A/N: Here is my very first RWBY fanfiction. Hope you all enjoy and please leave a fave and review if you do!

Prologue

Legends

Stories Scattered Through Time

Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits or heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts of a forgotten past

But of course, everyone knows that stories can only take us so far in knowing that happened, knowing what made us who we are.

Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born in an unforgiving world.

An inevitable darkness, creatures of destruction.

The creatures of Grimm set their sights on man and all of his creations

But the Grimm were not the only ones with their eyes on destruction. Sure, they were strong and fast and deadly, but they were monsters, creatures with no soul and no feelings. Things that, with training and with the help of a little magic, could be defeated.

And yet, the world was still in turmoil. Five Kingdoms on the edge of war. Five Kingdoms with trouble brewing.

So, you can prepare your "guardians" and knights of valor, but will it be enough to get rid of the darkness that threatens to overcome?

Just because the monsters that plague your dreams at night are real, doesn't mean they are the ones you should be worrying about.

Arc Castle

From the first day he started his training, Jaune knew he wasn't prepared to be a prince. Of course, though, he wasn't really given a choice. His parents, King John and Queen Alsea of Vale, never admitted it as well, but they knew Jaune was going to need a lot of encouragement and hard work to get him ready for his big day. Ever since he was born Jaune had been given expectations, duties, and a strict set of rules to follow. Plus, a peace treaty engagement to the country to the North, Atlas. He had to go through learning how to be a fighter, to being a good leader, then, at last, king.

Unfortunately, Jaune was still on phase one.

A very, very painful phrase one.

THWACK! A sharp stinging sensation filled Jaune's leg and he held back a yell before jumping away from his opponent.

"C'mon, Jaune," His father said, blue eyes narrowed, "Remember your stance, as well as where you should position your sword when I attack."

"Sorry," Jaune said for the hundredth time. He hated sword fighting with his father, as all he ever did just seemed to make him more disappointed. They were sparring in the Arc's Castle grounds and, like always, the prince was losing. Determined to at least get a good hit on his opponent, Jaune readied his fighting stance again and held out his sword. His father looked at him, face expressionless, and prepared to attack. His sword jabbed at Jaune's left in a swift motion and Jaune quickly deflected the attack with a turn of his wrist. The swords clashed and Jaune then pulled back before taking the chance to strike. He hit his father's side before the king used struck his son's wrist with a hard crack. Jaune dropped the weapon in pain and bit his lip.

So close, He thought. King John picked up the weapon and handed it back to Jaune, "I think we should stop for the day."

"No, I can still do this," Jaune said, though not very convincingly. His wrist was had started to throb slightly. His father sighed, "Let's keep going, please."

"I have work to do," John said, "We're done for the day." He handed the weapons to a nearby servant before walking back towards the castle entrance, "The Schnee Family is coming today in preparation for the ball and I expect you to make a good impression."

"Trust me," Jaune said quietly, "I always do." The prince didn't even bother to follow, only turned around and walked out of the castle walls.

He needed time to think.

What am I going to do? King John thought as he walked into the castle, He can't fight, he can't even get a good hit on me without getting injured himself. Several servants gave him concerned looks and John remembered to keep a smile on his face so others wouldn't have to worry, the coronation is in just a few months and I can't risk him getting killed.

"Your Majesty," A familiar voice said, and King John snapped out of his thoughts. Standing before him was a tall man. Graying hair stuck out from the sides and his clothes were anything but fancy. One hand held a steaming hot mug and the other a dark brown cane. John's eyes widened as soon as he realized who he was.

"Ozpin," He exclaimed, and opened up his arms "So good to see your back from Mistral." The two exchanged a friendly hug and the king noticed the coffee in the old geezer's hand like always, "How was the trip?"

"Average, I suppose," His friend said before taking a sip of his drink, "The king and queen are expecting a new baby and they wanted my advice on the matter."

"Well, you are a renowned sorcerer and sage," John pointed out, "But, tell me, dear Ozpin, the real meaning of why you are here. I'm sure you didn't come by here just to chat."

