The Prince of A Foreign Land

A prince from a foreign land, and his carriage with his guards, look outside his carriage with gleaming eyes from his window seat as he admire the beautiful view of the prestigious, and elegant Emerald City.

There were different people, different types of flowers adoring every home and building he pass by, and a very different and vibrant culture which made his heart feel warm, and his mind curious.

His eyes then wander to the towering gate of the palace he will soon enter.

Only then did his stomach felt like there were butterflies in it, and his throat was dry due to him being nervous. He feels as if he want to run away and beg his father to change his mind but as the only son, and heir to the throne this was also part of his duty.

It was pounded into him over, and over again that even as he sleep he sometimes dream of it, like a nightmare in the guise of a beautiful dream.

The duties of a crown prince, the honor he must at all cost upheld, and that his fate was already predetermined by birth. How he would rule his father's kingdom one day, and how important this engagement is with the daughter of the Duke of Emerald City.

   The Princess however who would be introduced to her bethrothed today was filled with anxiety as she walk in circles inside her room. She knows it was her decision to take it upon herself but right now her heart, and mind are at war.

"Oh, heavens! What am I to do?", she said to herself in an attempt to organize all that is on her mind at the  moment.

And, just then, a knock on her door startled her, and almost made her jump from where she was standing.

She immediately opened it, and regretted the moment she did it.

"Princess, your father is waiting for you downstairs. It seems like a guest has arrive for you."

She almost feel like melting in front of him. The sound of his voice, his unchanging poker face, and his eyes... Why? Why is it she cannot read him at all? What is he thinking right now?

She is in front of him feeling like her heart was about to burst, and tears are starting to form in her eyes but what about him? All those years together... with him only by her side... was it all nothing for him?

She had attempted to confess her love to him a lot of times but every time she would do so, he would only avoid it or grow silent. The Butler in front of her is the one she had always dreamed of but today, her dreams shall stop, and stay just as what it is.

A dream.

"Of course.", she look straight into his eyes, waiting for any response to her pleading eyes but he only looked away.

She let out a shaky breath, and compose herself. She was determined to hide her disappointment and instead she adore her face with a smile. Although, her eyes feel like they could betray her any moment soon. She steadily step outside her room as the Butler close the door behind her.

"Let me take you to where your father is, Princess.", he march forward while she closely walk behind him with her head down. Silence ruled between the two, and every step she took were like needles stabbing in her heart.

It's today. Everything will be decided today.

Her father would give his approval, and she would be meeting with her future husband-in-law.

After a few preparations, the wedding will be held in front of the City, and the chance to marry the person she loves will be lost... forever.

This was her duty, this was her fate predetermined by the gods. It was her fate as the Princess of Emerald City.

And, no matter how much she's against it, it was already decided from the moment she became a part of the royal family.

For the sake of her people, for the sake of her father, and for the sake of protecting all that she loves. She must bear with everything, and ensure that peace will prevail.

The Princess began to wonder about what her mother felt like when she first met with her father. She remember the late Duchess would always tell her about how she met the Duke, it is their story that made the young and naive princess to believe in true love.

But what she didn't tell the Princess was how to betray one's own heart?

If only the Duchess was alive, will she know the right words to tell her? The Princess felt her heart sank, remembering her late mother.

Everything was overwhelming her but the Butler doesn't spare her atleast a glance.

The Princess thought to herself, is it really this nerve-wracking? And, before the Duke has her mother ever fell in-love with someone else? If the late Duchess was here with her tightly holding her hand to guide her, will things be different?

And, above all, was it this painful to watch as your chance at true love slips away?

The Princess raise her head and look at the Butler's back. Her hand slowly reaching for his hand but she stop herself halfway before she do something she will regret.

She shook her head, and clasp her hands in front of her to maintain her composure. No matter how much she desires to be with him, she wasn't sure how to handle the consequences that comes with choosing love over duty. She cannot protect him, and he is powerless because he is not a prince or a nobleman.

A servant, and a princess cannot be together.

And, right now there is something only she can do... only a princess can do.

   The Duke awaits in front of his throne when the doors open, and it revealed the guest he had been waiting to receive.

His eyes widen in shock as the figure of the person who would be wed to his daughter became clearer. A boy, not even of marriageable age yet was  walking towards him. The Duke cannot believe his own eyes.

The boy stand firm in place, and gracefully gave his greetings to the Duke that was still surprised by how young he was.

"Your Majesty!", said the boy with platinum blonde hair and dark eyes who seems nothing more than a mere 7 years old. "It is an honor to be here, and I must thank you for giving me the chance to see your beautiful City. I have heard about Emerald City from my father's stories whenever he would come home after visiting your country but seeing it with my own eyes. It has exceeded my expectations, and seeing the people's expression... I was convinced that it is indeed, a magical City."

The Duke composed himself, and let out an awkward smile.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I see that your dear father is not with you, I was sure he was supposed to accompany you. Is it alright for such a young boy like you to be travelling alone in a foreign City?"

"Young as I may be, your Majesty. But I am a Prince, and I can't always rely on my father for he has more pressing issues to tend to.", The Duke can see the resolve in the young boy's eyes but the Duke can't help but be saddened by the fact that such a bright young man who have many possibilities ahead of him, be used as leverage between two kingdoms to prevent a brewing war that is threatening his, and their kingdoms territory. And, to be wedded at the age of 7, not even given the chance to fall in love at a proper age.

How cruel this world works.

"Forgive me if I offended you.", The Duke sincerely said.

"No, I know His Majesty is only concerned. I am very grateful; for to be worried upon by someone such as you is a great honor.", And, the Prince lower his head as a sign of both respect and gratitude.

The Duke, in an attempt to lighten the mood, put his hand on the young boy's shoulder and smiled.

He noticed that the boy has small shoulders that felt like it would break any moment, and his hands were bruised all over.

The Duke can't help but wonder what on earth could've this boy had gone through?

"Welcome to Emerald City. I hope you enjoy your stay here as our guest."

The young Prince smiles, unaware of a mischievous set of eyes, locked upon it's prey, and will be soon feasting on his remains when the time is right.

The Duchess saw an opportunity, and knowing her nature. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to expect something from her, something that may endanger the innocent young prince.