Chapter 19 Royal Engagement
Caleb
Caleb couldn't have been happier to get off that plane. At least it wasn't an eleven hour ride, but it still felt like forever. Caleb settled with watching comedies using a pair of headphones, so he didn't irritate his mother. He remembered the good olé days when he used to share an ear piece with his sister while they watched them together.
For most of the ride, Samantha chose to knit instead. Caleb had tried it once, just for kicks. He created a noose. Samantha got a kick out of it but their mother, not so much. Augustus's words were starting to make more sense to Caleb now. He needed to take his position more seriously.
Everything Augustus did, had all been a ruse.
Caleb still felt confused about that.
It was nearly dark out by the time the plane landed, and Caleb was glad to finally be able to stretch his legs out. The only downside, he was a Prince full time again. That meant he had to wave a lot to people he hardly knew. Well... at least there was his fan club consisting of women from the age range of 16-34. It was back to being a celebrity.
The Queen didn't have to wave but Samantha smiled her ultra-white smile, waved a little more casually. She was more popular with the gentlemen. Caleb made sure to smile with the occasional wink. Luckily no one fainted.
Swedish was spoken a lot around here. Caleb found himself having to switch gears at the language spoken around him. Caleb knew six languages. He could speak Swedish and English obviously. He also knew Russian, German, Spanish and Italian. He found the art of Japanese writing interesting, so he could write in Japanese too.
What Caleb wasn't expecting, was Timotheus (or Tim) to be standing nearby. To be precise, His Royal Highness Timotheus von Kaiser-Habsburg, Duke of Eschen, of the royal house of Liechtenstein. Tim was a longtime friend of Caleb. Unlike most of Caleb's other associate's, Tim knew nearly all the places Caleb was all along. They went to the same boarding school (Stowe) once upon a time.
Persto et Praesto. I stand firm and I stand first.
Tim's hair was longer than Caleb last remembered. A finger length of dark brown hair was hanging loose by the right side of his face. The rest was slicked back. He had lips, the feature most girls talked about (he had kissed many) that were full. Eyes that were hazel though they were mostly blue tonight and an almost square shaped jaw that suited him nicely.
Tim wasn't the only friend Caleb made in many years spent together. There was Jonas, Jonas Sebastian Stefan von Leuchtenberg, Prince of Nassau, Duke of Vianden, of the royal house of Luxembourg. Constantine, or HRH Constantine Erasmus Jordaan Van der Voort, Heir Apparent, Prince of the Netherlands, Duke of Groningen, Duke of Friesland, Earl of Valkenburg aan de Geul, Count of Montfort, Knight Commander of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau, Order of the House of Orange, Order of the Crown, Order of Saint John in the Netherlands, and Order of Malta. As if that wasn't a mouthful already.
It was too bad they didn't come with Tim but Caleb understood Constantine was now an official crowned Prince himself. Unlike Caleb, Constantine was an only child.
They walked together side by side talking in German, so there was less of a chance of being overheard. Tim told Caleb how quickly news traveled from kingdom to kingdom. Caleb filled him in, short edited versions of what life in America was like. The subject, as it always had, turned to girls. Caleb was suddenly evasive but kept it hidden behind the mask he so easily slipped on. He could fool even himself if he wanted to.
Caleb found himself in another one those sobering events. He was not to those he considered close friends.
Soon they were at the palace Caleb had known all his life. His mind was elsewhere, the entire time thinking of Jason. So no memories of childhood came rushing back. His mother and sister were riding together in a different limousine than the one Tim shared with Caleb. Caleb tried to make himself comfortable, but all he kept thinking about, was Jason. No matter what Caleb tried doing, Jason had a permanent residence inside his head, unknowingly or not.
There had to be a logical reason!
When it was time to exit, Tim had to jog to keep up. "What's going on with you?" He asked in English. Since Tim rarely spoke English the words were a little hard to understand.
