Chapter 12: Managing The Double Life

Wendell 

Storm clouds cover the blue skies above as Wendell walks into the schoolhouse early in the morning. To his luck, the only person who has arrived is Kana lying her head down on the desk. The two lock eyes and she greets him with a rather tired smile. 

"Morning, Frederick. Where's Saelufu?" 

"Oh, uh, she overslept so I headed out ahead of her," he replies with an excuse off underneath his hat, hoping she doesn't turn up absent today. "It's unusual for you to be the first one here."

"Well, I do have a farther walk coming from Rainswood, but I had a few deliveries to run before class started."

Wendell can't say he is surprised she was out working before dawn. Then to have and sit through three hours of schooling afterward must take its toll. The aid is still getting distributed so her family shouldn't have much longer to wait.

"Yes, I thought I heard voices." Ms. Grumphan walks in behind him wearing the usual furrow between her thick eyebrows. "Since it's a good minute until the lesson begins, why don't you both go fetch two water buckets from the well."

This doesn't sound like a mere suggestion to him but the teacher's order. Apparently, in schoolhouses, they have water set aside so if students want a drink during hours. Usually by the time he arrives somebody else would've already taken care of it. 

"Of course, Ma'am. We'll bring them in right away," Kana answers, him nodding in agreement. 

Wendell follows her lead outside around the back where a small well stands alone. He never had the opportunity to use one himself examining the structure for a moment. The prince has seen castle workers handle this often, and it didn't look too difficult a task. Making sure to tie the rope firmly around the bucket handle, he allows Kana to control the pulley, lowering it into the water below. 

"Hey, uh, there's something I've been meanin to ask ya..." he starts, grabbing her attention. Now that they have a minute by themselves there is no point in holding off his invitation. This will be a perfect chance to closening their growing bond as well as an event to spend together at her favorite location.

"Sure, what is it?" 

"I was just wonderin if ya could come with me to Bubbles Bond Festival later this evenin?" 

Wendell was wanting her response to be immediate though instead, he receives an awkward silence in return. The Bubbles Bond Festival remains another yearly celebration that takes place at Greendale Hill, toward the end of the spring season. Its purpose is to welcome the sunny days fast approaching by blowing large bubbles amongst other activities. Although people of all ages can participate, couples, in particular, seem to be the target audience. Perhaps it feels a little weird on her end considering she hasn't known Frederick very long. 

"Sorry, I only wanted to repay ya for invitin me to the parade, but forget I asked."

"No, it's not like that. I just promised Mr. Baker I would help him move this evening with my older brother. He lives in Everlane, therefore, the pay isn't something we can exactly afford to pass up," she explains, setting the filled bucket of cold water aside. If work is the true reason the girl can't attend then there's nothing left for him to say. More importantly, tight as Kana's schedule can get he is concerned about her health. 

"Oh, that's too bad. I do hope you're not overworkin yourself and take plenty of breaks under the shade. You will fall ill tryin to push past your limits," he advises, as they proceed to the second bucket.

"Thanks, but I'll be alright. It's been like this the past two years so I've learned to set rest days now and then. Besides, I don't need to stress about homework for the coming weekend at least."

Despite such a beaming smile on Kana's face, her weak speech is the opposite of her positive attitude. She got a similar way when laboring struggles were their conversation topic last week. It's almost as if the girl is masking her emotions to prevent people from seeing a different side. 

"Honestly, I had a lot of fun at the royal ball and parade so I don't mind sitting this one out. I appreciate the invitation but maybe Saelufu is free to go with you. Although while we're on the subject..." The brunette voice trails off biting her tongue, and he squats down giving her a gentle smile. 

"What's wrong?" 

"Well--it's just, I know this is selfish and I said no to your offer. But I wanted you to meet a good friend" --Wendell's heartbeat accelerates-- "of mine that's arriving late this afternoon. We've been best friends since living in Aniex, and it's not often he can come to visit. I was going to ask Saelufu if she could join us too." 

The prince lets out a mental sigh of relief when realizing this isn't himself but another close connection that she shares. Alphonse's name has been spoken of on occasion and the two do constantly write. Still, this will be the first time they meet even minus his disguise. 

"Doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'd love to meet ya old pal," he answers, the girl clapping her hands with a brighter smile than before. 

