Don't mess with me.

Made My Way Uphill.

Prince Dean read the parchment over for the third time this morning. He had received the news of a growing threat, a quickly expanding kingdom that had conquered most of Europe. Little was known of it, other than it was ruled over by a newly anointed King who that it has closed almost all of its ports.
"We believe that it would be wise to create an alliance with this kingdom, so that it does not attack us next," his adviser and best friend Seamus had told him in a grave voice. The man now stood in front of him, awaiting orders. Dean sighed.
"And what happens if he refuses?"
"Then, we leave and come up with a new plan," his friend replied. The prince sent everyone else out of the room and then turned to Seamus again.
"Now, what do you really think?" he asked, moving to stand in front of his life long companion.
"With all due respect, my friend, I'd say we're positively screwed."
Dean chuckled at this, but on the inside he couldn't help but agree. "So, do you think we should really visit this hermit of a kingdom?"
"It's our best option, I'm afraid," Seamus replied with a sigh, running a hand through his dark hair.
"Then we sail at dawn."
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After almost a month of travel, the prince and his adviser arrive at the gates of the castle of King James.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?" Seamus asks his friend, looking around nervously at the strangely colored cobblestone roads.
"We'll be fine, we have at least three hundred guards with us. Besides, when have I ever had a bad idea?"
"Well there's that time you decided to fight a bear in nothing but your undergarments, or the time you tried to eat a live snake, or perhaps-"
"Oh, hush up will you?" the prince laughs, lightly shoving his friend, "What I meant was, when have I ever done anything that got you hurt?" Dean smiled at his friend, who was currently trying and failing to come up with such a scenario. "See? I'd never do anything that would hurt you in anyway." Dean laughed and looked back to the palace in front of him, though he swore he could see his pals cheeks redden slightly. He decided to ask about it later on. For now, he made his way through the gate and up the steps, into the main hall where they were greeted by a few guards and an eerie silence. The guards lead them into what appeared to be the Kings throne room. The Prince was told to wait with his friend as the king was still preparing himself. His guards were made to wait outside the doors for the time being. Soon enough the King himself walked in and took a seat on the throne. The king was, much younger than Dean had expected. The boy couldn't have been older than seventeen years, yet he had apparently singlehandedly conquered almost the entirety of Europe. This put the prince on edge. The prince was fair of skin and face with dark eyes that appeared to bore holes directly through your soul. This gave Dean the unsettling idea that the king could see right through him, and he instinctively took a step in front of Seamus, to shield him from the penetrative gaze.
"I am Prince Dean of the southern isles, and this is my royal adviser Seamus. We come to extend a truce from my kingdom to yours."
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Dean.  I am King James. I welcome you to my kingdom," the boy spoke in a low, calculated tone. His words betrayed no emotion, nor did his face.
"I am interested by your proposal, however it would be more appropriate to converse on this subject at a later time. For now, allow my servants to escort you to your quarters." As he spoke this, workers appeared from seemingly nowhere. The pair followed a man to their temporary quarters, and waited in front of the fire place until they were alone.
"What do you make of this place, Seamus?"
"It unnerves me, it does.  Have you noticed all the red stains on the floors? Something just seems off about this place."
"It will be alright, I promise. I won't let any harm come your way, I swear it," Dean told his friend, clasping him on the shoulder. Seamus turned to him, opening his mouth as if to say something, before promptly turning around and facing the door.
"Thank you my friend. I'm going to go enquire as to where our guards are staying." Dean had the impression that his friend had more to say, but decided to let it go for now. 
"Alright. I shall see you when it's time to eat, then?"
"Yes, I shall see you then," Seamus replied, uncharacteristicly tense, and left the room.
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Authors Note:
Thank you for reading this story, and sorry for the delay. I currently have limited access to wifi. Anyways, I am currently looking to change the chapter titles and I would love you guys help! Just comment on the chapter that you have a title for, and I'll choose the best. Feedback is appreciated, thanks!