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She closed her eyes for a long time and just stood still.
Walking up to her, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. The scent of lavender filled my nose.
“Enough. We do not have time to be despondent. There is too much to do. We need to carry on and fill any gaps. For both your father’s and brother’s sakes.” She sniffled and stepped out of my arms. “I’ve had them pack several of your favorites. Plus, jeans and other casual wear. I hear Americans prefer casual dress. Though the suits might be for any formal events—”
“Mom, are you breathing?”
“Don’t be silly. Of course, I’m breathing,” she answered, looking over my bags. She reached over and dusted off one of my shoes. “Do you think you will return before Christmas?.”
“I literally found out I was leaving five minutes ago. Is when I return really up to me?”
“No, I guess not. It is up to your ability to gain acceptance of this marriage,” she stated, counting my clothes.
“Mom—”
“Please!” she yelled but then held herself back. “I beg of you, Gale. Do not complain to me. I do not have the strength for it. Everyone’s shoulders are heavy. Everyone is uncomfortable. We are all looking for someone to save us, but no one will come because we are the people who must do the saving.”
I got quiet for a moment before pointing to the bed. “I was merely going to say there is a hole in that jacket.”
She frowned and then picked up the jacket, turning it from side to side. “Where? I don’t see it?”
I stepped around the frame to stand beside her and pointed to the front of the jacket. “Here, where your beauty burned into it,” I said, a slow grin spreading across my face.
She threw the jacket back down and smacked my chest. “You are ridiculous!” She giggled.
Putting my arm around her, I nodded. “Yes, this woman obviously has no idea what is coming her way.”
“A handsome prince.” She grinned, placing her hand on my cheek. “This is going to do us all good. We can solve this problem before the third one comes.”
“Mom, please do not say that.” I sighed. The one thing I hated about our people was how superstitious everyone was.
“Why? You know misfortunes come in threes for this family. First your father, then the money—”
“Mother,” I whispered, putting my hand on her shoulder. “You are the queen of this nation. You cannot think like that. I promise I will do my best not to let you down so long as you think positively.”
She inhaled, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. “Thank you, Gale.”
I nodded.
“Oh, I forgot to send word to the kitchen for dinner. We’ll have your favorite before you leave, all right?”
“Bless you.”
She giggled again. “I’ll go. Keep packing.”
“I will.”
She looked everything over once more before taking leave. Reaching for the bag I saw next to her earlier, I checked the zipper pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
I didn’t have a choice.
They’d all decided already.
I was getting married. They would see to it by any means necessary. When the crown wanted something, it got it.
All my arguing was just a waste of air.
So I would stop arguing.
