Captive

Chapter 1

~1682~

"Harry, listen to me. You can't do this. This is your duty to your kingdom, you were born to do this."

"And what if this is not what I want? What if I don't want to live a lavish life, with servants and have everything handed to me left and right?"

"It's not a matter of what you want! It's what's right! You don't have a say in the matter and there will be no more discussion of it from now on, and that is final!"

I hated him. Ever since mother died all he's ever cared about is money and what's best for his precious kingdom. Never what would make me happy or what was best for me. It's not my fault they didn't have another son before she passed who would be perfect and take over the crown and rule when he died.

"What is all this shouting about?" Clarissa, the queen and my father's newly married wife, entered the room flustered and agitated. "I am trying to get a good afternoon nap in before the guests arrive tonight and all I can hear is this ruckus from down here."

Tonight is my eighteenth birthday celebration, and many families are coming from kingdoms all around the land to celebrate. Along with them, they're bringing their daughters for me to chose from as a prospective bride for when I become king. Which is the problem, I don't want to be king.

"Well darling, my son is on again about his whole 'I don't want to be king business, I want to live my own life and be irresponsible and travel to the four corners of the earth' business."

"That is not what I said! You're twisting my words again as usual!"

"Harry, darling please. Listen to me," she said coolly, "I thought we talked about this, you belong here and as your father's only son it's your responsibility to-"

"To do what? Become king and never get to see what else is out there? Have no other life beyond these blasted castle walls! No! You cannot force me to do something I won't!"

I stood up from my chair abruptly and quickly stormed out of the dining hall. When I got to my bed chamber I slammed the door and locked it. Why can't they just understand I'm not like them. I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes only to soon be overcome with sleep and dreams.