Ch. 21: Just Like You

- Ezran -

With renewed determination and fresh clothes, I entered back into the den of men holding my head high. I wouldn't allow this demon prince to defeat me no matter how much I hated him. I would do as Richie said right before we entered - keep calm, show no fear, and above all stay alive. So much was at stake if I failed . . . I HAD to achieve some type of unity if my race were to survive.

Prince Iren's bubbly smile interrupted my thoughts, ""Ezran! You're back. Here, sit by Derrick while older brother Baymun asks you some questions."

Mentally preparing myself for the demon to speak to me, I took in a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, I walked over to the King's side and sat down. While walking, I found it peculiar that the King would give his seat at the head of the table for his brother - perhaps it was because the demon prince Baymun had just returned; like an honorary custom or something.

"So I hear you have a few ideas. When you walked out earlier you mentioned that Derrick was a benevolent King - where would that fantastic idea come from, hmmm?"

'He actually heard that?' Before I had a chance to speak, the King interrupted with a nervous laugh, "Haha she's quite a character isn't she? Brother don't mind her - the woman is nothing more than an ignorant newcomer who doesn't know anything. She probably mistook me as a king since she is unaware of our customs - she didn't know that a lowly 'Prince' such as myself can lead our citizens and probably assumed only kings could. Please excuse this woman and her nonsensical error of rank."

I glared at this non-king, attempting to absorb his words. 'I'm not the only one who has called him King before though.' This 'Prince' was up to something . . . . but he was also right. It was true I didn't know much about their customs - and now that I thought about it I had never heard him refer to himself as King before . . . Perhaps I could have been mistaken.

"If I was in error I apologize. But it seems that some of your citizens -" I didn't get to finish 'might be mistaken as well' before the non-king interrupted once again, "Nonsense. You were naive - it is but a simple mistake. Be sure not to let it happen again though otherwise the consequences could be dire."

My eyes narrowed and I had the intense urge to punch him in the face, ridding him of his smug smirk, "How generous of you."

The non-king smiled in my direction, obviously pleased with himself.

"Brother, weren't you going to ask her some more about her ideas?" Wannabe-doctor Devin asked, trying to change the subject.

"Oh, I don't think it matters too much at this point. Obviously from Derrick's view, his prospective bride doesn't have any relevant remarks or ideas anyway . . . Isn't that right Derrick?"

'Wait - WHAT? Prospective bride?? When did this happen?!' I was still a little miffed from the non-king's insults about me, however my mind was consumed with the horrible thought of marrying this disgustingly vile man. "Who said anything about being a bride?" I asked incredulous.

Prince Derrick turned my way, with a proud smile spread across his face, "Aren't you honored? I have chosen you to be my wife, and being as such I will not bring up the fact that you were a spy after our wedding. You will learn to love our empire just as much as your previous homeland and all such issues will be behind us. You will have the title of royalty and bear many sons for our glorious empire! Don't feel as though you are unworthy - I promise that you will become an excellent breeder once you are properly trained."

I may have been shocked, but I realized what was going on - and I was pissed. With an innocent smile, I looked up at the Prince and sweetly said, "No force on heaven or earth would ever convince me to marry such a misogynistic pig such as yourself."

Slowly Prince Derrick's proud smiling demeanor fell to a hateful scowl. "You dare? After I allowed you to live - after stooping so low as to take you as my bride, you DARE insult me once again?!" He raised from his seat, completely enraged.

At that moment, I forgot about everyone else and stood to match him on eye-level, "Yes - I dare. Did you honestly think that I wouldn't refuse?" I scoffed, "If that's the case then you are nothing more than a mindless, self-centered egomaniac who can only think of himself and his gains. I said I pitied you before, but now I understand that you shouldn't be pitied - no . . you should be ridiculed and scorned for allowing yourself to become this way. You wish for me to carry on your bloodline - I would NEVER birth a child of yours for fear that they would turn out JUST LIKE YOU." Hate poured from my body as I venomously spat out the last three words. Everyone was silent, and I began to realize that all the attention was focused our way. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Richie's blood-drained face in complete horror. 'I think I may have overdone it.'

"Enough with this nonsense." Prince Baymun lazily sat back in his chair while glancing at his fingers, completely disregarding the fact I just insulted his brother, "If my brother wants to marry you, there's not really much you can do about it, is there?"

Prince Derrick's once angry face suddenly became a lot more approving, as if he was considering his brother's words, "Brother Baymun is correct - so what if you don't wish to marry me? You will have to or the penalty is death."

"Then death it is." I raised my head with no fear. Although I didn't want to die, there was no way I was going to marry this man. I may have had a lot at stake and my race's future depended on me, but when faced with this dilemma I would NOT give in to this man's demand. My entire being would not allow it.

A low, soft chuckle could be heard before Prince Derrick began out-right laughing, "Hahaha you see brother? This woman is fearless, strong-willed and will definitely ensure strong bloodlines. It's just that annoying tongue of hers . . haha." The Prince shook his head then turned back to me, "How about this, little tart - instead of dying, we compete in the arena. Once I prove to you my prowess in battle, I'm sure that you will understand how important it is that we continue a strong succession. If I win, you will submit and become my bride - no refusals, no insults; just complete subjection to me. If you win, I will allow you to live unmarried, no strings attached."

'Did this civilization thrive on blood and war? Why do they have to fight all the time, even over the most nonsensical things?' Although I didn't believe he would hold up to his word, the offer still intrigued me. If I won, I could just kill him - then I really wouldn't have to worry about getting married to him. I would just need to make it look like an accident so I wouldn't get my head chopped off afterwards. I could say my weapon slipped too far or something.

"Is this how your society settles disagreements?"

Prince Devin spoke up, "Technically speaking, we often choose the arena to resolve disputes. Though, it's not often that the royals do so - and no dispute between a man and woman has ever gone in front of the public before. With that being said, I think it shows a lot of consideration on my brother's part. He is allowing you to defend yourself, and that shows that he is merciful. It could benefit our empire's views on generosity within the palace walls."

"And it would be super cool." Iren chimed in. A few minutes ago, Iren looked like he was going to throw up from the intense argument between Prince Derrick and I, however now he had this awed expression on his face. "I would really love to see you fight again, Ezran. Would you use all the little weapons like yesterday??"

I couldn't help but chuckle, "As long as the Prince here is willing."

"That settles it then!" Prince Derrick clapped his hands together boisterously, "We will have a grand competition! You will get to choose your weapons and attire before we head over to the arena." Prince Derrick smiled, like he planned this all along, "The delegates will get to see some more entertainment along with my weather-worn brother and at the end of this fight a marriage announcement should be made which will make the kingdom happy. All-in-all I would say that this has been a rather good turn of events, don't you think?"