King Robert made his way to the people of the town and they roared. Alec didn't know if it was of happiness that the royal family was visiting or of anger due to the selfishness of the king.

"As you all know, Prince Alexander Gideon Lightwood will soon come of age and is next in line for throne." He spoke with a clear, firm voice, just like a King should. "Come forward, son."

Alec held his breath as he walked up to him. He hated how fake the word son rolled off his tongue. He looked out to the see of people before quickly looking down. He felt awkward. He hated being stared out. He hated how how he was standing in front of a dirt poor town with a pure gold crown. All he wanted was to go home but the world wasn't on his side. It never was.

"I want you to hold the family name up to its highest potential. And to do that you'll leave the castle." King Robert exclaimed looking out to the people of the town. Alec noticed that not once did Robert look at him since they left the castle.

"You're to be king soon."

You're going to be king, Alexander.

"You're going to prove yourself."

Prove yourself, Alexander.

"You're going to live in town until you learn what it needs."

You're going to live in town unti— wait, what?

The whole town started muttering to each other as Alec stood there shock. Everyone was in shock as Alec began to shake his head. This couldn't be happening. There was no way his mom agreed with the plan. Who was going to watch after Max, make sure Isabelle was a proper princess, and make sure Jace didn't make an ass of himself?

"Turn in your crown, Alexander?" he said with a stern face.

He nodded and took off his crown. With a shaky hand, he handed it to his father, who just walked away to the carriage. Alec followed after him until they were out of the view when Robert grabbed him by the upper arm harshly.

"Listen here, Alexander! I heard about your little fun experiment last night and I will not let you tarnish our family name!" He whispered harshly. "You will learn your lesson! You're a Lightwood! Soon to be King married to a gorgeous queen!"

Alec got a panicked looked, "N-no! I never..." SLAP!

"Shut up! Fix yourself or you'll never come back! I'll leave you to die out there before you tarnish the family name!" He yelled. "Go say goodbye before we dump you here."

Alec nodded and made his way to his family when he felt someone slam against him, small arms wrapping against him. Max.

"Are you really leaving us?" Max asked with tears in his eyes. "Are you coming back?"

Alec knelled down and hugged him tightly, "I'll always come back, Max. I promise. I'll always be here for you." He stood up and went to hug Izzy, who was already crying, and Jace.

Maryse gave Alec a tight hug and slipped money into his pocket, "Be safe." All Alec did was walk away. He walked into the crowd and disappeared without looking back.

He was lost. He's never been in town alone and unprotected. He didn't have Jace to give him confidence or a place to sleep or Izzy to reassure him he'll be a great king and not like their father.

He walked into a dark alley, hoping to be alone and to rest when he heard footsteps behind him.

"Hey, Chum! Give us your money!" A male voice called out.

"Are you hungry?" Alec asked concerned, worried filling his baby blues.

"Look! It's the cast away princess." The leader smirked and pushed him against the wall roughly. "You think living here is going to be easy? Think again! We are going to make your life living hell." He wrapped his hand around Alec's neck and began to pickpocket him.

Alec began gasping for air, scratching at the male to let go. When he figured it wasn't working, he brought his leg up and tried to kick him in the stomach.

The male chuckled and threw Alec onto the ground. He started kicking the prince and the rest of the group joined him. The only stopped they once Alec was unconscious, "Welcome to Idris, Princess."

Hours later, Alec woke up with a raggedy blanket under his head.

"Nice to see you awake, Darling. That's not a great look for our future king."

Alexander felt grateful to wake up to the voice of an angel.