"I wanted to talk to you about your son," Ozpin said, and stared at the king's frown with interest, "I noticed your duel."

"I hardly doubt that was a duel," John said, and tried to pull off a chuckle, but Ozpin could see the pained expression on his face. He put a hand on the king's shoulder.

"John, why are you so worried?" Ozpin asked.

"Why would I be worried?" John laughed.

"Do you want me to answer that?"

John sighed and his eyes darted to the floor. Ozpin was his friend, his trusted friend, for that matter. So why not get it out?

"For the past seventeen years I've been trying," John said, "Trying so hard to get him to become the prince he needs to be. But…I'm afraid Jaune's just not ready."

"Hmm," Ozpin mused, signaling that he was deep in thought, "Do you think that he thinks he's not ready?" His friend looked at him quizzically.

"What on earth do you mean?"

"I mean, does Jaune believe that he is ready? We all know his time to become king is drawing closer, yet, I believe that he does not think himself worthy of it."

John took Ozpin's words in slowly and sighed once more.

"I suppose he doesn't," John admitted, "But why would he think that?"

"That, my friend, is something you are going to have to figure out yourself."

"Why must you be so cryptic?"

"It's my job, John. You know that best." Ozpin gave a smug grin and started to walk away, "Keep trying, John. Oh, and make sure to say hi to the Schnee Family when they visit for me. I'm not sure, though, if I should attend the ball or not."

"You should. No criminal would dare try and sneak in with you in there," John half-joked. Ozpin was known for his powerful abilities.

"Very well, if you request it, your majesty," Ozpin said.

"I shall see you there, than," John said before heading off. He had to get ready for some old visitors to arrive.

Jaune sat under the willow tree in silence, with the only sound coming from the cool breeze blowing in from the North. That's one of the reasons he was glad being born in Vale, as it never got too hot nor too cold. His back was against the hard trunk and the leaves from the tree allowed him to hide in comfort. Eyes closed, and no one disturbing his peace.

"Prince Jaune, I know you're in there," Came a blunt voice.

Almost no one. Dammit. But why on earth would he be here? Jaune had only shown him his hiding spot when they were kids that one day when he was feeling down.

"Ren," Jaune said, "Please go away." He heard the sound of footsteps and the willow leaves parted as a young man stepped in. He had night black hair that seemed messy and long, a single piece dyed magenta. His eyes were the same color and his clothes a dark green. Jaune knew that Ren was the only servant who wore colorful clothing.

"What happened this time Prince Jaune?" Ren asked, and sat down besides the prince. He knew Jaune well enough to know that he came to the hiding spot when he was upset.

"I told you not to call me that. And…I lost a duel…again," Jaune mumbled, and put his head into his hands, "I am so bad at being a prince."

"Don't say that," Ren said flatly. He didn't like to speak with emotion a lot, "I'm sure you're okay at doing it." Truth be told, the servant boy had no idea what being a royal was like as one got older, "Sometimes people just mess up."

"I mess up all the time," Jaune groaned, and looked Ren in the eyes, "I mean, how am I supposed to be a king when I can't even fight right?" Ren started at his despairing friend and sighed. For the seven years the two had known each other, ever since he had come to castle and became his assigned playmate, Ren had gotten to know Jaune a lot, not just for his royal title, but for who he was.

"Listen," Ren said, "Have you ever tried talking to your father about all of this. Or your mother?"

"No," Jaune said, "It's too hard. Every time I try to I always remember the disappointment that he feels when I fail. If I talk to him I'll end up failing even more."

"How so?" Ren asked.

"Because I'm an Arc," Jaune said miserably, "And that means we're supposed to be tough, fierce, and to do things by ourselves. To be natural born leaders and fighters." They sat in silence for a few moments.

"I think you should talk to him," Ren said, "Just because you want to talk, or want to ask for help, doesn't make you less of an Arc than you are. Prince Jaune, your coronation is in five months and everyone's expecting you to be a hero."

"I know, I know," Jaune said.

"-and the only way for that is if you let a little bit of air out of your head and learn to ask for help. I'm sure if you explain to your father the pressure and stress you have on your shoulders he'll understand completely."

