Casper
When the sun began to fade into the horizon and shadows were cast onto my floor, I couldn't procrastinate any longer and had to find my father. If I was late, he would be even more angry than I already expected him to be.
Father found me first. The muscles in his jaw flexed as he grabbed my arm and like I was a child again, he dragged me with him down the hall. "Come with me." He said through gritted teeth.
He lead me outside and stopped me in the middle of the courtyard. "Is everything well, Father?" I asked for the second time today.
Father looked over his shoulder then lowered his voice. "Are you aware of how valuable your marriage to Clara Sterling is to our kingdom? Do you realize how close we were to losing the only lifeline we have right now?" Spit landed on my cheek as he spat out the words but I didn't dare move to wipe it off. "Until the moment that girl says 'I do', everything you do can adversely effect your engagement. Your little episode the other week almost ruined everything, you pathetic child! Have I taught you nothing about control?"
"My apologies, Father." I mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "I will try to control my outbursts."
Father grasped a fistful of my blazer and pulled me closer, cowering under his glare. "You will get this abnormality under control or I swear to you, I will find someone else to leave my kingdom to."
I stepped back, freeing myself from his grip. "You can't do that!" I protested. "Whether you like it or not, I am your blood and by law the kingdom will fall to me."
Even in the dark, I could see the vein popping out from under the skin on Father's neck as he grew enraged. "I suppose I'll have to make some edits to that law then." He threatened. "By sheer luck, I've managed to talk Clara's father back into your engagement. You will not do anything that might endanger it again, am I clear?"
"Yes, Father."
His hand came down hard across my cheek. "Look at me when you speak, boy."
I forced myself to look up and ignore the sting of my cheek as he raised his hand again.
"Stop! You can't do that!" Clara's voice appeared out of nowhere but a figure was nearing us and I realized it was her.
"Clara, go." I said, sternly. There was no reason for her to be involved.
Father seethed and I could see the glow inside her clenched fists grow brighter."The only thing I do not know at this moment is who put in your brain that women are stupid and who told you it was okay to abuse your son. Do you care to enlighten me? Or would you care to enlighten my father? Which ever one works for you, Your highness."
"Are you threatening me, little princess?" Father raised an eyebrow and let out a devilish laugh. "This engagement benefits you as much as it does us. It would be wise to keep your mouth shut before you say something you might regret. If you think your kingdom will be able to fight of the rebels alone, you're lying to yourself." Father nodded his head in a weak attempt to bow. "I wish you the best of evenings, little princess."
He walked back into the castle and I snapped. "I told you to leave." I said, coldly.
"I'm not going to sit back and watch you get beat, Casper!" She cried, still angry about what my father had said to her.
"Leave now, then." I turned my back towards her. "And do not speak a word of this."
"Cass-"
"LEAVE!" I yelled, shocking both of us. There was a moment of silence, the only sound was of my heavy breathing.
"Okay." I could hear the hurt and disappointment in her soft reply. As soon as the sound of footsteps disappeared, I sunk to the ground. I shouted and yelled until my voice was hoarse, and ripped handfuls of grass from the earth as hot tears fell down my cheeks. I was humiliated that Clara felt the need to step in, furious that Father threatened to pass the crown to someone else, and hurt from the sharp slap. My anger dissipated but I stayed on my knees, head in my hands.
"Cass?" Clara walked carefully towards me and put a consoling hand on my shoulder.
"I thought you left." I said lamely, still to ashamed to bring my head up to look at her.
She ignored my comment. "That wasn't okay, what your father did to you. You don't deserve that."
"Yes I do."
Her hands cupped my face and lifted it up to face her. "I will always be by your side, Casper. Engagement or not, I'll face your demons with you even when you tell me to leave." Her blue eyes searched mine and I could still see the worry in her as she ran her thumb over the red mark on my cheek.
"I'm alright, Clara." I reassured her as I rose to my feet. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. "I apologize for yelling and I am thankful you care so much but I will not fight my father." She sighed but said nothing. "Truely, Clara. Thank you. I'll be by your side as well to the best of my abilities." I bent down and kissed her cheek. "Good night."
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