A True Prince: Sanders Sides AU

Chapter 2: A True Prince

Roman's father sat upon the throne staring down at his son, Dolos at his side. The king sighed.

"Roman, how many times do we have to have this discussion? You are to be the next King of this land, and yet you keep galavanting about. Do you not care about the future of your people?"

"Father, I-"

"No, I'm tired of hearing your excuses. You are a prince, Roman, and it's time you started acting like one."

"Well, maybe I don't want to be a prince anymore!" Roman's bottled emotions exploded out of him. "Maybe I want to choose my own path in life! Have you ever thought about that? Hm?"

"Silence!" The king was almost seething with rage. Although Roman was focused on his father, he could catch Dolos wearing a thin smile across his scarred face, taunting him from afar.

"Roman, I have had enough of this insolence. You are going to be a true prince, now, do you hear me? A true prince does not lash out. A true prince does not name-call. A true prince does not mock others. From now on you are going to learn to be proper royalty.

"I've made my decision." The king rose from his throne and loomed over his son. "You are no longer allowed to leave the castle, not even under supervision, until further notice. You are confined to your quarters, save for your lessons, and even then Master Logan will come and fetch you. Is that clear?"

Roman was heartbroken. He wanted to scream, to throw a punch, to do something, but he knew he would only make his situation worse. So he nodded his head, muttered, "Yes, Sir," as best as he could, and retired to his room.

~~~~~

"Roman? Are you listening to me?"

Naturally, he wasn't. Roman felt bad for daydreaming during Logan's lessons, but sometimes he couldn't help it. In his defense, arithmetic was the most boring invention the human race had ever created.

"Right, addition, or something. Yeah, I'm listening."

Logan sighed, closing the math book. "Roman, I can tell when you have something important on your mind. Clearly, since you cannot pay attention, you must inform me of your issues so that we may move forward. Please," Logan spread his arms. "I'm all ears."

"It's just...why did you have to turn down the Royal Adviser position? Everything would be so much better if you were there instead of Dolos."

"Roman."

That was why Roman liked Logan. He didn't call him "Sire," or "Your highness". He treated him like a person and encouraged his creativity, especially in the literary fields. In some ways, he cared more for Roman than Roman's own father.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up again." Roman fiddled with the cuff links on his sleeves. "I just can't help but feel that you would make a great ruler. The kingdom would surely prosper under your guidance."

Logan took a moment to collect his thoughts. "While I appreciate the compliment, Roman, you know full well why I turned it down. Politics are not my forte. Knowledge, however," He gestured to the many bookshelves adorning the room. "Now that is something worth pursuing. The ability to study both our natural and magical worlds is an opportunity I would never pass up. Perhaps you will find in our time here together the same joy that I receive from knowledge."

"Can't you at least teach me the fun stuff? Like how to summon my sword!"

"Roman, the mystic arts are not to be taken lightly. Besides, it would be impossible for you to learn how to do so, anyways. Powers are inherited at birth, and they take years of study to control. I was fortunate to have Master Thomas take me in as his apprentice, but not everyone is as lucky."

"Master Thomas was a royal adviser," Roman attempted in vain. "And he was one of the greatest Mages of all time!"

Logan gave a small smile and shook his head no. "I understand what you're trying to do, Roman, but I have to refuse."

Roman slumped back in his chair in defeat. "It was worth a shot," he muttered.

"It was a valiant effort. Now." Logan re-opened the book on the table. "Let us return to work. So, when you are presented with a variable-"

"Ughhh," Roman groaned. "Execution would be better than this."