The Prince in Distress

Chapter Two

I've been trying to avoid this day for so long. This might sound silly but I'm so tired of my father trying to push me out of my comfort zone. He doesn't understand or respect my privacy. Just because I'm soon to be King doesn't necessarily mean I need to be social. In all honesty, father isn't the only one claiming I should "broaden my horizons". Mother has also been trying to convince me. Lately I've been writing to release my emotions of annoyance. It is starting to help, but preparing for being King is not as easy as the media may portray it. It's a lot of difficult work and preparation. Moving on, I must begin getting ready to select a knight. It really does piss me off that because of my status, I'm expected to act a certain way. Focussing on this won't change anything so I mustn't complain. I should be grateful anyway. Many people would love to be in my position or so they believe. I actually need to start getting ready right now. Father's calling me. Atlas finally began to get ready. He decided to wear something simple, a deep eye catching blue suit which included a light blue tie, waistcoat, and a silky ebony top hat. Atlas was very articulate on fitting the dress code. Though he strongly disliked the rules, he was sure to obey them to not tarnish the family name. Reputation was everything to Atlas. It determined what could be earned or lost and currently the Alarie's had a powerful family name. The time had finally come for Atlas to select a knight. Of course, he and his family had entered the headquarters earlier. They needed time for the maids to decorate the headquarters as this was an important night. The selected colors for this event were white, red and gold. The Alarie's reputable for including gold in every important event. Many people would gossip and create reasons why gold was used in every Alarie event but that was kept a secret even towards Atlas. Along with the selected colors for this event floral decor had also been designed. On the tables there were red roses with fern, baby's breath and eucalyptus in an aurous vase. All plants were trimmed to perfection and so delicately placed around the tables. On the tables, there were sparkly wine red tablecloths. On the entrance table there were place cards for each person who was chosen for this event. The other tables had china plates, polished silver utensils and menus. The headquarters were surprisingly large and very beautiful. It had as much space as a ballroom and looked quite similar to one. A few minutes later many people had started to enter. Soon the event began. I was told to stand in the front. I was the one to select the person who should be chosen as my protector. The crowd was very boisterous before father began, "I have gathered you all today to see which one of you has the potential to protect my son". Father then motioned me to step a tad bit further than him. Many people clapped and cheered as I stepped forward. I wish I could explain to my father that events like this really do make me uncomfortable. I desperately loathe being the center of attention. Father loves it though. I do hate this but, I have to do this for the family name. I also need some sort of protection because, whether I'd like to hear it or not, misconduct has been skyrocketing. All the knights looked very cheerful and excited except one. This one knight looked stoic this whole event. Even when she entered she looked like she had been brought against her will. Noticing that made me chuckle silently. It is pretty funny seeing a jubilant crowd and then one stern person. Soon father began to speak again. "Knights please look for your seats. Place cards are at the entrance table." People were then served food of their choice. I walked around to each table with a smile on my face, waving due to my fathers wishes. I saw that knight again. The one who had given me a stoic expression. When I went to her table she looked so different, so happy, so joyful. When she saw me her expression started to change. It was quite similar to that ice-cold expression she gave me earlier. I still kept a smile on my face because of my father and was still respectful to everyone else. I am aware that I am a royal, but it boils my blood knowing the fact I have to be polite to people who don't reciprocate. If she isn't a good knight I will disqualify her immediately. Even as a prince, I will not allow this type of disrespect to take place in my Kingdom.