When he was little, his father would make sure they organized a little surprise for his mother’s birthday. Did he know that she must have made a deal with her father that she could remarry into nobility once her lowborn husband outlived his purpose? Maybe he did. Knowing the late prince consort, he possibly did know of the lonely fate of becoming the crown princess’ husband, and yet he went for it. He made the most of it while it lasted. He made memories with Luke which were too difficult to forget. Perhaps it was so the boy would have a spark of happiness to hold on to when the prince consort was gone, but truth was it made moving forward without the father he loved all the more difficult.

It was in this regard that Rhiane and himself were equals. Life gave them both persons they could love only to be snatched away right before their very eyes. Sebastian said Rhiane did not have time to mourn. Luke wondered if it was really that bad an idea to have had worked hard instead of acknowledging her pain, because by doing so at least she could pretend that her mother and brother were out there working hard too for their family. 

So, as he listened to her recount the memories of her mother and siblings, Luke could not make himself turn away. It was as if it was disrespectful to pretend that he didn’t care to hear about her past when she was putting forth a brave face. 

“I visit my father’s resting place at least twice every year – on his birthday and on the anniversary of his death.” The prince pulled the earpiece off an ear and held it on one hand. A gesture that implied that he would not be disturbed by politics or any other external factor. “I would bring his favorite whiskey, sometimes his favorite beer, then I’d drink half of it while --” He paused, one corner of his lips tilting up to a half smile. “Well, you may think I’m crazy and there’ll be lots of rumors if this comes out in public, but I sit there right where he rests and tells him about my day. It almost feels like sharing a drink with my father.”

Nolan met the prince’s eyes at the rear-view mirror. A flash of sympathy, before the guard was looking forward to the tree-lined road ahead of them. The guard knew how true the prince’s words were, because he was the only person allowed to accompany his royal highness. Afterwards, they would go out drinking more. But Rhiane didn’t need to know that. 

When she easily maneuvered the topic of discussion into something less sad, Luke was happy to follow her lead. Funny how the princess elect was encouraging the prince to buy a present for his sister when the latter was practically telling him off for not putting forth an effort to buy Rhiane stuff he personally selected. Well, these two would definitely enjoy each other’s company while he was gone. 

“What about I pick one of your paintings for Callie?” She’s giving it for free to Tobias, why wouldn’t she give one to Luke or Callista? “Before we leave, if you’re still not convinced to bring all of it back to the capital, then at least allow me to select a piece for my sister. It’s from your hometown, it’s something that you made, and it’s something that I picked for her. The perfect souvenir, don’t you think?” He hoped Tobias was listening. 

“The two of you nagging at me for the same reason,” he mumbled under his breath as the vehicle neared the town square.