Kurt went through his closet trying to decided what type of clothes to bring since he didn't know what the weather was like. He Googled Tangella earlier and all he got was a Wikipedia page saying they are nice really nice people, no pictures or anything. They must be a small country.
He bent down to pick up a sock and felt a stab of pain in his upper shoulder from being thrown against a locker. "Yes, I'm definitely sure. Plus I can always decline if I don't like it on our visit right?"
"Right." His dad walked away to let him finish packing.
Kurt decided to bring an outfit for every type of weather, he wanted to be prepared.
He didn't have to explain anything to his friends what was happening because he had none. He didn't have to explain to his teachers that he was moving away because they didn't even remember his name.
He was excited and very nervous to take a trip to the country where his grandparents, he never met before, were king and Queen. It was a scary thought, his grandparents were a King and a Queen. They were the highest power of a country, they made all the decisions.
He finished packing and sat with his dad in the living room. Tulip lay on his lap as he pet her, he hoped they would let him bring her.
They talked about what would happen with their lives. Burt was struggling with his feelings. He was happy to be able to have a chance for change, he was getting tired of his normal, same routine life. He was also sad that his wife left out a huge piece of information about her life. Kurt could understand why his mother would choose to leave that information out, the same reason why he doesn't tell his dad he gets bullied everyday. It would just bring worry to his dad.
They sat and waited anxiously for the three men to arrive at the time they said they would. At exactly six o'clock Kurt looked at the clock then noticed the familiar bright lights shining through the window, followed by a knock on the door. They let the three men in, wearing the same thing, black suits, and they sat on the couch.
"We came to a decision," Burt said.
"Wonderful."
Kurt spoke up, "we are going to visit Tangella and then from there I will make my decision of if I want to move there."
"That's great! When would you like to leave?"
"Would tonight be good? We are all packed," Kurt said.
"Tonight is great. We must go over a few things first."
They talked about transportation and what till happen once they got there. The king and queen have been notified but the rest of the country has not, in case Kurt declines.
"Can I bring my cat?" Kurt asked.
"Sure, you can bring anything you like."
They gathered their things and got in the car. It was a black SUV with two rows of back seats.
"Where are we headed?" Burt asked once they had been driving for a while.
"The Lima Height's airport where our jet is."
Right, of course the King would send a private jet to pick up the Prince.
They reached the airport and drove through the back way where a medium size jet was waiting for them.
Two men stood outside waving frantically at them.
"Are you Kurt Hummel?" they greeted him happily.
"Yes," Kurt said, taken back by their demeanor.
"Hi, we are your pilots, let us take your luggage," they grabbed their suitcases from their hands. "It is an honor to be flying you to Tangella. You are really going to love it, it's beautiful."
"Oh, thanks, okay," he really didn't know how to respond to that.
He followed the pilots and stepped up the stairs to a beautifully decorated jet. There were seats lined in it, with shiny wood as the cabinets and walls. There was flowers everywhere of different kinds. If the country was anything like the jet, Tangella would be very beautiful.
They took a seat on the comfortable chairs with Tulip in his lap as the pilots put their luggage in a compartment. While the men went behind a curtain in the back. A woman appeared suddenly from the back after the men.
"Hi! You must be Kurt and his father Burt, can I get you anything to drink? Eat?" she said very cheerfully.
"Uh, no thank you," Kurt said.
"Ok! If you need anything just call me, my name is Ellie," he she walked back into the back.
The pilots came back, "everything is all set, the flight is about eight hours long and we will be arriving in the morning. Is there anything you need?" One of them asked politely.
"No thanks, I think we are fine," Kurt said again.
The eight hours seemed to go by fast as the low humming of the engine and soft vibrations brought Kurt into a peaceful sleep fast in his comfortable chair that reclined all the way back. His father also fell asleep and was snoring next to him.
He felt someone tap his shoulder and he was brought out of his dream. He opened his eyes to see Ellie smiling down on him. "We will be landing in about thirty minutes. I'd thought you would like to see Tangella from out the window, it is quite beautiful. Here is some water," she handed him a glass of water.
"Thanks," Kurt took it gratefully and gulped it down.
His father was up beside him and looking out the window at the clouds.
