The Translator

Chapter 4: The Parade

(Erik's P.O.V)

The following day after meeting the beautiful Princess Eadlyn, the selected and I are standing outside in the front lawn surrounded by a bunch of palace workers and one giant float. In honor of the selected men, the royal family decided to organize a parade around the streets of Angeles, making this selection much more personal than the last few. Henri is standing just outside a group of the selected men, listening to everything they say even though he has no idea what they are saying. Smile and nod, that is Henri's philosophy; especially when it comes to trying to fit in!

I stand back and blend into the shadows, keeping my eyes on Henri just in case he needs me. My gaze wanders for a few seconds as I catch a glimpse of the Princess walking towards the float, looking absolutely stunning as per usual. Shaking my head, I silently scold myself for thinking that way. I am here to translate for Henri and help him win the heart of the Princess, not the other way around. Turning my gaze back to Henri, I notice that the selected have begun climbing onto the float and suddenly I am overwhelmed with unexplained nerves. I start to bite my nails out of habit, not even thinking about who might be watching me.

"Don't do that!" Princess Eadlyn scolds, catching me off guard. "You don't want the cameras to catch you with your fingers in your mouth, do you?"

I immediately whip my hand down to my side and apologize. "I'm sorry, Your Highness."

"Not going up there?" she asks, motioning to the massive float in front of us.

"No, Your Highness," I answer with a smile. "I think Henri can wave without interpretation."

"He'll be right beside me," she says reassuringly, obviously feeling my nervousness. "I'll try to make sure he knows what's going on."

I let out a huge sigh, making her laugh and I can't help but notice how beautiful it sounds. "That makes this far less distressing. And he is going to be so excited. He talks about you every waking moment."

"Well, it's hardly been a day. I'm sure it'll pass," she laughs, giving me a stunning smile.

"I don't think so," I say back. "He's in awe of you, of everything, really. The experience alone is big for him. His family has worked hard to establish themselves, and that he finds himself in a place where he can have even a second of your attention...he's so happy."

"Is that what he told you?" she asks, her gaze moving to the front of the float.

"Not in so many words," I answer, following her gaze to find Henri at the very front of the float, nervously playing with his tie. "He's aware of how fortunate he is, and he sees so many good things in you. He goes on and on."

She smiles, but it doesn't look very happy; instead, she looks kind of sad and it makes me wonder what I said wrong. "Were you born in Swendway too?" she asks after a few moments.

"No. First generation to be born in Illea," I say, shaking my head. "But my parents are trying to hold on to our old customs and things, so we live in a small Swendish community in Kent."

"Like Henri?" she asks.

"Yes.They're becoming more and more common," I say with a genuine smile. "When Henri was selected, his family put out a call for a reliable translator, and I submitted my resume, flew to Sota, and now I have a new job."

"So you've known Henri for...?"

"A week. But we've already spent so much time together and get along so well, I feel like I've known him for years!" I say affectionately.