Once upon a time, there was a prince who lived in a castle. He was seventeen years old and completing his education soon as well as preparing for engagement. His parents, the king and queen, had arranged princesses and other young ladies to meet him and bless them with marriage.
Only that—the prince didn’t love girls. He loved guys.
“Mother, I want to marry another boy,” the prince said.
“You do?” asked the queen.
“I’m gay,” said the prince.
The king hung his jaw down. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?”
“I’m sorry, father, I… I wasn’t sure if you’d accept it.”
“Of course we would, son,” the king said. “It’s just that… we don’t know any other gay guys.” “There has to be someone out there.”
A guy cried for help outside. The prince ran to the window. A boy, around the prince’s age, carried a rose outside the moat.
“Has anyone seen Casey?” the strange boy asked.
“Um… may I ask if Casey is a boy or a girl?” the prince asked.
“He’s a boy!” the guy stared at the prince. “Were you overhearing my—”
“Sorry,” the prince said.
“Why do you care?” asked the boy.
“W-well… b-because—”
“I’m taken, sorry.” The boy turned around.
“Wait!” exclaimed the prince.
The guy stopped.
“You’re gay too?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, isn’t that wonderful?” the queen approached the window. “In fact, I think you should have dinner with us tonight and let my son get to know you.”
“But I—”
“We’ll have the guards open up the gates and take it from there,” the queen said.
Some time later the royal family and the new boy sat at the dinner table. The butlers brought out the food.
“So what is your name, sire?” the king asked.
“I’m Kyle,” said the guest. “And there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Well, our son is due for marriage soon,” the king said. “And he just told us that he’s gay.”
“So am I and—”
“You and our son would make a perfect couple, Kyle,” the queen said. “We’ll make you both live happily ever after.”
“What I’m trying to say is—”
“And you two will rule the kingdom together,” the king added.
“I’m in a relationship!” Kyle yelled.
There was a pause. The whole table went silent.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t marry the prince,” Kyle said.
The king sighed. “Fine. Then I guess you guys will just be friends.”
That night the prince sat in his chamber. Tears stung his eyes. He and Kyle could be friends. But the prince loved him as a partner.
What if there were no other guys to love? The royal wedding was set to start in six months. The prince only had a few more days to find a suiter.
But Kyle seemed to sob outside. “Casey, you can’t do this to me.”
The prince rushed to his window.
“I don’t love you,” Casey said. “Honestly, I don’t feel ready for a relationship.” He walked away from Kyle.
The prince hurried to his parents’ chamber. “Mom, Dad, I need your help with something.”
“If it’s about Kyle, I’m afraid we can’t do anything about it,” the king said.
“That’s the thing,” said the prince. “His boyfriend doesn’t love him. He broke up with him.”
The queen gasped. “Oh, that’s terrible.”
“Can we let him back inside?” asked the prince. “Please?”
“It’s nine o’clock,” the king said.
“I don’t want to lose him,” the prince said.
“Your majesties!” cried Kyle.
The queen walked to the door. “We’ll let him in.”
After the guards let Kyle in, the prince approached him. “Are you all right?”
“Casey’s used me this whole time for nothing,” Kyle said.
“I’m sorry,” said the prince. “But… maybe I can make it up for you.”
“You really think so?” asked Kyle.
“Yes,” said the prince. “I promise to love you with all my heart. I’ll never cheat on you or dump you.”
“You promise?” Kyle asked.
“I do,” said the prince.
Kyle smiled.
The next few months, the two spent several dates together. They married in the late summer as prince and prince. And did they live happily ever after? You decide.