Chapter One - Prince (d)

Her admission stopped me from my actions. Questions started to run inside my mind. She likes me? In what way? If she likes me more than a friend, what should I say? Should I pretend that I agree with her in order not to break her heart? Or should I simply acknowledge it but tell her to stop? Mallory is like a sister to me. Breaking her heart would be unthinkable.

“Well, I would say that I like you as well, Mallory,” I said, hoping that it wouldn’t sound like it has a different meaning.

“You do?” her tone showed a bit of hope.

I took a deep breath in and turned to her, “Of course. We’ve been friends ever since we were children. I know who you truly are and you’re a good person.” I continued, “Everyone and anyone would like to have you as their friend.”

Her brows furrowed as I finished my answer. “Robert, that’s not what I meant,” she walked closer to me as her frustration began to show. “What I truly meant was… I am in love with you,” she held my hands as she looked directly into my eyes. “As a young girl, I’ve always admired you and as we grew older, my feelings for you only grew, You’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”

My eyes widened upon hearing her confession. As far as I know, I have never given her any reason to feel this way about me, to love me this way. If she’s going to use the excuse that I was always kind to her and never abandoned her, those reasons aren’t enough to justify her feelings. I only did those things because I regarded her as a sister.

Slowly, I released my hands from her grip and kept my distance from her. “You don’t mean that, Mallory.” I then grabbed the saddle and walked back to Lady.

“Robert, I do. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” she was quick to answer. “I thought it was just a simple admiration, a sister looking up to her brother. But now, I can truly say that I love you,” she explained as she followed my every action.

Not paying any more attention to her, I quickly put the saddle on Lady. I have to leave this stable and get out of this conversation before it turns into something ugly.

“Well?” she asked as she tried to catch my attention.

“You need to stop whatever it is you’re feeling for me,” I replied as I kept my focus on preparing Lady.

She stayed quiet for a few seconds before asking, “Why?”

“Because it’s not real and it won’t lead to anything,” I answered as I locked the saddle in place.

“How could you say that? Of course, it’s real!” she continued to protest. “This isn’t just some kind of infatuation, Robert. How could you question my feelings for you?”

“Your profession of love won’t change anything,” I turned to look at her. “You’re still my friend, a sister to me.” I then put water into my container and three apples in the saddlebag.

“Only a friend?” her voice started to crack, something that I’ve been trying to avoid. “Don’t you have feelings for me? Even just a little?” she asked once more as her eyes began to water.

I let out a sigh. I love Mallory but only as a sister. I never saw her more than that. “I’m very sorry, Mallory but… you’re loving the wrong man.” I jumped onto Lady and prepared to ride off.

“Robert,” she suddenly held onto my leg. “I know that deep down inside of you, you love me the way I love you. Why are you denying it?”

“Mallory, there’s nothing to deny and there’s nothing that’s hiding inside of me,” I explained as I looked directly into her eyes, making sure that she understands. “You’re a sister to me and that’s all I can offer you. Nothing more, nothing less.”

She stepped back as tears began to fall down her rosy cheeks.

“Come, Lady.” And with one kick on her side, Lady and I headed to the gate.

When I reached the gate, I found Robin, the gatekeeper, sweeping fallen leaves away from the entrance.

“Good morning, Robin,” I greeted as I approached him.

As I stopped before him, he put his broom to the side and ran towards me. “Your Highness,” he bowed. “Good morning,” he smiled as he looked up to me.

“How’s your day so far?” I asked, returning a smile to him.

He chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck. “The usual, young prince. I open and close the gates for everyone. Except it’s been a bit windier today. More leaves have fallen to the ground,” he replied, his smile never-fading. “Other than that, everything is as it is, Your Highness.”

I nodded. “Very good.”

“What can I do for you today, Your Highness?”

“Would you be so kind as to open the gates for me, Robin?”

Robin nodded and quickly turned around. He then stopped after a few steps and returned to me, confused. “I thought you were with your family when they left, young prince.”

“Oh, I didn’t join them today,” my lips created a firm smile. “I wanted to have a stroll somewhere and get some fresh air.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, Your Highness, where are you headed to?” Robin continued to ask unnecessary questions.

Holding back my impatience, I simply answered, “To the Mortal Realm. I plan to return before lunch so kindly open the gates.”

He then started to look behind me. It looked like he was looking for something. “Where are your guards, Your Highness? You shouldn’t leave the castle alone, especially if you’re heading to the Mortal Realm,” he said. “This must be the fault of the guards. Should I call Master Gonzalo to fetch some guards for you?”

I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath. “Robin, I will not repeat his: open the gate,” I spoke in a firmer manner. I gave him a stare to make him stop asking questions.

“O-Of course, Your Highness. As you wish.” He rushed to the gate and opened it as he kept his head down.

“Thank you, Robin,” I said as I reached him. I handed him an apple and added,” Should the royal family return and ask of my whereabouts, you’re not to tell them what you know. If I find out that you spoke of me going to the Mortal Realm, there will be consequences for you. Do I make myself clear?”

Robin knelt to the ground with his right hand on his left chest. “I will do what His Highness tells me to do.”

“Very well. I shall return. Keep the gate ready for me.”

After he nodded, I rode off to the Mortal Realm.