My Foreign Prince

Prologue

"Father..."

King Albert; A powerful king that ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, stared down from his throne at a boy as he stood before him. His son stared back with an intense crimson gaze, meeting his father's eyes directly without fear. The king's expression did not change as he held out his hand, as if he intended for something to materialise in his palm.

"Alexei, my son." He spoke in a low gruff voice "Tell me... how old are you?"

"I turned thirteen three weeks ago, sir." The boy responded without hesitation, firmly holding his ground. His father hummed.

"I see... and since then has the thought of marriage ever crossed your mind?"

"I can't say it has."

The man reached up to stroke his beard, which had already started to grey "Son. You are the heir to the throne, you do realise this."

"I do."

"And in order to rule a kingdom, you need a queen."

The boy's jaw tightened "With all do respect, sir, I believe I am more than capable of ruling alone--"

"And how will you continue the family line by doing that?"

Alexei clenched his fists, as his father continued.

"Three days; that's how long we have until departure. I expect you to be prepared by then."

"But where are we going?"

"To a faraway kingdom to find you a bride. And there is no 'we'. You are going alone. Your aide shall accompany you to make sure you stay on track, but that's it. Do not disappoint me, Alexei. If you return empty handed, or with an unworthy suitor, I will strip you of your rights to inherit the throne. You will find a queen, do you understand me?"

The boy was silent.

"Well?"

He sighed "Yes, father..."

"Good. Now out of my sight. You have a lot to do before you leave. Dismissed."

Alexei walked silently down the hall, fists and jaw tight as he stared intensely at the floor. He didn't need a queen; he didn't need anyone to help him rule. When he becomes king, he will make his kngdom thrive alone. He didn't need a suitor, or an heir, or even a raise in status.

All he needed, was that damn throne... So he could put an end to his father's rule, once and for all.