The flowers began to wilt on the table, fresh only hours before. The weight of dry air had already begun to twist and soften the light, delicate petals. The elaborate glass vase was out of place on the small table. Light screened through the glass, highlighted a scratch on the wood, a notch on the edge. I rubbed the smoothed edges, sanded down by years of use. Our silverware clinked as we ate, our mouths temporarily engaged instead of speaking.

“How was your day?” Mea asked.

I looked up at her, suddenly thankful for the mundaneness of our time together this evening. It was almost normal, the two of us eating dinner together. It felt natural, coming home from work to bring her flowers, to see her and share a meal after a long day.

“Busy,” I said. “Tork has been prepping my announcement to run. I guess I have to go on air soon, get some vids out for the screens.”

“That’s your campaign manager, right?”

“Yeah, Bateman hired him. Said he’s the best money can buy. I don’t know about all of that, but he seems to know what he’s talking about. Who knows how much he’s billing those poor bastards at Aruga Tech.”

She paused to set her fork down, the metal clinking against the ceramic plate. “When does all of that really start?”

“Well I signed the contract last month,” I said. “Lawyers okayed it.” I knew that wasn’t what she was asking about. I sighed. “I have to propose tomorrow.”

She nodded slightly, staring down at her food, avoiding my gaze. I hated this.

“Hey, you know this isn’t what I wanted,” I said, trying to reassure her. “You told me you were okay. I’m doing this for you, for your people, for us.”

“I know,” she said. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

We continued to eat, the awkward silence between us growing. At least the food was delicious, made from scratch traditional Nari’e fare, better than any restaurant I’d ever been to. Mea was a fabulous cook.

“So, how are you going to do it?”

“What? The proposal?”

She arched an eyebrow at me, as if to doubt my intelligence for even asking. She had a point.

“Cerise…. has it all planned out, I guess. I’m just following the itinerary.”

“Do you trust her?”

I pushed my tongue against my teeth, thinking about the answer to that question. Did I trust my stepmother that she isn’t a murderer who is at fault for my father’s death? “I mean, no. But she does know how to do this sort of thing. I trust her to strategically plan a public proposal for an arranged marriage, that’s for sure.”

“Nothing from Sheen yet, then?”

“He’s working on it,” I said, leaning back against my chair. “He’s a busy guy. Got a lot going on. Don’t know how he even finds time to see Ha’ana, truth be told.”

Mea chuckled. “She can be persuasive.” She flicked her eyes up at me, a flirtatious smile on her lips. “Sounds like things are going well for them.”

“So I hear,” I said, smiling back.

“I wish we could go out like they do,” she said, suddenly glum, her eyes roaming her little kitchen.

We had come to her house in secret, as we had many nights. We couldn’t come to my apartment anymore - too many cameras, and even with security, the location was too high profile. We couldn’t risk being caught together, not if I was going to sell this arranged marriage with Alyss. A part of me enjoyed the sneakiness, the playful tease of fear, wondering if we’d be caught. It heightened the suspense, it felt like. But I knew it wasn’t sustainable, and apparently, Mea was feeling the effects.

I didn’t want her to be unhappy, but more than anything, I wanted her to be safe. If we were found out, not only would my career take a hit, she would likely be targeted. Some people didn’t like the idea of Aurgan nobility dating lower than their class, let alone a half citizen Nari’e. And she’d always wanted her identity kept out of the spotlight, due to her work with Ka Po’e. I wanted to respect that, as it served both of our purposes, but it made it hard to spend time together.

I remembered Bateman’s idle threat, the hint that he knew of our relationship. I wondered how much he really knew, how much was public knowledge, or just hearsay in the [house of lords]. Though, I assumed I would find out if I happened to be the source of rumors one way or another.

“I wish we could go out too,” I said. “I’d love to take you dancing.”

I pictured her in an elegant ball gown, twirling her way through the crowd on my arm. I’d sweep her off her feet, dip her down low, and swoop in with a courageous kiss, much to the jealousy of everyone in the room.

Or, I'd take her to a bar scene, find a good club with low lighting and see what her moves really looked like on the dance floor.

“You know,” I said as if I’d just had a strange idea. “I think we can do some dancing right here.” I raised my eyebrows at her, setting my fork down carefully and pushing back the chair so I could stand.

“Oh, you think so?” she said.

I extended my hand to her, within arm’s reach across the small table. “May I have this dance, milady?”

She accepted the hand with a fire in her eyes, standing up and edging the table until we were face to face. “That and much else.”

I sat in my kitchen at the bar, crunching on cereal, staring at the perfectly wrapped, tiny box on the counter. It stared back at me, it seemed like, full of so much power within the minuscule cube. Bateman had it delivered to me a few days ago, but I hadn’t even had the courage to open it yet. I knew what was inside; did it matter if I knew what sort of rock I was giving Alyss? That pressurized piece of stone was meant to represent a promise, commitment. Which I suppose I was doing - just not the usual kind the ring was intended for. The proposal was today, and Cerise had laid out a whole array of things I had to do. Looking at the ring wasn’t one of them, though.