They had never been out of the country before and never imagined this was how they would leave. In thirty minutes Kurt would see a country that he was Prince of. He started to panic. What if they didn't like him because of who he was. What if they shunned him and demanded a better, straight male, with a lower voice. He pushed those thoughts from his mind and stared at the clouds drifting by from the window.
"Tangella will be coming up on your left," Ellie said.
Right now they were in a cloud but once they soared out of the cloud and the sight was clear from fog, Kurt's breath hitched from the sight.
On the outer edge it was all forest, trees and green grass. Then there were tiny houses Kurt could make out and in the very middle was a magnificent castle. It stood out the most because it was the largest and in the center, with the smaller houses surrounding it. Kurt gaped at the sight. He was actually going inside that castle.
"Woah," he heard is father say.
The plane was descending lower heading right in the direction of a tower. At first Kurt thought it was headed straight for the castle, but it gently glided around it to the back were it prepared for landing. The back of the castle was huge as well. It was divided into courts and they all had green grass and colorful flowers everywhere. The plane went into the court furthest back which was just an open area.
The plane landed smoothly and out came Ellie, "welcome to Tangella, gentlemen." The pilots shut off the plane and went to get their luggage as the three men that had disappeared behind the curtain all this time finally emerged.
"The king is expecting you, they just finished eating breakfast. It is ten in the morning," one of them said.
Reality sunk in and Kurt became very nervous. His palms were sweaty and his hands were fidgety. His dad seemed to notice this because he patted Kurt's shoulder reassuringly and said, "it's going to be fine."
That seemed to help a little bit with his dad at his side but it didn't take away the butterflies in his stomach.
They walked down the stairs and were greeted with a vehicle the shape of a golf cart but not quite with a carriage attached to the back. The carriage had rows of seats and was decorated with flowers. The pilots put their luggage in the back of the carriage and told them it was a pleasure flying them. The men in black suits opened the door of the carriage and motioned them to get in and sit. The men got in after him and the driver of the cart headed towards the castle.
Kurt didn't know which to look at. He kept moving his head from the huge castle in front of him, which was a light shade of pink, and the way the sun shone behind it from the tallest towers, or the grounds around him. The grounds were cut off in sections with walkways between them. Some sections were gated off, others were just random gardens with people attending to them. Either way, they were both beautiful and magnificent.
They reached the back entrance which was a large wooden door. The carriage stopped in front of it and the double doors opened automatically. Two maids came out and took the luggage from the carriage. One of the men said they were taking it to their sleeping chambers.
"Would you like me to take care of your cat, sir. I will feed him and place him in your chamber," the woman said.
"Yes, sure," Kurt said handing Tulip to the maid.
The three men led them into the castle.
It was even more gorgeous on the inside. Kurt gaped trying to take in every detail. The high ceilings, the beautiful painted pictures on the walls, the pots of flowers hanging that Kurt had never seen before. They were taken down many hallways, too much for Kurt to keep track, until they reached two more wooden doors, not as big as the entrance though, but still big. The doors had carvings on them of vines and flowers done in a lovely pattern.
The doors opened to a room filled with people, staring right at Kurt. He suddenly felt very self conscious.
Straight ahead were two people sitting in two separate thrones. Kurt followed the three men in black suits and they lead them to the two people sitting down. On the sides were many people standing and watching Kurt and his dad walk towards the front of the room.
The three men bowed once they reached the King and Queen.
"Your majesties, I present Kurt and Burt Hummel."
The man and woman sat there scrutinizing Kurt as if they were deciding whether they should throw him out right this instant. Then, suddenly their faces changed to a bright smile and they stood up and clapped.
"Welcome! Burt and Kurt, I am Kelp and this is my wife Coral. It is so nice to finally meet our grandson and son-in-law."
Kurt felt great relief wash over him, they rest of the people were clapping and smiling too,
Kelp walked over and gave each of them a big hug, followed by Coral.
"I wish we could of met earlier but a least you are here now," Kelp said happily.
"Sit, sit," Coral said. "We have much to catch up on."
They motioned to some plush chairs next to them and were greeted instantly by people holding trays, "would you care for some tea?" a woman asked.
"No thanks," Kurt and Burt said.
