(This chapter is set from William's point of view)

I watched as Seri and Dante walked out of the room. The large wooden doors closed shut.

I couldn't even focus on the meeting with my father, the King, that was right in front of me. Instead my mind can't stop from replaying the bombshell that was dropped on me.

Seri wants to marry Simon?!

Why?! WHY?!

Is it because she likes older men?!

B-but I'm older!

Not that I'm interested in her. Of course I'm not interested in her. I just don't understand why she would want to marry that bloodthirsty guy.

Doesn't she realize how cruel of a man he is?!

Unless... Unless she likes bad boys?!

I can be a bad boy too!

Maybe I should try showing her that I can be a bad boy. Then she would like me more than stupid Simon.

Wait. Why am I trying to get her to like me?! I don't care if she likes me. Why should I care if she likes me or not?!

I'm the Crown Prince of this nation! I don't need to try to get anyone's attention. Everyone knows I'm handsome, dependable, intelligent, and a well rounded individual. I would be the perfect man for any girl.

And yet... Why isn't she interested in me?!

Every girl I ever met has looked at me with such large starry eyes, as if I was some god. I've had several practically throw themselves at my feet. If not for being a Prince, then it was for my dashing good looks.

Not that I'm bragging or anything.

So why does Seri always look at me like she's annoyed?

Whenever I see her annoyed face I can't help but get irritated. Why can't she compliment me like all of the other girls?

But it's not like I hate her or anything. In fact, other than Dante, she's the only one I can relax and be myself around.

She's annoying and mischievous, but I feel like we get along nicely. She doesn't treat me like some god. Even though I'm the Prince, it's very tiring to have to act all proper and good natured. With her, I can just be myself.

So before I realized it, I actually like being around her.

But such a thing is too embarrassing to admit!!

"Prince William."

My mother's voice drew me out of my trance. I looked at her and made sure to keep up my princely airs.

I spoke in a calm voice, "Yes mother?"

She frowned, "I heard that you didn't compliment Seri on her outfit today."

I fought back the urge to yell at her. How come she's always so involved with me and Seri?! It's so embarrassing! Every time I'm around those two I really just want to find some where to hide.

I spoke in a whine, "Mother... It's just that-"

She interrupted me, "How will Seri become my future daughter if you won't even give her a simple compliment?! Don't you realize girl's love to be complimented?!"

I wanted to beg her to stop, but whenever the subject of Seri comes up, if you ask her to stop, it makes her say even more embarrassing things.

I sighed, "Yes, mother."

"Don't yes mother me. You're to be the future King. How come you can't even charm a single girl off of her feet?!"

A single girl?! This girl is Seri we are talking about! I can't just charm her with a single compliment.

"But mother. I can't just compliment Seri. She's more difficult than you make her out to be."

She spoke with a nostalgic expression, "My my. Back in my day I too was a difficult person to catch. Can you imagine? I had lines of suitors waiting at my feet."

My father chuckled beside her, "That's true. I had to fight off those devil's just to get a single date with your mother. And I was next in line for the throne!"

My mother giggled, "Yes. You did have to try so hard dear. You even went and threatened all my suitors in order to get your way."

His face fell, "You knew about that?"

"Of course I did. Now look at you." Her tone grew threatening, "Flirting with any women that crosses your path. Dragging just about any women to your bed."

My father interrupted quickly, "Darling! I told you already! You are my soulmate and I love you, but a man has needs."

I looked down at my feet. I could feel my face heating up. Why are they talking about this like I'm not here?!

My father continued trying to persuade her, "The doctor said you aren't able to help me with that anymore. You know if you get pregnant again you could..."

She snapped, "I know! I should know that more than you! But how is it fair that I should practice such a chaste life while you get to go around taking any oridinary dog to bed?!"

I want to cover my ears.

My father's face twitched and he pouted, "But darling... If it wasn't for you getting angry and moving to the Villa, then you may have never met Seri."

