Yours Truly

Chapter 2

(Edited)

''They both had similar pasts left behind
One did sulk another did not
Surely another is a pillar and a support
For the one who hath lost his hope''

''Son! In which nook of this Earth were you sulking in?'' The distraught father held out his arms and seized his son's rigid shoulders, shaking him vigorously as if attempting to rouse him up from an abysmal nightmare he was suffering from.

''Graveyard." Replied the prince monotonously before he averted his eyes from his father's piercing gaze. A regard that held hues concern, fretfulness and a bit of paternal ire eddying in it like a tempest prepared to surge forth and engulf his son with those evident sentiments. The King let out a deep growl of dissatisfaction after hearing his son's response and shook his head in disbelief, muttering few profanities under his breath. He could not bear seeing his son in such a dreadful state any longer.

''My child, it has been seven years since that incident ensued, you must overcome it now-'' His eyes softened and his brows furrowed, searching for answers on Matthew's expressionless face.

"Father, you know it's impossible-''

He was cut off by stern words of his father who was now tired of his repetitive response. ''I am aware that you will say that you loved her and cannot live without her or give someone the equal reverence you held for her.''

He sighed and ran a hand through his greying hair. "You must learn to pull through such difficulties. These are a painful part of life and one cannot live in the past for long, it just deepens the wounds one gained from these experiences.''

''But father- She was my life.... My everything.'' The prince rubbed his eyes, trying to stop his tears from cascading on the carpeted floor of the beautifully decorated room. His father sighed for the umpteenth time and made him sit on the soft red velvet couch of the huge living room.

''Look son, you are a prince. You have plenty of responsibilities. You just can't leave your entire kingdom in misery just because you are suffering from one. You are the future king and hope of this-''

''Then I don't want to become a king." He stated simply, with the same unnerving monotonous tone.

''What?'' The King asked ― bemused by his son's declaration.

''I said-''

''I know what you said!''

The king rose and towered his son, unable to hide his rage. ''That is enough! Do not forget that you a Reynard, and a Reynard does not give up his position even if he has to behead himself!''

He boomed like an active volcano erupting violently. His tall masculine figure radiated an aura of dominance that made his son avert his gaze down in submission. He would have looked like a man of young age if it weren't for his hair giving up on his handsome features.

''You know that the empire's forces are weakening, our nemesis are increasing their power to claim the territory that has been disputed for ages. There are many sectors of our empire that are par poverty. We need to strengthen our bonds with our allies, if you were aware and have been attending the monthly conferences, that is.''

''So what do you expect me to do?'' The prince enquired warily.

The King cleared his throat as his temper veiled his hesitation. ''I expect you to betroth the princess of our closest ally as they have been coming to our aid every now and then. They've been helping us financially and strategically for ten years. We are in debt to them, although my friend would not speak anything regarding the payback of the loans we have received from them, I feel like returning back what I owe-''