Patrick stands outside of the looking up at the large doors of the castle. The future of his kingdom relied on him finding a bride quickly. He takes a deep breath trying to calm his nerves and stop him from making a mistake. He needed to be a proper gentleman and win the king over. 'I know what I have to do... But it's harder than I anticipated' He thought to himself as he entered into the castle with his companions following close behind him.
"The king is awaiting you in the Throne room. He wants to asses you before he allows you to meet the Princess" William, his guard told him. William was always keeping track of the things that went around him. "To make sure I'm nothing like my father no doubt" Patrick replied. Since the death of his wife, the Queen Patricia, he had become a different person, cold and tyrannical. He was no longer the beloved king he had once been. Patrick wish nothing more than to take his place as king and save the land that he loves so much.
"Patrick wait for me" A voice called out from behind them. Patrick stopped walking and looked back with a smile on his face as Ryan ran to catch up to him. The son of a duke he was sent to live in the palace at a young age. Though they butted heads when Ryan first arrived the two quickly grew close. Patrick considered Ryan his dearest and most trusted friend. "Hurry up slow poke" He teases the out of breath man. Ryan smiles back at his friend. "I saw some pretty flowers..." He explains. It doesn't surprise Patrick; his friend can be a bit scatterbrained. He puts his hand on Ryan's head and ruffles his hair affectionately.
"There will be plenty of time to daydream after official business is cared for" Patrick said as he continued to walk. "We set sail again tomorrow morning"
"I really dislike that ship, my cabin isn't even the size of my closet back home."
"A little sacrifice of space won't kill you." Patrick chides with a shake of his head.
"You could have told me before we left home. I wouldn't have packed so much" Ryan crosses his arms and sticks his bottom lip out in a pout. Though twenty one he still had the tendencies of a child. "I hadn't expected you to come" Patrick reminds him. "Well I couldn't very well sit around the castle without you. It's such a bore as it is." Ryan says. 'And not very safe' the thought brings a frown to Patrick's face before he can stop it. Recently the attempts against his life had increased and he feared for the safety of those around him. "Well I am glad that you came" He says snapping himself out of his thoughts.
They stop outside the door to the throne room. Patrick fixes his crown and attempts to compose himself. "I feel nervous" He says with a shaky voice.
"Hey" Ryan places his hands on the prince's shoulders. "Take a deep breath" He instructs. Patrick complies, taking several deep breaths. Ryan adjusts his friend's clothes a bit then presses a kiss to his forehead. "You're ready" He tells him.
"Thank you" Patrick says with a smile. He is truly glad the younger man came along on this journey. He always has a way of calming Patrick down. Ryan removes his hands and steps out of the way as Patrick walks through the door the to the elaborately decorated throne room.
King Godefry sits at the end of the long hall in a throne made of gold. The crown on his head hides most of his graying hair. To his left sits Queen Amelia on a slightly smaller throne with her hands folded delicately on her lap and a serene look on her face, she holds her head high as the lights from the chandeliers reflects off her jewelry. Taking one last breath Patrick makes the way across the room and drops to one knee before the throne. "Greetings" He speaks confidently refusing to let his nerves get the best of him. Ryan presses his ear to the door attempting to listen to the conversations.
"Prince Patrick I assume" He king says motioning for Patrick to stand. "Yes your majesty" He responds as he rises to his feet. "It has been a very long time since I have come to Sonia."
"You were just a small child the last time. Your mother traveled here with you to congratulate me on the birth of Sarah. Bless her soul" Queen Amelia states. The sound of her kind voice and then mention of his mother causes Patrick's lips to turn up in a small smile.
"Yes she was always so thrilled about new life. I am glad her memory has not been tainted by my father's decisions"
"Of course not. She was a dear friend of mine. I see a lot of her in you" Amelia gives him a reassuring smile as the compliment makes his cheeks flush pink. "Thank you. I try to live how she wanted."
"I am glad for that" Amelia says.
"I understand you have come here for my daughters hand in marriage" the king says bringing the conversation back to the matter on hand.
"Yes your majesty. I believe she would be a wonderful queen of Fenia and it will keep peace between our lands, which is much needed."
"I cannot deny that. Your father, how does he feel about this union?" Patrick lets out a small chuckle. As if he would give away anything to that man. He had no definite proof but he believed that his father may have a part in the recent assassination attempts.
