Upon joining the caravan, the reason behind Jean-Luc's friendliness became all too clear.

"My son, Remy." he introduced them to a younger man, with almost blood red hair and pitch-black eyes, the only colour in them being the blood red iris.

It seemed like Jean-Luc was all too aware of the prejudices that mutants faced.

"It's nice to meet you." Erik greeted the younger man.

"Nice ta meet ya too." Remy nodded at him, the dark eyes flickering over to Logan curiously, before he mumbled an excuse about checking on the horses, before rushing away.

"Sorry, he's a little nervous around new people still." jean-luc sighed, "So, where are we heading to?"

"Winchester, please.

Jean-Luc's eyes widened in alarm, "Winchester? That's the worse place you can go if you're a mutant! What are you- "

"- He's in love." Azazel muttered, smirking when Erik turned to glare at him, "With the Crown Prince."

"Yikes." Jean-Luc winced, "You couldn't have chosen anyone else?"

Erik tried not to pout, looking away from the group, "It's a stupid crush." He muttered, "It's not like anything can come of it. I'm not a prince or anything."

"No…" Jean-Luc said slowly, "… but we can change that."

"… Pardon?"

Jean-Luc clapped his hands together, "I am the King of Thieves after all."

…

"What the hell is going on out there?!" King Kurt bellowed, hearing the trumpets and the various sounds of celebration rising up from the streets.

Shaw watched as the man practically leapt out of the throne and raced towards the balcony, watching as a parade of caravans made its way up the street, towards the palace.

"Gypsies!" He hissed, "Shaw! Shaw! Rally the guards, tell them to get this-this FILTH out of here!"

"That might not be wise Your Highness." Shaw's voice was monotone, "The travellers bring a lot of trade and commerce into the kingdom. I believe there will be… a public backlash if we decide to forcibly remove them."

The only reason Kurt didn't lash out at him, was because he could see that Shaw wasn't happy at the gypsy presence either.

"It'll be LeBeau." Shaw then stated, "He hasn't been seen in the city since the death of the previous King."

"Hmph, he knew he wouldn't get away with half the stuff he got away with before."

The crowds lining the streets were getting louder and louder, their excitement growing as the caravans continued towards the castle.

Up on another balcony, Charles and Raven watched the procession with interest, moving to head downstairs when the caravans reached the palace gates.

Gates that opened.

"No!" King Kurt rushed down the steps.

If he had to let them enter the city, then so be it, but they were not coming into HIS palace. Shaw followed quickly on behind him. When they entered the throne room, LeBeau was already there, a slender young lady beside him, along with two men who were wrapped head to toe in heavy looking fabrics, large spears by their sides.

Bodyguards.

King Kurt dismissed them almost immediately, focusing on the obvious leader.

"Your Highness." LeBeau moved closer and bowed, "I heard the Crown Prince was looking for a bride, so, in order to further relations between the travellers and this kingdom, may I present my daughter?"

"Your daughter." King Kurt sneered, "MY son is looking for a bride… a ROYAL bride, which your daughter is not."

LeBeau shrugged, "Well, if we want to go into technicalities, I am technically a King… but none of that matters. If your son is not the Crown Prince, then maybe the Crown Prince would like to meet with us? I understand he does have to get married first, right?"

King Kurt's grew red with rage, prompting Shaw to step forwards. "Prince Charles hasn't shown much of an interest in getting married just yet, and we don't want to force him into it. He knows the law, and he is the one stepping- "

"- Try not to ruin this first impression with your lies." A voice from the doorway stated, prompting everyone to look in that direction, seeing Charles striding confidently towards them, stopping in front of the young lady, bowing towards her, "Delightful to meet you."

Hesitantly, the lady curtsied, "And I you." She softly replied, voice a little breathy.

King Kurt couldn't stop his fists from clenching.

She was probably a perfect fit for his son, meek and submissive, just how he liked them... but a gypsy girl?!

He couldn't bring himself to consider it further.

"We should get to know each other better." Charles stated, "Raven here will be happy to help you all find rooms to settle down in, unless you would prefer to stay with your entourages?"

"We would." LeBeau confirmed, bowing so low his nose nearly touched the ground, "No offense meant of course Your Highness. Our lives are spent in those caravans though, and we have grown used to the close, comforting nature of them."

"Of course." Charles smiled softly, "I shall be sure to make sure that you are all not disturbed then.

"Your Highness, I really must protest!" Shaw stepped forwards, speaking through gritted teeth, "The… travellers have a spotty reputation, that we don't want to stain the reputation of the Royal Family."

"I think it's a little too late for that." Charles stated, not even looking over at Shaw, "I'm not sure my family's reputation could get much lower."

He bowed towards the LeBeau family once last time, before turning and walking away.

King Kurt stormed out seconds before the LeBeau family turned to leave, leaving Shaw alone in the room.

Prince Charles had to go.

Soon.

….

"I can see why you like him." Jean-Luc stated, "Kid's got spunk."

"He also probably knows that Remy's not who we say he is." Erik pointed out, "I don't know if he knew I was there though, he didn't even look over in mine or Azazel's direction."

Speaking of Azazel.

His best friend was lying on a nearby bed, not even paying attention to the conversation going on around him. "She was so beautiful…" He murmured to himself, "… so, so beautiful."

Erik frowned in confusion, "Who?"

"The woman with the Prince."

Erik thought back, "The blonde one?"

"Hmmm." A distressed look flashed across Azazel's face, "Someone as beautiful as he would never be interested in someone like me."

"She seems to be friends with the prince." Erik tried to reassure him, "She probably has an open mind."

"Not this open."

Erik wanted to continue reassuring him but knew that when Azazel got into a mood like this, there was no point in trying to get him to think about things positively.

"So, what's the plan?" He turned to Jean-Luc, "How do we get close to the Prince without the King breathing down our necks?"

"Leave it to us." Jean-Luc smirked, "We'll get you inside."