Jaune stared him. It was times like these he felt grateful that Ren was his friend, even though in the beginning he didn't really have a choice. He remembered when they were both introduced to one another. It was nothing like when he had to meet his future partner from Atlas, stiff and formal, but instead this encounter was mellower, more open-minded, and because of that the two got along fairly well. Ren put up with Jaune's troubles, and at times the prince wondered how he could stand hearing him ramble on so much.

He just guessed Ren was born as a naturally patient guy.

"Okay, yeah," Jaune said, "I'll go talk to him. If I can find him, that is. The Schnee Family will be here soon and I have to get ready." He stood up and brushed the dirt from his pants. Being a prince meant that he wasn't supposed to get his royal clothes soiled to much but his parents weren't that uptight about presentation.

The Schnees however, were, so Jaune knew better than to show up in clothes mixed with sweat and dirt. Ren followed him out from the willow tree and said goodbye to his friend before heading off.

"Hey, are you going to be at the ball?" Jaune asked before he was out of earshot. Most of the servants were required to help out.

"Probably," Ren answered, and Jaune let out a relieved breath. Maybe Ren could help him calm down before he had to dance with his fiancé, "See you later, prince Jaune."

"See you later, Ren. And don't call me that!"

On a Road to the Arc Castle

The carriage bounced along with dusty road in silence. It was a luxurious ride, one that only the very rich could afford, and rich was one word to describe the Schnee family. The others some people couldn't say unless they wanted their heads chopped off. A certain white haired girl looked out the window, a feeling of anxiousness in her mind. Since this was a special occasion she was forced to wear a frilly white dress with a corset so tight she could barely breathe, a dress she absolutely hated. But of course, she kept her mouth shut. Her hands were politely folded on top of her lap and her legs positioned like a princess. Her parents were also silent, both dressed up in fancy attire just right for the upcoming ball.

Two days, she thought to herself, Two days until one of the biggest nights of my life. The dance would officially mark her and Jaune Arc as a couple, but not married. The marriage wasn't until after he was crowned king. The very thought made her sigh.

"Are you alright, dear?" Her mother asked.

"She's fine," Weiss's father huffed, and Weiss forced herself not to say a snide remark back.

"Yes, mother, I'm quite alright...just nervous."

"It'll be fine," Her mother assured, "Think about it: A ball, a prince-"

Weiss flinched.

The first time she and Jaune met both of them knew they weren't meant for one another. Sure, he was nice and tried to act like the prince he was, but Weiss could tell he was different. She just couldn't explain what it was. Maybe the way he could make things awkward around them or that he didn't want to be a prince. Weiss had her moments when royalty seemed a pain in the head, but she still preferred it over being poor and starving. Every year since they were ten, the two were forced to spend time together either in his castle, or hers. It was a long trip to take and she dreaded every minute of it. Vale's heat was unbearable, as the princess was used to the nice frigid cold up in Atlas's north. There was also the fact that she had to sit in a stuffy vehicle for over a number of days.

In order to pass the time, Weiss studied her parents. They looked more like her future husband's than hers. Silvery blond hair, gray eyes. It was a wonder why she turned out the way she did. Her appearance wasn't easy to deal with, especially since it led to a plethora of names.

"Mother, father," Weiss said in a polite tone, "When shall we reach the castle?"

"In time, dear," Her mother said, "Maybe a couple of minutes or so? I see we have passed some villages so it mustn't' be far." Weiss had visited Jaune's castle to know the layout of the land. His home was surrounded by towns, unlike her own which were isolated from rebellious peasants. Weiss looked out the window again and indeed saw multiple peasants staring at the carriage. Their clothes were torn and dirty and her face crinkled a little at the sight of a group of children playing with pigs in the mud. It amazed her how some people were able to live like that. Suddenly, the carriage stopped and shouting was heard. The carriage started to shake and her father opened the door to see what the ruckus was.

"Benjamin, what in the world of Remnant is going on?" He yelled.

"Sir, um-"Her driver's words were blocked out by yelling and screaming. Weiss's eyes widened as she saw that the village people were starting to advance towards the carriage, faces fuming with hate.

