The Shield One-Shots Book 3

A Pirate's Life For Me Pt3/Ambrollins

 The afternoon sun shone down from a clear blue sky, casting warm rays over the world below. Seth strolled alone through the expansive garden of the castle grounds, lost in his own thoughts his footsteps muffled by the lush grass beneath him. It had been two long, frustrating days since he had last seen Dean, but he couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of solitude. His parents had insisted that he spend his every waking moment with his fiancée, Randy, and Randy's parents - King Richard and Queen Marabella. The pressure to maintain appearances and impress his future in-laws was suffocating. Breathing in the sweet scent of blooming flowers and feeling the soft grass beneath his feet, Seth found a temporary escape from it all.

 He has spent the last two damn days having to suffer through listening to his parents, Randy's parents and Randy talk endlessly about the upcoming wedding, trapped in a never-ending loop of wedding conversations. He clenched his jaw and bit his tongue as he listened to plans for a marriage he had no desire to be a part of. Seth couldn't take it anymore. He had no desire to marry someone he didn't love, just for the sake of political alliances. His kingdom may demand it for political reasons, but he refused to enter into a loveless union. As they droned on about seating arrangements and menu options, Seth's mind raced with escape plans. He was determined to find a way out of this unwanted marriage, even if it meant fleeing his kingdom altogether. Love should not be sacrificed for duty.

 He sighed as he sat down on a bench, he had never been in love before or had someone love him in return. Being sheltered his entire life in the castle, which had long since become his prison instead of his home, he had never had the chance to experience life or know what love was. He longed to know what it felt like though and after meeting Dean, he wanted it more than ever. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the loud, obnoxious voices of his parents, Randy's parents and Randy as they came out into the garden looking for him. Sighing frustrated, Seth put a fake smile on his face as he turned to greet them.

 "Hello, Mother, Father." Seth said. "Hello, your Majesties, Randy."

 "Ah, here you are, sweetheart." Randy said smiling as he kissed Seth's cheek before he stood beside him.

 "Such a handsome couple, aren't they, dear?" Queen Marabella gushed smiling to her husband.

 "Yes, yes, dear, quite." King Richard agreed smiling too. "The kingdoms of Theoria and Skandovia will be in good hands when our sons wed and take over the thrones." King Peter stated proudly as he patted his son on the back causing Seth to stumble a little.

 "Come, let's sit in the dining room, lunch will be ready soon." Queen Mary announced smiling.

 As the six royals glided into the grand dining room, they swiftly settled into their plush chairs. Queen Mary snapped her fingers and a team of servants scurried to fulfill her every whim. Seth clenched his jaw, watching as they barked orders without a hint of gratitude or consideration for the hardworking staff. He sighed and had to bite his tongue to keep from saying anything, knowing he was the only one who truly cared about treating people with kindness and respect, regardless of their social status.

 As the food and drinks were brought in, the group continued their lively conversation, barely acknowledging the staff as they delivered their food. They acted as if the staff didn't exist, only acknowledging them when they needed something else or had a complaint. However, Seth made a conscious effort to thank each server individually and make eye contact with them, speaking loudly enough for the others to hear but they paid no attention. They either didn't hear him or they just didn't care and Seth was pretty sure it was the latter.

 "Seth, dear, you're awfully quiet. Are you feeling well?" His mother suddenly asked, making everyone look at him concerned.

 "Actually, Mother, I'm feeling really tired. I didn't get much sleep last night." Seth quickly lied, there was no use starting another argument with them when none of them gave any kind of damn.