I couldn't blame him for at least trying. Much like Eli had said he would, he didn't show up for dinner last night. No one was sure if he even ate. I also didn't see any sign of Blake later that night or in the following morning. I knew what Eli was like and he didn't enjoy being coddled. It was best to leave him be with the occasional, and very gentle, reassurance or console. Knowing this, my request of him to play violin and spend time with me today had been exactly the right request of him. Much to my surprise, he showed up, although not super energetic about it.

Our time together lasted about an hour. I had been so concerned about keeping him relaxed and away from whatever was bothering him that my feelings for him barely surfaced during the time. I knew he wasn't himself right now and being the overly concerned person I was, I wanted nothing but to distract him from his woes for even just a moment, regardless of how I felt.

We met in one of the palace's conservatories where we had frequently done something creative together in the past. I set up my easel, paints, and palette to paint some of the greenery on display in the room. I had set up well before we arranged to meet to have time to myself, but Eli didn't show up for long enough past the time that I had accepted he wasn't coming. That was until he nervously rounded the corner, violin case in hand, and apologized shyly for being late. I assured him there was nothing to be late for, and we continued to have our time together.

It consisted of myself painting the flower I had grown fond of while Eli sat or walked playing his violin. He played a mix of songs from anywhere between sweet and lightening, to somber and dark. If I didn't know any better, or as well as I did know him, I would have guessed it was an expression of how he was feeling. Regardless of what he played, I always loved listening. Not only because the music itself was inspiring, but because it was him playing it.

The mix of his smaller, curvier figure, and tentative personality were some of the things that I found most attractive about him physically. I adored how shy and gentle he was. When he was himself, he was the soft kind of excitable. Usually, talking about or playing music would have him bursting at the seams with a bright smile and glowing eyes. I strived to be the reason for that smile of his. Not just any smile, but a rare, genuine one. One of real happiness that was often drowned in the storm cloud that seemed to follow him no matter what he did.

Eli had made progress over the past years. When he approached me after his absence and our friendship grew again, I had seen him grow and improve. He seemed happier and more content. When we spent time together, I was keenly aware of the genuine joy he seemed to have when we interacted. It was beginning to feel just like when we were younger.

The exact reason was still unclear to all of us, but it appeared that the announcement of the Arranged a month ago was the cause of Eli's current depressive rut. He had been making good progress in healing from the grief of his mother. Upon the announcement, however, he had taken a major step back to the reserved and emotional man he had been these past years. Eli hadn't told any of us why he seemed so distraught over the announcement, but it didn't take a detective to see the connection. The Arranged meant my attention would be occupied (more occupied than it already was with my royal duties and training), and with our friendship rekindled, he probably felt he was losing me all over again.

Hanging out with him today was my way of showing to him this wasn't the case. I would always have time for him, and I would always need him. Unfortunately, Eli didn't stay for as long as I would have hoped. I painted in silence listening to Eli's music for probably an hour until Eli begun to put his violin away. I had asked him where he was going or if he was feeling alright, to which he responded with a shrug, claiming he wasn't feeling it anymore. I encouraged him to stay and to try a different instrument or maybe another environment but was gently shut down with a caring smile.

"It's really sweet you're trying to cheer me up, Sonjay." He had said, giving me chills with those blue eyes of his. "But this... This will pass in its own time. You don't need my gloominess around you right now. Not with such a big moment in your life coming up on Monday."

"E, I always need you in my life, no matter how you're feeling." I had set my paints aside and taken a step towards him, making him nervous. I decided to remain put. "I don't know if you've realized this yet, but you're my escape." He raised an eyebrow. "Sure, I could spend time with my father, but I would constantly be reminded of my work or my future. I could spend time with your father or brother, but they're both terribly busy and such workaholics—it's not completely relaxing." He chuckled at that, making me smile. "What I'm trying to say is you're the only friend, the only family, I have that I can spend time with and not be reminded of my work, or my duties, or my future. You make me happy just by being you, E! I never want you to avoid me, especially if you're sad. I want to be there to help you in anyway I can."

 He chuckled weakly and looked away, seemingly wiping a tear from his eye. After a short, shaking breath he looked at me again.

"That means a lot, Sonjay." He said, appearing more relaxed, much to my joy. He still wasn't going to stay, I would soon realize. "That changes how I feel a little bit. But I'm still so tired... I'm going to go play piano for a bit, but I'd like to be alone. Would that be a good compromise? That way you can still hear me down the hall?"

"I would love that." I told him, truthfully. "On one condition." He didn't like the request, furrowing his brows. I rolled my eyes and smiled at him, hoping to convey I was just teasing. "I just want to ask you to at least think about me while you're playing, hm?" I wiggled my eyebrows, making him laugh. I beamed hearing it. "You don't have to the whole time, but for one song? Please?"

"Fine," he said, playfully exasperated, smiling at me. "I'll play with you in mind."

"Thank you," I snorted, laughing. He was amused and I waved it away. "Seriously, thank you. I appreciate that you came to hang out, if even for a little bit. I may not know the feeling exactly, but I know you, and I can see how hard it is for you somedays. So, thank you, E, thank you for trying."

