Battling the Unknown

The Ride of Shame

~Andrej's Arrival~

Andrej sat tall in the carriage that was now taking him to yet another place in which he was to live.

For the past couple of years he had been living with the Earth nation. This was part of the agreement with the fire nation in order to keep the peace with the water nation. It was meant to show that they were trying for peace. Both water and fire nation thought it would be hard for them to get along. However, as a result they enlisted the help of the Earth nation, whom seemed to be okay with the idea. But about 6 months ago the fire nation found out the Earth Nation wasn't as okay with the arrangement as they thought. The youngest water Prince, Andrej, was actually being heavily abused.

Andrej actually didn't say anything to anyone but his personal guard who had been there for him since the beginning. The guard was actually the reason the fire nation had found out in the first place. The guard was the only one willing to step up and leave his nation to be next to Andrej. Surprisingly, the guard was from the fire nation himself.

Andrej looked out the window, thinking about everything that had gone on earlier that day running over and over in his head. It was hard not to think about it, he could almost still feel the earth wrapped around him crushing him. It was still hard to breathe, just thinking about the thought of 'what if the man hadn't stopped'.

Andrej could feel the disappointment in himself rise up inside of him. He wished that he could have changed everything, be better, and do better. If only he could have given Hayden what he wanted, if only he knew what Hayden had wanted.

Andrej's thoughts turned towards his family what they were going to think when they find out. He knew they would be mad, because they would have to take him back. Andrej felt so alone his own parents sold him off to whoever would take him, in his mind. The man he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with threw him out. No one wanted him.

The only reason anyone knew about what was going on was because his guard felt pity for him. Even though he has gotten close to the guard lately he was the only one that could near him.

It was late at night most of the country was asleep, which Andrej was thankful for. He had bruises that were difficult to hide. Andrej didn't like talking about it, and he didn't like people seeing like this. Hayden had been keeping him inside and away from people; groups of people has started to make Andrej very nervous.

Upon arrival the only person awake was the head of the military, who also happened to be the second born son. When Andrej stepped out the carriage and instantly the man felt bad for the boy. Andrej still kept his stiff straight stance, most could mistake for confidence. Really it was his mask, keeping that image of Royal confidence and arrogance keeping people at arm's length.

When the man put his hand out to pat him on the back, a casual greeting for Jacob, Andrej flinched away. Then realized what the other was doing; now feeling guilty.

"Welcome Andrej," Jacob said, now being very slow with his movements, knowing what was going on and understood that the boy was probably very timid.

"Thank you Jacob," Andrej said quietly it was hard to hear him. Andrej had always been soft spoken, but it had gotten even softer lately.

It was always very important for Royals to know other Royals name mostly the mediate family. The cousin, aunts, and uncles were not as important. In fact it was pretty rare for someone to know their names unless there is some sort of fighting going on among the family. Andrej was one of those rare few that knew the names just because he felt it was important. Andrej is a lot smarter than most people realize.

Once the two made it to the kitchen they were greeted by a very calm and cheerful chef. The walk to the kitchen was very slow and quiet. Andrej was very slow moving because of all the pain that he was in. Jacob walked slowly because he didn't want Andrej to think they were in a hurry. Andrej was happy that the chef was able to cook both foods from the different nations. He carved a lot of his native dishes.