A/N:Readers. Greetings. One thing to say is that there won't be any regular updates. Not like there ever were, but don't expect anything quick and clean from me xP Enjoy.

Prince Romeo

~Time lapse of a week~

Today was the day that I would meet my future bride. I guess they had it planned for a while since it takes three weeks to get from the capital of Orynia to the capital of Aria.

Just thinking about it made fury rise in me. I had no say in this, I had no choice, nothing. I was going to need an anger management therapist soon.

My Father, King Brigan, was standing by my side awaiting as the royal carriage of the Orynians came. I couldn't believe my Father, I would never have thought he would make me do this. It was probably my mother who proposed this issue, me and her have never gotten along, not once. I was never exceptionable to her, she always said I didn't reserve to be king one day, but instead my brother Arthur did. How I loathed her.

We all stood in a line as the carriage came to a stop. My Father on my left, next was me, then the youngest of us, Princess Amice(A/N:ah-MEEs) on my right, after her was my brother as mentioned before, Arthur, last came my mother, Queen Irradesca(A/N: ear-ah-DES-ah).

I glanced at the rest of my family as the coach came around to open the door for the princess. My Father was stoic without a trace of emotion on his face, my mother looked triumphant. Arthur's face looked just as emotionless as Father but his eye's betrayed him, almost looking sorry. Lastly I glanced at Amice, she caught me looking and tried to offer me a smile but just as she did so the carriage door swung open.

First climbed out Crown-Prince Lawrence, he had dark brown hair and green eyes as far as I could see. He then turned around to help his sister, Princess Julietta (A/N:Bwa haha! :) ) get out of the carriage. I have to say that she wasn't ugly nor was she beautiful despite my mother's constant descriptions at dinner. She was just...normal.

She had auburn hair, just like my mother said though it looked more brown to me and as she came closer I could see that her eyes where the same green as her brother's.

"Welcome Prince Lawrence and Princess Julietta of Orynia," My Father broke the silence with his loud and booming voice which was totally unnecessary since they were but five feet away.

"Thank you, King Brigan, Your Majesty," Prince Lawrence said courteously as he bowed.

"Thank you for welcoming us," Spoke up Princess Julietta, curtsying. Her voice didn't give much away about her, it just sounded, as they would say in those wretched fairy-tales, like bells. What ever that was supposed to mean.

"As you know you two will be the guests here at the palace as we will be your hosts," Boomed my Father, "-and since this is our first time meeting we shall introduce ourselves."

Here came my part. Delightful.

"I am Prince Romeo. We are pleased to welcome you to our country," I said flatly then bowed, I was supposed to kiss the princess's hand but I never liked doing so, how as I supposed to know where there hands have been? Even if they were gloved..

Both of them bowed their heads, Julietta tried offering me a smile but I just stared blatantly back.

"I am Princess Amice but you may call me Amice, I do hope you have a wonderful stay here," Said my sister sweetly then gave her bright smile and curtsied. I saw Prince Lawrence smile back then Amice blushing, this was going to be fairly interesting.

"Arthur, Prince Arthur. Delighted to meet you,"Offered my brother bluntly and bowed, he wasn't much into introductions.

"And I am the queen of Aria. Queen Irradesca," Finished my mother, sticking her nose farther up in the air then it already was.

"It was very nice to meet you all," Prince Lawrence spoke after all introductions.

"Yes, very nice,"His sister echoed, not seeming very bright.

"Now that everyone has met the other would you please, Prince and Princess, follow us inside," My Father boomed once again then started walking forward.

I was to be the main 'host' of Julietta. Probably my mother's doing. I was to show her around and practically follow her everywhere and get to know her since she was to be my bride. I felt fury rise in me again. I tried saying a mantra of 'be calm' but it didn't work very well.

We all entered into the palace and continued toward the grand staircase. No one said anything, if they did I never noticed. I walked behind my Father, Amice by my side and everyone else behind us. I just wanted this day to end.