Caleb didn't respond, he waved for Tim to follow. They entered through the front doors (they were opened for them and their arrivals announced). Caleb ignored it all because he was coming up with a plan. The problem was, it was risky. The blood was pounding in his ears when he made a sharp right for Tim to follow.
"Huh?" Tim switched to back to English after mumbling things in German. Caleb led him over to an empty room. That didn't stop Caleb from locking the door and checking to make sure it was empty.
"Kiss me." Caleb said once he was sure the coast was clear.
Tim's face first went from alarmed, then concerned to confused. "What the hell? I can't ever keep with you." Now he was looking around the room as if he'd find any hidden cameras around.
Caleb was dead serious, he needed to get these feelings sorted out before he went crazy.
"Kiss me." He persisted. "Come on, seriously. You have a cousin that's gay right?"
It was true, Tim and the entire royal family didn't seem all that homophobic when the fact that his first cousin (Yoda Voice: built like an ox, he was) came out of the closet during a big state dinner. There were appalled looks from across the table, Caleb would know, he was there. It happened years ago.
Caleb figured that Tim would at least be the most understanding. As for Jonas and Constantine, he didn't know. They never talked about things like homosexuality. Maybe a guess on what kind of panties the hottest girl was currently wearing. That was all. Caleb couldn't really say Jonas and Constantine came across as homophobic either. It simply never came up.
He needed to stop thinking too much or he was likely going to chicken out.
Now Tim looked taken aback when Caleb took a step forward so they were only two feet away from each other. "You could have at least bought me dinner, or taken me out for wine tasting." Tim didn't look like he wanted to and Caleb was just starting to give up.
"You really know how to treat a guy huh? Skip right to the juicy bit? Well, I'll do it, even though I have no idea what's going on so you better explain soon."
"Shut up and kiss me."
"Wow Caleb, you've-" He moved in for the kiss but Caleb almost violently shoved him away in response.
Prickly feelings took effect up the back of Caleb's neck. Revulsion made him squirm back an extra step or two.
"What the hell Caleb?" Tim was brushing his already immaculate sleeves, as if hurt.
"You repulse me."
"Likewise, but way to bruise a man's ego. Here I was thinking you had a secret crush on me and it was almost flattering. What was that all about?"
"I really wish I could tell you."
"I've got all night man..."
The night unfortunately came and went. There was still no word of Jason's arrival, and there was. That did nothing to ease Caleb's anxiety as he went to go greet him. Jason arrived looking jet lagged, maybe a little drunk too. Was it possible one of the bodyguards took pity on Jason and gave him something to ease the nerves?
Caleb made a direct line for Jason who looked surprised to see him. Before Caleb thought about what to do next, he hugged Jason. He hugged Jason so quickly he thought he felt Jason sway on the spot. Caleb made sure to be careful with Jason while he hugged him, "Are you ok?" Of course he wasn't. What a dumb question! "I wish I never left you. I wish you didn't have to find out this way. I froze. I was wrong to leave you all alone like that."
The next few moments to the next few minutes, Caleb felt like it was a dream but a very real dream. Caleb remembered taking Jason to a private room people rarely used and that was where they shared a moment. There was no doubt it. Caleb deeply cared for Jason as he held him close.
They'd also come very close to kissing, but Caleb's heart was beating so fast, he felt sick. He just hoped he didn't end up blowing chunks right there in front of Jason. But it was in that moment when Caleb took Jason's head in his arms that it almost happened. Caleb felt it would be wrong to take advantage of Jason in his current state. So the kiss never happened, but Caleb was 100% sure he saw heat in Jason's eyes before laying his head over his lap.
When Caleb was sure Jason was asleep, he said, "I'll never leave you again." And he meant it. He just didn't know by how much he meant it.
Caleb tried listening to a couple of piano solos through earbuds the morning he woke up after carefully getting out of bed. He had to tangle himself Jason, not because of Jason but because Caleb had been holding him like a lover. He made sure to take long more look at Jason's sleeping figure before leaving. Jason looked peaceful as ever. As if yesterday and the day before had never happened. He looked completely unburdened by the future.
