𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞

Spring, 1417. Eastbourne Region

"your highness, your father is asking for you in the library"
"tell him i'll be up in a second"
"he says it's urgent"
"very well"

richard follows the apprentice down the hallway and into the library.

the curtains were drawn back to let in natural light, the same paintings of their ancestors hung on the wall like they always did. various books sat on the dusted shelves, not being touched in years.

his father, King Micheal Bowen II stood by a window near the end of the room, he looked out on his town, while he waited.

the apprentice bowed as he left the two men alone, closing the door behind him. it was than that the king noticed his son.

"ah richard you're here, good"
"you called for me father?"
"yes, i had a few things to ask you, if you aren't busy?"

King Bowen was a gentle soul, he was Eastbourne's esteemed king for 41 years, and 12th from the Bowen bloodline. everyone from town and near kingdoms respected micheal. being focused on peace , he was trusted by many. with that, many knew never to anger him. he could be a big threat if it was necessary.

when his father, King Micheal Bowen I, died. Micheal at the young age of 19, took the throne.

micheal had married Lady Lynne Willis, a fair lady with a suitable title. her kingdom was nearing its end and King Willis had arranged a marriage for his only daughter. no matter what he thought, micheal couldn't have refused. with the recent death of his father, his people wanted a queen in the castle to ensure a heir.

King Micheal and Queen Lynne had been married 2 weeks after they had met. it was obvious they didn't love each other, let alone know each other, but it was their duty. a few months into their marriage, queen lynne had become pregnant with their first and only child. Prince Richard Micheal Bowen, the heir to Eastbourne.

from a young age Richard knew what he was born to do. he was the future of his people, and his family name. having King Micheal Bowen II as his father, everyone had high expectations for the prince.

he begun his studies on politics at the age of 12 and the rules of running a kingdom were drilled into his head. now at 20, he is more than ready to be king. his father could at any moment retire and give up his throne to the young prince, but they had one problem.

Marriage.

Richard disliked the idea of marriage. especially with someone he didn't love. growing up, love wasn't exactly present in the family. having parents that didn't exactly love each other, and having no other siblings. it was lonely.

when he became a teenager, arrangements to finding a suitable wife for him had become the parents biggest priority. richard however insisted he had time, and someone would just find him. he would do anything in his power to not be in an arranged marriage.

when he wasn't married at 18, people decided that he was focusing on his studies. than at 19, they were waiting for the announcement that a wedding would be held. now at 20, all the people were getting worried that the prince would never have children.

all he wanted was true love.

but that wasn't his life.