My Father stopped abruptly at the base of the large stone steps.

"We will be going our ways now, Prince Lawrence you will be accompanied by Prince Arthur and Princess Julietta you shall be escorted by Prince Romeo," My Father said loudly before winking at me then going down a separate hallway.

What was that supposed to be?

I watched as my mother followed him. Last was Amice, she turned toward me, gave me a sympathetic glance then climbed the steps and turned a left. Sadly, we were going straight ahead, to the guest quarters.

We again settled back into silence with no one to be the first one to break it. I was sure Prince Lawrence and Princess Julietta were just feeling uncomfortable and I was pretty certain Arthur had no intention of starting a conversation of any kind.

"If you would, follow me,"I finally offered and started walking forward, Julietta followed behind me.

We continued up the stairs and finally reached the top, still no one said anything. I guess I'd be the one to change that.

"To the left is the dining room and kitchen, and to the right is the Library and also the staircase leading to the third story. Most of your stay here though will be located on the first and second floor," I continued forward, still nobody said anything. Lawrence and Julietta just nodded in understanding and that was it, Arthur still was of no help, he simply just strode in silence.

I went down the hallway passing various doors and rooms that was of no particular use. We then made a right then eventually made a left, why their rooms were so far away was a mystery to me.

I turned to Julietta as we came to the first door on the left.

"This is your room Princess, I do hope you like it," I said using proper courtesy though I had no such idea what this room looked like. I glanced sideways as I watched Arthur and Prince Lawrence continue down the hallway.

"Why thank you Prince Romeo," Julietta said as I opened the door for her. I watch a smile spread on her face, it was a nice smile but it didn't bring one to my face.

The room's main color was purple, lavender I believe. It also had intricate carving on the wood that bordered the room.s

"I love it, so you shouldn't worry Prince," She gave me another smile. I tried to smile back, I'm not sure if it turned out right.

"Very good, I will be back later to escort you to dinner, be ready before 6," I replied curtly then turned around then headed back down the hallway, not waiting for my brother.

I strolled down the labyrinth of hallways, I felt trapped again, imprisoned in my own home. I started walking faster to my room, I could get out of here for an hour or so, just to feel the freedom. Who knows, this might be the last time I ever can.

I quickly threw open my door then closed it tightly shut. I grabbed my cloak from under the bed, it still had some of the dirt and dust from the last time. The last time. A sudden rush of memories came back toward me. Adeline, the noble, going to the Duke's house...Coriander.

She had been on and off in my mind the past week. There was just something about her, but why was I even thinking about her? Chances are I wouldn't ever see her again, most likely Adeline if she didn't die in the next month but probably not Coriander. It was just unlikely.

I went into my study and found the brown leather book on the top shelf, the passage way slowly opened revealing bleak darkness. But by now I was used to it. Or as used to it as I would ever get. I hurried down the spiraling steps, through the tunnel then up the rusty metal rungs. The still bright sun greeted me as I pulled myself out of the passage.

I decided I would go back through the streets of the East Side and revisit the memories of the day one week ago. In truth, that day was one of the most adventurous days I'd had in my life time. Being a prince especially crown-prince had it's down falls, I never really had any real friends. Most just got closed to me because of their own selfish reasons or, when I was little, their parent's. Truly, the Duke's son Casper was the closest thing to a friend but he really was just an acquaintance.

I continued on through the forest then onto a side road that was scarcely used from what I've seen, it eventually connected onto the main road. I made sure my hood was safely over my head and covering at least part of my face, I didn't want to be recognized, especially now.

I walked through the crowd, there was considerably less people than last time but there was still many about especially on a cloudless day like this. Moving forward I caught sight of the vendor with the roasting ducks. I smile fleeted across my face but it didn't stay there.

