Hybrid Factors (A Team Crafted FF)

Chapter 27 Part 2 (Seto)

When we pulled up to the castle, Jade, one of the new butlers, tried to take our bags. I politely declined, asking him to escort us to the throne room. I chuckled at the guys marvelling at the kingdom over the edge of the cliff and the mountainside, along with the castle. Brice and I stood at the front of our pack, Brice stood of just a little bit behind me. Seeing as we were all dressed in our Army General uniforms, I had them stand in triangle formation, the soldiers and guards we passed saluted to us. We returned the gesture.

Stopping before grand mohagony doors, I took a breath and looked back at the group. Ty nodded to me, a reassuring smile on his face. I nodded back and pushed the doors open. Floating on a magic circle sat the jeweled thrones of my parents, Mother and Father silencing as we stepped into the room.

A magic circle appeared at our feet, lifting us up to be level with my parents. I slipped into a bow, the team following suite, "Mother. Father."

"Oh my charming little boy, I am so happy you decided to return," Mother cooed.

"You really gave me no choice," I interjected as I straightened.

"And you brought back the Solace slave as well! We shall have Polemos come collect him--"

I threw my arm up to protect Brice as he set his hand on the hilt of his sword for reassurance. "Brice is no slave! The trade between families passed a decade of generations ago, you have no right to do anything, and you shall not lay even a single finger on him or I shall be taking an early throne," I snapped dangerously, "am I perfectly clear?"

"Of course, dear, but you see," Mother said with a small smile, "a new contract was established by the eldest child. Three centuries, child."

"You're sick--" Brice gripped my arm, trying to get me to calm down "--is this because you labelled all your children as 'disfuntional,' mother?"

"Let this conversation rest," Father shouted before turning to me. "I see you have made quite an image for yourself, son. That's good to know."

"I appreciate that, father. Allow me to introduce you to the other generals," I turned to the team, pointing to each as I listed off their names and ranking.

I noticed a girl with auburn hair and jade green eyes. I stepped off the magic circle, falling to the ground. I landed gently on my feet, silently beckoning her to step forward. She came up, dipping into a polite curtsie before me, "I would assume you to be my fiancée, fair lady?"

"That would be correct, your highness," she was softspoken, her posture perfect and her words all chosen carefully. "My name is Lady Cecilia Ophaln Hyua Unèa."

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," I replied softly, taking her hand and leaving a small kiss on the back of her hand before looking up at her. I let a smile play onto my lips "I hope we may get along."

Her face reddened, "As do I, Prince. You must forgive me, I have matters to attend to. A good day to you and your companions, your highness." With a final curtsie, she rushed off.

I looked back up at my parents, "May we be dismissed?"

At the nod of my father, I brought down the magic circle for the guys to get down. As soon as we walked outside, Ian flat out said, "Dude your parents suck."

"Tell me about it. I had to live with that for so long," I scoffed

We walked down an empty hall and Jerome lightly hit my arm, "Who knew our little Seto was such a charmer!"

"Hey!" I laughed, hitting him back. Brice snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him. He left a kiss on my temple, but he only ever does that when he's worried. I looked up at him, "What's wrong, Brice?"

"I just--I'm gonna loose you, Seto, aren't I? It's just that you're this amazing, charming prince, now you have a beautiful and proper girl as your fiancée, and I'm just . . . " his voice trailed off.

"You're just perfect," I said softly, leaning my head on his shoulder, "I love you, and only you, Brice. My heart is yours for as long as I live and nothing will ever change that. You know that."

"Ggaaaaaayyyyyyyy--"

"Oh and you aren't, Mister proposal speech!"

"Boys, boys, calm yourselves."

"Mitch started it!"

"I did not!"