"Mother…" She said. The queen quickly grabbed her husband's shirt.

"William, this is getting out of hand," Her mother exclaimed.

"You're a disgrace to humans!" Weiss heard a villager said.

How dare you insult me! Weiss thought loudly and barely contained herself from standing up.

"Get outta our land, you greedy beasts!" Another yelled. Weiss flinched at the man's tone. Her confidence faded a bit.

"No good killers," A woman shouted. This was absurd; they were Schnees for Remnant's sake! She turned to her father who was trying to calm the people down.

"You think can control your people, us, by a stupid contract!?" Another lady screamed. What was she talking about?

"William!" Her mother said. A sudden pain filled Weiss's head and she fell to the carriage ground. Something warm went down her face and her vision blurred slightly.

What the-She heard someone yelling her name but their voices were muffled. She blinked and stared at the ground. Why is the floor red?

"Arc's Guards. No one move!" Someone shouted off in the distance.

"Weiss!" She heard her mother scream again. What's wrong? She felt sturdy arms go around her waist and the last thing she saw was a bloodied rock on the ground.

Jaune looked at himself as he stood in front of the mirror. It had been about twenty minutes since the talk with Ren and he couldn't find his father. Seeing there was nothing else to do, he decided to get ready for the Atlas arrivers. His outfit consisted of a dark red vest with golden buttons the same color as his hair going down the middle. Underneath was a white shirt with annoying cuffs Jaune kept getting stuck on things. He wore royal blue pants and his black boots that were a bit too tight. He would probably have to ask for new ones before the coronation. A brown belt went over his waist and to top it off, a small, yellow crown rested on his head.

I don't deserve this, He thought sadly, and took it off. Holding it in his hands Jaune remembered the day he got it. He had just turned ten and was learning the basics of horseback riding. Unfortunately, thanks to his clumsiness, he ended up getting thrown off the unlucky steed and broke his arm. As a make-up gift his father gave him the crown as an early birthday gift. Back then, it didn't matter if he made a mistake.

But now it does, his mind whispered, causing Jaune to frown. His conscience was right, though. He reluctantly put the crown back on his head and made sure to sweep the strands of hair from his eyes. The Schnees would be there any minute. Determined not to fail this time, Jaune straightened up and practiced holding out his hand to the fair maiden while bowing at the same time.

"Miss Schnee," Jaune said in a respectful manner, his voice still not deepened like other teens his age, "It is a pleasure to see you again." He lowered his head a bit more.

The crown slipped off and fell onto the ground with a clatter. Jaune quickly grabbed it and put it back on his head, face a furious crimson.

Great, Jaune. You've already messed things up and you're not even with her yet. Jaune knew one of his duties was to get the young princess to like him, if not love. And for the past few years he'd been shot down more by Weiss more than he could count. Oh, why couldn't he be more suave like his father was to his mother?

"Prince Jaune?" A voice said, and the prince turned around. Ren was standing there with a hint of amusement on his face; an emotion Jaune rarely got to see, "What are you doing?"

Jaune fumbled for the right words, "I-um. I…was-"

"Practicing?" Ren finished for him.

"Something like that," Jaune said sheepishly, "How much did you see?"

"Enough," Ren said, "But I came here to tell you that your father requests you come down to the throne room immediately. An emergency has come up."

An emergency? Jaune only nodded and went past Ren out of the room. Emergencies rarely came up in Vale, as the country was in a time of peace. He ran past dozens of servants and guards before entering the ginormous grand throne room. When Jaune was little he would often come down there just to relax, or study the paintings that occupied the walls. It was a spacious area, with multiple pillars going down the middle and a long velvet rug that was positioned in between. At the end of the rug, and the room, lied three large thrones, two slightly smaller than the one in the middle. Jaune could see his father was pacing back and forth with his wife by his side. Jaune quietly walked up and caught some of their conversation.

"-attacked. This is getting of control, Alsea," His father grumbled.

"John, relax," His mother said, a hint of fear in her voice. "What matters now is making sure that Weiss is alright."

