Yet another triad fic... 0_o; I must like those or something... *shrug*

Saxon is a mad King in love with match making reality shows and decides his daughter needs to marry. What could go wrong?

No warnings yet,

ENJOY!

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He squinted his eyes against the midday suns. Deciding to go for another gallop around the pen, before his return. Torchwood; odd name for his magnificent steed, but it had felt right. The stallion rode strong and true; even as Jack jumped it over, the small stream. He leaned in, patting Torchwood's neck as they slowed. Reaching the stables, a young teen, waiting to see to his horse's care.

A girl of no more than 10; ran up to him. She waited till her Prince turned; gracing her with a grin. "My Lord, I was bid tell you. Her highness, Queen River, wishes an audience." She stated quickly and with a blush.

"Thank you Eryn. Tell her I will see her before dinner. Oh and have my maids draw up a bath for me." He replied with another grin.

"Of course my lord." The young kitchen maid, smiled back. Prince Jack was always so kind. Eryn scurried up to the palace, to deliver the news.

Jack shook his head as he handed the reigns, over to Dafyd. An apprenticing horse handler. "Come on ye great beast, chow time this way." The youth griped; with a wink at the horse's rider.

Jack wiped the back of his hand across; his sweaty brow. The blue eyed Prince; wondered what his mother may want. He made his way up to the palace and his opulent rooms; with that thought in mind.

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"Ianto?"

The young prince looked up from his book. His father, the king in these lands looked on kindly. Ifan; suddenly wondered, if he was making a mistake? Wondered if the boy's mother, was better suited for this? Maybe another of his consorts; Darrius or even Queen Mara, would prove more prudent.

"What is it father?" The crown Prince of Heathway; asked calmly.

"My boy I worry I am not the person for this news. I am not known to be… Compassionate, when it comes to the betterment of this country." King Ifan lamented. He knew he wouldn't be one; you could try and bargain or reason with. It was always; 'You will do this because I said so, end of!' With the King.

"I care about her, I care for Heathway too." Ianto assured; setting his book aside. Starting to get a little concerned; with the gravity of the news, his father had for him.

"I know my son, my heir and I trust you will do your duty. Now go see your mother." Ifan decided, turning away with a grumble. Leaving his son to worry as he headed for the consorts wing of the main palace.

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"Jack, my boy!" River gushed; with a wide smile.

"Hello mother, you wished to see me?" The crown Prince of the; Golden Dunes, replied. Feeling warning bells going off; at the bright greeting.

"Take a seat my son." Queen River instructed; waiting for him to do so. It took her a minute to find the right way to start. Her only son waited; while she debated her task and finally she spoke. "Jack, even we are ruled, we answer to the control of another." River stated carefully.

"High King Saxon, yes I know." The older, but still young, 25 year old replied. His eyebrow arching. "Mother really, just tell me." The Prince huffed, growing impatient.

"Alright, you have been 'invited' to stay at Crystal Peak, where you will also contend with other eligible suiters. For Princess Anika's hand." Queen River sighed, waiting as her son processed the info.

"Contend? Not only am I to agree to this union. I have to make her think I want it? All to placate some simpering royal into choosing me in the first place?" Jack balked; rising from his seat.

~ACoW~

"Not as bad as all that?" Ianto; fairly shouted incredulously. "Do you remember Lady Lisa…?" He added, beginning to pace. He shivered at the memory of his parent's first attempt at a betrothal. He'd thought he did everything right and in the end she'd declared him unworthy of her high standards. It had taken months to gain any form of confidence back.

Lady Anna swallowed carefully. "I have not met the Princess, but surely she cannot be 'that' bad." She watched her son; hoping she was seeing signs of acceptance. "Imagine how she must feel. I doubt this was her idea. True she gets to pick, but whose affections are genuine…if any. Her betrothed are under orders." The Consort stated. "And an heir will be expected. A true monster can be quite alluring, and play the part to get what they want. Behind the doors however…" She sighed; knowing he got her meaning when his pacing, abruptly stopped.

He turned to her in open shock. "Never! I'd never!" Ianto swore; just thinking of forcing himself on or treating a bed mate cruelly, making him feel sick. No matter her roll in this debacle. If he was chosen; he would be fair and he would be kind. After all his mother was probably right and she was just as much a victim in this, as he was.

"I know my sweet boy, I know you wouldn't." She replied quickly as she held out her arms and he walked into the apologetic embrace. "I only meant that not all of these other suitors will necessarily be so chivalrous, once the prize is won." Lady Anna explained. "And before you say it. I know you would not see her that way, but she doesn't know that. My precious Yanno."

"If I cannot love her… I would still treat her well." He promised and looked up to see his father, the King. "And I would do my duty." Ianto added with grim determination.

"Honey no one, not even she; will expect love so soon." Anna stated, thinking of her own betrothal.

"But a friendship builds love." The King stated, gazing into his consort's eyes.

"If love is not both of your fates together, at least she knows kindness." Lady Anna smiled, reaching out for her beloved's hand.

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Prince Jack's conversation with his mother; was going much the same. His outrage at anyone suffering cruelty. Especially when they were supposed to be your lover. Clear in his eyes. Suddenly he decided he would do this, if only to save the Princess from a dark fate. "Alright…alright… I'm going, I'll go." Jack stated and his mother nodded approvingly. He turned to his father. "Do I 'play to win'…?" He asked wearily and with a gulp.

"Gods what was Saxon thinking? That poor girl." King John sighed and his son patiently waited for his instructions. "Anyway; once you meet her, you'll know better, just give it a chance and don't deliberately try to lose. Knowing him, The High King will find out." Jack's father replied; with a nod.

"I would not knowingly bring dishonor on this Kingdom or our family." Jack replied with a defiant tilt of his chin.

~ACoW~

Across the kingdoms, a shattered young women was gazing out at the sky. Behind her was a flurry of motion as her servants packed for the trip. Her ladies maids whispering excitedly. Only Lady Donna was smart enough to catch her Mistress's distress. Having been a companion to Anika, since she'd lost her mother at birth. The redhead supposed, she did know the Princess best.

Closing the wide windows behind her. The older woman approached, the openly shaking figure. "Here Majesty, you will catch cold." Donna murmured as she wrapped a thick velvet cloak around, the young woman's shoulders. She stood back, not wanting to intrude. "You're cousin did his best. Suppose you were monitored by them through the whole… crazy parade…?" That got a watery smile and even a small chuckle. No one feared speaking their mind in the young royal's presence. The Princess had always welcomed; even a servant's council.

"Do you think he'll be kind?" Anika whispered abruptly, biting her lip. She waited before adding. "Daddy won't want us to wait. He-he wants grandchildren…" She closed her eyes as tears escaped. She tried; desperately, not to imagine, what any one of her potential husbands, might do. In or out of their bed chambers.

Of course that would be what her mistress feared. Not unfounded or ridiculous at all. "Oh my child. We will never let such a thing happen. No matter what that daffy twit wants." The redhead growled; knowing she could say such things, without fear of reprimand. "Now come, let's get you a nice hot cocoa." Donna decided; leading the young woman back inside.

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