My mother's face softened at the mention of Seri, "You're right. She was the one good thing about that situation." Her face grew harsh again, "And yet. Here you are. Still going around creating more-"

I cleared my throat unable to take this conversation any longer. How can they talk about something so vulgar and embarrassing?!

My mother smiled at me, "Oh, right. Prince William, I forgot you asked us for a personal meeting."

My father looked at me and smiled, "That's right. What was it that you needed to speak with us about?"

I paused for a moment, growing a bit timid before my father's authoritative stare. I took a deep breath. No. I've been needing to say this for a while. I can do it.

I can do it?

I recalled Seri's words before she left, 'You're the amazing Prince.'

I opened my eyes full of resolve, "Mother. Father. I would like to cancel my engagement with Ilene."

They both stared at me dumbfounded. I looked at both of them proudly, but grew a bit more nervous as time went by.

Finally my mother jumped out of her throne seat. She held her cheeks dreamily, "Kyaa! Honey! Did you hear that! William's finally admitting his love for Seri!"

My face blushed, "Mother! I'm not admitting that!!! I'm saying that I just want to cancel my engagement! It doesn't concern Seri!!!"

My mother looked at my father with overwhelming happiness, "I've been waiting for this day for so long!"

My father laughed heartily, "I never would have thought my son grew up this much under Seri's influence."

I blushed more, "I-I haven't grew up by her influence!"

However the two of them continued talking without paying any attention to me.

My mother giggled, "Don't you know dear! Ever since Seri came over, William's been studying even more to show her how smart he is!"

I shouted, "N-no I don't!"

I've only been studying more because she's surprisingly better at math and science than I am. Isn't it embarrassing for someone three years younger than you to be better?!

My mother covered her mouth, "But! What about Simon? Seri said she wants to marry him..."

My father scratched his chin, "That's true." He looked at me with sudden intensity, "You need to declare war on Simon. Let Seri know you're willing to fight for her."

My face fell at the sudden turn of events. "But father! I can't possibly fight Simon."

He's much stronger than me. Not to mention he is a lot older. How could I stand against him?!

My father's face grew stern, "Prince William. Are you forgetting your place? A Prince has to be fearless and almighty. If you are weak, the crown becomes weak. Do you understand?"

I flinched and looked down at the ground from his words, "Yes father."

He sat back and nodded, "Good. Now don't forget your place. You should take a lesson from that boy Dante. He never backs down from a challenge and always looks forward with fearless eyes."

I felt distaste in my mouth. He's always comparing me to Dante.

Dante's such a good swordsman.

Dante's so fearless.

Dante is so smart.

Why aren't you more like Dante?

Dante. Dante. Dante.

How come my father will never compliment me? How come he's always comparing me?

It filled me with rage. I can be smart. I can be fearless. I'm still a good swordsman.

But it's never enough for him.

My mother glared at him, "Will. Enough about Dante. He's not your son."

My father glanced at her for a moment and sighed, "I'm just saying. He could learn a thing or two from that boy."

I felt myself making fists and calmed myself down. I glanced up at my father with an indifferent expression, "So what's your answer?"

He looked confused, "About what?"

"About annulling my engagement to Ilene."

He nodded, "Oh yes. That. I will happily cancel the engagement if that's what you want."

I nodded in determination, "I do."

I never used to hate Ilene as much. She always used to annoy me, but I could easily overlook that. I figured every girl would annoy me. That is until I met Seri.

She made me realize how big a decision marriage is. And when Ilene started bullying her, I slowly grew to hate Ilene more and more. I realized I could never be married to such a heartless girl.

My father nodded and motioned to a servant, "Then I will prepare the documents and send it over to her mother. I'm sure we will have to pay severance to her, but that doesn't matter. As long as Seri can become our future Queen."

I frowned, "Great."

My father clapped his hands, "Well, if that's all we should go meet the others at dinner. I'm sure they have been waiting long enough."

We nodded and moved to the dining hall. When I walked in I realized that they had placed Seri next to my seat.