"What's wrong?" Jaune asked, unable to contain himself. "Did Weiss get hurt on her way here?"

Both his parents jumped at their son's question and looked at him in surprise.

"Yes, dear," His mother said, "Weiss and her family were attacked." Jaune inhaled a sharp breath, "Weiss was injured on the head but thankfully they were close enough to the castle to get here in time. She's in the guest room healing up a bit."

"What happened?" Jaune questioned. The parents glanced at each other in a way that only they would understand.

"The Schnee Family isn't the most…likable group of people by some. Many believe that they use their wealth and riches to only help themselves, and treat their slaves harshly." Jaune only nodded. He didn't know much about Weiss's family, as the girl was hard to talk to, but he did learn about their controversial labor methods and poverty-stricken land.

"And, unfortunately, the hate for them has spread into Vale," King John stated, a grim look on his face, "Our people attacked them not far from here, in hopes of getting their message out, I suppose."

Jaune didn't know what to say. Sure, he thought Weiss was a bit snobbish sometimes, but inside she was just a confused person caught up in a royal life she never asked for. And he was a hundred percent sure that hurting wasn't the right thing to do.

"When can I see her?" Jaune asked.

"Later, at dinner," His mother said, "The Schnees are a bit riled from what transpired so we're given them time to cool down a bit."

In other words, let their steam blow off so they didn't lash at every servant or person that looked them in the eyes. Jaune understood completely.

"Well," Alsea said, "I'm going to go water the flowers in the garden, as they seemed a bit dead today. I shall you two fine gentlemen later tonight." She gracefully walked down the red carpet and out of the castle. How she managed to put on a calm demeanor in a time like this frazzled the prince.

Now's your chance, Jaune thought, talk to him about how you feel, "Uh, father?" The king looked at his son curiously, "I was wondering if…I could…" He trailed off.

"Yes, son?" John said. He was glad that Jaune was giving them the chance to chat, as he also needed to get some things off his chest, "What is it?"

Jaune looked down at the floor, then at his father's eyes, before running off. His face was red and he bit his lip to keep from berating himself. Why couldn't he just spit it out?! How hard was it to say he was pressured, to tell him how troubled he was about becoming king?

In the middle of the room, King John sadly stared at his son's departure. And, somehow, he could guess what Jaune himself was going to say.

Weiss had woken up to a nasty headache. Her mind and vision were still foggy and she wasn't able to properly think until a few minutes had passed. When she had gotten up a servant waiting for her informed her of what happened; her family's carriage was attacked and she was hit on the head with a rock. One of her scars had reopened and it she was promptly taken to the Arc Castle to be healed.

"How long have I been out?" Weiss asked and looked around the room. She recognized it as the one she stayed in every year when she came to Vale.

"About forty-five minutes," He said, "I'm dreadfully sorry about your dress. It looked wonderful." Weiss gave a confused glance before looking down at her once white gown, now covered in bloody stains. She sighed and asked where her parents might be, "I have been informed that they have gone to have a talk with John Arc about the occurrence, Miss. And have also been told that they ordered you to stay rested and try and relax. Dinner will begin in about two hours." Weiss held in a groan laid back on the soft, plush pillow she was on.

"Um, Miss?" The servant said.

"What?" Weiss snapped, and he backed up, "Sorry."

"It's alright, Miss." She was really starting to get annoyed by all the "Misses", "It's just that since your dress was soiled, your mother put a new one on the bedside dresser." Weiss immediately perked up and looked to her left. Sure enough, a sparkling white dress with thin straps and a design of pearls was sitting there, waiting to be put on. Beside the dress were the signature crystal crown that she was to wear, and the pair of glass shoes.

"If you wouldn't mind," Weiss said, "But I would like to change into it now." The servant nodded and left the room. Weiss stood up, almost fell from blood loss, then regained her composure. She walked over to the dresser and quickly changed clothing. The dress was silky, smooth, and not the least bit tight. Why hadn't her mother showed her that one before? Next, she slipped on the shoes and giggled like a five year old as they fit perfectly. And last, but not least, she carefully grabbed the delicate tiara and placed it on top of her head. It was almost invisible in her snow-white hair, but you could still make out where it was thanks to the glowing green gem of dust in the middle. Being a Schnee meant more than being royalty; it meant being a renowned dust user and owner.