I looked down into my bowl, a few pieces of fruity cereal left floating. I sighed, eyeing the time on my WaComm. I had to get ready, get things going. At least I didn’t have to help set anything up, but I was supposed to spend the whole day with Alyss. Cerise made a point of scheduling each event in my calendar, and at the time when she’d sent me everything, I felt nothing but resentment. Now, I clung to those events like lifelines. Whether or not Cerise was involved in my father’s death, at least I could count on her not to let me embarrass myself when I did this.

I checked the calendar, one more time, to make sure I knew what I was doing. I didn;t, but at least I had a reminder. I was supposed to go ‘surprise’ Alyss at her apartment, take her out on a whirlwind day. As soon as I walked out that door, I was an actor. We had to look the part of a young couple, about to be engaged. If the public believed it, then there was even more power in our union. Cerise had told me she had paparazzi stationed along strategic points in our day, ready to catch the candid celebration. I just hoped I would be convincing enough.

I tossed the bowl into the sink, the milk sloshing out and splashing onto the counter. Whatever. It was time to go. I grabbed the box and shoved it into my coat pocket, unopened.

~

The drive to Alyss’ apartment was longer than I’d expected. I knew she lived farther out from the city center than I did, but the traffic was slower than I anticipated. I guess even with autodrive, congestion can still become an issue. When I finally arrived, it was a skinny, tall building, favoring height opposed to width. She must have multiple floors, or maybe the entire thing, to herself. There’s no way Bateman would let his daughter live alone without owning it all. It’s just much safer to not have neighbors, or nosy people in close quarters, I suppose.

I sent Alyss a ping to let her know I was here. I stepped out of the car, straightened my button up shirt, and stood stiffly. Should I look nervous? I didn’t have to act the part; that was real. I hope this is all worth it.

A few minutes later, Alyss stepped out from the front door. She wore a floral sundress, the straps pushed down around her shoulders, the skirt flowing and fluttering as she walked. She really was a beautiful girl, a fact I never would be able to deny, but she just wasn’t Mea. I found myself picturing Mea in the same dress, walking out to me as Alyss was right now. My cheeks reddened.

“Hey there, stranger,” she said playfully. “It’s been a while.”

I blinked. I don’t think I’d spoken to her since she asked me to come to dinner with her, right before my father went to the hospital. I assumed she was in the loop about what was going to happen today, what was going to happen for the rest of our lives. Oh stars, but what if she didn’t? What if she thought we were just friends, about to spend the day together? I had no idea what she’d been told. Would I be springing this on her when I proposed later this afternoon? I blanched.

“Don’t look so nervous,” she teased, squeezing my arm. “Open the car door for me. You only get engaged once. Hopefully.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. So she did know. Following her instructions, I opened the door for her, letting her climb inside. I entered the address of the restaurant where we were supposed to have our brunch into the autodrive feature, and the car took off. My WaComm pinged a reminder that I was supposed to be in position at our table in ten minutes.

The drive was silent, and thankfully, short. Alyss spent the ride doing something on her WaComm, while I spent it in awkward, sweaty silence. My hands were clammy, the weight of the box in my pocket feeling so heavy, I wondered if my pants were going to fall down.

The brunch was pleasant and easy, Alyss providing ample light conversion, stimulated by the plentiful mimosas the waiters supplied. Our table sat at the window, leaving in view a lush garden park across the street. If I was correct, that was our next destination. I checked my WaComm, verifying that it was indeed the next place to be. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a discreet flash of light. The paparazzi. Of course, they were here. Cerise had said they would be, but didn’t specify where exactly. They would be capturing our whole day together. I did my best to ignore them, putting on a lovestruck smile to fool them.

Looking lovestruck was easy; all I had to do was picture Mea across the table in front of me. Replace Alyss’ deep blue eyes with a honey golden brown, the pale complexion with one of deep, sunkissed tropical brown, the perfectly coiffed blonde hair with a mess of dark wild waves. Then, the acting came to me easily. Each word of endearment was to Mea, only to her. If only she knew.

I studied Alyss’ face, noting all of the differences between the two women. They were two physical opposites, of that there was no doubt. Not to say that Alyss had no merit, for as I’d always known, she was a stunning woman. But she wasn’t the woman who had stolen my heart with her fiery nature and bold passion.

Ping

My WaComm notified me that it was time to move on. Fortunately, we had just finished eating, and it was time to leave. I paid the waiter with a gracious tip.

“Shall we go for a stroll? I’ve been eyeing that park over there,” I said casually, as if the idea had just struck me and hadn't been planned out for weeks by my stepmother.

Alyss grinned, revealing her perfect smile. “That sounds lovely.”

