Over

Arms crossed, he stood parallel to Adi as she huffed about the kitchen in their flat. She’d been trying for the better part of an hour to convince him they should go out to a club. But he wouldn’t hear of it. The last thing he wanted was to be among hordes of people so close to his most recent jaunt to a club with his wild girlfriend.

            “We can’t just be homebodies and stay locked in the flat all night,” she protested, setting her glass of wine down with force.

            “We’ve been over this. I can’t always be wild and set a bad image. I’m a Prince for Christ-sake! I’ve got admirers and children that look up to me,” he said.

            “The old Royal bats could care less what the spare prince does, James,” Adi said, rolling her eyes. Jaw set, James shook his head.

            “Go to the club on your own. You don’t understand anything I’ve said.” Turning, he headed for the couch, ready to spend this Friday night in.

            “You’re just trying to be boring to impress Lou! You already know she’ll never accept your affection! I’m the only one that loves you!”

            “You don’t understand anything, Adi! You weren’t born into Royalty. You can live a mostly normal life! I am forever in Al’s shadow and must follow in his footsteps. I can’t just bring dishonor to the crown. I’ve got to be a Prince and be someone my family can be proud of. I can’t just party all the time. I have a job and a life that I need to take seriously,” James said, his voice raised from frustration. “Have a nice time clubbing. I’ll be gone in the morning,” he said, turning to gather his things to leave the flat.

            “You’re leaving me?”

            “You can stay here for the rest of the year. The lease is covered until then.”

Sisterly Care

            He took his time on each step, holding his breath with each footfall. Shuffling along at a pace slower than his grandmum, the double-doors of the residence opened, letting the youngest Royal continue through. Unaware how much the family heard—whether the media had gotten wind and spread word on the news—or if they were all blissfully out of the loop, he headed for his room. In his wake, he left muddy bootprints across the shiny marble. Still adorned with his dirty military fatigues, he paused at the bottom of the stairs and stared up. Unsure if he could convince himself he needed to walk up them to lay down, he leaned against the railing, debating his options.

            “Forget how to go up the stairs, Billy?” Lou wandered into the grand entryway, having noticed he was lingering by the stairs. Straightening slowly as he was torn from his thoughts he smiled to his soon-to-be sister-in-law.

            “Afternoon, Lou. I hope you’re doing well,” James said, keeping one hand on the railing to keep himself somewhat upright.

            “Home early for the dance tonight?” Lou said, figuring that was why he seemed to have come right from training. She glanced at his muddy prints and then back to the young Prince.

            “Yeah, something like that,” he said, barely managing a shrug with a crooked smile. The pain killers had effectively worn off, along with his adrenaline.

            “I’m sure scraping all that mud off isn’t going to be easy for you. Don’t be too long trying to get clean. Adi doesn’t like it when you’re late,” Lou said, smacking his back and poking him playfully. In an instant he was nearly doubled over and pale. Kneeling next to him, she placed a gentle hand on his back. “James, are you alright?”

            “I wish I could say yes,” he said, taking slow, shallow breaths in an attempt to curb his pain-induced nausea. Feeling Lou’s eyes on him, he gave her a half-hearted smile, knowing her mind was full of questions as to his current predicament. “It seems word has yet to reach the palace then….” James said.

            “Word of what?” Lou was not amused at how he side-stepped an answer. Concern in her eyes as she watched her almost-little-brother, she helped him stand up properly.

            “Training didn’t go as expected today. I fell while rappelling down one of our training towers,” he said, placing a hand gingerly on his side; even the slightest bit of pressure hurt. “My ribs broke my fall.”

            “Come on, let’s get you lying down,” she said, putting his arm about her shoulders and helping him upstairs.

            “Lou, really. It’s fine. You don’t need to get mud on your clothes for my sake,” James said in protest, though he knew she was going to help him, no matter the fight he put up. They took the steps slowly, and strolled towards his room. Being eased onto his bed, he watched Lou remove his boots. Without caring, she walked into his closet and dug out a pair of sweats—probably the only piece of untailored clothing he owned—and handed them to him. She disappeared in search of some pain killers and an ice pack. Upon her return, she smiled seeing he was asleep across his bed. Setting the procured items on the bedside table, she put a spare blanket over him and kissed his forehead.

            “Rest well, Billy,” she said, leaving his room to return to Al.

Grand Piece

This is a "what if" to Inevitable. Enjoy!

Grand Piece               

            He cuddled the small blanketed bundle, holding her close in the late hour. She fussed, a sure sign she wanted sleep as much as he. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he stepped away from the window to a nightstand. Clicking a button on the tape deck, he smiled as the first track started to fill the room.

             Moving around the nursery in time, he glanced to the frame on the shelf. This was the first song they danced to at their wedding. This grand classical piece always seemed to calm their daughter. Smiling at the memory of his wife, he continued to twirl slowly about the room, reminiscing.

Dinner With the Family

Dinner was generally a pretty relaxing affair in the palace. In fact, James had gotten used to casual dining with the family, Lou included. He didn’t often take part in dinner, since much of the time he was off training or out partying; the latter was of course when he was finished with the former. And tonight was going to be no different in his mind. Sure, they were having the Gideons over, and he should probably be his well-behaved self… But he was also rushing to the palace after being out in the training field and forest of Cydonia for nearly five days. And there was no way to really appease anyone after you’d spent the past 120 hours in dismal conditions running maneuvers and sleeping less than two hours a night; that was if sleep was even possible with all the drills.