Like Jaune, Weiss had her share of bedtime stories when she was a little kid. Of course, none of her parents had time to do so, but her nanny did. And one in particular caught the young princess's attention: The Story of Dust.

A long time ago, even before Remnant was created and named, man was born from the earth. Wise, resourceful, and smart, man had high hopes of becoming something great.

But, as the humans began to live their lives, creatures of darkness, the Grimm, set their eyes on destroying man's existence. Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and it seemed like in the end they would prevail.

However, even the smallest flicker of hope will turn in a flame, and mankind found something that evened the odds; Dust. Extremely powerful dust was used to drive away the darkness, to win the war. And from there on out the Grimm have been extinct. Gone. Never to ruin humanity again.

"But why isn't there more dust in the world?" Weiss had asked her nanny.

"Because most of it was used to defeat the monsters. There was hardly any left in the aftermath," Her nanny explained, "Your family's one of the last to use it anymore. It's dangerous, yet beautiful, and I know that it'll do great things in you'll life. But remember, even if you don't have dust, you can still go a long way. You'll still be someone."

From that night on, Weiss was determined to become someone great, even if dust was dying out. She vowed to always be the best she can be, and not let anyone get in the way of that.

The Royal Dining Room

It didn't take two and two to know that things were tense at dinner. Nobody would talk, no one would look each other in the eye. Jaune and his family sat on one end of the table while Weiss and hers sat on the other. And the two betrothed had a feeling that if they didn't do something soon someone was going to explode.

Most likely Weiss's father, Jaune knew that the man had a horrible temper.

"So," Weiss said, her hand fidgeting under the table where no one could see it, "King John and Queen Alsea. How have things been for the past few weeks?" Jaune gave her look that said, 'thank you for saving our asses.'

"Besides attacks," She heard her father mumble next to her.

"Things have been running very smoothly," King John said, ignoring the rude remark, "We have recently managed to open trade with Vacuo again since the stormy weather has died down."

"That is a good thing indeed," Weiss said, "Jaune, how have you been this past year?"

Jaune looked up from his plate and gulped, "Fine, I suppose. There hasn't really been that much happening for me besides more sword training."

"How's that been?"

"Okay," Jaune lied. Weiss could tell he wanted to avoid the topic. A few servants came into the room to deliver some more wine and food. To Jaune's surprise, Ren was one of them. He looked at his friend, and, hoping that no one was looking, mouthed, 'why are you here?' Ren, even though his face remained passive, mouthed back, 'what does it look like?'

"So, Jaune," King Schnee said, and Jaune was forced to turn his attention elsewhere, "Since you are going to marry my daughter in less than a year, I need to know if I'm choosing the right man."

Jaune gulped and glanced at Ren who was setting down a plate.

"So, tell me, are you capable of defending her?"

"Father!" Weiss sharply said, "You know I am perfectly capable of protecting myself."

"Yes, but I was just wondering!" Her father defended. "I don't want anything happening to you while you're here."

"Your daughter will be fine, King Schnee," Alsea assured in her calm, yet firm voice. Jaune looked at Ren again and saw that he was pouring some wine into Weiss's mother's goblet.

"I want to hear that statement from the boy himself," King Schnee said.

"A-as your daughter's f-future husband," Jaune stuttered, and he felt his cheeks turn red, "I can assure you that I will risk my life to protect your daughter." Weiss felt rather surprised that he managed to say all that without totally failing. Her father was a hard man to hold a conversation with.

"That's very kind of you to say," Weiss complimented.

"Good because-"King Schnee's sentence was cut off by his wife's shriek. Every head turned to what had happened and Jaune felt the air in his lungs disappear.

Ren had accidently spilled the bottle of wine onto the Queen's lap. He must have been paying too much attention to Jaune. The black haired boy immediately let out an apology as the Queen tried to wipe off the mess. In a split second her husband ran sat up and grabbed Ren's arm before jerking it back.