Could they be even more obvious?

But I suppose it's not such a bad thing.

I took a seat next to her and she groaned, "It's about time. I've been starving."

I glared at her, "Why are you laying your head on the table. That's improper."

She raised her head in irritation, "I'm sorry grandmother."

"I'm not your grandmother!"

The servants brought out food and laid it before us. I watched Seri grab the incorrect fork. I chided her, "Not that one. No not that one either."

She threw her head in frustration, "There's like a sh*t ton of forks! Why the hell does it matter which one I use?!"

I frowned, "Because it's not proper table etiquette."

"Who the hell cares about proper table etiquette?!"

I was dumbfounded, "You're having dinner with the King and Queen!"

"So?!"

I wanted to smack my head against the table. Why is she so difficult?!

My mother giggled, "Oh, William. Don't be so hard on her. By the way Seri. You'll never guess what Prince William asked us to do."

My face shot up, "Mother!"

Don't mention it! Please don't mention it!

She smiled at me, "Ah. Nevermind. It seems like the Prince would like to tell you himself."

I wanted to bury my head into the table.

Seri looked at me with accusatory eyes, "Tell me what?"

I shook my head, "Nothing... Don't worry about it."

We returned back to our meal and the table fell silent once more. My father looked at Dante, "Dante. Your swords teacher told me that you once again bested one of my generals. You have real talent."

Dante replied flatly, "Thank you your highness."

My father glanced at me, "Prince William. You should try harder at practice. You can't let Dante keep beating you."

A sour taste returned to my mouth. Suddenly I've lost my appetite.

My father continued, "Dante. Is it true you're also teaching young Seri?"

He once again replied uninterested in the conversation, "I am your highness."

My father laughed, "Ha! How excellent. You're even a teacher at such a young age. I see my son has to work harder if he wants to even catch up to you."

I felt like spitting.

Dante glanced at me, but I ignored him.

I just want to leave.

Seri looked over to me and brushed my arm. I looked at her in surprise. She stared at me with such a serious face.

Did she... Perhaps know I'm feeling upset?

She whispered, "Can I have your piece of cake?"

My face fell.

No. Of course she didn't know.

______

The next day I woke up fueled by determination. My mother was right. I am too harsh with Seri. Today I'm going to compliment her.

We met downstairs and prepared to leave for the city. I looked at her and was stunned by how cute she was. I noticed the maids didn't put makeup on her this time.

Okay. Here's my chance. I just need to compliment her. Easy, right?

I crossed my arms and looked at her, "You're not wearing makeup."

She shook her head, "Nope. They tried to put it on me but I refused."

"Good. You looked weird with makeup on."

She glared at me.

No! No! No! That's not what I meant to say! I meant to say she looks more cute like this! AUGH!

Okay. I will compliment her next time.

_____

We went into town and Seri picked out a boutique to go into. She came out wearing a dress. She twirled, "Well? How do I look?"

Adorable! Simply adorable!

I coughed, "It doesn't suit you. The dress is too cute for you."

She glared at me again.

Noooo! I didn't mean to say that! I meant to say she was too cute for the dress!

AUGGGGH!

Okay. Next time for sure. I will compliment her.

____

We went into a tea shop and we sat down to order. She sat humming happily, "Ahh! This menu looks so tasty! Look at all the little cakes here! I'm starving!"

Ahh. She looks so happy when she's talking about cake. How adorable.

The waitress gave us several cakes. Seri began to devour it greedily.

I looked at her, "You're such a pig. If you eat like that you'll get chubby."

She frowned, "Hey. I would still be cute even if I'm chubby."

Ahh. She would. I can imagine her adorable plump cheeks. I already want to squeeze them.

I glanced at her, "Hmph. If you get fat no one would want to marry you."

She glared at me.

WAIT! Why did I say that?! I didn't mean to say it like that! I was so caught up in my fantasy I ended up insulting her!!!

How come I can't do anything right?!