The rest of the people filed out of the room and Kurt started talking with his grandparents. Kurt was able to get a good look at them once they sat down. Coral Boukie was dressed in a light pink dress that matched the outer castle, it was filled it beautiful jewels and matched the crown sitting on her head that was filled with gray hair. Kurt considered she must be old but she looked very good for her age and she was able to pull off the grey hair very well, it just looked good on her. Kelp was dressed in a purple jacket and had a crown on his gray head too. They wanted to know about the Hummel's life and he told them he was in high school and Burt was a mechanic. They listened very intently to everything they said and asked questions at the right time. Kurt was amazed at how nice they were.
Once Kurt finished his life story Kelp began to speak.
"Now Kurt, we know this must be a big shock so we would like for you to stay a few days and get familiar with Tangella and then you can make your decision. I hope you enjoy it here."
"Thank you for your consideration, it is really quite beautiful here," Kurt said.
"Oh you're welcome. So I would like to show you just a little bit of our Tangerine culture."
"Tangerine?" Kurt asked.
"That's what we are called, the people of Tangella, Tangerines," Coral answered proudly.
Oh, Kurt wondered if they knew that that was a fruit, either way he liked how it sounded.
The King waved his hand and out came a group of teenagers around Kurt's age. They were all dressed in casual clothes but the all had a light pink flower pinned on their shirts over their hearts.
They stood in a line in front of the Hummels and Boukies.
"These are our entertainers and they also will be your servants," Kelp said. "They are going to sing our national anthem."
Kurt wondered if they were each his personal servants, but that would be absurd. One person doesn't need that many servants.
The group of kids started signing in perfect harmony which impressed Kurt. Half way through the song the beat picked up and they started to dance. They each got a chance to belt out a note leaving the last note to a beautiful black girl who sang it perfectly and gave Kurt chills.
When they were done Kurt clapped with the King, Queen and his dad. The teenagers bowed and looked proud of themselves.
"Wonderful as always," Coral said.
"Let me introduce you to the people you will be seeing a lot in the castle," Kelp said.
"Brittany and Santana."
Two tall girls stepped forward. One had long blonde hair and the other had tanned skin and black hair.
"They do the bedding and laundry."
They bowed and stepped back in line. Kurt could of sworn the tan one winked at him.
"Rachel and Mercedes."
A short girl with black hair who was smiling very wide stepped forward with much enthusiasm followed by the girl who belted out the last note of the song.
"These are our main cooks, who had never made anything less than delicious.
They waved happily and stepped back in line.
"Puck and Finn."
Two very tall men stepped forward, one had a mohawk and the other was just tall.
"Our head of security, and also our jesters. They are very good at juggling."
They nodded and stepped back in the line.
"Artie."
A boy in glasses stepped forward.
"He is your Chauffeur, anywhere you need to go just ask him."
Kurt noticed that was the same person that drove their carriage earlier. He nodded and went back in line.
There was only one person left whose name hadn't been called.
"Blaine."
Kurt's eyes widened, he had never seen anyone so beautiful in his life. Blaine had curly black hair with some curls escaping on his forehead. His body was the perfect shape, with toned muscles. He stepped out of the line and looked directly into Kurt's eyes. He had hazel eyes with flecks of gold in them and they were actually twinkling.
"Blaine will be your ambassador, Kurt."
What?
"He is going to show you around and answer any questions you have."
Blaine was smiling right at Kurt. Kurt had to take his eyes away so he would be able to concentrate on what the King of Tangella was saying.
"Everyone, this is Kurt and Burt Hummel, please help make their stay enjoyable here in Tangella."
"Hello Kurt and Burt," they said all together.
Kurt smiled. "Hi," he said shyly. Burt just nodded at them.
The king motioned for them to leave and they all walked away, except for Blaine, who was still smiling at Kurt.
"Blaine's going to show you to your sleeping chambers and maybe a tour if your lucky," Kelp winked. "We will meet again at dinner. We want to know how your day went! See you later."
Coral and Kelp got up and headed out. Blaine walked up to them.
"Hello, if you follow me I will lead you to were they had dropped off your luggage."
Blaine lead them to a flight of stairs and they climbed.
"The second floor is for the King and Queen, you will be staying on the third," Blaine said.
The stairs were spiral and the banister had vines carved in them.
"How many floors are there?" Burt asked.
