Disclaimer- I don't own W.I.T.C.H in any way. The story plot is mine. This story is based around the book version of the series. Flames are ok, just don't roast me.

Chapter 1

The moon had vanished. One by one, the stars faded from the cold night sky. Behind dark hills, the sun rose bathing the land of Metamoor in golden light. Across the vast hills two figures raced side by side towards Meridian, the land's capital city. One rider hunched down on his white stallion and sped past his companion, laughing exuberantly as he raced.

"To the palace Cedric! Last one there is a rotten Oogong egg!" Prince Phobos shouted, throwing his head back, flaxen hair streaming behind him.

Urging his white mare to run faster Cedric slowly gained on his friend until both horses were neck and neck. Not to be outdone, Phobos tore across the grassy field and through the massive gates that lead into the city, Cedric a full length behind him. The horse's hooves clattered loudly as they ran down the winding, stone paved streets. As they drew closer, the palace gates opened as if by an invisible force. In a final burst of energy, Phobos urged his stallion a full two lengths ahead of Cedric. The two friends galloped through rows of grand white columns, past vast crystal greenhouses where flowers of every color imaginable grew, and drew to a halt in front of the eastern wing of the palace.

Phobos dismounted swiftly, his sea-green eyes shining with the exhilaration of the race. "That was a wonderful race. Most exhilarating," he said, brushing a strand of hair from his face.

"Indeed it was, my prince," Cedric said, patting his weary mount's nose. "I enjoy our early morning races; they get me energized for Captain Miriadel's grueling combat drills. I swear the woman takes pleasure pushing us past our limits."

Phobos gave his friend a sympathetic smile. "Take heart Cedric, all your hard work will be well worth it once you join the Royal Guard. Commander Alborn has his eyes on you and I've heard him say to my father how impressed he is with your skills at hand to hand combat."

Pleased, Cedric bowed slightly before taking the reigns of his Lord's horse. "I shall do my best not to let him down. Do you still want to meet in the Main Hall after evening meal? "

Before Phobos could answer, the gold palace doors opened and Barrtok, his father's personal servant stepped outside, looking very flustered.

"Oh my Lord, I'm so glad I finally found you. Your father the King wishes to see you immediately."

Phobos swallowed a groan. He had a good idea about what his father wanted to speak with him about, a topic they had discussed in length for the past few weeks without coming to an agreement.

"This meeting wouldn't have anything to do with me finding a suitable mate would it?"

Barrtok looked away, refusing to meet his eyes. "I don't know my Prince."

Without trying Phobos felt the man's mind with his and discovered he was right. "I see," he said before turning to Cedric. "Unless my father marries me off before evening meal I will meet you later as planned in the Main Hall. Oh, and have someone look at my horse's left rear hoof. I think there's a pebble in it."

Without another word he turned and hurried up the stone steps into the palace with Barrtok following close behind. It was early summer so all the window shutters were open, flooding the interior corridors with light. He marched purposefully through the palace, scarcely acknowledging the bows and greetings of the servants and courtiers he passed. Once they were alone Phobos turned to the man besides him.

"I don't understand Barrtok. Why must father push me so hard to find a mate? Why can't he understand that I'm just not ready to settle down yet."

"I know Highness, but unfortunately you are also an only child. It is your duty to keep the royal line going."

"Yes, yes I have heard it all before so please save the lecture."

They walked the rest of the way in silence and soon came to the corridor leading to the royal library. Barrtok took his leave of him and Phobos continued alone, steeling himself for the worse. Two guards stood outside the bronze door of the library. At his approach one of the guards rapped on the door with the butt of his spear before opening it for him. Inside the room, he found his father standing over a large, wood table that held an array of maps and papers. Hovering by the door he waited patiently to be acknowledged but his father didn't look up and seemed completely oblivious to his presence. After a few uncomfortable minutes of silence passed by Phobos cleared his throat loudly.

"So, father...who is she this time?"

"Straight to the point as usual, my son," the king said, looking over his shoulder at him. "Very well then, I too shall be blunt. Metamoor needs a Queen. Since you have yet to find a suitable bride in the kingdom your mother and I have taken it upon ourselves to search other realms. It took some doing but we managed to find a world whose people closely match our own. It's called Astoria."

Phobos frowned. "I've never heard of the place. What sort of woman have I been paired with this time?"

"Go to the viewing ball, it will show you."

His stomach tightening with apprehension, Phobos walked over to a large glass ball suspended in a gold hoop in the far corner of the room. Placing his hand on it, he looked deep into it and whispered.

"Reveal the woman chosen for me. "

A milky, white mist slowly filled the ball and the surface grew warm. When everything became clear, again the image of a sleek purple dragon, its large batwings stretched wide. Phobos's eyes widened with stunned disbelief, this had to be a mistake.

"I see nothing here but a dragon, father. Surely this is not my intended."

"She most certainly is. Her name is Calypsa and she is to be your soul mate."

"My what!"

The king turned to his son, fixing him with a look that warranted no argument. "You heard me. She will be your soul mate. The queen of Metamoor must belong to the royal line either by blood or by spirit. An outsider would have no connection to the land, becoming your soul mate solves that problem. Now, your mother and I have arranged the best marriage possible for you because despite what you think we do want you to be happy. If nothing else think of the kingdom. With this marriage we gain both an ally and the security that the royal line will continue."

Realizing any protest would be pointless Phobos sighed and nodded reluctantly. "So be it, "Very well father. I'll agree to this forced bonding for the sake of kingdom. When do I get to meet my life mate?"

"She will be here tonight a little before sundown. Your mother is making the finally preparations. Now go get yourself washed, you have much to do and very little time to do it. Barrtok is awaiting you in your room, he will oversee everything."

Keeping his face void of emotion Phobos nodded and quickly left the room, struggling to sort through the chaotic thoughts that ran through his mind.