Chapter XIII: Man-to-Man Talk

King Alaric’s POV

I followed the royal guards to where Beatrice's grandpa is. The guards take me to a garden, and I saw him seating and eating something.

"King Alaric is here, your highness," the guards said.

“Ok, thank you. You may leave”

"Ok, your highness,"

It’s just us two in here.

"Take a seat, King Alaric,"

"Thank you,"

"Here, have some snacks,"

“Ok, so why do you want to talk to me?”

"Because I want to clear some things. You know that Beatrice's father didn't tell me that Beatrice is to marry you. By the way, my name is Charles, former king in Terabithia,"

"Beatrice and I went to meet the king and queen earlier, and King Phillip said that he decided on his own and didn't discuss the matter to you,"

"Yes, and that's why I want to meet you in person, King Alaric,"

"And you made a bad excuse. Beatrice was worried when she knew that you are sick,"

"It's a bad excuse, but I succeeded. I met you in person. I was stunned that you are younger than Beatrice and too young to be king,"

“I’m just five years younger than Beatrice. I became king at the age of eight because my mother, which is the queen, died”

“Ah, so that’s why. Your father?”

"My father died also in an accident when my mother is still pregnant with me. I did not see him in person, just his picture,"

"It must be hard for you,"

"It is. I studied hard to be the righteous king, even though I'm still young. With the help of my uncle as my right hand, but he died a few years ago,"

We talked about our life. And it keeps going and going.

Queen Beatrice’s POV

I and my sisters are having fun. We sing and cooked cookies for our snacks. I will grab some for Alaric. I miss these moments with my sisters. After bonding with them, I said goodbye to them.

"I'm going back now,"

"Yes, she misses King Alaric already,"

"Shut up.  I'm not,"

“Uhum?”

"I'm not. I'm going now,"

I am happily going back to our room when I saw someone in the garden. When I got closer, it is Alaric and grandpa. I want to go near them and maybe surprise them. I was about to get close to them when grandpa asked something to Alaric, and I did not surprise them,  instead I hid at a tree and listen to them.

“So King Alaric, this is what I ordered you to come here. To talk about you and Beatrice. Why do you want to marry her?”

Why grandpa suddenly asked that? Maybe to clear something out? Whatever, I will just listen.

"I want to marry her because I heard about your place that you have many talented people especially singing. I also heard that your granddaughters have beautiful voices, so I wanted to marry one of King Phillip's youngest daughter. I thought of marrying someone despite my young age because I wanted a companion that can be with me,"

“When Beatrice arrived at your place, what is your impression of her?”

“When she arrived at the palace, she was shocked because I am younger than her and also the height difference. She said that I am like a little brother to her, but I don’t want her to be her little brother because I want her to see me as a grown man. At first, she is stubborn, and we fight about small matters, but when I get to know her more, she is understanding and thoughtful. She always thinks about others first then herself. She changed me,"

“Changed you?”

"Yes, because when my mother died, I became arrogant, and I stop appreciating the small things. When Beatrice came to my life, she gave me hope and light in my life. I'm thankful that she came to my life,"

I was touched when Alaric said that. It makes my heart beats faster.

“Beatrice also is the light of this palace. Moving on, this is what I've been eager to ask you. What is Beatrice to you?"

"Beatrice is everything to me. I realized it a few days that I met her. I like her at first because he tamed me. I admit that I don't like her at first because she is stubborn. But now, I can say that I love her. I'm not good at expressing it in words, but I hope she can tell it by my actions. I forced her to marry me, but I want to make this right. I'm planning to confess to her, but I'm nervous. I have a lot of what if's in my mind,"

"You don't need to worry. I bet Beatrice will accept your feelings. I'm rooting for you. You have my blessings. After hearing your side, I like you for my granddaughter,"

"Thank you so much. I will cherish her,"

"I know you will,"

After hearing their conversation, I left them and went to our room. I heard a lot from Alaric today, from his thoughts and feelings for me. I like Alaric, but after listening to their conversations earlier, I realized something. I think I love Alaric. He is honest with his feelings, and I know that he is not kidding. I admit that I like Alaric, but I recalled those moments when I'm with him, and it made me realize something. I love him. I know it's been a few months, but I don't care. Love doesn't define how long you've known the person. Love will bloom unexpectedly. And I've felt that with Alaric. Spending time and being with him for a few months is enough to say that I love him. Even though he is childish and arrogant, those moments that we spend with each other, makes me want to spend it more with him. I want to be with him until the day I die.

King Alaric’s POV

After talking with Beatrice’s grandpa, I went back to our room. When I opened the door, Beatrice is there already.

“Where did you go?”

"Just outside, talking with your grandpa,"

“What did you talked about?”

"It's a secret,"

"Tell me,"

"No, it's just between us,"

"Ok. Here, have some cookies,"

“Wow”

I taste the cookies, and it's delicious.

"It's so delicious,"

“Sure it is because I baked them”

“You did? Can you bake them again when we return to the palace?”

“Sure. No problem”

“Thanks”

I didn't know that Beatrice can bake. I'm glad that grandpa is rooting for me. I'm thinking of confessing my feelings to Beatrice. I hope she will accept my confession. I'm nervous, but I need to man-up a bit.

A lot of revelations in this chapter.

Will Beatrice accept Alaric’s confession?

Find out in the next chapter.