"There are four floors but we also have two towers that extend beyond that."
"Is there any elevators?" Burt asked.
"Yes there is one main one, but we prefer the stairs. You are welcome to use it any time you want though."
Kurt wanted his dad to keep asking Blaine questions. He liked the sound of his voice and he felt he could listen to him talk for a long time.
They reached the third floor which was just a hallway with doors. Blaine led them to the very end of the hallway and opened a door.
"This will be your room Mr. Hummel." They walked in and Burt's suitcase was already set my the foot of the bed. There was a dresser and mirror on one wall and a big bed in the middle.
"I can deal with this," Burt said walking around.
"Would you like me to send someone up to give you a tour or if you need anything?" Blaine asked.
"How do we get food if we are hungry?" Burt asked.
"You can go over to this intercom and push the button that says kitchen. They will answer and then you tell them what ever you want and they will bring it to you."
"Wow, I could get used to that. I am just going to rest in here and maybe order food."
"Okay then I will be taking Kurt to his room. It is right across the hall if you need him."
Blaine led him out and when Kurt walked past him he found out that Blaine smells really good. He opened a door that was directly across from Burt's and he walked in to find the rooms were identical.
"If you do decide to stay you will move into Kipper's old room, which is on the second floor."
Kurt nodded, like his father said, he definitely could get used to this. He walked over to the flowers in a pot on a table beside his bed. They were the same colors of the castle and Coral's dress.
"Why are there flowers everywhere?" Kurt asked absentmindedly.
"There aren't any flowers were you come from?"
"Not as much as here," Kurt responded.
"Flowers are beautiful, they brighten any dull day," Blaine answered matter-of-fact.
"There are beautiful," Kurt said as he touched the flower's petals. They were very soft.
"Does the flower that you all were wearing represent anything?" Kurt asked motioning to the light pink flower that was pinned to Blaine.
"They are called Dahlia. They are Tangella's national flower. And they are the same color as one of our national colors which are royal purple and pale pink."
Kurt's flower by his bed was royal purple.
He turned to see Blaine watching him fondly.
"So, what would you like to do?" Blaine asked.
"Could you give me a tour?" Kurt asked Blaine.
"Yes," he smiled. "I'd love to."
Blaine walked him around explaining some of the rooms and history of the castle.
He came up to one door and knocked on it. There were several yells coming from the inside.
"This is were security is," Blaine said as he opened the door.
There was a wall filled with monitors of what it looked like cameras placed all around the castle. Finn and Puck were sitting in chairs and were playing a video game. They were very into it because they were moving around in their seats and yelling at the TV.
"Shouldn't they be watching the cameras?" Kurt asked.
"It's hard to get past the gates of the castle so there usually isn't much disturbance. Do you like video games?"
"Not really," Kurt answered.
"Me either."
Their game ended and Puck through his hands in the air in victory. Finn was frowning and muttering something about cheating.
"Hey guys," Blaine said.
They looked over at the sound of the other voice.
"Oh, hi Blaine and Kurt," Puck said. "You are just in time to see me bet Finn again."
Finn huffed.
"We are just stoping by, I'm giving Kurt a tour," Blaine said.
"Alright, see ya later then," Puck said.
"Bye," Finn said and they went back to playing their video game.
Blaine and Kurt went out back into the hallway. Blaine looked at Kurt and laughed.
"What?" Kurt asked.
"Your face. You look so skeptical. I can tell you don't think they are good at there jobs but I can assure you they are the best at what they do."
For some reason Kurt believed Blaine. Maybe it was his dazzling eyes and dashing good looks that made Kurt want to believe anything he said.
Blaine showed him around on the first floor, there was a lot of rooms that were empty. Two of Kurt's favorite rooms were the library and music room.
The walls of the library were bookshelves and every inch was filled with books from the floor to the ceiling. Scattered around were chairs to lounge on and in the very center was the biggest book on a stand. Blaine explained it was the directory and told you every book that was in the castle and were it was.
The other room was the music room.
Kurt walked in and gazed at all the different instruments. There was a bookshelf off to the side for music books and next to it was a beautiful grand piano. Kurt walked up and ran his fingers along the keys. There wasn't a speck of dust on it.
"Do you play?" Blaine asked.
"Just a little bit."
