The prince arrives

Prince William Betafins Hornelius Dander was not charming. Neither was he witty, nor interesting, nor particularly well thought of, if thought of at all. It wasn't his fault. Not really. Compared to his Charming cousins not many could compete. And Betty (as he was called) was average in every way. Even for a prince he was average. Average height, looks, smarts, princeliness, you name it. Normally he did not mind because, generally, he lived and interacted with other average royalty and people.

Today, Betty minded. He minded a lot. It was one thing to be average around average people. It was another thing altogether to be average around a charming person, let alone if that person was A Charming. The Charmings took charming to another level and even the most charming non-Charming could not out charm A Charming. Because Betty was on one of the non-Charming branches of the Charming tree, he was out charmed in all ways. Even at this moment when his Charming cousin wasn't even close to being charming.

Betty turned away from the sight. It was vile and funny all at the same time and he'd been disgusted and amused for a week. Turned out charming Charming didn't handle ocean voyage well and had spent the vast majority of the week long journey from The Royal Kingdom to Kingdom of Thruse hanging over the side of the ship in a miserable state of nausea. Through it all, his cousin, green, weak, and kinda snively, had gained and retained the adoration and good opinion of every single person on the ship. Everyone.

Including, the steel hearted monster, Princess Lucinda Goldenrod Pettigood.

Betty rolled his eyes as Lucy wrung water from a cloth and dabbed at Charming's clammy face and neck, just like he'd rolled his eyes every time she'd done it from the very first time on the first day of the voyage. For some reason she'd taken one look at Charming and suddenly all of her "feminine wiles" came rushing to the forefront as she clamored to be the "the one" to personally tend to Charming during his time of need. Betty understood that Charming was a great catch for any princess in want of a well-educated, well-connected, handsome, wealthy, and charming man. And he completely understood that the competition was fierce, but Lucy hated, and he meant HATED anything having to do with ill health and or weak constitution. Once he'd injured his foot (not sickness, injury, damn her!) and she refused to acknowledge him at the three outings in which they'd both attended while loudly telling people how injury weakened a man's spirit and how she was loath to subject herself to such dramatics. She was about as sweet and caring as a rabid fox and Betty was both disgusted and bemused by her obvious playacting. Although, no one else saw anything wrong with her behavior as they were all vying for her position next to the incapacitated man.

What made it worse for Betty? His cousin Lang wasn't even one of the Royal Charmings. Nope, his charming cousin was a commoner. Meanwhile he, Betty, was a Bonafide Prince and he'd never received even half of the care and attention in his life that MR. Charming had just received in one week.

"I'm sorry, Betty," Mr. Charming said with truth and sincerity because, damn him, he was an honest and sincere kind of guy. It galled him but, Betty had never met a more honest and sincere person. Honestly, even when compared to their shared Charming relatives Lang was the best. Like he said, galling.

"I've made this trip miserable," Lang continued, "and I cannot thank you enough for your patience and kindness." The disheveled man made an effort to adjust his presentation. "Just give me a few more minutes. Now that we've docked I'm a little better. I'm sure I can make it to the carriage without mishap."

Betty doubted it but said, "No need to apologize or thank me, Langston. Happy to be of assistance," and damn it, he was, because he, like everyone, he truly liked the fellow. He was in fact, one of Betty's favorite fellows. Had been since they were kids. "You've had a hard time of it. Let's get you off this ship and settled in the palace. In a few days you'll be good as new and able to continue with your mission."

Langston smiled at Betty and then into the eyes of a besotted Princess Lucinda. "Perhaps I do not need to search much longer."

Lulu batted her eyes and Betty held back a groan before he said, "Let's get you well first before we find you a suitable bride, hey coz?"

Langston shot him a grin. Lulu shot him her patented look of death before instantly schooling her features back into ridiculously infatuation and attentiveness. "Curiously, Mr. Charming, the prince is correct. You do need to get well so you may attend to courting properly."

Betty bit his cheek to keep a snide comment in check and began walking for the gangplank. The sooner he got off the ship, and away from Lu and her crazy the better he'd feel. Gads, she was miserable and he silently stomped out his anger as he crossed the ship. The closer he came to departing the more spring appeared in his step. He'd been away for nearly six months and it was good to be home. A crowd had gathered on the docks and as he walked down the gangplank that crowd cheered and a welcome band began playing. Betty smiled and waved. Yes, it was great to be home. Home to his people and his--

Betty frowned as the crowd began chanting, "Charming! Charming!"

Behind him on the gangplank a green looking Mr. Langston Charming raised and waved a weak hand as a group of people he'd never met in his life cheered his arrival. Like a conquering hero. Or, Betty didn't know, maybe like a returned Prince who'd just spent six months of his life fighting for the rights of his people. Betty barely reached the end of the gangplank before well-wishers and welcomers pushed past him to greet Langston. He managed, with determined spirit and righteous indignation, to fight his way to reach the Royal carriage where he received a brisk nod from the driver. "Welcome home, Your Highness."

"Thank you, Jarvis." Betty didn't bother looking back again. "Princess Lucinda and Mr. Charming will obviously be a moment."

"Of course, Your Highness."

A footman opened the carriage door and before Betty stepped inside he heard the ripplings from the crowd. "Princess Lucinda will marry Prince Charming just wait and see!"

"Oh, how handsome they are together!"

"The Princess deserves such a Charming prince!"

Betty jumped into the carriage and just kept from slamming the door closed himself. Instead, he allowed the footman to gently close it while Betty did his best to keep his own building nausea at bay.