The Spare was relieved to finally be back among civilization – for at least a little bit. He and his mates from the unit had some good moments, and continued with the large amounts of male bonding and teamwork. A part of him wished they could go back out, but Royal duties were Royal duties; he couldn’t just ditch the dinner and leave Alfie hanging. That wouldn’t be a brotherly nor best man thing to do. So he rushed back to his apartment, showered – cause really all that mud wasn’t coming off easily – and put on the quickest thing he could. James reached the palace, without Adi on his arm, and rushed in to join those that were already at the table.

Quiet Patio

            Everyone seemed to be tracking his movements. With most tables full, he looked for a quiet place to sit among the murmuring and watchful eyes. Kids at his old school had long since accepted him; but now he was forced to play “new kid.” It was painfully obvious because his lack of uniform. Having finished moving into his dorm, now seemed like the perfect time to snag lunch.

            His parents meant the best for himself, his twin and their cousin. This boarding school would be a good place to restart. At least, he felt it would be for everyone else. Keeping his eyes averted after giving up his search for an empty table, he moved for the doors to the patio. Crowds weren’t his thing. The only thing he could be thankful for was being unable to hear most of their hushed voices. Slipping out the door, he was greeted by chirping birds and a slight breeze.

            Most the tables were vacant save for a girl and a man that appeared to be a teacher. Noticing the girl, he smiled and moved towards a table next to hers. She was munching on a salad, and seemed a tad lonely since she was outdoors by herself. Sinking into a chair, he sighed in content. All he wanted was lunch and to hide away. It only took a second before he was eagerly feasting on the sauce-drenched meatloaf.

            In the corner of his eye, he could see the lonely girl starting to pack her things. His shoulders sunk as he saw her stand; he’d ruined her peaceful lunch. Stirring the mashed potatoes and corn into a swirled mound, he looked up hearing the clatter of dishes. Somehow she’d ended up on the floor. On his feet, he was at her side and started to clean up the spilled romaine and iceberg mix that now littered the concrete. She still seemed stunned, but appeared unharmed. Getting everything back into place, he smiled, holding out his hand to help her up.

            As she stood with his aid, he felt his heart pound; he continued to stare, unable to look away. Returning the gaze, an equally small grin in thanks, she glanced to the man he’d earlier assumed was a teacher. Speaking to this girl in some unknown language, he let her fingers slip from his own as she walked off with the strange, tall, man.

            Alone, he blinked a few times after several minutes. She was the first to ever stop him in his tracks. Gathering the garbage and trays, he ducked inside to return the trays; he was suddenly looking forward to this school year.

Cowardly Lion

            He was rooted just outside the door. A cacophony of voices flooded the otherwise quiet hallway each time it was opened. Trying to work himself up to entering, he would back away and pace by the windows. The way he paced reminded him of a caged tiger. But he was no fearless tiger; more like the Cowardly Lion.

            Crowds were never his “thing.” In fact, he had done well to avoid them, especially when located in small spaces. Now, he could never get away. Being married to a princess had its benefits… and of course his biggest fear. Swallowing as he tugged at his tie, he once again approached the door—unfortunately chickening out at the last minute. Returning to the windows in defeat, he sighed.

            Someone must have mentioned to the princess that her husband was struggling, for moments later, she came around the corner. She glowed as she approached, her smile instantly brightening his otherwise dismal mood.

            She needn’t speak a word. Slipping her hand in his, their fingers entwined and she pressed her lips to his. The shaking he had developed  seemed to dissipate as they separated. Fixing his tie with her free hand, she turned and took his arm.

            They would enter together.

Inevitable

            Everything in the room beeped. Or at least they had some kind of bell or whistle. The most prominent being the heart monitor. It was calming to hear it consistently peep with each pulse; the line steady with each flicker. Two days had passed, and there was still no change. He’d barely left her bedside; peeling himself away to go eat and shower, or visit their newborn in the nursery. By this point, he knew his way around the hospital with his eyes closed. Every few hours of sitting in his wife’s room, he’d wander to hold their daughter.

            But now, he was back to her room; he hoped today would be when he’d see her eyes open. When squeezing her hand would result in a response and finally she could meet their baby. Reaching over, he took her hand and pressed his lips to the back and held it between both of his palms. Beep. Beep. Beep. Her pulse remained as unchanged as it had two days ago after her emergency C-section. Pressing her hand to his cheek, he wished to feel her fingers through his hair or hold her close and inhale her fruity shampoo. Kissing her hand once more, his eyes focused on her face, currently marred by the wires and breathing mask.

            In the back of his weary mind, there was doubt that she would never open her eyes again; that they would never be a family. The inevitable. He couldn’t imagine being alone to raise their daughter, to know that they would never be together again.

            Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts, he reached up to wipe the tears that were slipping down his cheeks. The door opened, revealing a doctor to update the charts. Glancing to the woman, he watched her check the fluids and jot a few things down before she turned to retreat. Pausing, she placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile. A moment later, she was gone and he was once again alone. Beep. Beep. Beep.