Kurt took lessons when he was a kid and turned to playing to help escape his reality but it was nothing too serious.
He sat down and started playing a piece of a song from memory. Blaine went and picked up a guitar and sat on a chair next to him.
Blaine was strumming along absentmindedly to the song Kurt was playing but still kept his eyes on Kurt while he played.
Blaine started humming along and before Kurt knew it they were playing a song together. It was a beautiful song and Blaine's voice just added more to it. Kurt was carried away by the music and the way Blaine could just pick up a guitar and play along to a song, it amazed Kurt.
Kurt played the last notes and looked up to see Blaine was watching him.
"You play beautifully," Blaine said with a misty look in his eyes.
Kurt was taken back and felt his cheeks redden.
"Thanks, you too," he said softly.
Blaine blinked and then the look was gone. He shook his head a little and stood to put the guitar back.
Blaine was back to his regular self explaining things to Kurt. "This is were me and everyone else practices our performances. We call ourselves New Directions when we perform for the King."
Oh, Kurt thought it would be great to be apart of a group that sings and dances but he knew that would never happen.
"Can you sing too?" Blaine asked.
"Not, really." He never sung outside the shower and thought his voice was too high for people to enjoy.
"You also said you could play a little of the piano," Blaine said.
Kurt just shrugged and they walked out of the room and continued the tour.
There was so many hallways and corners that Kurt had no idea how he would be able to find the stairs and get back to his room.
"Do you ever get lost?" Kurt asked
Blaine chuckled, "I did at first but then I learned my way around pretty fast. Don't worry you will get used to it. I know it can be a but much."
They passed Brittany and Santana holding folded sheets in front of them and whispering to each other quietly, as if they didn't want anyone else to hear. Blaine spoke up to get their attention, "hello ladies."
They looked up from their conversation and smiled, Santana's smile looked forced though.
"Hi Kurt and Blaine," Brittany said. "Do you like Tangella so far?"
"Yes I do, Brittany?" he questioned trying to remember the blonde one's name. She smiled and nodded. "Although I love the castle I haven't been outside yet so I can say that for all of Tangella."
"Don't worry," Brittany said. "You will love it, it's beautiful. I hope you choose to stay. Blaine needs a friend." And they walked away carrying their folded sheets.
"Uh," Blaine said, "that's Brittany, she tends to say weird stuff. But she is right- about Tangella being beautiful."
Blaine's cheeks turned a light shade of pink and he looked a little embarrassed. But he carried on as if nothing happened. "It's much different outside of the castle. I will take you into the village tomorrow."
"Ok." Kurt felt excitement rise when he realized he would get to spend more time with Blaine. He quickly ignored that feeling, he hated getting his hopes up, then destroyed.
Blaine was his ambassador, his mentor, he was suppose to be nice to him.
"Come on, it's almost dinner time. The dinning hall is on the other side of the castle."
He led them to a big room with a long table in the center. Kelp and Coral were already seated at the front talking happily to Burt sitting beside them. Blaine walked him to the other side of Coral, which was across from his dad and he pulled the chair out for him.
"Oh, thanks." No one has ever pulled Kurt's chair out for him.
Blaine smiled and nodded, "you're welcome," and he sat right on Kurt's other side.
Kurt was surprised to find out Artie was already sitting and talking with Finn and Puck. They must have been talking about the video game because Puck was moving his hands to show that something was exploding. Santana and Brittany came in shortly followed by Rachel and Mercedes and they all sat down.
Kurt has never seen before a place were the servants would eat with their superiors. It was like the Boukie's treated them like their own children.
"Will sends his apologies, he can't make it. He said he is almost done writing a song and to stop now would ruin is 'flow', as he put it," Kelp said.
Blaine saw Kurt's puzzlement and leaned over to Kurt, "Will, but we call him Mr. Shue, is our teacher. He teaches us general studies and is the director for New Directions."
Kurt nodded in understandment.
"If you stay he will be your private teacher. He is very good at what he does, he just likes to wear a lot of vests."
Kurt laughed at Blaine's description. Blaine is nice and funny? Kurt needed to start finding flaws in Blaine or he was going to start falling down a black hole.
"Everyone's here, let's eat!" Kelp said excitedly.
