Blue Blooded - [Mick Schumacher]

One

         "Prince?". Mick turned around at the soft sound of the voice behind him. It was one of the maids of the castle, her cheeks turning pink when he looked at her, a shy smile pulling on her lips. She didn't want to come into his room, but he hadn't heard her knocking on his opened door. Mick had been staring out of the window, watching over the meadows of the castle, the hills and fields that stretched out endlessly. "Dinner is served". The maid managed to get out of her throat and he nodded. "Thank you". Mick politely thanked her, which made her cheeks only redder. She bowed respectfully before she hurried through the corridor and around the corner, her footsteps echoing against the stone walls. Mick walked out of his room, pulling the large, wooden door close behind him. He made his way through the long hall, stopping at the room of his father as the doors were opened. The King was in bed and the maids were taking care of him and as soon as they caught Mick in the doorway, they rushed to closed the doors.

Mick swallowed hard as the harsh bang of the door hurt in his chest, however he knew it was for the best. His father, the king of Geneva, had a terrible accident a time ago. He is currently quite stable, but since the accident, Mick hadn't seen him out of bed yet. Every now and then the king requested to look out of the windows and the maids helped him to sit there. The maids worked hard to take care of him, however it hurt Mick that he wasn't able to be with his father every day. The rides on the horses were lonely and it hurt him too to see his sister and mother sad. The Prince of Geneva followed his path downstairs, dribbling down the endless steps till the arrived in the large dining room. The table for twelve now occupied by only three. Corinna, the queen of Geneva and Gina, the princess of Geneva. The table was filled with plates full of food, too much for the three of them. Mick hoped the staff would eat their stomachs full of it later as well. He pulled a chair back and sat down at the table.

Corinna gave her son a weak smile, her gown resting on the armrests of the seat and her crown sparkled on her hear. She reached for the hands of her children and she closed her eyes. Silence filled the room for a short prayer and she let go of their hands again after that. "Mick, there is something we have to discuss". Corinna started, leaning back while the maids scurried around the table to serve their plates. "What is it?". Mick asked. The Queen swallowed hard and Mick exchanged a look with Gina, both of them slightly frowning. "Your father... He is doing better every day". She spoke, waiting before continuing as the maids were now walking out of the room, leaving the three of them. The knights at the door didn't even make a sound. "But the progress he is making is not good enough, it's not quick enough...". Mick felt his heart beating quicker. "Geneva needs a king again. We promised the people a fusion with the kingdom of Aosta. The longer we wait...". Corinna took a deep breath. "The turmoil it will create. Our people are becoming impatient. The king of Aosta is asking more of us the longer it takes". The queen said.

"Well, hold them off longer". Mick said simply. "We can't". Corinna said with an apologizing smile. "Minister Todt and I agreed on the terms of Aosta". She continued. "This means that they have arranged their daughter, princess Lucia, to marry you within the next month to complete the fusion of our kingdoms". Corinna said. Mick nearly choked on his own spit. Silence filled the dining room again, but it felt tense and uneasy. "Mick will become king?". Gina asked softly. "He will". Corinna confirmed. "I was promised that I could choose the woman I will marry". Mick said after a couple minutes. "I am sorry, Mick. Due to the circumstances we can't grant your wish in that. You should be happy that your father wanted to let you choose a woman in the first place. Nearly no other kingdom lets their prince free in that choice". Corinna told her son. "Do I have the luxury of getting to know her first?". Mick asked. Gina rose her eyebrows, meaning to say as if that's the most important thing right now. "It's not fair". Mick spoke up. "To lay such a burden in my hands". He continued.