"You're welcome, Sonjay."

Nervously, he hesitantly stepped and embraced me in a brief and gentle hug. It ended as abruptly as it began. In the blink of an eye, he had taken his violin case and was leaving around the corner. I could only stare after him. Though disappointed he had to leave, I couldn't help but feel I had accomplished my goal. I made him smile, and I made him do something other than mope. That had to be worth something, right?

🖌 🖌 🖌

Monday rolled around much sooner than I had hoped. Typically, my weekends consisted of time to myself, but this weekend I made sure to do everything I loved. Though it wouldn't be impossible for me to do my usual activities once the Arranged arrived, I knew it would be less frequently. My life was going to become focused on lessons with my father, studying, training with Cronin, and getting to know the Arranged.

It also meant my free time to spend with Eli would become less. No wonder he was so depressed lately. There wasn't much I could do. I had tried to help on Saturday (to some success), but I didn't see much of him on Sunday, our last day to try. Today was Monday, the day the Arranged would be arriving.

They were expected very soon, around noon. The plan today was to socialize with the Arranged and their parents with lunch afterwards. After lunch, the parents would say their goodbyes and the Arranged would be left at the palace to their own devices. My father had told me during some of the downtime, the Arranged would be receiving a mix of lessons and practice regarding their possible future royal duties. Outside of this they would have their own leisure time around the palace.

Until then, I sat in my father's study, waiting for the hour to roll around. I was expected to wait with my father so we would arrive together after everyone else. I sat across from him in one of the chairs opposite his desk, while he sat at his desk looking through papers. I probably should have been taking an interest in his work, but my mind was elsewhere, thinking about the guests.

I had been given a list of the names of the women and man I would be seeing this afternoon. I wouldn't be spending much individual time with them today, but I was expected to at least meet each of them during the lounge hour. There were six Arranged: Lee Ryant, Autumn Giddings, Alyssa Carrigan, Mae Clark, Julia Robinson, and Taylor Dixson. Some background information pertaining to their families had been provided, but I skimmed over it, finding it pointless to know. I expected several, if not all, of the Arranged to have very little interest in their parent's work. I expected a similar situation to myself: Forced to be the heir to something that though was mildly interesting, it wasn't the most exciting thing at the moment. I wasn't terribly excited or eager to take over as king once my father resigned, rather, I was more anxious than anything.

Dacian and Cronin were expected at the gathering as well. They were the military officers that would be in charge of protecting the Arranged during their time at the palace. It was more so in Cronin's department as the captain of the Royal Guard, who's entire job was meant to staff and train the men and women who would protect the palace and the inhabitants within, specifically the royals. Dacian's department, as my father's military advisor and captain of the Whitebridge Army, wasn't specifically important to the Arranged, as he dealt with the rest of Whitebridge outside the capital and national security. It didn't hurt for him to show his face to further assure the safety of the Arranged during their time at the palace.

A more interesting thought was the idea of Eli attending. He had been invited as the last member of the Noble family. He would be living at the palace with the rest of us, but that was the extent of his involvement in the Arranged. Nobody, not even I, was expecting him to turn up, as he had no reason to. Perhaps he would show up as emotional support for me. As heartwarming as the thought was, I wasn't sure if I could bear seeing him at the gathering. I didn't think I could stomach seeing him while I was supposed to be greeting my possible future spouse.

"Are you anxious?" I asked suddenly, surprising my father. The room had been silent since I arrived. He must have been concentrating when I saw him jump slightly, making me chuckle weakly. "I'm so anxious, Dad."

He set his papers down, making me more nervous to see I had his attention now.

"Yes, actually." He said, surprising me. "I put on a confident face, you know this, but a more... Social and friendly gathering is not my strong suit. I can speak to anyone about anything regarding our country, including other officials and royalty from our neighbors, but the moment you ask me to hold a casual conversation with a stranger? I get a bit anxious."

"I think you've told me this before," I said with a weak chuckle. "Specifically at our birthday celebrations. So, small talk about anything relating to your life, or even my life, makes you panic?" I teased.

"Panic is a strong word..." I laughed at him, but he reluctantly joined me and shook his head, disappointed in himself. "You're right. Talking about business is easy, but making friends isn't for me. That's why I'm anxious. One of these families will be my future in-laws, and I'm expected to introduce myself as a peer to each of them this afternoon. Talking is easy, but making future relationships isn't."

"You're telling me... I'm seeing the Arranged as a possible spouse. Oh, and I have to talk to their families too as a future son-in-law! Oh God, Dad, why did you put this together!" We both laughed together.

"I think we should relax, alright! Today is just a gentle meet and greet, nothing serious or groundbreaking! Have a couple conversations and feel things out!"

"You should relax too," I pointed at him. "The only family that matters is the family of the spouse I choose. So don't take it upon yourself to make friends and learn everything about every family!"

He rolled his eyes playfully, smiling. "Alright, son. We'll both take it easy, hm?"