Chapter 19: Us

I seek out the prince first thing in the morning. Coming to his office as soon as the sun peaks over the mountainside.

“Oh, Islet. How did you sleep?” He asks. His deep skin has even darker circles under his eyes.

I take a bow in front of his table. “Fine. But I am not here for formalities.” I echo his words from the restaurant.

He blinks at me for a moment. Then he places his pen down and leans into his seat.

“Sit then.” He says.

I take a seat in the chair behind me.

“I will no longer hide.”

He sighs. “I’m sorry for dealing with everything this way. It must have been stressful.”

“It was. With all due respect, I would like you to let me handle my problems my own way.”

He nods. “How do you suppose you do that?”

“I want to work again. I need space, time, and focus.”

“Alright.” He agrees.

A mistrust creeps into my skin.

“Why are you agreeing so easily?” I ask.

Cerulean taps his nails against the hardwood table. “I just want you to be happy.”