12 years later

Aeliana fastened her cloak around her shoulder before she walked to the front door.

''Grandma, I'm going to the forest for some berries!'' she called out while closing the door gently behind her. ''I'll be home for sunset!''

As Aeliana made her way towards the forest, her grandmother rushed to the front door. ''Try to get back in time for dinner would yo…..'' her grandmother called after her, stopping with the sight of Aeliana, carrying a small woven basket, disappearing in the woods. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and as she looked across she saw her husband standing behind her, giving her a reassuring and comforting smile.

''She needs this sweetheart.''

''I know..'' the old women sighed and she turned her head back to the spot where her granddaughter had disappeared just moments ago.

Felix, his opponent, ducked under his arm and popped up behind him. He swung his sword at Theon, barely missing his neck. Theon jerked his head roughly to the right, hardly making it out of the way in time. A small piece of hair that was caught in mid-flight slowly fell down to the ground.

Theon blew hot air out of his nostrils, that was close.

Now that Felix had succeeded in ticking him off, Theon needed to concentrate. He swiftly moved towards his opponent, ducking under his sword and as Felix swung once again, their swords clashed. Pushing against one another the two friends struggled to gain dominance, until Theon stomped his feet into the earth and pushed at Felix with all his might.

Felix stumbled backwards as he tried to keep his balance. Theon pulled his feet out quickly and stepped around him, tripping Felix, making him fall once and for all.

His partner fell with a thud, where once on the ground, Theon pointed his sword immediately at his neck.

Staring at him seriously only lasted a moment though. Theon broke into a grin and reached his hand down, pulling Felix of the ground.

Felix got up, and clamped a hand on Theon's shoulder.

''No matter how much I train, I just can't seem to beat you.''

Theon smiled, swinging his sword over his shoulder.

''Felix,'' he glowered, his smile disappearing, ''Thanks for the haircut. That will take me a month to grow again.''

Felix inspected the place where the hair had been. ''Did I actually get you? Oh man maybe I am better than I thought, if I could actually beat you.''

Theon snorted, trying to blow the short hair out of his eyes.

Their training master walked up to them, his arms crossed, which was a sign that he was pleased with their work. Theon and Felix bowed to one another and faced their master.

''Nice work men,'' he simply stated, ''Although Felix, you need to work a bit on your balance it seems.''

Felix reached up to scratch the back of his head, ''Yep,'' he agreed.

The master turned to Theon,'' And it seems to me Theon that you were a bit distracted today. Make sure it doesn't happen next time. If this was a real battle, you would need to have your mind clear and be ready to fight.''

''Yes sir,'' Theon said quietly and bowed, watching his teacher leave as he went to store away the equipment.

Felix looked at him knowingly. ''Distracted huh?''

Theon glared at him, ''About you cutting my hair.''

Felix laughed now, tucking his sword into its hilt. ''You sure you weren't thinking about that ball your father organized last week. ''

Theon was about to respond when he heard the quick footsteps of people surrounding him. Felix's laugh grew stronger.

Theon turned around and was faced with a group of five young females, their faces bright and full of smiles. He recognized a couple of them, from the ball that Felix had referred to moments ago. They were incredibly close to him, and he backed up a foot.

''Err..'' he mumbled awkwardly, before he composed himself and plastered a charming smile on his face. ''Hello ladies.''

Their dainty hands wrapped in fancy gloves covered their mouths as they giggled.

One of the girls, he recognized as lady Cecily, spoke up first, being that she composed herself quickly. ''Hello prince Theon, you did a wonderful job at your training session today.''

Theon responded casually. ''Thanks, glad your girls liked it.''

Theon glared at Felix for help, but of course he ignored him.

Turning back to the ladies, he smiled. He heard them intake a sharp breath and they giggled once again. He groaned inwardly to himself, but kept a handsome smile plastered on his face.

Girls flocked to him like bees to honey. With his good looks, great fighting skills and charming attitude, not to mention his royal blood, he was the most popular boy in town. He was destined to become king of Alicante, and therefore the most eligible bachelor of the kingdom.

This year he had turned twenty-one and lately, his father had been introducing him to many princesses from foreign lands with a special sort of gleam in his eyes. Balls were organized in honor of him and often the king invited distant acquaintances who happened to have daughters of marriageable age. It had been very clear that he was trying to find Theon a wife. It wasn't that his father forced him into marriage. It was just that Theon had not been serious with any of the girls he had courted. None of them had lasted longer than three months. Theon knew that he was the heir to the throne and that it was beneficial for him to already start a family before he took his positions as a king. His father wasn't getting any younger and being a king was hard enough without searching for a wife or having a newborn beside it. Theon knew all of this, it wasn't like he did it on purpose. He just..He just couldn't find the right girl.

It was for this reason he had been distracted. Theon felt the pressure of knowing he had to find a wife. The worst thing was that Theon wanted to fall in love with someone. It made it difficult because even though he could pick any girl he wanted, the daughter of the duke, a niece of the Marquis, even the prettiest girl or the smartest girl in the kingdom, he didn't because he wouldn't be in love.

Still smiling charmingly at the girls, he was trying to think of a solution to help him get out of this situation. He looked at Felix, who had now settled on a rock and was watching them with a grin on his face.

And why would he not, Felix didn't have to endure all this female drama. He was engaged to his first love and even ten years ago it had been evident that the two of them would end up getting married someday. He loved Felix as his own brother and Angie was perfect for him but he also envied them. They made falling in love look like something so easy.

Theon imagined shoving his friend in a pond nearby, but was interrupted when lady Cecily spoke up again, being the bold one of the group today.

''You must be hungry after all that training your highness. Would you like to accompany me for lunch?''

His eyes searched around for anything that could help him come up with an excuse.

''Uh-hmm well uh..'' he started, but was interrupted by their teacher calling Felix and him from the storage room.

''Sorry ladies, duty calls.'' He resumed. He made a quick bow and walked away as fast as possible with Felix, not far behind him, chuckling uncontrollably .