“Will you be my date to the Firelight Ball?”

Cute. Darius thought, admiring the red flush on your cheeks as you asked him out. Distracted by the sight, he found himself wanting to offer you a rose from the surrounding garden just to see if he could make you any redder. For another moment, it was all that he could think about before your words finally registered in his mind.

Huh? Huh?? HUH????

Feeling his cheeks begin to heat up as well, he quickly raised his hand to cover his face, flustered beyond belief.

Did he hear that right? You’re…asking him out?

Under the white wooden roof of the gazebo, Darius thought back to all of his previous interactions with you. From the first day of school when he helped you up at the entrance ceremony, to each time he enjoyed a tea party with you under this very gazebo, he carefully considered his feelings for you. Your friendship was something he deeply treasured, and he didn’t want to ruin anything by giving you a half-hearted answer.

Did he love you? Was it love when he looked forward to seeing you everyday, searching for you as he walked down the hallway to his class so he could greet you with a ‘good morning’? Was it love when he would wander past a flower shop and suddenly stop to wonder which one would best compliment your eyes–

Oh.

He loves you.

Buoyed by the newfound realization of his affection, Darius turned back towards you, shaking with excitement. Taking in the trembling of your clasped hands as you waited for his answer, he smiled, gaze softening as he was once again reminded of how cute you were. He leaned forward, reaching out to steady your hands, a ‘yes’ right on the tip of his tongue.

”You will be wed to Princess Alethea.”

A sudden memory of his father’s words cut through his joy, nailing him in place. He’s the crown prince. His feelings and wants are all secondary compared to the kingdom’s needs. His lover wasn’t a choice that he could make.

Smothering his feelings, Darius took a step back. It wouldn’t look good for him to be too close to anyone now, not when the announcement of his marriage will be made public soon. Glancing at you, his heart clenched in his chest as realized what he would have to do. Keeping his gaze fixed on your face, Darius opened his mouth, hoping that his eyes would convey all of the apologies that he couldn’t voice.

“I can’t.”