Upon A Time

Chapter Twenty-Two Part One

“Thomas?” Julien examined his healthy hand casually. “What of him?”

“Clearly it has not escaped your notice that he is ever at Charlotte’s side.”

“Should he not be? They have been friends since childhood, by both their words.”

“Julien.” Walter spoke as if to imply the Prince must be deceiving himself. “Tell me, as a man, that you do not recognize when another man is in love with a woman. Just as I already knew you were in love with Charlotte, I have known for many years that Thomas was in love with her, too.”

“Yet he never acted upon his feelings. Never told her, or if he did, things did not turn out as he wished. Otherwise…” Julien stopped, not wishing to give the secret of his embrace with Charlotte away to her father, of all people.

“Otherwise?”

“Let me just say Charlotte has never spoken to me of any interest in becoming the blacksmith’s wife.”

“You two had occasion to discuss such things?”

“We had occasion to discuss many things,” Julien replied. “She nursed me for hours that felt days and days that felt years, Walter. We spoke often. We spoke of your love for your wife and hers for you. We discussed the love my parents shared—though their marriage had been arranged, in time they came to be closest companions. I don’t think my father could have loved any woman more.” Julien bowed his head. “God rest his soul.”

“God rest his soul,” Walter repeated, reaching out and patting Julien on the shoulder. “He was a noble ruler, and he will be long remembered for his goodness to his people.”

“May it be,” Julien whispered.

“Back to the subject at hand,” Walter said, squinting at Julien. “My daughter believes you are meant to marry another woman. Do you think she would allow herself to have feelings for you, knowing this?”

“Sometimes the heart speaks truths the tongue cannot. I do believe I have a reasonable chance that if I ask your daughter to marry me, she will agree.”

“She has led you to believe this?”

Again not wishing to compromise Charlotte’s confidence, the Prince paused before speaking. “I have my hopes, sir.”

“And what if Thomas should challenge you for her?”

“I will not fight Thomas for her, the man saved my life for God’s sake,” Julien replied. “But the decision should be left to Charlotte herself. If she declares her heart belongs to him, I will wish them well, and go my way to let them live their lives without impediment. What is more, I will follow through on all promises I have made to Thomas and Charlotte of things I want to do to show my gratitude to them after I am returned to my rightful place. They will have wealth, land, prosperity, all that any young couple starting out could ask for.”

“And what if she chooses you over Thomas? What will he have then?” Walter asked, saddened at the thought of the lad he loved so dearly being heartbroken.

“He will have everything I can provide as he makes a fresh start in life,” Julien replied. “He will have all I can give, save Charlotte; for if she chooses me, sir, I cannot be expected to deny our happiness.”

“I pray all will be right,” Walter fretted. “I pray you will be returned to your rightful place, and all will turn out well in the end.”

“The time is quickly approaching when we will see. Still, you have not answered my question about Charlotte’s hand.”