Sword of Ericliff (BoyXBoy)

Prologue Part 1

A little over eight years ago.

Alexios' POV

"Now, Alexios. The next king has to know how to shoot, so when the time comes he can protect his kingdom. That is why you are coming on this trip with me. Now stop complaining and go get dressed!" I didn't even dare sigh in despair as I nodded and quickly made my way back to my room. I was only twelve years old, but I knew already that if I angered the king, even if I am his son, I would suffer the consequences. My father wasn't exactly cruel, but he wasn't nice. He just expected things from me and I had to do them correctly or not at all. I trudged my way upstairs and stopped as I stood in front of my younger brother's door. I could barely hear his little noises as he played with his toys and entertained himself.

I wish I could be Edward. I thought sadly. Edward was too young and oblivious right now to understand everything that was going on around him. He was so lucky to be able to do what he wanted when he wanted. He was lucky not to be pressured by dad like I was or to have the pressure of being the new king bare down on him. He was allowed to run around and do what he wanted. Why couldn't I do that? I couldn't help but feel slightly angry, and a bit jealous towards Edward. He took everything for granted.

I sighed and moved away from the door, shaking my head to remove those nasty thoughts. Edward shouldn't have to be forced to do what I was doing. This would ruin him, and I loved him too much for that. My father was not a kind man, and my mother didn't seem to care what went on in the house unless it benefitted her. So, keeping Edward safe and happy was my number one priority; always.

I made my way to my room and opened the door, barely glancing at the bland room. I never got around to decorating my room, and my father always told me that if I did decorate it, like Edward, then I would be made a laughing stock. Apparently, trying to be a kid seemed to mean I was weak. Either way, I picked up the outfit that was on my bed, a pair of loose flexible jeans with a black long sleeved shirt. Then, I had to put on a pair of hiking boots; a little big but once again I didn't complain. I wasn't allowed to. After I finished getting ready, I made my way back downstairs. My father was there waiting impatiently.

"Keep an eye on the other one while we're gone." I heard my father tell the guards. I, along with the guards, were confused by this statement.

"They're not coming with us?" I asked. My father turned toward me with a frown.

"We don't need them scaring away the animals while we are hunting." A guard leaned in and told him something quietly, which made him frown. "Fine. You are allowed to come, but not allowed to be within 20 yards of us." The guard looked uneasy but nodded. My father shrugged and turned to me, not smiling as he gestured for me to go to the door. My shoulders slumped as I followed after him. Would it kill him to smile at me for once? To show compassion?

He has been planning for this day since I was ten years old. He has always wanted to take me out hunting, but I have not wanted to go. I always hate the thought of killing another living creature, one who was innocent. Which is why I was a vegetarian. My father hated it and insisted that if I did more 'manly things' that I would forget about being a vegetarian and become more like him. I knew this was impossible, but I hated seeing him upset so I did what I was told. I knew I wasn't going to kill anything today, though. I just hope I didn't get in trouble for it. Ha, what a desperate wish. I thought bitterly.

My father and I made our way outside and stopped at the front doors. Just barely outside of the entrance, he had two guns laying on the ground. Guns were only allowed to be used outside of town borders. If you were even seen with a gun in your home then you could be arrested. Most people didn't want the noises of shooting and most didn't even like guns. So, it was mostly only used for hunting. Not even the guards were allowed to have one. It was one of the rules I thought was more humane of my father to keep. However, despite him being humane in that aspect, he wasn't really humane in anything else he did. When I first learned how to hold a gun at age ten, it was a little strange.