"Great! We can stop at home to drop off our books and then head straight for the station." 

The previous tiredness has vanished as a certain twinkle lights her emerald eyes. Some plans are better than nothing at all given she cannot make it to the festival. Furthermore, Wendell is a tad curious to get introduced to the boy he has heard so much about. With both buckets full and their chatting done, the pair heads back inside the now packed classroom.

...

When school ends, the three teens gather although an additional figure approaches. Saelufu had plans with their newer student, and to compromise, Justus is offered to come along with them. They all part ways to drop their books off at home and return by the time Kana instructs. Once everyone arrives back, the small group leaves for the train station. 

Thankfully, the warm sun returns as the earlier rain shower has passed. Perhaps it brings a quite busy afternoon with swarms of people emerging from the train carts. Between all the chatter and creaky gears going it is awfully noisy for his taste. 

Kana's eyes darted about searching amidst the large crowd while the others follow behind her. She insists he should've exited this departing train, him being a very punctual individual. These words are proven accurate as the brunette suddenly stops waving on her tippy toes.

"Alphonse, over here!" 

Wendell gets a better view under the light and he is tall--far above the prince's short height. The evident frown on Alphonse's face gives an impression he may not be too thrilled by their presence. Brown-skinned and dark brunette hair practically hiding his shady violet eyes. Given the animal skin belt around his waist, anyone could guess he dwells in the hunters' village.

"Kana, been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, I'm so glad to see you." The two buddies exchange a quick hug before his gaze turns to them. 

"I didn't expect a welcoming party." 

"Oh, these are some friends of mine I invited along, Saelufu, Frederick, and Justus." She gestures to each of them before pointing toward the male beside her. "As I already told you guys, this is my childhood friend, Alphonse Golding." 

"I do remember you mentioning the girl in letters but not these two... Well, nice to meet all of you," he replies, now addressing them. Each gives him similar responses, and with introductions complete, the five heads for the main road. Alphonse has come there prior to this visit thus they won't be giving him a tour.

"Um, where should we stop first? It's plenty of hotspots nearby to choose from or are we going to the capital instead?" Justus asks, and the brunette nudges her guest.

"You can decide since you've been swamped lately and don't have much time to stay." 

"...Let's start with the marketplace. Even waking up early was still a hassle with my bratty siblings, and I barely had the window to half eat a decent breakfast."

"Okay, the marketplace it is then." Kana leads down the long road as they travel to the outdoor market in Opal Forten.

Just hanging at food stands is only the beginning of several places to enjoy. Afterward they stop for a bowling match--which Alphonse easily wins, and take a short break at Greendale Hill. When everyone's ready to move again their next destination is the active town square.

Wendell can't help but notice as a certain pair walking further ahead playfully teases one another. Their interactions are a constant distraction for him this entire outing. From his perspective, Alphonse is a laid-back guy and somebody the prince wouldn't expect to be compatible with Kana. He understands his recent trips have been quite rare, yet it doesn't help lift the aching feeling deep in his chest.

"Hey, Saelufu," Wendell whispers, not trying to draw attention as she slows her pace. "Tell me, what do you think about them?" 

"About who?" 

"Kana and Alphonse, of course." 

"Hmm..." His friend takes another glance at them pondering the serious question. "They could make a cute couple."

As soon as those simple words leave her mouth, his face immediately darkens. Even if that statement is most likely a joke--with the doubts stirring inside him--it's not very humorous. The prince's arms crossed not bothering for a second to hide his annoyance.

"Does it amuse you to toy with me?"

"Sorry, it was just a little joke." Saelufu glances at them again, wiping the previous smirk off her lips. "For my actual answer, I honestly don't believe it's what you're thinking. Sure they have a close relationship but it feels platonic to me." 

Despite her opinion, Wendell just can't know for certain if that's truly the case. Kana noticeably acts more easygoing with Alphonse than she ever has around himself or Frederick. Maybe his invitation to the festival was rejected earlier because the girl has a special person who already stole her heart.

If Kana does like him that would be the answer to my predicament in the worst possible outcome...

The dwarf gives a light bop on the head bringing him back to reality. "I said to stop worrying! Listen to the opinion of another female that they don't share any kind of spark. Not like the one we're hoping is genuine Kana has with you." 

