A True Prince: Sanders Sides AU

Chapter 11: Confrontation

"It's just not fair, Logan."

Roman paced back and forth in the study. Ever since they had returned from the village, Roman couldn't get the images of the ruined kingdom out of his head.

"You're completely right," Logan began. "But you have to be careful, Roman. I've been trying to figure out a solution for years and I still haven't found a satisfactory answer."

"What if we brought up the issue to my father? He could do something about it!"

"If he could have done something about it, he would have by now. No, there's some outside force at play here. I just don't know what it could be."

"Can't we still petition him for help? Wait, I've got it! We could march into the center square and rouse the villagers' spirits until they band together to aid each other!"

Logan looked incredulously at Roman. "While I appreciate your, attempt, at brainstorming ideas, Roman, an issue such as this requires more than just creativity; you need to make some logical sense. You cannot simply charge into an issue like this without a plan!"

"But what if I-"

Logan got up and placed his hands on Roman's shoulders. Normally he was incredibly touch adverse, so the gesture silenced Roman immediately.

"Roman, there are forces at work here that even I don't understand. I couldn't bear the thought of you getting hurt. Promise me, you will not go off on your own to try and solve this. Please."

Realization dawned upon Roman. Logan was scared; no, not scared. He was terrified. The calm, level-headed nature he usually possessed was gone, and what stood in his place was a man with no direction, no plan except protect and survive.

"I promise, Logan."

"Thank you."

Roman did many things that could be frowned upon. He randomly and frequently burst into song and dance. He laid the sass on everyone, especially high ranking officials. He snuck out of the castle more times than he could count. But today, he could add lying to Logan to that list.

~~~~~~

"Father, I need to speak to you."

Roman burst into the throne room, walking up to the king with a determined look on his face.

"Roman, what is the meaning of this?"

"I'm sorry, Father, but this can't wait. I've been to the village and it is not as perfect as you think it is. The people are starving, they can barely afford to keep their children, let alone their homes. Not to mention that all of the buildings are falling apart. The crops are failing, crime is up, and barely anyone is willing to show even a shred of kindness to each other!"

The king eyed Roman suspiciously. "I thought you enjoyed the village. When Dolos took you-"

"Well, Dolos must have lied, or tricked me, or something! That's not the point, Father. We need to do something to help the villagers."

The king looked at Roman. Then, he laughed, a hollow chuckle echoing throughout the empty throne room.

"I guess you're smarter than I thought."

The voice came from the king, but it sounded exactly like...

"Dolos?"

The slippery snake himself appeared from a side door. As he regarded Roman, he didn't seem angry; rather, he was quite intrigued by Roman's determination.

"Congratulations, Roman." Dolos gave him some mock applause. "You've clearly matured since the last time we spoke."

Roman was dumbstruck. "Ok, time out. What did you do with my father?"

"Oh, nothing really. It's quite a simple spell, actually. He goes to sleep, thinking the kingdom is all well and good..."

"...and then I just speak my ideas through him." The King finished.

"But why? Why would you want to harm the villagers?"

"Why not? They've had it too good for far too long. They needed to suffer in order to see how good they've had it." Dolos instinctively brushed his hand against his scarred face. "There needed to be balance."

"But you've purposely made their lives miserable!" Roman cried out. "That's not helping the natural order, that's destroying it! You've taken away my father's free will, you've destroyed this kingdom, and you've hurt my people." He drew his sword. "Your tyranny is over, Deceit. I'm ending it, right now."

Dolos laughed. "You think you can beat me with a sword? Maybe I was wrong. You haven't matured at all."

With a flick of his wrist, Roman's sword was ripped from his hands and thrown across the room. It was then, frozen in terror, that he realized he probably should have listened to Logan and not charged into the situation headfirst.

Trapped in place, Roman was powerless as Dolos concentrated, his hands glowing black as his magic washed over Roman.

"Now let's see," Dolos mused. "You've been far too reckless recently, your highness. I think it's time you learned to not talk back to authority."

Roman's hand shot up, covering his mouth.

"Well that's certainly a start. But I think we could do a bit better, don't you?"

As Dolos overpowered Roman, the Prince could feel his will giving way to Dolos, forcing him to stand up straight, keep silent, and obey every action directed to him.

"Ah yes," Dolos said, satisfied in his work. "The perfect puppet, I mean, prince, that this kingdom needs. Congratulations, your highness. Your kingdom awaits."