Broken Time: Left Behind

There are different parts to this story. This part will explain itself, and does take multiple point of views. Enjoy!

P.S. please restrain from posting comments here. It would just be easier if this was just for the story. Hope you understand! Thanks

Part I
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Chapter 1
* * *
My father walked into the room with his hands behind his back. His eyes were downcast. He glance up to meet mine. First sign that something was wrong. My father, for the most part, was a straightforeward man. Unless he was unsure of something. Which wasn't that often. He didn't like to waste time with non-essentials, unless he had to at say, a public gathering. So the second sign was when he began with 'Stefan' and followed with a non-essential. In this case, it was, "Stefan, have you noticed the past few days have been particularly sunny, and all you do is sit inside and read." That wasn't all true. Yes, I'm an avid reader. And yes, I had noticed the nice weather. But no, I did not stay inside all the time. He just never saw me outside much. I knew where this was going, and he knew where this was going. I placed my bookmark between the pages, closed the book and said, "What is it, Father?"
This was often followed up by one of two possibilites. Number one being that he would falter, say 'Nothing', mutter something incoherient, and leave. He was not completely gone, mind you; he had just lost his nerve, and he would return later, and repeat the process. Number two would be that he would actually get to the point, with in zero to two sentences. In this case, it was different. He would get to the point, but in a round about way.
"You see, I've taken a noctice, regardless of the weather, that reading is all you seem to do nowadays."
I don't see the problem here. And maybe you do. Because the last time I checked, knowledge was an important thing.
He was stalling. This was obvisouly not the real point, but a matter that he felt needed to be dealt with.
"I do more than read, Father, I can assure you. Besides the literary arts, I enjoy piano, chess, horseback rides, the occasional game of-"
He waved his hand, like he was waving away my words. "Yes, yes. What I'm tryin to say is (Yes, now we are getting to the point) that you don't seem to take much interest in girls."
Wait, that was it? Again, I fail to see how extremely important and crucial this matter is.
"And how is this a problem? I regard my mother and sisters to the highest respect, as goes for the rest of my female family members. Just because I'm not courting someone yet doesn't mean you need to get your knickers in a twist over it!"
He nodded. "I see. Well, we can dicuss this later then, shall we?"
The reason for his leave, I believe, was that he needed more support. Backup, reinforcements. Not even an hour later, he returned with my grandfather. My grandfather is also a straightforeward man, more so than my father. I think Father is a bit intimidated by him, and thinks I am as well.

He started my clearing his throat. "It has been called upon my attention, Prince Stefan, that you haven't taken an interest in any chosen girl?"
"That's correct."
"And why is that?"
I hate explanations. Even if you do explain, you still don't get the point across. "They all care about the same thing. Power. All they want to do is get close enough to me, in which doing that, they hope to seduce me into marrying won of them. They are pompous, air-headed leeches!"
My fists were clenched, I was standing, and I noticed that my voice had gone up in volume. I swallowed, sat back down, and looked away. "I apologize for my rude behavior."
My grandfather sighed. "Ah yes, I see what you mean. I had that same problem..."
Father gave a worried look, "Father..." He said hesitently.
"Do not worry Stefan, the day will come when that special girl will fall into your life." He winked at me without my father noticing. I smilied. Grandfather and I understood each other better, and I was grateful for that.
From out of nowhere, my father spoke up. "And that day has come. A princess that I have selected is on her way right now, to wed you in one month."
My grandfather and I, stunned, said, "What?!"
"Yes, arranged marriages aren't that uncommen. Besides, it will unite us with an important kingdom, which could win us this war!"
My grandfather began to reason. "Come now, at least tell us who it is. We ought to know-"
"No. I like suprises. You will have to wait and see. One month, Stefan. If you can come to court and propose to someone before that, then you can marry whom you like. If not, it's my choice. Goodbye." And with that, he turned and left. My grandfather left to, with a stern look on his face. I'm sure grandfather can intimidate some ignorance out of the king.

I looked at the floor. Was there something wrong with me? Should I be courting a girl? That would be natural, right? Was I overreacting? Overthinking, even? My thoughts were disrupted by the soft taping on the glass doors on my left. Leaving my book, I went to join my friend outside. He smiled.
"Hello Stefan." His voice was soft, and gentle, as always. At least somethings didn't change.

"Hello Mizuki."

Chapter 2
* * *

Mizuki and I have been friends long enough that we can talk openly to each other. Just vent, something, without wasting the time of non-essentials of, "Hello, how are you?, how's your family?" because being part of the royal court, you things like that without much asking. It's scary how informations travels.
Mizuki and I just say 'hello', and get to the point. I know, it runs in the family, I guess.
Without speaking, we begin to walk, in no particular direction. The words tumble out of my mouth before I have time to control them.
"I'm getting married."
Mizuki stopped, but I kept going for a few more steps. I turned back, and Mizuki just stood there. His eyes seemed to be in a faraway place.
"Mi-chan, is everything ok?" I asked, tentatively. Was it that big of a shock? I lightly nudged his shoulder. "Hey, are you alright?"
He seemed to return to normal. Shaking his head, he said, "Huh? Oh, I'm fine. Wow, bethrothed already..." He smiled, but it didn't seem right.
My arm fell to my side. Something didn't seem right here. The tone, or the words? What was it? We began to walk again, this time in silence, and it stayed that way for a while. We were both deep in thought. The court yard was relativly empty today, except for the occational gardener. After five minutes of uncomfortable silence, I blurted, "What are you thinking?"
Mizuki did not hesitate with his answer. "I think it's a bit sudden. Your father suggested it, didn't he?"
I nodded. He went further, he sat on a bench under a blossoming cherry tree. I sat beside him, he continued, saying, "It will be rushed then, won't it? Everything...the wedding, the coronations, the-"
He stopped. I knew what he was going to say. There would be less 'us'. My to-be wedding day would soon be followed by my coronation, naturally. I would have to rule a country, intruct the army, and eventually raise a family. There would be less carefree days to just spend with friends, the friends who are most closest to you. I wouldn't have a spare moment, though, after those events. Duties would be piled upon me, I will have less and less time to spend freely. We both knew this. I was deep in thought, when Mizuki grasped my arm. He said, "You'll do a fine job, though, I just know it. You'll be a great leader to your people. Just don't forget me, Stefan. Just don't forget your friends."

My heart ached at the truth. The inevitable. It crushed me, and it crushed him. I swore under my breath.
Our little world was coming to and end.


Chapter 3
* * *
/MIZUKI/


The truth, the inevitable. It fell upon me, crushing my very soul. Stefan was going to get married, and rule. Of course, that was his destiny. That I knew. I had known for along time now. But the pain, the ripping, searing pain of losing your best friend. Yes, he would still be here, and yes, I could still see him. But, it would never be the same. Ever. How could I....I looked at Stefan. I could tell he wasn't excited, but he accepted. Better than I. He, he has always done what's best for other people. His face, his eyes dropped. I didn't like him this way. I grasped his arm, and said, "You'll do a fine job, though, I just know it. You'll be a great leader to your people. Just don't forget me, Stefan. Just don't forget your friends."
He smiled at me. I knew he was putting that face on to reassure me that everything was going to be ok. But it wasn't, he knew it and so did I.