The prince was stirred from looking out the window by a knock on his door. "Come in," he said.
The door opened. The servant dipped lowly, picking her skirt up gently.
"The king wishes for you, my Prince." she didn't raise her eyes or body.
"Yes, of course. Lead the way." he bowed back and followed her. His shoulders were back and at ease. His gaze was gentle, with a hard edge. The servant bowed again when they stopped at the door to the throne room.
"Thank you." he smiled kindly and entered after taking a breath.
"My son!" the king boomed as the prince stepped into the room. His mother was perched on her throne, a hand on her cheek and tears welling in her eyes.
"Mother!" he went over and checked her cheek gently. "What did you do to her?" his voice was steady and hard.
"Its fine, Darling." the queen whispered.
"No, it's not! You dont hit your wife!" the prince glared at his father. "Why?!" his voice cracked ever so slightly.
"Nothing that is of your concern, son. I wanted to talk about-" the doors to the throne room swing open.
"Sorry to interrupt. The prince has a message."
"Please take it to my chambers." the prince muttered bitterly.
"I was told it was of some importance."
"Ah, yes." the prince put on a smile and walked over.
"What happened to her majesty?"
"Nothing of your concern." the prince glanced over his shoulder. He took the letter and opened it. "who gave you this?"
"Prince Elliot's courier from the next kingdom over." he bowed.
"Yes, of course. Please take the letter to my chambers. It is of nothing dire." the servant bows. "You were speaking, Father," he said when the servant left.
"There is a ball in 6 moons. You are to find your suitor and wife before, are we clear."
"Yes, father. I'll look into the noblewomen you have staying in the time before the ball." the prince bowed low.
"Oh, and Darian?" he was punched in the jaw. "Mind you own." he nodded and bowed again. He went to his chambers, hand on his cheek. His guard perked at the sight of him.
"Sir? What happened?"
"Nothing. Tripped is all." Darian smiled gently.
"You should have that looked at-"
"Neno, I'll be fine." Darian entered his chambers and sat on his bed. He laid down and gently touched his cheek. He hissed as pain filled his face. He stood up again and went to his water bowl. He gazed at his face. The beginnings of a purple bruise marked the cheek his face hit. He let out a shaky breath, tears building.
"Sir?" a new voice asked. "The king wants you to appear at dinner."
"Fuck him," Darian said and sat down. "Just bring me mine."
"He said if you didn't come, you weren't going to be served."
"Then im going out!" Darian growled.
"Stay inside. It's raining. I'll bring you up something." she bowed and closed the door. Darian gave a soft nod. He looked at the letter sitting on the table close to his door. Elliot. His face softened and he walked over to it. He read it, a smile fanning over his face.
Dear Darian,
I hope you're doing well. I know this is a little in-prompt-to but I have been informed of the royal ball in a few moons. The invitation said an announcement of the prince's wife-to-be.
I was hoping that you would have denied the rumor for me, as I know you don't particularly wish to marry a lady.
Prince Elliot
Darian sighed to himself and shook his head.
Leave it to Elliot to always bring a smile to his face. He began his letter.
Dear Elliot,
My eyes are graced by your words, and my heart soars at your concern. I am well, and you seem to be correct.
I have no wish to marry a woman, but Father insists on me doing so. I am sad to say that we will not be able to correspond until the ball. I do wish you the best of health until we meet again.
Prince Darian
Darian eats the dinner the servant brought up and asked her to give the letter to the fastest courier they had, Daniel. He told her it was of some importance that it leave right away. He was called by the father to dress and met him at the entrance. A visitor had arrived. He sighed and quickly covers his cheek with a cream-colored powder. His bruise covered and a fake smile in place, he walked down the entrance of the castle. He stood next to his father, smile on his face as the door opened.
"Prince Darian, this is Lady Marian." his father smiled widely. Two females enter the room.
"M'lady. You must be wary from your travels. Shall we get you a room set?" Darian bowed lowly.
"Yes, my Prince."