Dominic sighed as he looked at the clock ticking away in his study. He needed to, no he wanted to escape from the madness of this castle and his duties for one day. Everyone has been trying to find him a queen ever since his father Simon has become sick.
His mother Diane has been by his side, giving Dominic time to get used to the throne, he knows the day is near him becoming King. But he needs a wife, to help him rule and to bear children that will rule after he can no longer.
Dominic cared for his people, more than anything in the world, but that didn't mean he would throw his life away after meeting one princess. No, he wants to be the right woman, a woman who would fit in, that wouldn't be scared to get her hands dirty if need be.
Most of the princesses his family beings are too spoilt to even tell the difference between kindness and rudeness. Most princesses only cared about their stature and that's not what he or their kingdom is about.
A knock came at the door earning him to look up, "Come in."
The door opened to reveal his advisor Edward the one who helps him when he needs it.
"My lord, sorry to interrupt but I need to remind you that your coronation is coming up soon," Edward spoke.
Dominic sighed heavily of course he was aware, "Yes Edward I know."
"I'm sorry, I know finding a wife is never easy, especially when most of them aren't your taste," Edward replied, of course, Edward knew.
Edward had to know, being his advisor he needed to know almost everything about Dominic, no matter what it was.
"It won't be good for our kingdom if you don't show up without at least a woman," he spoke once again.
Dominic rolled his eyes sinking back into his chair, "I know Edward, I've tried looking. I've gone to every kingdom around here and even had girls show up. But they are all the same."
Edward smiled sadly at Dominic, "I know, but one might just be out that door. Why don't you take a stroll through the town today? I've heard there is a festival just outside of town. I'm sure everyone would understand you need to leave."
Dominic bit his lip, it was temping but he was needed here at the castle.
"I've heard our town doctor Simon, is helping the sick just outside the town. Why don't you go with them, I'm sure they would love to see you there soon to be king. It might help them restore faith in us and themselves," Edward replied.
"People are sick?" How did he not know this?
"Yes my lord, we've kept it quiet but I think now is a good time for you to help," Edward replied.
Dominic hummed in response, that was a good idea, "Alright, have you told my mother that I am going?" He asked.
"She already knows," Edward smiled.
Dominic said nothing as he stood up from his chair, fixing his hair a little. Making himself look presentable to those he was about to meet. He noticed a note that he was meant to deliver to Alex, the town's messenger.
"Oh before I forget, please give this to Alex, have him send this off," he said.
Edward said nothing as he took the envelope from Dominic's hand. It was detailed on the coronation ball, coming in a few months.
Both Edward and Dominic left the study at the same time, walking two steps behind him, Edward made sure everyone kept their distance from him. They saw Samuel downstairs packing a few supplies for his trip out.
"Samuel," Edward called making Samuel lookup.
His round glasses bounced to the bottom of his nose, his white coat hung comfortably over his body, not to mention his brown pants, plaid T-shirt and black shoes fitting him nicely.
"Yes," he replied fixing those round glasses.
"Our Lord is going with you. I think it's time for him to help out a little more," Edward replied.
Dominic rolled his eyes at his statement, he would have done something if he had already known. Samuel nodded his head grabbing his brown leather backfilled with the supplies he needed.
"You ready my lord?" He asked.
Dominic nodded, following Samuel out of the castle. Soon they were strolling through the town, earning a gasp from those who saw him. They haven't seen him since his father got sick, most thought he was sick himself.
"How many are sick out there?" Dominic asked.
"To be sure my lord, I'm not sure. I've only been able to treat a few of them. It's been hard having to keep this secret. We didn't want the town to think you or your family didn't care about them. We've kept them isolated, just for now," Samuel replied.
Dominic didn't say much after that, once they made it just outside the gate, the guards closed it behind them. Following Samuel down the dirt path is where he was met with a bunch of cottages.
He couldn't believe so many were sick without his knowledge, he did always wonder why there was smoke here but never questioned it as many passed through the forest to get to other places.
"He's back, the doctor is back," a little girl replied, a huge smile on her face.
"Hi Flora, how are you feeling?" Samuel bent down to the little girl.
She was about 8 years old, had long golden curly hair, with bright blue eyes. Her dress was a little dirty from not behind able to wash it.
"I'm feeling a little better by my papa isn't doing so well," Flora replied with a frown.
"Well let me take a look," Samuel followed Flora, causing Dominic to follow behind.
He was taking in all he could, many of them were covered with blankets as they were cold. That's when he saw her. Her beautiful curly red hair, green eyes. He felt his world stop for a second as he watched her tend to those who needed it while watering flowers that were around. White roses scattered around each cottage.
"Elizabeth, you are so sweet to us," a woman replied as she coughed.
"Michelle, you know me. I love to help those in need. My parents unfortunately aren't doing well at the moment, I'm doing everything for them and you guys," she replied.
Dominic made his way towards her, he needed to do something, "Do you need some help?" He asked.
"No, it's.." her eyes looked up and she gasped. "My lord."
She bowed her head, Dominic was shocked by her approach so formal.
"Please call me Dominic, I'm here to help. What do you need," he replied.
"Well I have some food cooking in that fire over there, are you able to check it for me?" Elizabeth asked.
Dominic said nothing as he did what was asked, taking off the lid, he grabbed the ladle that was hanging on the metal rod. Placing it into the food, stir it for a few seconds before taking a small nibble.
His eyebrows widened at the taste, he couldn't believe how good this was. Way better soup here than at the castle.
"This is amazing, it's cooked well. Do you want me to dish it out?" He asked.
"Yes please," Elizabeth replied as she tended to another person making sure they had enough water, blankets and their garden was done.