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Prince Jonathan paced around his room until his legs were weak. He hated the decision his parents made for him. He hated this whole life. Jon sat down and stared at the ceiling as he thought of what to do. Suddenly inspired, Jon wrote a quick note, took some money and left his room. He took one glance at his squire; asleep in the room connected to his. Jon was about to leave the room when Thom woke up.
"Where are you going?" he asked suspiciously. Jon never really liked Thom; the only reason he chose him was because Thom came from along line of Tortallan heritage. Another of one of his parents' decisions.
"No where," Jon said irritably.
"Is this about my sister?" Thom asked quietly.
Jon stopped in his tracks. The only thing Thom talked highly of was his sister in the convent. That was the reason why Jon never told him how much he didn't want to marry her. He didn't even know her!
"Yes, and no," Jon said slowly. Anything could put Thom in a bad mood.
"Thought so."
"You don't know how it feels to be forced to do something you don't want to do!" Jon yelled, his fist shaking.
"I don't, now?" Thom laughed ironically. His knight master obviously didn't know about what happened before he left Trebond for the palace.
Jon stared at Thom. He never really seemed human. Like he was incapable of human emotion because Jon never sensed any feeling in Thom. Except for ambition, anger and greed. Until lately, Jon thought Thom was not able to love either because he never flirted, never danced and never had a fling. It seems like Thom could only love 3 things. Himself, power, his sister, which surprised Jon greatly. But, now Jon felt like Thom pitied him.
"What do you mean?" Jon asked, half annoyed half interested.
Thom looked like he had expressed more than he wanted to. Jon forgot that Thom was a very private person.
"Nothing."
Jon turned to leave, but Thom stopped him.
"Just write a letter to my sister, telling her to tell me that you are ok where ever you are."
That surprised Jon. Thom was going to be worried about him. He gave him the smallest of nods and left the room, with his cloak hood up. As Jon left the courtyard, he took a last glance at the palace and mounted his horse, riding into the distance. Only an hour later, the King's own caught up with him and brought him home. He was immediately locked in his room and guards were place outside his door.

It has been six months and Jon never left his room. Tonight would be the first time Jon would be able to see the moon and stars up close. Sadly, the confinement of his room left its mark on Jon. After he thought about, Jon concluded that the Trebond whore should be thankful for being with him, a prince in line for the throne. Enough for the plans he thought up in the limitations of his prison. Jon was looking forward to the ball being held in honor of his bride who was coming and going to be introduced to court. Especially the ball after the ball. He grinned crazily to no one in particular as he dressed for the occasion.

Jon sat down bored beyond belief on a throne on the other side of his parents. His bride to be was late. He amused himself by flirting to a nearby lady whose bosom was nearly hanging out of her neckline. She also had too much make up on and perfect tresses. Hmm, he thought, She would be a great mistress. He invited her to dance with him by kissing her hand, his lips lingering on her skin for a second longer than most would. She smiled and accepted his invitation. They danced in the latest fashion and everyone watched them. Only one person sat down on the side, watching them with a look of disapproval rather than appreciation. Thom drained cup after cup of strong wine, though he hated to drink. He watched the prince twirl his dancing partner round and round, knowing that somehow, she'll end up in his bed very soon. Thom took another gulp of wine. Jon was very 'active' at court, all ladies knew as much. Even with a bride, Thom could tell he'd still be as 'active' as before. Alanna on the other hand, hated to be tied down, which he was sure she would be. With duties as queen and satisfising Jon, uh, lust, she will have time only to sleep, which would also be, interrupted. This was the worst marriage pairing ever. Alanna and Jon were as different as black and white and she would never stoop to his level to make him 'happy'. He also noted with satisfaction that Alanna deserved better than a boy trying to be a man, even if he was a prince. Thom tipped his head back to drink the rest of the bottle's contents as Myles sat down beside him.
"Aren't you a bit young to brush your problems away with liquor, Thom?" Myles asked sternly
"So what if I am?" Thom retorted harshly. Myles always watched Thom with both eyes and it made him uncomfortable that someone was putting their nose in his business.
"If you believe that he doesn't deserve your sister and you are hesitant to their marriage, you shouldn't make it that obvious," Myles suggested quietly so he wouldn't be over heard.
"Maybe I want to! I want him to know how much of an ass he is and that my sister should have better!" Thom whispered so angrily that he jumped out of his seat and left the ball in pure rage.
Myles fingered an unopened bottle of wine and unscrewed the top. He poured the scarlet wine into a silver goblet and raised it to Thom's empty seat.
"To the end of the world," he murmured and took a sip.
The dance had ended and Jon separated from his partner who was accepting a dance invitation from Gary. Jon gave Gary an evil eye and went back to his seat to watch them dance. Only moments later, the herald cleared his voice until he gained everyone's attention.
"Lady Alanna of Trebond has arrived!" he yelled. All heads turned to see a short lady walk down the grand staircase, her violet silk dress moved like a water fall as she walked down each stair carefully. A head of copper was fashioned in the latest style, a grand bun with curls erupting from the top and sides. She looked at Jon and didn't smile as he met her at the bottom of the stairs to escort her to the royal family. The queen and king kissed her cheek as they greeted her with smiles. After they chatted for a bit, she asked the king if she could see her brother. The king's mouth hardened as he informed her that Thom had left the ball. She looked a bit cast fallen but accepted Jon's dance request. He led her to the floor and twirled her effortlessly.
"So, is Thom behaving?" she asked though she much rather talking about the fencing courts and archery butts.
"Let's not talk about Thom," he asked annoyed. Her question took him by surprise. Usually, women wanted to talk about him.
"As you wish. What do you want to talk about?" Alanna asked, equally as annoyed.
Jon shrugged. "How about me?"
Now Alanna was disgusted. It took all of her convent training to for it not to show on her face. "What about you?" she snapped.
Jon was shocked. A woman has never talked to him in that tone. "Lady Alanna, rule no.1, always do as I say. Or else."
"Or else what?" she dared him.
Jon grinned evilly. "I'll kill your brother."
Alanna shrieked and pushed him away. She began to run out the door and to the gardens. All eyes watched the fleeing purple figure cross the moonlight and then watched the prince walk stiffly after her, a small smile on his face, the only thing revealing his intentions.
Alanna continued to run until her heels gave away and she tripped. She lay on the grass, her eyes filling up with tears. How she hated that the gods didn't want her to be a knight and only a soft lady. A flash appeared, revealing the most perfect being Alanna has ever seen. The being smiled her red lips. Alanna recognized the face from all the paintings coating the convent walls.
"You.you can't be."Alanna stuttered.
"Oh, Alanna," the Great Mother Goddess smiled sadly. "I have come to help you with your path. We have chosen it, but you get to decide how to live it. You must teach the prince how to love, or all is lost. There will be no Tortall."
"What? Why? How?" Alanna asked.
"It is not my duty to tell you the future, only how to prevent it," the goddess answered. She began to fade. "He is coming. Be gentle. Remember, you are in the hand of a goddess." The Great Mother disappeared.
Only seconds later, Jon appeared, his mouth in a smirk. Alanna crawled away from him. Jon's face didn't change, he just walked faster.
"What do you want with me?" she asked, afraid to hear the answer.
"It's very simple, I want you to want me," he said, picking her off the floor very gently, catching her violet eyes with his blue eyes. They widened a bit as she stepped away from him.
Instinct or Duty? She thought as he led her to a nearby bench.
Freedom or Prison? Jon was rubbing her inner thigh now, kissing her neck.
Joy or Pain?

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