"Yes, you're probably right..." 

Talking to her has calmed his anxiety a bit and perhaps he is overthinking things. The two maintained a strong friendship for many years, so if mutual attraction did exist it should've come to light. This deduction clears away his lingering suspicion as they hurry to close the growing gap. 

The five reach the town square which is bustling with excitement as usual. Wendell remains quiet, letting his friends pick where to venture first, though he isn't the sole person there without an input. Alphonse hardly enters the most popular area in the kingdom, yet he doesn't seem all that invested in this chat.

"Hey Kana, I need to talk with you privately for a minute." 

A shocking request finally breaks his silence and causes the ash-blonde to raise an eyebrow. 

"Alright, you guys can start wherever and we'll catch up," Kana insists, running behind Alphonse around the corner.

I wonder what he is dragging her away to discuss...

The prince checks on Saelufu and Justus to see they have gone into a trinket shop together. With them preoccupied, he slowly creeps up towards the opening of the dark alleyway. Wendell peeks his head a fraction from the brick wall and anxiously watches the outcome. Kana's back faces his direction making it impossible for him to read her facial expressions. Also, both are just distant enough that he can't hear anything above muffled voices. 

It's terrible to be eavesdropping like this. I should leave before I get caught-

His body is frozen solid when a particular item has the prince stop functioning. A pretty beaded bracelet that almost holds as great of significance as an engagement ring. This jewelry is specially meant for males to give to whomever their heart desires to court.

Is he giving that to her?!

Wendell holds his breath awaiting a response when Kana nods her head to his disbelief. He vigorously rubs his dry eyes praying they are indeed pulling tricks on him. However, the two now head back in his direction, and he dashes to the nearest shop pretending to window browse. 

"Kana, come see this!" Saelufu calls the brunette as the three disappear into another building. 

Unfortunately, that only gets rid of her as Alphonse stands mere inches from him. The taller male eyeballs him without a sound and then observes the different toys on display inside. 

"You have younger siblings at home?"

"Yes-I mean no! N-Not exactly siblings only a...little cousin is all. I'm not sure if I can find something for cheap though..."

"I see... Just to clear the air, I'm aware of you spying on us over there. Forgetting to remove that large-cap revealed your position."

Alphonse's casual confrontation leaves the prince utterly speechless. His mind draws blank on a reasonable excuse to cover up for his wrong actions. Fighting a battle that is long lost he deeply sighs, yanking such cap down in shame. 

"Ya spotted me then. I'm real sorry about eavesdroppin on y'all intimate matters. It wasn't any business of mine."

Wendell wishes he never did pry, to begin with, rather than being so nosy. The truth would still wound him but witnessing their tender exchange will ruin countless nights of sleep. His confession hurts and even if he couldn't hear a word, it doesn't ease the heartache. 

"It wasn't for her." 

"Um, what?" 

"This promise bracelet." Alphonse reaches into his pocket and brings out the same bracelet he failed to realize wasn't around Kana's wrist. "I was asking her how I oughta go about my actual confession this evening. I'm bad when it comes to voicing my feelings outright so I needed some advice." 

"Oh, that's why..." 

Turns out Saelufu was correct and he jumped to conclusions based on his weary heart. Silly as he should feel to have gotten upset, it's completely washed away by the confirmation healing his knotted stomach. Even if certain conditions must be cleared in order for him to propose, Alphonse won't be a rival he ever needs to worry about. 

"I'm probably crossin the line for pryin after what I just did but who's it for then?" 

"Lucille Fletcher," he mumbles, gripping tightly the purple jewelry in his hand. "If you're unfamiliar with her, she's an energetic noble girl that lives here in the capital. Kana is the reason we became friends a couple of months ago. I can't guess when I give this to her if the evening will end on a good note or a bad one. Regardless, I won't be able to move forward unless I tell her how I feel."

It didn't even cross my mind that the bracelet could be for someone else. Alphonse realizes the risks in confessing and what can happen to their present bond if she says no. Knowing all of those things, he's still willing to go through with this...

"I never met Lucille personally but I reckon she's a nice gal. I wish you the best of luck and hope you receive a favorable answer," Wendell replies, bringing a small grin to the older teen's face, unlike his earlier stoic behavior. 