"I haven't told him." Patrick admitted.
"I am sure you can understand my concern when it comes to allowing her to travel to Fenia."
"Yes, I brought along security. I won't let anything happen to her." 'Not when everything is riding on this marriage' he adds to himself.
"I ask that two trusted guards remain near her at all times until you are king. She is my only daughter and she is very dear to me." He king says, Patrick can see his love for his daughter clearly in the kings eyes. Patrick nods his head.
"I understand your majesty. I will make sure she is protected by our best." He reassures him. The king nods then motions for a maid to step forward. "Go and fetch the princess" He instructs her. The maid curtsies low to the ground before hurrying out of the room. Patrick watches her retreating form and tries not to look as nervous as he feels. It's hard with the cold looks he is receiving from Prince Louis. 'Just calm down, you can do this. Guys meet girls all the time. Sure they may not be Princesses... But you're a prince, pull yourself together!' He attempts to give himself a pep talk.
All of his nerves slip away when Sarah enters the room. Her black hair falls in waves down her back and her blue eyes sparkle like the water of the Saurs Sea. Her dress flows out as she walks giving her the appearance of gliding and the air is filled with the wonderful smell of roses. Patrick's cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink as she approaches her father's throne and curtsies quickly before addressing him. "You called for me father?" She asks.
"Yes Sarah. I would like to introduce you to Prince Patrick of Fenia." Patrick snaps back to attention and bows. "It's an honor to meet you again Princess. You have blossomed into a very beautiful woman." Sarah turns to face Patrick and curtsies again. "Thank you Prince Patrick. The pleasure is all mine" She says with a smile. Patrick stands up straight a smile on his face.
"Prince Patrick has come to ask you a question" King Godefry tells his daughter. Sarah cocks her head to the side. Patrick's face turns red and he looks into Sarah's eyes. "Princess Sarah. I have come to ask for your hand in marriage." He says surprised that he managed to get the whole sentence out. Sarah quickly glances towards her father for approval.
"I approve the match. Prince Patrick is a good man and the peace that would come from your union is much needed." Sarah smiles her cheeks flushing pink as she turns back to Patrick. "W...Will you do me the honor of marrying me?" He asks his heart racing in his chest. Sarah smiles softly and nods her head. "Yes. Yes I would like that very much."
"Wonderful" Patrick says excitedly 'oh my gosh that was nerve wracking' He thinks to himself.
"We shall have rooms prepared for you and your companions. Please stay for a few days so that we may celebrate your engagement" The queen says cheerfully as she envisions the party that she must now quickly plan.
"It would be my honor your highness"
"Wonderful. I shall start making preparations right away. How many men are with you?"
"Just three, the rest remained with my ship"
"I shall have their rooms prepared now." Amelia says as she stands. She nods to the maids then makes her way to the exit. "Come Sarah we have much to prepare"
"Yes Mother" Sarah says cheerfully. She curtsies once again then follows her mother. Patrick watches her leave with a smile on her face.
"A maid will bring you to your rooms when they are prepared. Feel free to wander about until then." Godefry says.
"Thank you, your majesty. I shall excuse myself now" Patrick bows and waits for the king to acknowledge him before leaving the throne room. He makes himself frown and looks down at the ground as William and Ryan look at him expectantly.
"What happened?" William asks his voice tinted with worry. Patrick shifts nervously before speaking. "They didn't like me" He says sadly. Williams jaw drops but Ryan's face remains the same as he crosses his arms. "I have to find someone else" Patrick says trying to lay it on thick. Ryan just rolls his eyes.
"You are such a liar Stump" He grins. Patrick lets out a laugh.
"Not falling for it huh?"
"You can't lie to me"
"I can lie to Billy"
"Billy doesn't know you like I do" Patrick ruffles his hair and smiles at his friend. "Maybe I should get rid of you" He teases.
"You'd be lost without me" Ryan says wrapping his arms around Patrick and nuzzling his head on his shoulder. "Are you sure it's not the other way around?" Patrick asks.
Ryan lets go of him and puts his hands on his hips. "I survived fifteen years without you I could do it again." He says confidently.
"I don't understand your friendship at all" William says with a shake of his head.
"Billy lost Jordan" Ryan accuses. William furrows his brow. "I did not" he defends himself.
