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“Well, I really admire that about you. Not many people understand that. Just look at Hubert. He acts like he is much more important than anyone else, and no one likes him. But everyone likes you! Within five seconds of meeting you everyone likes you.” I sighed. “I wish I was more like you.”

“You shouldn’t. I’m nothing special.”

His statement surprised me. Curtis was always overflowing with energy and confidence. Everyone adored him. Who wouldn’t want to be like him?

“Why do you say that?”

Curtis dug in the sand with his toes. “Put it this way. I am expected to give one hundred percent all the time. There is no down time where I can just relax. From the time I wake up to when I go to bed, I am expected to give everything my fullest attention. It is exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, I really do like talking to everyone, and I honestly do care about all our kingdom’s subjects. But everyone I meet wants me to solve their problems. No one asks about me and how I am doing.” He stopped grinned at me. “Except you, of course,” he added before continuing, “but everywhere I go, whatever I do, people need something from me. Tutors are never satisfied with what I do; with the villagers, there are always more problems than need solved. The work is never done.”

It was the first time I had ever heard Curtis express any dissatisfaction with his role. I reached over and squeezed his hand. “Well, any time you need someone to relax with, I will be here for you.”

Curtis squeezed my hand back. “I know you will. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I blushed scarlet. “So, how are you doing?” I asked.

Curtis chuckled. “Just fine, thanks for asking.”

We stayed there for a long time, just watching the waves and listening to the seagulls. It was so peaceful. So beautiful. We watched as the sun slowly sank beyond the ocean and darkness settled in.

“They will probably be looking for us soon.” Curtis said.

“We can relax for a few more minutes.” I told him. “Besides, the stars haven’t come out yet. And you need to unwind sometimes, remember?”

“If you insist.”

We watched stars slowly come out, one by one. It was amazing to me that in this country, even the nights were warm. The sea breeze smelled salty, and I heard the palm fronds rustling behind us.

“Truly?”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you plan on staying?”

“Where? Here on the beach? In Avivia?”

“At the castle. In Islandria. As a linguist.”

“Of course! Why would I do anything else?”

Curtis shrugged. “Just wondering. People come and go all the time.”

“Father is the Chancellor of the Exchequer. That isn’t a job you just throw away. We will probably be there my whole life.” I bumped my shoulder against his. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

“Good. I like having you around.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep. I couldn’t make it without you.”

On the final day of our trip, Curtis was called to watch the Avivian troops drill, and I was sitting in on a lengthy and tedious meeting about the evolution of cultural customs and their effects on the wellbeing of society. I was supposed to be translating for the Avivian commoner who sat on the Council to represent the villagers, but he wasn’t a talkative fellow and seemed more inclined to listen. The bulk of the meeting was about preserving historical artifacts and traditions.

I was nearly nodding off under the bright sun pouring in from the window when I was suddenly jolted to full attention by the conversation.

“What do you mean, re-negotiate your betrothal?” a nasal voice wheezed.