I stood, rushing over to her side of the table to help her stand as well, like a gentleman would. She smiled at me appreciatively. We walked away from the restaurant hand in hand, like any respectable couple would. The path was clear from the sidewalk, and we began to follow it.

“I can’t believe these flowers are in bloom already,” she said. “It’s as if time has passed without me noticing.” She pointed to a bush covered in bright red flowers, the petals open to the rays of the sun.

I leaned over to pluck one free, the stem providing little resistance.

“Come here,” I said, gesturing that she came closer.

she looked up at me, all shy smiles and demure posture. I tucked her hair behind her ear, securing the flower there when I did so. I hoped that the paparazzi got that shot; it would be gold.

She smiled wider.

I felt the heaviness of the box in my pocket, wondering if now was the right time. Cerise had said it should be done somewhere in the park, but hadn’t specified where. Though, out of the corner of my eye, I did spot a fountain a little while off. that might be a nice location.

I nodded my head in the direction of the fountain. “Shall we? Now that you’re properly adorned?”

She nodded, still smiling, and took my hand once more.

“You’re doing great,” she whispered to me conspiratorially.

“Am I?” I said back louder than I’d meant to. She’d surprised me. “I’m glad you think so. I’m a wreck.”

“Nobody can tell,” she whispered.

We walked a few steps more, the fountain growing larger and larger as we approached.

“Act natural,” she said. “Pretend I’m telling you sweet nothings.”

I raised my eyebrows. What was she up to?

She turned to face me, stopping me and taking both of my hands in hers. If anyone were to see, they would think we were confessing our love to one another. “I need to hear you say you will still honor our deal.”

“Our deal?” I said. Of course, she would still want that agreement respected. She wanted to run her father’s business when it was time, and I wanted freedom. “Of course.”

“Humor me,” she said insistently. “Tell me exactly what that is and what it means for us.”

I sighed, then remembered I had to look like I was in love and about to propose. Right. “When we marry, you inherit control of AUT, not me. This will be a union of friendship and mutual respect. I’ll be allowed to spend time with… whoever I like, discreetly. And vice versa.”

She nodded. “Thank you.” She turned her head towards the fountain, clearly understanding what I had in mind. “Shall we continue?”

We walked up to the fountain, the water gurgling over carved stone, churning happily through pumps and pipes to spout out the top. The reservoir below shone and sparkled, partly due to the water, but also partly due to the large amount of coins below. Others had the same idea as I did, to toss a coin and make a wish at the fountain.

I rummaged in my pocket for my wallet, finding a few coins for us. “Close your eyes until I say,” I said, pressing a coin into her hand, leaving one for myself in my pocket.

I watched her close her eyes, holding the coin in her hand close to her chest. I couldn’t help but smile; her behavior was so endearing. The coin plopped into the water below.

Quietly, I removed the box from my pocket, and knelt down onto the cold paved stone. I opened it towards her, and took a deep breath.

“Open your eyes, now,” I said quietly.

She saw me on one knee, and like the best actress I’ve ever seen, began to tear up. Her hands flit to her mouth in feigned shock, her eyes growing wetter and wetter.

“Will you marry me?” I said, the words nearly getting stuck in my throat.

She nodded, her hands still covering her mouth, though she removed one to extend to me. Still kneeling, I slipped the ring out of the box, and placed it onto her third finger.

I stood and held her close. She tilted her head up to kiss me, our lips meeting. it was nice, to be sure, but it wasn’t the fire I’d grown used to with Mea. Instead of a pleasant sensation, suddenly, all I felt was disappointment. She would never be Mea. I could never ask her to be.

We broke apart. I fished the coin I’d set aside for myself out of my pocket, squeezed it tight, and tossed it into the fountain, too.

I wish for this to be worth it.

~

It felt like eons later when I was finally on my way home after dropping Alyss off at her apartment. The chaste kiss goodbye in front of her door took the last bit of energy I had, and I found myself falling asleep, lulled to doze by the smooth motion of the autodrive. There was nothing quite like sleeping in a car after a long day, soothed by the heated seats and the silence of the road.

Ping

It was my WaComm. I flicked my wrist to see who it was, who had awoken me from my relaxing slumber. I brightened when I saw Sheen’s name. A few finger twists later, and his voice echoed within the car’s speakers.

“What’s up, man?” I asked, pleasantly surprised by his call. It was a beacon of light at the end of a complicated day, a call from my best friend.

“Torven, you watching the wallscreen?” he asked, out of breath and rushed. “The news?”

“You calling to congratulate me already?” I mused, surprised and also unsurprised about Cerise’s efficiency. He must be watching the paparazzi’s ‘secret’ view of my engagement, already up on the network. “Can’t believe it’s on the news already.”

“What?” Sheen said. “No - you haven’t seen it?”

“No, why would I? I’ve been living it all day. I’m not even home yet.” I yawned.

“What the fuck? Torven - the Prime Minister was just found dead. Murdered.”