Caleb made a silent promise to protect that at any cost. Even if it meant not having the crown.
Piano solos usually calmed him down, but it wasn't effective today as it used to be in the past.
At the Official Opening of the Parliament, Caleb arrived outside not far from the closed main doors which led to the parliament chambers in full regalia. The members of parliament were assembled inside. A herald was dressed in period attire holding his baton. Caleb knew what would come next. Soon the herald would open the door, walk halfway into the room while looking forward, gaze unwavering. He will then strike his staff upon the ground three times and then announce in a loud voice to announce the Prince's full name and title. Caleb would then will proceed the remaining way to the front and then take his place at the left on the ground floor.
He had to ride horseback. First came his parents, side by side. They were the most glamorous. There was a growing crowd of people gathering nearby, waving and shouting their names. August looked moodier than usual. Caleb would sometimes catch his brother, head bowed as if in shame but that was only when there wasn't anyone around. Maybe he had a lot on his mind. He rode behind the King and Queen. Samantha came next and Caleb couldn't read her expression. She had an excellent poker face. Caleb tailed the end.
There was an unusually large amount of guards standing in a straight line keeping things in order.
But no sign of Jason. Where was he? Would he be alright?
The entire family entered, only one at a time through the doors. Their titles were shouted but Caleb could hardly hear them over the pounding his heart. His eyes kept searching for Jason. He needed to explain things.
"His Majesty Carlgustaf Godtfred Maximilian Tre rutor af Slestad, King of Sweden, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Order of the Seraphim, Order of the Sword, Order of the Polar Star, Order of Vasa and the Order of Charles XIII!"
"Her Majesty Clara Louise Montgomery Tre rutor af Slestad, Queen of Sweden!"
Samantha only turned her head once, but as she did, the mask slipped only a little. The mask slipped back on before Caleb could figure her out. She turned her head forward again after their parents entered the building. Did she suspect something?
Augustus was next. "His Royal Highness Carlgustaf (Augustus) Nicolai Theodorus Tre rutor af Slestad, Heir Apparent, Duke of Gothenberg, Duke of Alingas, Earl of Ludvika, Knight Commander of the Order of the Seraphim, Order of the Sword, Order of the Polar Star, Order of Vasa and the Order of Charles XIII!"
Could Caleb let Jason go through with this if he decided to accept?
Now it was Samantha's turn. Caleb took one dignified step forward because the public could still see him. "Her Royal Highness Samantha Aaliyah Talena Tre rutor af Slestad, Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Vadstena, Dame of the Order of the Seraphim!"
Caleb felt like vomiting before facing whatever it was that came next. He worried he was about to have a panic attack but a black limo pulled up behind him. Caleb couldn't watch or process any extra details because it was his turn. With his shoulders squared, chin up, he came to the doorway. Two doors held open by two different men avoiding eye contact. Caleb had to do the same.
"His Royal Highness Caleb Montgomery Alexander Tre rutor af Slestad, Duke of Borlange, Earl of Boras, and Count of Nybro, Knight of the Order of the Seraphim, Order of the Sword, Order of the Polar Star, Order of Vasa and the Order of Charles XIII!"
He walked, didn't rush, but it was all a blur to him. He wanted to look for Jason but knew he couldn't. He felt all eyes in the room on him. He needed to keep his emotions in check.
When he sat with the family, that was when Jason was ushered into the room. Caleb's heart skipped several beats and he- "We, are the architects of our own lives."
The Prime Minister was already in place. The room looked more like a courtroom, like Caleb had seen back on some American TV. He felt Samantha elbow him but he ignored it. He pretended to hear out the Prime Minister while working on keeping his heart at a steady pace. Jason was dressed formal, but not like the royal family. They had him sitting on the opposite side of the room instead of next to them.