"Let him go!" Janue yelled, causing Weiss to glance at him in shock. But he wasn't the only one protesting.

"William!" Jaune's father yelled, and stood up. Everyone became silent, "Calm down for Remnant's sake!"

"This boy just spilled wine all over her lap and you expect me to stay calm?"

"Yes," Jaune and Weiss both muttered secretly. It was just an accident. But accidents didn't settle well with the King of Atlas.

'Do something!' The prince mouthed to his fiancé, but he knew that Weiss was just as powerless as he was.

"I demand this boy pay for what he has done," King William sneered, his wife remained still and silent.

"I admit he made a mistake, William," Alsea said, her voice trying to remain calm, "But he does not deserve punishment."

"I come into your land to make peace," William said harshly, "And this is how you repay me? By getting my family attacked, by getting my daughter hurt?"

No one dared to say a word. Jaune could see the beads of sweat appearing on his friends face.

"And now this lousy slave just poured wine all over my wife. I think that everything that's happened today allows me to decide what to do with him."

"You have no-" Jaune's sentence was cut off by Weiss giving him a swift kick to the ankle, causing the prince to grit his teeth, what the Remnant was that for?!

"William. I know that today hasn't been the best. But this is not the way to handle it. Let Ren go."

"You talk about your servants like they mean something," William snarled, and Jaune felt anger rising in his veins. This man, no matter what his title, had no the right to act like that, "How quaint."

"The only one quaint here is you!" Jaune said, and rose out of his seat. Weiss gasped a little as he challenged her father. The prince's face turned pink as he realized his lame comeback, "I mean, er, you don't have the right to do this!" Still a bit lame, but better than before. King William's eyebrows shot up in surprise and he pulled Red along with him as he walked around the table.

"I shall forgive you for your outburst as I know your too naïve and young to understand how life works, Prince Jaune." Hearing his name said put shivers down Jaune's spine, "Twenty lashes."

"No way in Remnant are you hurting my friend," Jaune said, a feeling of defiance forming inside his gut.

"Young Arc, I suggest you listen carefully to what I am about to say," William said coldly, "The world is something I like to call, unfair. And some people need to be put in their place because it's for the best for everyone. If people got away with doing things like this all the time, then chaos would erupt." His grip hardened, "John. Your boy needs to learn where some people stand in society. I suggest having him watch the whipping."

"That is too far," John said, voice rising to a shout, "You have no right to do this, under my house nevertheless."
"So you agree the boy deserves it?"
"I agree he deserves some sort of punishment, but a whipping is too much."

William thought about this statement, then looked at Jaune with a malicious glare, "Very well then-"

Jaune managed to somewhat relax.

"But. Your boy still needs to learn the meaning of a class system. A slave cannot be a friend and will never be a friend to a royal. And if both sides agree on that matter than something is severely wrong. I demand that this slave be sent away for a week…" William looked at Jaune, "With me."

"With you?!" Weiss and Jaune both said at the same time.

"Dad you can't-" Jaune was once again cut off as Weiss booted him, hard.

'Don't make it worse,' She mouthed numbly.

'I have to!' Jaune mouthed back.

"While he's with me I shall teach this piece of scum where he belongs," King Schnee said.

'Say something!' Jaune silently said to Weiss.

"Father, I highly doubt-"

"Quiet, Weiss!" Her father yelled. The princess shut her mouth in defeat, "So, King John," His voice seemed to mock the title, "Do you accept? Or will I have to take more drastic measures?"

Drastic measures? What the hell does he mean? Jaune thought.

King John stared at his opponent, an expressionless look on his face. For the past years he knew William, John had come to the conclusion that he was not a man to be messed with. He had secrets, secrets that could destroy Vale and the ones he loved within a few months. And, truth be told, this one not the first time William had blackmailed him. If only this moment came a few months later, then John would have the upper hand. He couldn't let Vale, or the world, be put at William's mercy.

"Dad..." Jaune said hopelessly.

"Fine, I accept your offer."

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed. I've never done a RWBY fanfic before but this seems really fun! Please Read and Review, and don't be afraid to add constructive criticism.