"He'll come back when he's hungry" Patrick says not too worried. Their youngest companion is always wandering off. Ryan searches his pockets and takes out a piece of candy.
"Here Jordy. Here boy" He calls out. Patrick shoots him a look of disapproval. "What?" Ryan asks and Jordan snatches the candy from his hand.
"What the" Patrick doesn't finish his sentence as he tries to figure out where the boy materialized from. William is just as stumped. Jordan pops the candy into his mouth with a satisfied sound. Ryan pets his hair proudly. "I win" He announces.
Jordan makes a noise that resembles a cat's purr as he moves his head towards Ryan's hand. Ryan feeds him another candy. "Let's look around" Patrick suggests.
"We shouldn't wander too far" William cautions.
"Yes, yes. I know this" Patrick says as he heads to the exit. Jordan hurries after him pulling Ryan along by his hand. William lets out a sigh and follows the trio, keeping his hand on his sword.
"Let's look for somewhere fun" Jordan says when the get outside.
"Do not disappear again or I will tie you up with Ryan's scarf" William warns him. Ryan looks greatly offended. "You will not touch my scarf. It is made from the finest silk in Fenia and will not be used in such an inappropriate way."
"Patrick, Billy is threatening me again" Jordan cries to the prince. Patrick lets out a big sigh as he heads towards the town. "I need a mute machine" He muses to himself. "Patriiiick" Jordan whines drawing out the 'I'. He runs after him.
"So how do you feel? You'll be a married man soon" Ryan asks as they ignore the two attempting to catch up to them.
"I don't know... She's more beautiful than I thought. Not that I didn't expect her to be beautiful... But she was just... Stunning" Patrick says his mind drifting back to his brief meeting with the princess, his fiancée.
"You're in love" Ryan sings with a smile on his face. Patrick's cheeks flush red. "Am not... I don't think. Maybe... Shut up"
"Aaaaw Patty's in love!" Jordan yells with a laugh as he catches up.
"You're at least attracted to her. I'm sure the castle will be filled with the pitter patter of little feet soon." William says. Patrick's face turns even redder at the idea. "Don't be ridiculous!" he yells at his guard.
"He's not. You'll need and heir and Princess Sarah is at her prime right now." Ryan pipes in.
"Can we please talk of something else" Patrick begs having enough embarrassment for one day.
"Have you had the sex talk? Birds and the bees Patty, birds and bees" Jordan asks. Patrick covers his ears. "Lalala I'm not listening to this conversation anymore" He says loudly. Ryan pats his back gently. Jordan gets distracted by something sparkling at a merchant's stand and goes to wander off. Patrick notices him and grabs onto the back of his vest. "Aw" He says disappointed that he can't check it out.
"Stay still for once Jordan" Ryan scolds him. "Okay, okay." He sighs. Patrick looks around the area thoughtfully. "What is it your highness?" William asks. Patrick smiles innocently at his guard. "I think I got us lost" he admits. William lets out a small chuckle.
"I've been paying attention. It won't be a problem to guide us back to the castle. We should return I am sure that our rooms are ready by now." William reassures him.
"I could definitely use a bath" Ryan says thinking about the weeks spent on the ship with no way of bathing with a shudder. Patrick nods his head, "Alright"
"But the shiny..." Jordan whines. Patrick takes his crown off his head and places it carefully on Jordan's. The boy squeals happily as they all follow William back to the castle.
A maid is already waiting for them when they arrive back. She greets them with a curtsy. "Welcome back milords. Your rooms have been prepared. I can show you to them now." She says.
"Thank you, please lead the way" Patrick says through a yawn. He stretches as they follow her, 'I need some sleep' He tells himself. The maid opens the first door revealing a large suite. "This shall be your quarters your highness"
Patrick takes his crown back from Jordan. "Bye boys, try not to destroy anything." He says before going inside and sitting down on the bed.
"Aw I'm not a prince anymore" Jordan pouts. Ryan kisses his cheek and takes his hand. "Come on I'll make you a crown." He promises him. Jordan grins and nods his head. "Okay!" The boys follow the maid to their rooms as William stands guard outside of Patrick's room.
Patrick takes his shoes off and lies down on the bed. He pulls the blanket over himself and starts to doze. 'I'll just rest my eyes for a bit...' He thinks before falling to sleep.