I couldn’t be happier with what just happened today. Finally, a confirmation that I wasn’t the only one feeling a certain way whenever I’m with Laura. All this time, I’ve been battling with my demons, thinking that for her to feel the same way is impossible. Now, I don’t have to worry too much over it, knowing we have mutual feelings.

In honor of my achievement today, I’ve decided to celebrate my happiness over tea while enjoying some peace in the garden. However, the silence was interrupted when someone spoke from behind me, “Robert.”

I turned around and saw James walking towards me. I don’t want anything to ruin my peace any further so I’m keeping all of my thoughts inside me and have an attempt at a decent conversation with him.

“James,” I greeted, standing up as I put my cup down on the table beside me.

“Please, sit down. There’s no need for formal ceremonies,” James stopped me, putting one hand in front of him and the other behind his back.

I nodded and took a seat whilst he sat across me. “Would you like some tea?” I offered, holding the pot up.

“Yes, thank you,” he smiled, making himself comfortable in his chair as I pour him a cup. “I didn’t know you like having tea in the garden. Only your mother and sister do this daily,” he continued, resting an arm on the table.

I put the pot down. “I’ve decided to give it a try. It is quite a beautiful day to have tea,” I said, giving him his cup. “Clouds have been gracious enough today to make it the perfect weather for tea outside.”

“Well, you’re correct about that,” James agreed. “I’m going to be trying this every once in a while, and hopefully, I get to this with you,” he added with a smile. “How’s your day, so far?” he asked after taking a sip.

“Everything is just as it is. Reports and royal duties,” I replied, taking a sip from my own. “I’m still thinking of what I’m going to do today because I’ve finished almost half of the documents currently sitting in my study.”

We stayed quiet for a few seconds when James suddenly said, “How about we go on our fishing trip right now?”

I turned to him, eyes wide open out of surprise. “Right now? Aren’t you busy during this time of the day?”

“Robert, if I was busy, I wouldn’t be joining you for tea right now,” he smirked. “I have no other responsibilities today. I was supposed to have a meeting with my advisers but they weren’t able to arrive on time so I asked Gonzalo to tell them the meeting is moved to tomorrow,” he continued.

I nodded before taking another sip.

“Come,” he quickly settled his cup down on the table, standing up. “Let’s go fishing.”

I looked up at him, still shocked. “Are you sure we won’t be any hindrance to your work today?”

“I promised to make time for our fishing trip after you arrive from Middle Earth, remember?” he smiled.

With a bit of hesitation, I put my cup down on the table and walked with him.

“Don’t worry about those, I will have some of the maids take care of it,” he added as we headed back to the castle.

I’m not going to lie: I’m both shocked and amazed at how dedicated James is to spend time with me. Mostly, this time of the day when he’s on his busiest: handling meetings from one to the other. But for him to act as a father does make me happy.

Perhaps, this could be the beginning of a new relationship between James and me. I still have my doubts regarding his actions but as I promised Mother, Elizabeth, and Nana, I have to give James a chance.

♔♔♔

It was a good day for fishing. There’s nothing to hear but the gentle current of the river, the wind gently blowing around us. There were frogs close by, a few of them croaking loudly. The sun was out but it wasn’t that hot as the clouds slowly passed under its light, giving us shade every once in a while.

James and I have been sitting on a rock for quite some time, waiting for something to bite. The guards are having their own time together, not far but close enough to keep an eye on us and to make sure of our security.

The silence between us is so thick, you can pierce a sword through it and it will bleed. But for the first time in such a long time, the silence doesn’t feel hostile. We are spending time together but not in the way where we need to talk. Somewhere, we understood one another, read each other’s minds that it’s better if we keep our words to ourselves.

My thoughts were interrupted when James finally spoke, “I trust that you have taken care of all the needed work for today.”

My inner thoughts groaned, irritated that we’re talking about royal duties during our time together but I’m not surprised as well. James has occupied himself with everything about responsibilities towards the crown. However, I did hope that he would talk about something different.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I said, not wasting my time to even look in his direction. “Before I do anything else, I make sure that my duties come first.”

“You have learned a lot, Robert. You don’t know how proud I am of you,” he replied with pride. “Every kingdom in our realm has been raving about you. If only you could hear their praises, you’d be glad that I chose you as heir and I raised you the way a future king should be raised in.”

My mouth turned into a firm line on what he just said. I didn’t know neglect and making sure a child is stripped off of relationships is the best way to rear a child, especially a monarch that will soon take the throne.

“I’ve also made the arrangements for our celebration for your victory over the pirates on the Sea of Gliss,” he added. “The kingdom has been very pleased with your heroic gestures during your voyage.”

“James, what happened at the Sea of Gliss was your success and my failure,” I answered, trying not to sound irritated. “I put Mother’s life in danger and almost got myself killed. I don’t think that’s considered to be my victory.”

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, Robert,” he adjusted his positing, putting his right knee close to his chest. “Leading men to battle and in such an unexpected situation isn’t an easy feat for any princess of your age to achieve. What you did was worth celebrating.”

I kept silent, biting my cheeks to prevent myself from saying anything. It isn’t worth it to fight about. I should be more thankful that James is finally giving me some kind of recognition for my efforts. It’s something that I’ve been asking for and it has arrived. Or maybe I should just let him do what he thinks is necessary and let this conversation end here.

“Have you planned your celebration with them?” he asked, changing the topic.

I cleared my throat. “I’m yet to get into the details. I have so many things to take care of, too many aspects to consider. I want that day to be special, not only for the crew but also for their families,” I explained.

“If you like, we can hold both celebrations on the same day. Therefore, we can plan everything in one go,” he suggested.

“That won’t be necessary,” I quickly protested. “I want them to have their day of celebration, a day where they’re the ones who are honored, praised.”

“I completely understand,” he nodded. “Everyone deserves their own time to be in the spotlight. Have you decided when you will be holding the event?”

“Having it before mine would be a good idea,” I said as I adjusted my fishing rod. “The captain and his crew are the true heroes of the battle. They have fought valiantly and they deserve the recognition for their bravery and loyalty to the kingdom.”

“I will inform you once we made the final decision on when your knighthood celebration will be held,” he smiled.

Contented on what we agreed on, I let out a light smile. The thrill of excitement and relief flowed throughout my entire body. These emotions are foreign whenever I’m with James, even if we’re just a few inches away. We’ve always been hostile to one another. But to be able to spend time with him without us holding each other by the neck and to be able to feel comfortable around him is both bizarre and something to look forward to starting today.

“Oh!” he shouted as something started tugging on his bait. “I think I caught something!”

♔♔♔

“The advisors said that the orphanage was very thankful for the approved proposal, James,” Elizabeth smiled, slicing through her piece of fish.