"Thomas." Jessica glares at me. I was going ahead before William finished the debriefing. But it should be the same debrief as the last three towns. "What do you think will happen if you wander town without us?"
Butch yawns relaxing on the chair. I'm half way to the door. "He's just going to breakfast. His stomach was complaining all night."
"It was." William rubs his head. "But this is important, Thomas."
Grumbling, I sit back down. Jessica sits down next to me again. I grunt. She's controlling more than I realized. Did I really think this relationship was wanted? It's a contract. I regret signing. Every single moment has me regret signing. "Is it going to be any different?"
"Prince is testy." Butch eyes me. "Are you really that pissed off that Jessica didn't kiss you in front of the public while we were in Asteren?"
I look aside.
"Didn't eat properly last night. You shouldn't be angry over it." William waves it off. "I don't care if it was the better choice. You need to look like a happy couple."
"It's a contract." I hiss out and stand. Jessica eyes me from her position. She'll yell if I try leaving again. I know the real reason she does: we're on the same political level. The rest can be marked negatively for countering my actions. I pace the room. She is the only one who can control me.
"Chill, Thomas." Butch stretches. "Not like any of us have any luck like that."
I shouldn't be angry over it. I don't know why I am. It's been my view to keep it more professional. We're supposed to wait for anything relationship wise.
So why is it I'm getting angry over not getting anything? When I said the kiss would be too much?! I was the one to say it didn't matter if it was best choice, we shouldn't do it.
"Relax, Thomas." William moves me to his chair. "Alright. We don't need to have a stage here. We're just walking through town chatting with whoever who comes near us. If we want, we can set up a table before the inn for the day instead of walking."
"Walk." I huff out.
"That's what I thought." William grins at me. "Three more towns. But those are getting two days with the full production."
I cover my face. I hate this so much. My entire time is owned by this mission. Constantly stepping forward as the crown prince. Smiles on my face. Acting as if I care.
"Your mood has shrunk even more lately." Butch watches me. "The kiss refusal was a tip of the iceberg. Why tell her no in the morning and get upset later?"
Tip of the ice berg... I close my eyes trying my best to relax. But I'm all tense. "It's been months of constant mission. Can't we just go for a walk? A real walk?"
"Without the princess?" Butch stands up. "How about I take you for a walk about while Jessica handles the table?"
"I can just say you're sick. I don't mind. You've been having issues, Thomas. When will you figure out the real problem?" Jessica offers. She isn't hateful to me. We're just... We were closer before we started this.
Months? Of bouncing between towns constantly working.
"I will cover Thomas, Butch. You cover Jessica. She is more concerning."
"I'll be fine."
I shiver. I need to be watched. Jessica doesn't have my protections, though. I watch as she waves off the fears as if they don't exist. "I'll stay with Jessica."
William frowns at me. "We have to follow the expectations. We can walk a bit after dusk."
"But it's dangerous." Butch says.
"Here. We can wander a little after teleporting to the next town." William stands up. "Let's go eat."
I don't rush. I allow the others to head down first. I follow. A meal that'll suck. In a town I don't know. Surrounded by people I don't want to know. How are they so calm?
"Do I need to test it for poison?" William asks me when I don't start eating right away. I cross my arms. He looks at me for a long moment before tasting my meal for me. "Give it a few minutes to prove something."
I elbow the table watching the others act like everything is fine. When William finishes his meal, I start on mine. It'll be safe.
"I'm going to double check our supplies." Butch heads back upstairs.
"I'll copy." William looks to Jessica. "Stay with him."
"Sure."
Feels as if their my guards not my friends. How did things turn out like this?
"Don't hate the mission and situation." Jessica says. She wasn't finished. She didn't rush as if waiting for me to eat.
"I don't."
"Lies do not do you justice." Jessica smirks at me. "You should've agreed to the larger guard option."
"They're needed." Even though the treason needs a lot of our knights and guards, Father was still willing to give me more than I was getting. This is enough. We'll be safe.
"You need to be safe."
"I'll be fine." I abruptly stand.
Jessica grabs my hand so I can't just leave. "You're not done. Sit."
I grumble following her order.
"You're hungry. Eat. Did you want to stop somewhere specific for dinner tonight?" Jessica eyes me as I force myself to eat. I don't give her an answer. "How about Warton? I wouldn't mind crashing my parents."
I shiver. "No thanks." What would they do to me?
Jessica sighs. "Yeah. Okay. I get you. But it's where I know you'll feel safe enough to eat your fill."
We can't go back to the knight's hall. Can't visit the castle. I'm not free to do as I wish. "A campfire and recent kill sounds better."
"Then agree to William's walk."
I shake my head. "You need more protection."
Jessica rubs her head. "You are more of a kid than I realized."
"What?"
She glowers at me. "Grow up, Thomas. This is part of being an adult. Don't act like you'll have free time as king."
I look aside. How do I tell them this is making me want to give up my title again? William won't help me plan this time. Can I figure out a method? Escape truly? Become a random no name commoner living in the wilds? It has me sigh. I'll be found. They'd drag me back.
My only way out is with death.
Or with a child I can hand everything to. And Xavier is still too young to even attempt.
"I'm fine. I'll deal." I wave it off and stand up. She frowns at my not quite empty plate. I ate enough. She follows me back upstairs.