Jessica sits next to Daniel. Callie sits next to me. I'm confused by their actions actually.
Callie gives me a hug confusing me even more. "Your Highness!"
"She did that to me before." Jessica shakes her head. "Partly to show everyone being close to you isn't a death sentence."
"Only a insurgent would think that." Daniel scans the place. "But I know a lot to say..."
"Most nobles have enough to qualify as treason." Jessica nods. She knows that as well.
Just as I know.
Callie squeezes me. "You're too cute to be easily taken by casual insults."
I stare at Callie and force her to release me. "I'm married." Jessica and Daniel laugh over the comment. Callie just pouts. "What's up?"
"It has been forever since I saw the two of you." Callie leans on me. I stare at her until she gives me safe. "Stop acting like you're in an actual relationship."
"I'm going to use the contract as best I can. That's what contracts are for." I take a bite. The food is definitely better than what was found on the trip.
Daniel leans on his elbow. "I think contracts are ways to state beginning and ends as well as boundaries."
I sigh. "I was not looking to date anyone. I do not want to trap anyone into my situation. Bad enough I'm here."
Daniel stares at me. "You hate being crown prince, but stand forward as it as much as possible?"
I grunt.
Jessica taps Daniel getting his attention. "It's more complicated than that. Everyone is pushing him to become king. Think of your older brother. Even when he was young, he was basically called Lord Swifting. It's worse for Thomas."
"You two have seriously just accepted the contract without actually dating." Callie looks between us. "It's weird. You should be jealous of me hanging on your boyfriend."
I shove her off again. "Why should she be? The only way she'll be able to become a long term knight is if I find someone else." Jessica nods. "I know what everything is expecting. And maybe I'll expect it too in five years. But I would rather just exist without the weight of everything for a while."
"Says the one who stepped up multiple times without being asked." Daniel waves his hand. He was there. "Do you even know how to hide in the shadows?" I look away. "You should hang out with my family for a bit. My brother is looking forward to seeing you again."
"Under better circumstances." I duck my head.
"You really can't change the fact you're crown prince." Daniel points out. He looks to Jessica. "Jessica doesn't even have much of a shot getting out of the titles."
"My brother..."
"Is five." Daniel points at me. "In ten years you may have something to say. You don't want to get into a situation that removes your titles. Because the level of stuff that kills your chances is likely to take your life too."
I do know all that. All my attempts at escape... I know why the various ministers tricked my parents into having Xaiver. I've been... Less than... Open to being king.
The ball mission... Where I... Will people think I want the title now?
"Hydrangea was explaining a lot of what went on." Callie says. She is focused on eating instead of bothering me. "It wasn't just removing the Telligence name. Thomas also made friends with goblins and fix their issues. To the point no one knows what the situation will be like with the Harvest Mission. Is it still a mission for new knights? Or will the only problems require blue or better?"
"So he's acting like a king in more than just the murderous way." Daniel shrugs. "Not my problem. Not right now."
I sigh. "I have accepted the fact I'm crown prince. I am planning to step forward as king one day. I'm not going to run away." Even if I get those thoughts often yet. "Can we talk about anything else?"
Jessica turns to Callie. "Which weapon are you going to practice with next?" Glad she jumped the idea of switching topics. We need to learn more weapons. It probably would suit better if I used my time here practicing a new something.
Once I finish eating, I leave them. No one follows me although I know they watch me leave. I wasn't really in the conversation. I walk around the halls just weighing my next action. Harvest Mission will be soon, but I have time. I can relax or study. I should have chores with something while here. Practicing weapons would be a good use of time.
"Thomas." Hydrangea stops me. We're near the horse stables. I was just looking around weighing things. "You know about the Harvest Mission."
That wasn't a question. I stare at her. "Lucas said I have a letter from Raida asking me to join."
Hydrangea frowns. She looks underwhelmed by my words. "Your goal will be as crown prince."
I scoff. Why does it have to be that?
"You are handling the goblins. Decide what that means. Talk it over with your parents while you are here." Hydrangea crosses her arms watching me. "This is not a fool's actions, remember. Weigh things carefully."
"And then what?" I snarl. "Every single missing has been as crown prince. I was given the youngest knight titles only so I could act as crown prince. Why am I even here?"
Hydrangea grips my shoulders keeping me in place. "You are crown prince. You created this situation. You need to solve it. What type of relationship will we have with the goblins? Who will be our connection? You need to continue what you started. It is less to do with you being crown prince and more to do with you starting a mission on your own without finishing it. Decide what you are planning for. Ask everyone you trust to help you with your decision." Hydrangea backs away from me. Giving me space to decide my actions. "Yes, this situation happened because you are crown prince. But you cannot ignore a situation you are attached to already. Prove your title and future plans to the country. What will you decide?" She reviews me. "I will be there for some of the mission. It is not mine. Lucas will be someone you can lean on. Trust him." She pauses. We stare at each other for a moment. "Prove to the nobles you don't murder for no reason. Giving Lucas respect and consideration will do that. If anyone proves treasonous actions, it's him. But there are limits. Lucas doesn't deserve death nor should he lose his title."
"What about Ryan and Priscilla...?" I am unable to give them their titles back. Telligence is gone.
"Ask William." Hydrangea pats my shoulder. Her smile is curt, but present. "Good luck with your plans."
I'm not sure what that means, but it may be time I head back to my room. Raida's letter must contain more than just 'join the mission'. Then it would be a good idea to question my parents. My first thought was to make the goblins citizens. Would my parents hate that idea?