Chapter Text
As the sun rose on the Equation Playground kingdom, Prince Four was deeply asleep. Last night, the night before, and for the past 14 months, they’d been sneaking out of the palace late to go see a commoner variable, X. Four knew his parent, Sovereign Five, would never approve. Besides, sooner or later they’d have him sent off to marry a royal, as was typical. It’s not like he had to know anyway.
An hour later, they stirred awake. Mostly because of the cat that slept in the room pawing their face. Some 40 minutes later, they were dressed – without the help of his servants. He neglected to eat breakfast, something he was frankly too tired to do. Instead, he went to the writing room, accompanied by his cat. When he entered the room, however, it wasn’t empty. His younger sibling, Princess One, was painting a picture of a room at night, adding finishing touches. On her lap, half-sleeping, was her own cat.
“Another painting?” Four asked. They had to admit, One made beautiful artwork. Too bad none of them were hung up like the regal portraits of past royals.
“Almost done,” One replied. Four walked over to the grand desk and laid a piece of paper to make an origami basket, but not before the door opened.
“Your highness, Four,” a servant said. “His Majesty would like to speak with you.” One gave Four a confused look. Judging by the servant’s cold tone, it must be important. Four followed the servant to the meeting room, where a musician played soft harp music and Sovereign Five waited on a luxurious gold and purple velvet couch.
On cue, the musician left, leaving the two in silence. “I have news,” Five started. Great. News meant something like a war or whatever. Four just hoped it would be quick. “We need an alliance with the Expression Park kingdom. Sovereign Fifteen will not hesitate to attack us if she doesn’t get that alliance soon. Therefore, you will be married to her eldest child and heir, Two,” Five said. What? Married? Four wanted to immediately object. They couldn’t marry! They had X waiting on him! But X was a commoner, and war would start if he didn’t do this. It’s fine, Four thought. It’s not like I have to love them. Five continued. “I’ve already discussed everything with Fifteen. You will leave tomorrow by carriage.” Tomorrow? How was he going to tell X..? Nevertheless, he didn’t have the courage to object. They gave their best emotionless “Very well” and left.
Four went straight to their room, plopped on the floor, and let the tears flow. A flurry of thoughts came all at once, questions and concerns for the future. The door gave a soft creek, gently pushing him aside. “Four?” It was One. They sat down next to him, careful not to wrinkle their indigo gown.
“Here. I brought you something.” She gently placed a bag of colorful gumdrops into his hand, one of his favorites.
“Father says I have to marry Crown Princet Two. He needs an alliance with Expression Park,” Four said, munching on the candies. “I don’t know if I can do it. It feels like I’m sacrificing my own happiness.”
One stirred. “Well, this was bound to happen. If I could, I’d stop this. But I’ll do everything in my power to help you. It’s the least I can do. Maybe you can still come back every now and then.” Trying to look on the bright side helped a little.
Four glanced at the clock. He still had a whole schedule ahead of him — fencing class, fourseback riding, algebra…suddenly those didn’t matter.
“Tell my instructors I won’t be there for my classes,” they decided. “As you wish.” One exited, on their way to her own classes.
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Night came sooner than Four thought. Or maybe it just seemed like that. Either way, night meant they’d see X. Tossing down a ladder, Four climbed down, then hid it behind some bushes. After that, they headed for the palace gardens, their meeting spot. He opened the door to the greenhouse, careful not to shine too much light as he lit a candle. They immediately relaxed when he saw the yellow variable sitting on a bench, smiling at once.
“Hey.” X gave a soft wave. Four trudged over the rows of flowers and sat down next to them.
“Four? What’s wrong? You look depressed.” X seemed to always know his feelings. Everything from earlier came rising up. How heartbreaking it would be to X..
“Look, uh, I,” Four struggled to find the words. Instead, they just decided to blurt it all out. “I have to get married for an alliance with Expression Park. And..I leave tomorrow,” the last words were almost barely audible.
Both algebraliens started to cry at once. “I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again,” Four sadly looked at the flowers, plucking a red rose and fiddling with it.
X grabbed Four’s hand, the rose falling to the ground. “We will always be together, remember?” X said to Four, “Just like you promised me.”
“I know but X! How can I convince them to let you come to Fifteen's court? They won’t allow you to!” Four asked, fear and confusion in his voice.
X held Four’s hand tighter. “I’ll get there, one way or another. Please, Four. Don’t give up so easily.” X was right. Then, it hit Four. What if the court didn’t know X was a commoner? What if they could disguise X?
“I have a plan,” Four announced. “You’re going to have to listen and do as I say.”