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“Do you have to go?” Rosalina sat on the edge of the young prince’s bed, playing with her telescope in her lap.
“You know I do, Rosa. My mother demands it.”
“You don’t always have to listen to her, you know.”
“Can you come help me with these buttons?” Boo ignored her comment as his fingers fumbled. He hated these stupid silver buttons.
She set the telescope aside, fingers tracing the delicate designs for a few moments. “Yes, of course.” She floated over to him, spinning him to face her as she looked the buttons over.
“I don’t know what I would do without you, Rosa.” Boo watched as she used her nimble fingers to slide the buttons through. “These balls would be… unbearable.”
These damn balls. He had nothing against dancing; he loved to dance, in fact, but he never got to experience that joy. No. His job was simply to sit on a throne, to watch as every single attendant got to enjoy themselves. They were permitted to mingle and dance. To eat and relax, to engage in conversations and make friends. They were permitted to be happy.
Boo was allowed none of that. He had one role at the ball - to sit in a throne like the future king he was, and be scrutinized by everyone. Every royal would look him up and down, deciding whether he was a worthy candidate for marriage for their children.
Clearly, no one thought he was good enough.
Why he needed to be married was a mystery to him. He didn’t need a throne. He had one, already promised to him. But his mother and father always went on and on about business, treaties, this and that. What was best for the kingdom. Nevermind what was best for him.
Why couldn’t he just understand, he was part of a bigger picture? This was about more than just him, more than his brother or his parents, more than the entire royal family. This was about their kingdom, and other kingdoms. This was for the good of the people, it would benefit everyone.
He’d never understood why benefiting everyone had to come at such a high cost to his own personal freedom. If he had his way, it wouldn’t. He’d find new ways to maintain relationships with the other kingdoms, without compromising himself.
“Boo?” Rosalina was looking at him, her head tilted in concern. “Are you alright? You went away.”
He scoffed, brushing her aside. “It’s called daydreaming, Rosa, I’ve told you. You should try it sometime.”
“From what you’ve explained, I already do that plenty,” she said with a smile.
He loved it when she smiled.
“You are attending the ball?” he asked, turning back to assess his appearance in the mirror.
“I believe so.”
“Good. Perhaps I’ll actually enjoy myself for once.”
Rosalina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, glancing at her own reflection. “Perhaps. I suppose I should get ready as well.” She turned and headed for the door, reaching to grab her telescope as she passed. She was almost at the threshold when she cried out, dropping it.
Boo glanced up. “Rosa?” She had fallen to her knees, a hand pressed over the side of her face that was contorted in pain. He quickly ran over, kneeling down beside her and grasping her hand. With his help, she was able to sit down and press her back to the wall. Her face was still hidden in her hands.
“I’m here, Rosa. It’s going to be okay, I promise. It will pass, they always do.”
He sat with her for several minutes, keeping a close eye on her. He knew no harm would come from the visions, but it still pained his heart every time he witnessed one. They clearly weren’t pleasant. And they were uncontrollable.
Rosa’s head eventually lifted. Two tears trickled down her cheeks in perfect harmony. No more emerged.
“Hey,” he met her eyes, smiling reassuringly. “How are you feeling?”
She searched his gaze for a moment, grounding herself in his eyes. “I’m… fine.”
“Was it bad? The vision?” She didn’t answer. “Was it about tonight?” She hesitated, then gave a small nod. Boo’s stomach twisted. “Was it about me?” She looked away. “Rosa, please, was it about me?”
“You know I’m forbidden to tell you my visions.” She glanced back at him. “Tonight is going to change something, Boo. I don’t know what- I don’t!” She repeated as he gave her a look. “I told you, my visions are… erratic. I couldn’t see what happened. But it’s something big.”
“Maybe I’ll be allowed to drink and properly enjoy myself.” Boo muttered. “That would be a big change.”
“I’m serious!” Rosalina seemed suddenly upset. “This is bad, Boo. You need to be careful.”
He glanced at her, gaze softening. “Oh, come on, Rosa. You know me. I won’t do anything stupid.” He placed a gentle hand over hers. “I’ll be just fine.”
She wavered, but he felt her calm under his touch. After a moment, she nodded.
“Now then.” He stood, pulling her to her feet beside him. “I believe there is a ball you must prepare for.” He did a mock bow, grinning childishly at her.
Rosalina blinked, looking him over.
“It’s sarcasm, Rosa. We’ve practiced this, remember?”
A blush of embarrassment came over her. “Oh, yes!” She did a slightly clumsy, overdramatic curtsy. “My lord,” she gasped out, smiling up at him expectantly.
“No, no, allow me,” he laughed, bowing deeper.
She let out a bright laugh - she always had the most beautiful laugh - and stood up straight. “Well, I’ll- see you at the ball.”
“I’ll see you,” he replied.
She gave him a small wave and made her way out of his bedroom, closing the door behind her. It had barely clicked shut before it was open again, revealing his mother in the doorway. His heart plummeted.
“What have I told you about messing about with friends?” she snapped. “You have an important night to prepare for.”
“I’m ready.”
“What?”
“I’m ready, Mother,” he said louder, making sure to speak clearly.
“Are you?” She strode quickly over to him, examining every inch of his face and clothes. As her eyes fell on his vest, she let out a scoff. “Your buttons are on wrong.”
She moved to fix them, but Boo took a step back. “No.”
“I’m sorry?” She curled her lip, eyes flashing.
“No,” he repeated, hugging his vest close to himself, “they’re not.”