Ever since Jason had entered the room, Caleb had a difficult time not being aware of him. Jason was all he could think or care about. Caleb had no idea what overcame to become this obsessed over someone he didn't know too well, but it was evident. Caleb knew he couldn't ignore these feelings anymore, but would Jason accept?
Caleb thought about trying to catch Jason's eyes but Jason was facing straight ahead in the peach colored room. The room also resembled a college classroom. It was circular and the seats were in rows like moon crescents. Caleb could almost tell Jason was handling this all with ease, but it was his stiff back that gave him away. Would anyone else notice? No one seemed to.
Jason was clean shaven but he also looked tired. Like he'd just arrived. He was otherwise good at hiding everything else. Caleb wished he could reach out, maybe hold his hand, something, anything to ease the tension from him.
The Prime Minister was already talking in Swedish. Caleb knew he needed to be listening, to act the part. He didn't actually need to be here but he felt he at least owed Jason that much. Caleb very much wanted to at least get Jason's attention, to show his support. Maybe even try to apologize again. He would apologize over and over and over again if it meant he got to hold him again. Just like last night. Jason, as far as Caleb knew, had slept the most. Caleb couldn't bring himself to take his eyes off him.
Caleb was last to fall asleep and the first to rise. He wish he had thought about Jason at least one kiss over the forehead as slept on, but then he wondered, would Jason think of him as a creep?
All this rambling in his head. It couldn't be healthy.
He never wanted this for Jason. To be thrown into a world where things were generally decided for him. His whole future life-
Caleb noticed a translator, a man in his mid-thirties whispering in Jason's ear. Caleb had never seen the man before but he didn't like that another man was leaning in that close. Jason was nodding along politely but there was no clear indication that gave anything away. Caleb could still see him as if he were sitting only a few seats away. He knew he should face forward.
The men sitting around the room were dressed nicely but not as if they were all attending a ball. No one wore creepy white wigs like most of the world expected. Not in this country! Here in Sweden, everyone moved with the times. Sure there was still plenty of tradition, not even Caleb dreamt of breaking those laws. Tradition meant respect. At least that's what had been drilled in his head as far back as he could remember.
Caleb's ears started to prickle, so he had to start paying attention. It was a good thing he did too because all of a sudden, Jason's sexuality was being brought up. Sure homosexuality was allowed in this country but in Royalty? He couldn't say.
Caleb was sure the entire room could hear his heart, banging against his rib cage.
"You still have a choice." He heard the Swedish words not the words of the man who was still sitting too close to Jason for Caleb's comfort. He'd have the man thrown out if he could, despite how unfair that would be. It was tradition to talk Swedish here, but that didn't make Caleb feel any better.
Then Augustus had to step up, denouncing his chance at being next in line for the crown. Caleb hardly heard the words. He caught words about him being in love with a flight attendant. Amy, so he'd heard, but he had no idea who that was. He was aspiring to become to a pilot. Not a bad choice, and maybe if circumstances were different, Caleb would have been interested. He figured he should be happy for his brother. If that was what he wanted, and was free to love someone that wasn't royalty. So be it.
Not that it was frowned on anyway.
Caleb still felt sick. It took everything in his power not to vomit. What was already said about Jason... then there were his own feelings to reflect on... what was he going to do about that? He didn't dare look at Jason, for fear (and worry) of what he might see. God his feelings were a mess.
Augustus sat back down and if that wasn't shocking enough...
Samantha jumped up at the next available opportunity, suddenly declining. It was like watching a silent movie. Caleb could see the shocked faces, see the mouths move, feel the tension rising. His head hardly formed the thought as everything processed faster than light speed as it turned to action. Now Caleb shot out of his seat, the words were in plain English. He didn't even think. Not that he could.
"Then I accept!"
And just like that, Caleb was suddenly caught in an arranged marriage. With Jason.
It seemed as though every face was turned in his direction. Caleb didn't even know how he was still standing, but he was not going to take those words back. No matter what it cost him. If it meant falling in love, with Jason...
What more could he ask for?