"Son, we've been trying for a year now. When are you going to find a princess that you'll get along with?" My father, King Terrance, reprimanded me as I looked down at my shoes in chagrin. "You're 19 years old! Either you choose a wife to marry or we'll pick one for you!"
I sighed, knowing that any arguments I could throw against him will gain me only a thrashing. I didn't even look up as I said to him, "Yes, father."
"Good. Now get out of my sight."
I slinked away, shoulders hunched and face red, both with shame and anger. Things had been rocky ever since my 18th birthday, when my mother and father decided that it was a good time to marry me off and continue their legacy. I understood where they were coming from, and I couldn't blame them, but they didn't really seem to understand me. I pleaded with my parents to stop and call it off, but they refused to listen to me. My mother and my father cared not for my opinion. They cared not for what their son really wanted.
I trudged through the halls and walked into my chambers, casting off my robe and falling onto my bed. The flowers I had decorated around my room just made it sting worse. I didn't want to marry a princess. I didn't even want to marry a woman. I knew who I wanted to wed.
As I laid on my bed, I took an idle glance towards the grandfather clock in the corner of my room. Realizing the time, I scrambled up from my sheets and ran towards the window. He would be coming out any second- I knew he would. I had memorized his routine. I knew that he would be out to work on the garden, as he did every day.
I stared with intent out the window, waiting patiently for him to come out with his gardening supplies.
The flower boy for the castle. He was barely 17 years old. His name was Alex. I was in love with him. As he walked out and kneeled down to take care of the roses, I felt my heart pound.
We had hardly talked before, and I could barely even approach Alex without feeling horrible butterflies erupting in my gut. I had seen his handiwork with flowers, I had seen him interact with the other employees at the castle, I had heard him talk. It was enough for me to know I loved him.
I stared out the window, tears beginning to prick my eyes. He was the man I wanted to be married to- not these superficial princesses. I wanted to wed him, but I knew it would never be possible. I was a prince, he was a commoner. And we were both men. That wasn't acceptable. I had to marry a beautiful princess and carry on the legacy of my family line.
As I watched Alex water and tend to the roses, I nearly broke down sobbing, knowing I would never be able to be with the man I loved.