Following the crowd, I continued down the avenue kind of just taking everything in. I entered into the official market place. It was huge and I was sure I'd get lost in it but I went in anyway. There was tent after tent advertising anything from vegetables to shoes. The market place was surrounded my buildings that doubled as some kind of shop and an apartment on top(A/N:Hope y'all know what I'm hopelessly trying to describe xP).

I saw over the crown being the tall person I was. We were all just a sea of blonde and light brown haired people. Then something caught my eye, I looked over the crowd again then I saw her. The girl I deemed impossible to see ever again. Coriander.

My eyes widened in disbelief, of all the people in Aria, I see her. Many lived in Aria and of all the people, I see her... again! My sister would have called it destiny I'll call it a coincidence.

Walking faster I tried to meet up with her, why exactly, I don't know. She didn't even see me coming nor did she know I was there, she just continued talking to the merchant it seemed.

I was closer now so I slowed down to a walk, then she turned around. She caught sight of me immediately, her eyes widened and her mouth opened a bit, in disbelief most likely. I noticed a dog by her side, it was pure black with piercing blue eyes. Peculiar.

The dog looked up at me as I went closer to them, I was kind of expecting it to growl at me or something but all it did was glance at me curiously then going over to investigate a piece of fruit, it wasn't even on a leash.

"Who are you?" What?

"R-Tristan? Remember?" I said. I saw her brow furrow.

"Okay R-Tristan,what do you want?" Haha. That was sarcasm if you didn't catch on.

"Nothing. I, uhm, just saw you here so I thought I'd say hello but since that is not working out so well I think I'll just leave," I didn't expect her to talk to me anyway, she seemed pretty suspicious last time and I doubt shewould even think about caring if I died on the spot. I started to turn around.

"No, it's fine," I was sincerely surprised. I turned back around to see she was as shocked as I was.

"I mean that uhm, I uh," she stuttered,"I realized you were uh just trying to help, I apologize for my rudeness last week," She said the latter part in a rush. I saw her swear under her breath.

"It's fine, I understand your suspicion, I know that the world isn't that great all the time and sometimes it's better to be doubtful," I said wistfully. What is with me these days? I'm not only helping everyone I see I'm giving out wise-sayings like a philosopher.

"There you are!" I turned my head to see a girl, clearly younger than Coriander with curly blonde hair and blue eyes like most people here,"I was looking all over for you! You were by my side then the next you're go-," That's when she saw me, her eyes widened, she looked embarrassed and confused at the same time.

"Oh hello, uh, who are you?" She asked with an awkward smile but Coriander nudged her in the ribs.

"This is Tristan, I met him a few days ago, right Tristan?" Coriander turned her head toward me, her eyes telling me that if I didn't say something convincing she'd hurt me in some way, which might be possible though I was bigger than her.

"Uhm, uh, ya, I'm new here and she was helping me get around, I just managed to see her again today somehow," Total and utter lie that barely made sense but the girl bought it. But why was I even helping Coriander? What was it about her? (It's a fairy tale Romeo, it has to happen lol :]

"Yep, that's exactly right! Now see, I just told him I would take him to Berkley's Bakery so do you mind taking the all the bags back home? No? Thanks," Then she came forward and grabbed my arm. So I was half dragged while I half followed Coriander to a random bakery I didn't even know existed.

I guess we were an odd sight since people kept staring. I have to admit I don't blame then since it was usually the man who 'escorted' the woman but obviously not in this case though I wouldn't call it escorting.

As we were lost in the crowd again I retched free my arm from her grasp which was pretty darn strong for a girl's (A/N:Sexist Pig *coughcough*).

"Ok, what was that about?" Seriously. First she treats me like I might kill her any second then next she's the one dragging me off to some bakery?

"Sorry, I came to a conclusion that I could trust you enough, facing the fact that you kind of saved my life, to be with you without having a suspicion that you want to kill me," Wow. Well that was a coincidence,"Plus I just wanted to get away from my sister, she's been hounding me for a week because of the vi- nevermind," Okay?

"Okay then, but still, how do you know you can trust me?"

