The Weight Of The Crown

Chapter 1- The meeting

Arthur POV

-Take the horses to the city stables boy, and don't get lost! We have to be at the castle grounds by noon.
-Yes father, I'll be there worry not. I think Angus and Helios will appreciate a little rest won't you boys?- I laughed.
-Arthur!- Father scolded- A young lord...
- A young lord does not coo at his steed, my apologies father.
- Then don't do it again. We can't have you tarnish our clan's name now, can we? You are to win the hand of the young lady and make an alliance with Ospea. If we want to win against Theiya we must reinforce our efforts and army. Now go on, I'll find us a place to eat and spend the night after the feast.
-Yes father.

I did as I was told. It has always been like this. Since I was little he has been this demanding parent. I didn't play with other children besides my younger siblings. Father is always praising me telling everyone how I'm "the finest swordsman in all five clans".  And now this alliance that I wasn't even warned about, he just accepted the invitation without even asking me. I don't even know her. How can I love someone I don't know or even marry them? I don't think she must like it either, having her hand as a prize for some man who knows how to use a sword. She must be terrified. Still, it is nice to get out of Drenia for a while. This city is so lively and full of people, that may be because of the tournament but still, it's so refreshing and...
-I'm so sorry I almost knocked you down with my head stuck in the clouds -I said to the hooded figure - tell me do you happen to be part of the townsfolk? I'm afraid I don't know the ways around this town.
I only got a gentle nod.
-Not much of a talker I see. That's fine, could you show me the way to the stables, please?
Again only a nod and a gesture to follow them. This fellow seems rather odd. Their cloak is made of some fine velvet, like the ones made for nobles, there is an unusual pin on the front of it, looks like some sort of emblem I feel like I've seen it before.
-Oh! We're here already? Thank you so much for your help.
The figure nodded and began to pull out a horse from the stables, a very beautiful and strong black mare.
-Are you here for the tournament too?- I asked out of curiosity.
The figure turned to me clutching the pin on their cloak.- No. I'm not. You?
-Hmm seems I finally got you to talk have I? I'm here for the tournament yes, although not by choice-I laughed.
-How come?- they asked.
-Well, my father got your lord's invitation and accepted it without even asking me what I thought about it.
-And what do you think about it?- The figure replied.
I was caught off guard. No one had ever asked me that.
-Well.. -took me a second to get it together- I think these ways are rather old. We live in a new era, and I don't think it's fair neither to the young lords much less to your lady. She has her entire future in the hands of destiny. It must be horrible. If she is going through anything I'm going through, she must wish she could put an end to all of this and at least choose the one she is meant to marry.
The strange fellow's eyes looked surprised and sad, strangely. Then the bells of the nearby church started ringing. It's noon. I'm late.
-Well friend I must go, I should already be at the castle grounds! Thank you so much for your help!- I ran as fast as I could to my destination, I hope father doesn't get too mad.

Diana POV

I left the castle before dawn and went to the woods to train a little before the tournament. While riding there I kept thinking about mother and how it would be if she was here. She always prepared me for this day, not because she wanted to, but because it was her duty. After our hours of painting, reading, or etiquette lectures, she would always come with me to the woods and teach me how to wield a sword. Her parents died when she was young so she had to rule Ospea alone for some time before my father showed up in her life. Before she got married she fought in two wars with Theiya and Katros and got out victorious, this was before the unification of the Empire of Dizia by the King of Theiya, they always liked showing off. 

As I arrived and let Ignis roam while I train on the same spot me and mother did, the little clearance near the waterfall, except she is not here anymore. I miss her, oh how I miss her. I know father misses her too, they were together for so long I can't imagine how it must be for him to lose his wife who was also his best friend on the same day he welcomed his new children in the world. I think that's why he protects Maurie and Noah so much. Who am I kidding? I am too very protective of them, they are my baby siblings after all.  Alphie and Tristan also do, but they didn't take the loss of our mother very well. They weren't here when it happened because they don't live with us anymore. They got married young to ladies from kingdoms far away, and haven't had a lot of time to visit. The last time they were here was for our mother's funeral. We write to each other but I haven't seen them in so long... I guess I miss them too. 

I heard the bells of the church and saw the sun rising, and knew it was time to head to the city and let Ignis get some rest before the tournament, and get some food because I am starving. I left Ignis at the stables for two gold coins and went on my way to the tavern nearby to get some breakfast. As I sit by the window I see the city beginning to fill up with different faces and shops getting set up. There is more movement than usual due to the duels. I bet father wondering where I am, I hope he doesn't get too mad at...

 -BOO!
-What the hell what is your problem you...- I was speechless.
-What is it? Do you think we would miss our little sister's engagement?
-ALPHIE! TRISTAN! -I hugged them as tightly as I could.
-It's good to see you Día!- Tristan said.
-How have you been sister?- Alphie asked
-I've been doing fine... although a little worried about today.
-Of course, you are, knowing you, you are probably hiding from father- Tristan laughed.
-Haha funny.
-How are Bridgit and the twins?-Alphie questioned.
-I think they're fine. Bridgit is far more excited about this than I am. She said she can't wait till it's her turn to find a match. I tried to explain that she is only fourteen and that she will have to wait a bit but she is still so eager. And Maurie and Noah have been the mischievous little lads that six year old could be.
-That's good to hear!- Tristan continued- And as much as I'm enjoying this conversation we need to head to the castle before the rounds and catch up with father too. Are you coming Día?
-Oh... Well, I still need to get Ignis from the stables, and I wouldn't want to keep you waiting.
-Nonsense! -Alphie stated- we'll wait for you and maybe father won't get too mad at you for disappearing - He laughed.
-Very well if you insist. I'll just pay the tab and I'll meet you by the city gates.
-See you there dear sister!-said, Tristan.

I paid off the tab and went on my way to the stables. I really hope father isn't too mad at me. Although my father planned this whole thing without my consent, I know he means no harm to me, and just wants to see me happy. He is just not very good at this stuff. He always was supportive of my interests and love for fencing, just not very supportive of my despise for tedious tasks like poetry or sewing. Anyway, I must hurry it's almost noon. I just need to go fetch Ignis and... Dammit who ran into me? 
 -I'm so sorry I almost knocked you down with my head stuck in the clouds. Tell me do you happen to be part of the townsfolk? I'm afraid I don't know the ways around this town. - said the stranger who ran into me, he was wearing noble clothing, maybe he is one of the lords competing today? I'm pretty sure he doesn't recognize me since i have my hood on. 

He asked me to take him to the stables and since i was already heading there I agreed. He sure talks a lot.  That emblem embroidered on his cape tho, looks familiar, is it Drenia's Blazon? Oh, heavens he is talking to me. 

 -Are you here for the tournament too?-he asked.
My body turned stiff. I hadn't realized how tense I was for this.
-No. I'm not. You?
-Hmm seems I finally got you to talk have I? I'm here for the tournament yes, although not by choice. -he chuckled. What does he mean not by choice? Like he isn't free to do whatever he pleases.
-How come?- I ask.
-Well, my father got your lord's invitation and accepted it without even asking me what I thought about it.
-And what do you think about it?

He explained his opinion, and I have to admit, I was wrong about him. I thought he would be some dense brute just looking for some damsel in distress for him to save, but he is really the contrary. I would describe him as the smart and sensitive kind.
The church bells started ringing indicating that it was noon. Oh Christ I'll be late. When I turned back to the stranger he was gone. 

-DÍA! come on we will be late- one of my brothers shouted.

I got on my mare and galloped to them and we went as fast as we could to the castle.