A True Prince: Sanders Sides AU

Chapter 3: The Village

Several weeks passed, and Roman became resigned to his daily routine. Wake up, lessons, sleep, repeat. One day, the King summoned Roman for a meeting.

"Son," he said. "I just wanted to say how proud I am of you for finally learning some self-control."

"Thank you, father," Roman replied emotionlessly.

"Now, I've been talking with Master Logan, and he has informed me that in order to improve your lessons, you must visit the village. He told me that the only way for you to properly rule would be if you could see the kingdom for yourself. And as a reward for your behavior, I thought I would indulge him."

Roman could barely contain his excitement; but he did his best to stay regal. "Thank you," he said. "When will we leave? Should I fetch Master Logan?"

"Now now, I never said he would take you to the village."

"Then who..." Roman found his answer in the form of Dolos, slithering into the throne room from a corner door. He bowed before the king, giving a smug look to Roman before taking his place by the king's side.

"Your majesty," said Dolos. "I will make it my utmost priority to show the prince all of what our kingdom has to offer. I guarantee it."

"Perfect!" The king exclaimed. "The two of you can leave immediately."

"Of course, your highness."

It took all of Roman's strength not to mock Dolos' over-the-top bow or his fake cheery voice, but he succeeded, reveling in the small victory of the day. "Maybe this won't be so bad," he thought.

~~~~~~~~

It wasn't long before Roman was shoved into a carriage with his favorite Royal Adviser and the two of them travelled into the heart of the village. As they exited the carriage, Dolos placed a hand on Roman's shoulder, steering him through the unfamiliar streets.

It was unlike anything Roman had ever seen. The buildings were the peak of perfection with gorgeous red roses growing out of every window box. The market was overflowing with fresh produce, and Roman could smell freshly baked bread coming from a nearby shop.

The people, well...they were almost as wonderful as the buildings. Everyone was incredibly kind to him. True, they all tried bowing to him, recognizing the royal crest on his outfit, but he stopped them.

"There's no need for that, please, I'm just here to visit."

"Now, now," Dolos chided. "If your future subjects wish to bow to you, who are you to stop them? It's their choice, after all."

"Well," Roman hesitated, but he knew that if he didn't act like royalty on this little field trip Dolos would certainly take the news back to his father. The last thing Roman needed was another royal annoyance to deal with.

He stayed for as long as he could, trying to memorize every detail to perfection, until Dolos forced him back into the carriage.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," Roman said as they left, "But thank you for showing me this, Dolos."

Dolos glanced up from where he had settled into his seat. "Oh," he said, regarding Roman with a slightly tired annoyance. "You're welcome, Roman."

"Are you alright, Dolos?"

"What? Yes, I'm fine. It was just too hot for me today, that's all. Please stop talking to me."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Ok then, Smiles-McGee, I'll leave you alone."

With that, Roman turned towards the window of the carriage, imagining the picturesque village in his mind, hoping that he could return there again soon.