"Are you saying that I shouldn't trust you? Because I have Thief for that," Thief? Who was Thief? Then realization dawned on her face,"Thief! I forgot! Darn!(A/N:Again no cussing xP).

Still confused I followed her back at a sprint to where we were. Coriander looked around frantically then we heard a scream coming from one of the small shops that doubled as an apartment. That's when I had an epiphany, Thief was her dog, of course!

We both raced forward, I felt my hood starting to slip and I tried to fix it while we ran but it was of no use, I would just fix it when we got to where ever we were going. We raced into the shop to find Thief with his paws on the chest of a middle aged woman. Then we saw the problem, the pie in the woman's hands.

I saw Coriander shake her head and smile,"Lefelé!"She said in a commanding voice. Thief turned his head and got off from the women, she was still shaking and her eyes were wide and scared. I didn't think dog's were this scary, especially Thief. He seemed more of a easy going dog that's never hurt you.

Thief came and trotted over to Coriander, his tail wagging. Coriander looked him in the eye and raised an eyebrow giving him a look. Thief whimpered like a little pup he probably still was on the inside.

"Aw, jol van fui," Coriander said in that strange language she used before, then she crouched down and let Thief cover her in licks, I just stayed in the background.

I heard the middle aged woman, now recovered from shock, gasp,"The despicable, evil wretch! Get that thing away from me and it's owner, witch!" She called out, I took that as our cue to leave but Coriander thought differently.

"Excuse me? My dog is certainly not despicably or evil and he most positively is not an it,"She cried out in outrage, her face was burning red with fury and I could see it in her eyes too. Maybe I wasn't the one that needed anger management.

"Devil's work! Get out of my shop!"The woman rebuked. Coriander looked like she was about to hurt some one, so I took the initiative to step in.

"I'm sorry my lady, my friend here is just very, very over reactive and protective, please forgive us because we are most sorry,"I said, using my courteous speech as I grabbed Coriander by the shoulders and pushed her out of the shop, Thief padded after us feeling that everything wasn't so lighthearted anymore.

"What are you doing? I was just about to give that woman what she deserves! She has no right to call me or Thief that!" Coriander hissed at me, struggling against my firm hold on her shoulders.

"Let me go!" She said as I practically dragged her out of there. The commotion had gathered a crowd that we had to push against to get back out onto the street.

The wind blew and I felt it ruffle my hair,"I said let me go!" She almost yelled, and I did. But before she could turn around I fixed my hood back to where it was, hiding my face. I hoped no one recognized me. Just hoped.

Coriander looked at me suspiciously,"Why do you always where a hood?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because I choose to."

"Why do you choose to?"

"Because I want to."

"Why do you want to?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"Why don't you answer them?"

We stared each other down, her hazel eyes against my blue ones then we both, simultaneously burst into smiles childish behavior. I started to laugh.

"What?" Coriander asked, a smile still playing on her lips.

"You have dimples," That's when we both started to laugh at the absurdity of my comment.

"You know, you not half bad," She said with a smirk after we were done laughing.

"I like you to," She smiled and I felt myself smile too, that's when Thief decided to break in with his loud barking.

"Csendes. Hazamegyünk hamarosan. Well I think I have to get going anyway...See you 'round and if you ever need anything ask any shop owner where the house on Alcinous Lane is. They'll tell you where. Bye..Tristan," She gave me on last smile then left after the already gone Thief.

I felt a smile tug at the corner of my lips again. At that moment I felt happier than I had in a long time. :)

A/N:I know, I know, long time no update but I'm sorry. Blame school and Ms. 20Toes over there for getting me addicted to this horse website.

Well this chapter was kind of long-ish but it had a crappy ending, kinda cliche too but I had to have them meet again since this is obviously a fairy tale. I also had to let you in on the rest of Romeo/Tristan's family. This story's just getting started :)

-Jess

[Who can tell me what the language is that Roselynne/Coriander uses! :) You get a free cookie ^-^]