When you were young, you and Julian had sworn to be friends forever. Together forever. You both had yet to give any thought to the fact that you wouldn’t be kids forever, and that it would soon complicate the roles you were allowed to play, greatly…

*The palace was always grand enough to host the entire courtier, only now had you resented that.

Julian grew up by your side in the closest of ways, and you’d consider him the most genuine love you’d ever known. He was the only other kid running around the palace, just like you. You’d had a chance to know each other before you were both smoothed into perfection for society. His honest thoughts, his honest reactions, you knew it all.

There was never a time you feared that the days you so blissfully and carelessly spent with him would be a well run dry. The older you got, the less time there was for you both to sneak pastries from the kitchen, and agonize the servants with painfully drawn out games of hide and seek. Soon enough, you were being prepped for the future, and thrown into etiquette and language classes. Finishing school had been a strict wake up call to the endless freedom of your youth, and to your friendship.

Your lives had been planned before you two could even say your first words. It was only a matter of time for you guys to realize that.

When your hidden affections began to blossom, as people long assumed they would, you’d kept them at just that. Hidden. Your father, the king, made it known to you.. as if he’d known the question was on your heart before you could even think to utter it.

”Princesses marry princes, and dukes marry duchesses.”

You hadn’t known what to say to that then, but since, you’ve swallowed the sentiment and accepted any and all possibilities of your fate.

As noble as a duke may be, a duke cannot become a prince. You could not relinquish your title as the only child of the crown, and become a duchess. Julian was meant for someone with a matching title.

So, as you watched him marry Duchess Iris on his 22nd year, you grit your teeth and bit back your own tears. As she moved into the palace— your palace, you had to bear it.

As your best, and closest friend became increasingly estranged— awkward, even… it killed you.

Just as it was killing him.

Word was circulating. Expectations were raising now on you. Your upcoming partnership, and to whom. Would they be outside of the country? Would they come to you? You go to them? Big questions.

Yet, Julian was dreading any answer that would drag you farther away from him.

As you sat in the garden, all but enjoying your evening with a gracious cup of tea, you couldn’t help but notice the sparkling new couple stroll through.

Julian and his wife, Iris, couldn’t help but notice you as well. Iris smiled, insisted that they bring you an acknowledgment in conversation.

“Your highness! It is rather cold tonight.. are you alright out here alone?” Iris was kind, but it didn’t make you like her. The were dressed in coats, either coming or going.. Julian cleared his throat, “Iris and I were on our way to the theatre to enjoy a show tonight.. Would you care to join us?”

And the Lord continued to twist the knife.