~ 41 ~

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"It's time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me
I'm free"
Let It Go - Idina Menzel

oOoOo

"Come and take a seat," my father says from his position behind the desk.

I sink down into the seat next to Xander. I turn to him and raise my eyebrows, silently asking him what this is about. He doesn't do anything to give me any indication of where this conversation is heading.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" I ask after a suffocating silence. I twiddle my thumbs in anticipation.

My parents exchange a look. I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. Is bad news coming? It looked like my mom's bad news face.

"Is everything okay? Did someone die?" I ask in an attempt to lighten the mood. I regret my words the second they come out of my mouth.

My mom rolls her eyes. "Nobody is dead. We just wanted to have a conversation about this arrangement." She gestures between Xander and me.

"Okay, so what's the deal now?"

"Well, you have a few viable options. One is to proceed with the original plan. You and Alexander date and eventually marry. We would have to set things straight with the press and spread some lies for damage control, though," she muses.

"It's nothing we can't handle," my father says. "We could just explain that everything was a huge misunderstanding and leave it at that."

"What are the other ones?" I don't want the original plan. I thought I sufficiently established that months ago.

"Ending the arrangement," my father states. I glance cautiously at Xander out of the corner of my eye, trying to gauge his reaction. His stoic face gives nothing away. Why can't he convey emotion just this once? I need to tread lightly and I don't want to hurt his feelings furthermore.

I turn to Xander. "What do you think?"

His face scrunches in thought. "We can do whatever you want, I guess," he shrugs.

"I just want you to be happy," he whispers as an afterthought. My heart aches for him.

I swivel to face my parents. "Hypothetically, how would we go about ending the arrangement? What would the effect be on the country and our relationship with the Danish?"

My father thinks for a second. He takes a deep breath before speaking. "Well... technically, we didn't sign any legitimate contracts, so we could end it very easily. It would be just like a breakup in a regular relationship."

"What about the trade deals and economic things that were going to come out of this?"

"We're not sure about that yet. Alexander, have you heard anything?"

"I think my parents would be willing to draw up a contract for a new trade deal. Don't quote me on this, though. I know that they would prefer for me and Katherine to stay together."

"Well, there's your answer, Katherine," my father says. "Obviously, the renegotiated deal will definitely not be as lucrative as the initial one. The relationship between our countries might be a little strained too." He pauses to let this sink in.

"But it's ultimately your decision, sweetie," my mom buts in.

I purse my lips, trying to find a tactful way to reject Xander.

"Okay, well, I think it would be in everyone's best interest to just end this relationship." I turn to Xander. "I really value your friendship, but there's just no spark between us. I'm in love with Kaden, and I sincerely hope you can find that someday."

He nods solemnly. "It's alright. I'm not gonna lie, I saw this coming."

"I am truly sorry. I really hope that we can remain friends, but I totally understand if you want nothing to do with me after today."

"Friends sounds nice. I'm going to need a little time, though." He gives me a sad smile.

I know I should be relieved that I'm off the hook, but why does it feel like I've kicked a puppy?

"Take as much time as you need. Again, I am so sorry. I wish things didn't have to end like this."

He mutters something under his breath before standing up. "Well, I better get going then. I'll tell my people to get in contact with your people."

I watch him walk out the door. I turn around to my parents and wait expectantly.

"We're proud of you," my mom says.

Proud? Of me? Why?

My father rolls his eyes, clearly disagreeing with her.

"Um, why?"

"For following your heart," she responds simply.

I smile awkwardly.

We sit in silence for a moment.

"So is there anything else you need? Or, um, can I go back to Kaden?"

"You can go, Katherine. We will handle the rest."

"Alrighty then. Thanks, I guess." I push in my chair and leave before they can change their minds.

oOoOo

Minutes later, I'm back outside my bedroom. I push the door open and find Kaden on the floor with Duke, right where I left him.

Duke barks fiercely at me. Kaden turns around.

"Hey, is everything good? You were gone for like an hour."

I smile. "Everything is great. Actually, no. It's perfect."

He arches his brows.

I join him on the floor and start playing fetch with Duke.

"That's it? Everything's perfect?"

"Nope."

"May I ask why everything is perfect?" He laughs.

I turn to face him. "I am officially free from Xander."

"Wait, I thought you were 'free' a few weeks ago?" He makes air quotes with his fingers.

"Well that was more of a breakup. I just talked about it with my parents. It's over. I'm finally free!"

Kaden's face splits into a beaming grin.

I stop playing with Duke as he reaches over to hug me.

Our innocent hug quickly turns into a makeout session. Just as it was about to escalate further, Duke started whining for attention. His paws started to scratch my arms as he climbed on top of us.

We sit up and shift so Duke could be close to us.

"I'm so glad," I whisper into his chest.

"I know. Me too." I can hear the smile in his voice.

"The first thing we're doing back in Boston is going out for a fancy celebration dinner," I announce, already making the plans in my head. I'll make a reservation as soon as possible. Grace, Blair, and I will all go shopping for fancy dresses. We'll invite all of our friends and go to a fancy dinner then go clubbing.

"Fine by me. I'm fucking over hiding our relationship. I want to shout your name from the rooftops."

"Me too."

Kaden places a kiss to the top of my head.

"I love you so much." My eyes start tearing up.

"I love you more." he squeezes me tighter.

Duke gently licks my neck, leaving a trail of slobber on my skin.

"I love you too, Duke." I pet his golden fur. "I'd never forget about you."

"Love you buddy," Kaden says.

Duke climbs onto my lap. I nudge him. He gets up and squeezes himself in between Kaden and me.

We sit on the floor all huddled together for hours, high on life.

oOoOo

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