"Thanks, same goes for you too." 

Alphonse's gaze goes to Kana who just exits the shop and waves the boys over. It must be fairly obvious given he was spying on them with a jealous eye all afternoon. This marks the second person to figure out, including Justus but it's of little concern. The prince is confident he can trust him to keep his secret having a special lady of his own. 

The loud chimes signify it's five o'clock sharp and everybody has some plans or another later. Whether they're attending the festival or working until dawn, it makes sense to wrap this fun evening up. However, their visitor suggests one final trip that causes all of the color to drain from his face. A short stop at the castle where he can get a chance to meet the prince Kana befriended. 

What should I do? When Kana pressed for us to visit my home after leaving the vineyard I wasn't there. If I'm absent again it could arouse suspicion, and since there's no way of talking them out of this...

"I have to go!"

"What, right now?" Kana frowns at his declaration, and he gives a small tip of the hat in apology. 

"Sorry, just remembered I...got some chores I never finished yesterday. Don't want Saelufu's parents angry because I'm not doin my part. They should be headed back as we speak so I'll see y'all soon. It was nice meetin ya, Alphonse!" Wendell sprints off before any protest to his obvious lie can be made. That lie might've been a terrible excuse, but it's the only one he could think up under pressure. His number priority is reaching the palace in enough time with no seconds to waste. 

The southern dressed boy glances back at Saelufu and her determined gaze proves they're on the same page. Being dear friends as long as they have telepathic waves can do the job without a syllable exchanged. The dwarf will find a good means of distraction, thus buying him some much-desired minutes. There's a hidden route he used to take through the forest when sneaking from home as a child. If the prince travels that way he cannot bump into them, but he's also left with a lengthier dash to complete picking up his pace.

The ash-blonde runs at full speed down the dirt trail stumbling as he goes. Wendell refuses to provide his sweaty skin a lick of rest until arriving at the distant goal. Fortunately, he remembers to brace himself for the upcoming slide and remains balanced while he descends. After a further push, the forest opening soon comes to light with him approaching a side entrance. 

Now just to rush upstairs and hastily change clothes!

Exhausting as the one-sided race was, he drags his tired limbs inside. He can't risk the luxury to sit and cool off no matter how tempting. Once Wendell does fetch an outfit and sluggishly redresses, there's a sudden knock at his bedroom door. It couldn't have worked out any more perfectly if he had taken that small breather. 

"Prince Wendell, you have a group of guests waiting for you at the main entrance." 

"Yes, I'll be there momentarily!" The ash-blonde inspects his reflection to ensure everything's in order before leaving. 

When he reaches the gate Wendell is greeted by the exact four people he saw only a short period ago. The prince shoots Saelufu a slight grin in thanks for always helping him out of these sticky situations. Unfortunately, his rather disheveled appearance doesn't go unnoticed by them. Though he tosses a fib of his current weariness from playing with Wendy and their pet rottweiler. 

"Sorry, I know this group visit is a bit unexpected. Everyone has busy schedules this evening, so I'm sure that goes double for you. We can keep this brief, but there's someone who wants to meet you." Kana gestures to the male who humbly bows. "This is the childhood friend of mine I've mentioned, Alphonse Golding." 

"It's nice to make your acquaintance, Your Highness. Kana has said many good things concerning you in her letters. I was curious to speak with the prince she keeps on about for myself." 

Alphonse's speech is much more proper than casual as before. Playing the role of a peasant is a huge eye opener to just how drastically different people his own age treat him. On a positive note, he doesn't seem to notice the connection to Frederick. 

"She has often spoken your name as well. I'm glad to get this opportunity and finally shake hands with you. I know we're all short on time but care for a quick tea break before taking off?"

"Ice tea after walking in this miserable heat sounds nice," Justus replies, and the others agree to his offer while they hurry from under the blazing sun. It was a close call but he managed to cover his tracks, at least for today. Still, which clever scheme will he pull once a scenario like this happens yet again? 

What is my course of action when the day comes

when Wendell and Frederick are forced to meet? 



A/N Hello readers! All the main characters have officially been introduced now. Hope you enjoyed this update as it will be a bit before the next one.