Men came out and brought trays on food on the table in front of them. Kurt guessed it was self serve because people started grabbing spoons and dishing out food on their plates.
"Kurt," Rachel said, "I hope you like the food. We decided to lean towards the American culture."
Which indeed they did. Kurt saw stacks of hamburgers, chicken tenders and french fries. Everyone seemed to love American food because they took one of everything. Kurt took some fries and salad. He was amazed at the taste of the fries. They were crisp and filled with flavor. Not like at the fast food places were they lived, which they were soggy and loaded with salt.
Coral and Kelp engaged Kurt in a conversation about how his day went like they promised.
Kurt told them he spent the day exploring the castle with Blaine as his leader.
"What is your favorite room?" Coral asked.
"I really loved the music room."
"Oh, that's wonderful! Do you play any music?"
"Nothing special," Kurt said.
"He's being humble," Blaine cut in. "He is great on the piano."
"I bet you are, your mother loved the piano. You should play for us sometime," Kelp said.
"Oh, no I couldn't. I never really played in front of anyone before," Kurt said.
"Okay, that's fine. If you want lessons you could always ask Will. He would be glad to help."
They continued conversations and Puck even bragged to Kelp that he beat Finn at a video game. Kelp was very impressed and challenged him to a game one day.
Rachel and Santana ended up getting into a little argument and Blaine assured them that is was nothing serious, they always act like bickering siblings.
There was much laughing and playing around when Kurt finished his food. Everyone talked and was comfortable with each other, like they've known one another for a long time.
"Everyone's jobs are finished before dinner so when we are done they have the rest of the time to do whatever," Blaine said to Kurt.
"What about security?"
"That's when the night security workers start. But Puck and Finn are always available if you need them," Blaine said.
Kelp leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach, "Mercedes, Rachel, once again, that was delicious."
"Thank you, sir," they both said.
"Now if you'll excuse me," Kelp said, "I have to get back to my King duties.
He rose from his chair and Coral copied him. "Good night everyone," they said.
There was a chorus of "good nights".
Burt got up and said goodnight too.
"Does anyone want to play twister tonight?" Brittany asked when the King and Queen exited.
"We played that last night," Finn said.
"Brittany loves playing twister because she is the only one who wins," Blaine said to Kurt.
"I'm going to my room, I'm all tried from beating Finn," Puck said.
Finn pouted, "it was one time. Anyway, I'm tired too."
"From loosing," Puck added.
"Whatever, I'm going to my room."
Everyone else nodded and got up leaving Brittany looking sad.
Santana patted her shoulder, "don't worry, we can play another time. Come on, I will braid your hair."
"Okay," she looked a little bit happy.
They got up and left the room.
The last two were Kurt and Blaine sitting next to each other.
"You're going to have to show me to my room again because I don't remember how to get there."
Blaine laughed, "sure, no problem."
They got up and Blaine led them down a maze of hallways till they got to a staircase.
Blaine stopped at a door which Kurt guessed was his.
"If you need me my room is right down this hall and you can call me with the intercom in your room. Everyone else's names are on it too if you need them," Blaine said. "It was nice to meet you Kurt. I hope you choose the right decision, goodnight."
And at that Blaine left Kurt standing in front of his door watching him walkway. It was like Blaine planned it, to make Kurt watch him walk down the very long hallway. Kurt turned to his door before he was able to study the back of Blaine in better detail.
Kurt walked into his room smelling flowers and plopped his body head first onto his huge, fluffy and soft bed. He felt Tulip jump on his back and curl into a ball.
"Do you want to live here Tulip? Keep in mind, it comes with a lot of responsibility. And one day, far away, but it will be one day, I will have to become King of a country."
Tulip just purred and snuggled in tighter.
He could live here. It didn't have to end, he wouldn't have to go back to his boring and tormented life.
It was hard to come to actuality of actually being able to live in a castle. This would be his life.
Kurt got up and headed to the bathroom. He got a sudden urge to take a bath once he saw the tub.
It was huge and there was cushions inside to add comfort when laying down. He thought back to his tiny bathroom and the shower that he couldn't even extend his arms fully in. He was a long way away from Lima Heights, Ohio.
He gathered his things and took the most relaxing bath in his existence.
He could get used to this, he could definitely get used to this.