Morning light filtered through the drapes, casting soft golden rays across the room. Joshua blinked awake and stretched lazily, only to find Lancelot already dressed, standing near the window. For the first time since they'd met, he wasn't wearing his suit of armor. Instead, he looked like a different man, one with weight pressing down on his shoulders.
Joshua sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Guess you're nervous too, huh?"
Lancelot didn't turn around. "Not really," he replied quietly, his face drawn in a sadness Joshua couldn't ignore.
Joshua furrowed his brow. "What's up with you, weirdo? Today's supposed to be fun."
He hopped out of bed, eager as always, and quickly got himself ready.
Lancelot gave a weak smile and slapped both cheeks with his palms. "You're right."
Joshua laughed at the gesture, shaking his head. "Come on, let's go."
The two young men left the room dressed sharply, no armor, just confidence and charm, or at least what they could muster.
In another wing of the estate, laughter filled the air. Merlin twirled in front of the mirror wearing a short, scandalous red dress that left little to the imagination.
"What do you think?" she asked, striking a pose.
Blanchette tilted her head. "I think... it's a little too revealing."
Grandma crossed her arms. "You look like a whore."
Blanchette burst into laughter.
"Oh, shut up, old hag," Merlin said, grinning. "You wish you had curves like mine."
Blanchette laughed harder, nearly falling off the edge of the bed.
Merlin sighed with theatrical flair. "Fine, fine. I'll change."
She slipped into a more elegant black and purple gown.
"That's pretty," Grandma said with a nod. "It actually looks good."
"A compliment? From you?" Merlin gasped. "I must definitely wear this, then."
"It goes well with your hair," Blanchette added, smiling warmly.
"Alright, your turn," Merlin said, hands on hips. "Go pick something."
"I already have a dress picked out."
Blanchette stepped behind the curtain and emerged moments later in a radiant red dress that shimmered like firelight.
"Wow," Merlin said. "It's beautiful. Looks expensive, too."
"It was my grandmother's."
Grandma beamed. "My grandson will definitely love it on you."
Blanchette blushed. "Okay, let's go. They're probably waiting."
The girls exited the house and stepped into the courtyard. Joshua and Lancelot, waiting by the carriage, turned and froze at the sight of them.
Joshua's mouth opened slightly. "Blanchette... you look absolutely stunning."
Blanchette blushed and looked away. "Thank you, Joshua."
Lancelot, almost entranced, said quietly, "You're beautiful."
I think I'm in love, he thought but didn't realize he'd spoken aloud.
All three turned to him in shock.
Merlin raised an eyebrow. "Thank you, my prince," she said, stepping forward to hug him.
This time, Lancelot hugged her back.
Merlin blinked, surprised, then blushed fiercely. Joshua and Blanchette exchanged wide-eyed glances.
Clearing her throat, Merlin stepped back. "Okay, let's go."
They climbed into the carriage and rode into town.
They arrived at the theater just as crowds were beginning to gather.
"Me and Merlin will go in first," Blanchette said. "You guys park the carriage."
The girls disappeared into the entrance while Joshua and Lancelot guided the horses around the corner.
"So..." Joshua grinned. "I see you're making moves on my sister. What are your intentions, Sir Lancelot?"
"I'm not sure," Lancelot replied, his expression darkening again.
Joshua's smile faded. "You've been acting strange. What's going on with you?"
Lancelot pulled the reins as they found a spot and parked. "Nothing. Let's go inside."
The day passed like a dream, full of laughter and light. After the play, they danced in a grand ballroom, tasted wine at a vineyard, and ended the evening with dinner at a candlelit restaurant.
"That was super fun," Joshua said, leaning back in his chair.
"We should do this again," Blanchette agreed.
Under the table, their hands found each other. They both blushed but didn't let go.
"You two are weirdos," Merlin said, rolling her eyes.
Before she could say more, Lancelot stood. "Merlin... if it's okay, I'd like to speak with you. Alone."
"Awwww," Joshua and Blanchette chimed in unison.
"You guys are annoying," Merlin muttered, but followed him out.
Outside, the night air was cool, laced with the scent of lilac.
"So... what did you want to talk about?" she asked, cheeks flushed.
She stepped closer. Their breath mingled. Her hands slid around his shoulders. His arms wrapped instinctively around her waist, pulling her close. Her lips puckered as she leaned in for the kiss...
But Lancelot suddenly pulled away. He pushed her back, gently but firmly.
Merlin blinked. "Did I... do something wrong?"
Lancelot looked down. "No. It's not that. I'm getting married next month... to my cousin, Athena."
Her face crumbled. Confusion turned to anger, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.
"You... You were leading me on. This whole time... you knew I never had a chance."
She slapped his chest. "I hate you. You piece of shit!"
She ran past a stunned Joshua and Blanchette, into the restaurant, disappearing into the bathroom.
Lancelot returned moments later, sitting across from them in silence.
Joshua tried to lighten the mood. "What happened? Did her breath stink or something? You could've at least let her down easy."
Blanchette, however, looked him dead in the eye. "What did you say to her?"
"I told her... I'm getting married next month."
The smile on Joshua's face vanished. In one swift movement, he leapt onto the table and grabbed Lancelot by the collar.
"You've been playing with my sister's feelings this whole time?"
His voice was low and deadly. Sharp canines glinted in the candlelight.
"Yes," Lancelot said quietly.
That was all it took. Joshua erupted. Fists flew like thunder. Blood splattered the floor, the walls, the horrified onlookers. Tables overturned. People screamed.
"Joshua, stop!" Blanchette shouted, pulling at his arm. "He's out cold! If you keep going, you'll kill him!"
Joshua snarled but stepped back, panting.
He picked up Lancelot like a ragdoll and threw him into the carriage. "Go get Merlin," he told Blanchette grimly.
The ride home was silent. Merlin sat up front beside Joshua, eyes red and swollen. Blanchette sat behind with the bruised and battered Lancelot, who hadn't said a word.
When they returned, everyone retreated to their rooms, everyone but Joshua, who wandered into the garden, fuming.
"Damn that asshole..." he muttered.
"You mean yourself?" a voice growled behind him.
Joshua turned to see Jonathan, the butler, storming toward him.
"Whoa, you scared me!"
"What's with all the hostility, Butler?"
"You made my daughter cry," Jonathan said, pulling something from his pocket. A steel bracelet, simple, handmade. "She spent hours making this for you."
Joshua took it, staring.
So that's why her hands were all busted up... She made this herself.
"She got over her fear of werewolves for you. And you broke her heart. If you're not going to be responsible for her feelings, then stop leading her on, you trash."
Jonathan turned and walked away without another word.
Joshua sank to his knees, clutching the bracelet.
"I guess me and Lancelot... we're the same after all. Bound by more than blood. I played with a girl's heart, too."
He stared up at the moon.
"I'm a piece of shit too..."
Quietly, Joshua walked back inside, went straight to his bed, and lay down.
Sleep took him quickly but not mercifully.