A Prince Has Got to Slay

Chapter Four: Prince Of Serendipity

🐳Edited🐳

Talyn was piggy backing Leo because they were tired. Roman was doing the same for Joan. They both joked how they were the Piggy Back twins. Roman was really aggravated by it, but their lighthearted humor brought a much-needed smile upon his face. However Valerie still doesn't seem to trust the two Serendipitians, that's clear to see on her face. When the entered the Capitol, their horses were taken by the stablemen. They were so worn out they deserved to be pampered. The wagon held no value, so they donated it to some farmers in need. The gratitude of someone was something Roman dearly missed over the next half day it took to get to the kingdom. He couldn't help but grow fearful. Where was that sorcerer? How far where they from him? Was Rome burnt to the ground yet?

They were just outside the castle. In drastic contrast to Rome, the front gates were open. There were lots of people of various social classes in the foyer. It was off to Roman to see a Capitol so crowded. It was right then when a happy-go-lucky seeming person sprang up in front of the party of five. They had circular framed glasses and bouncy sandy brown hair, freckles spotted their face and they were absolutely beautiful. If this information isn't retained, do not fret. It will be reiterated when Roman goes on an internal monologue at how adorable this person was.

"Talyn! You're back! How was seeing Jamahl? Ooh! You brought friends! Welcome to Serendipity new friends! What are your names and prefered pronouns so I don't accidentally offend you?"

Roman felt like he was going to get cavities our of an abundance of sweetness. He zoned out of the world, staring at this person for a moment. They wore black circle framed glasses and a blue prince's garb that seemed to be silken, just like Talyn's. Roman didn't know their pronouns or their name, but Roman felt his heart skip a beat. Now was hardly the time to be dealing with such trivial things, however Roman is a man of passion and emotion. There's no way he can tame the lion inside, no matter the circumstance. Another thing he hated about himself, the many things he cannot control. That's when Roman noticed all eyes were on him. Had Valerie and Joan already introduced themselves to. Roman cleared his throat and bowed before the Prince, returning to the ways instilled in his brain that he must be formal to make a good impression.

"Greetings, fair monarch of Serendipity. My name is Roman of Rome. I use masculine pronouns, he/him, and it is an honor to be in your presence."

Roman flashed a smile and pressed a kiss on the back of their hand. They stood back up slowly, their entire movement being slowed down. Valerie mouthed and asked if he was alright. Roman didn't make any sort of response. Talyn, Joan, and Leo were discussing something completely irrelevant to the task at hand while the Royal of Serendipity stood before them, a blushing mess and looking at the back of their hand as if they had just gotten their nails did.

"Roman, uh, well, jeepers you put me in a odd spot. My name's Patton Serendipity! I'm a Prince here just like my little sibling Talyn's a Royal! He/Him pronouns for me! Come on in! I'm sure we can get you some tea. Leo, why don't you get them some new clothes? Of course whenever you have spare time. Follow me, friends!"

Like that, the blue Prince turned around and blended in with the crowd of civilians exiting and entering the castle as they pleased. Leo kept his stone faced and followed him obediantly. Talyn took Joan by the hand and led them inside. Roman stood there for a moment, completely blank and watching this boy, Patton, twist around the crowd as though it was nothing. Roman was zoning out again, but about what? Fear was going through his entire being, intrusive thoughts getting to him. What if that sorcerer burnt this place to the ground and killed all these innocent people? No. No! He cannot let it happen again! Roman flinched when feeling someone's hang onto his arm. Valerie, the only person who did not leave to follow the Prince, was standing there with a frown in her face. Roman met her eyes, they were drowning in melancholy.

"Sire, this Kingdom is the most passive out of the alliance. I doubt they have a strong military like our own and I doubt they can defend against the Eastern Conqueror. When we do get an audience with their Queen, it must be secret. We have to help everyone evacuate the city before Rome is conquered. I'm sure you believe the same thing."

It wasn't if Rome was conquered and burned to the ground. It was when Rome would be conquered and set arson upon. Roman nodded, not bothering to give his favorite maid a verbal reply. Valerie was entirely right. That was what he was thinking, for it needed to be done. The people of Serendipity need to evacuate before they become a massacre for that Dolus Tyrant. Roman started walking forward, Valerie being pulled along behind him. He needed the King and others of authority to lead the people while he rides ahead to warn the next kingdom. If Roman shall be remembering correctly, Galactica is the closest kingdom from here other than Rome and has the second largest army in the alliance. Serendipity is a small Kingdom in both width and length, so the travel should only be a day's time. Especially from the Capitol favoring more towards Galactica than Rome. Roman locked onto the cute prince from across the room and led Valerie there. A woman with long brunette hair like Valerie's was before and a warm smile turned towards him and greeted him. Unconsciously, Valerie played with the ends of her hair.

"Ah, you must be Prince Roman and Valerie. Joan had already explained a lot about you. My name is Brittney Serendipity, she/her pronouns. Feel free to just call me Miss or Brittney. I'm no fan for formalities."

Roman felt guilt. He was going to ruin their good mood and their happiness with war. So many people were shrouded around them. Roman felt eyes on him, mostly of surprise from onlookers and their own party. Roman didn't mention he was an exiled prince of Rome. Roman as a common name from the land, so he didn't expect them to assume. Roman looked right into the eyes of Patton, then to Joan, and finally right back to Valerie. Valerie gave him a nod and Roman nodded back for confirmation. This was something that simply must be done. Valerie let go of Roman's arm and Roman took a step forward. He had to take a deep, shaky breath before continuing.

"Miss Brittney, I request an audience with you alone. There are dire matters to discuss involving the Alliance and the nation to the east of the Romanian Ocean along Rome's coastlines. I would also request Prince Patton and my personal friend Valerie to also be in attendance. I shall also request that Joan stay with Talyn in our absence with Leo as supervisor."

Roman tried his best to be as respectful as possible, bowing before her. Roman watched the Queen's face fall, understanding that this was something that should not be discussed in front of her people nor her youngest child. The Queen Of Serendipity nodded, waving off Leo to take the Non-Binary addition to the team away so they can have fun in the crowd. Roman was balling his fists at his sides. He didn't feel like a prince at all. He felt his shame rising in his chest. He could hear the explosions from the barrels of the easterner's sorcery. He could see the falling bodies. He could smell the blood. Screams echoed in his head.  It was so terrifying. Roman looked up and saw Prince Patton giving him a very concerned gaze. Ah, right. He mustn't falter. He is a confident man, former prince, who needs to be a hero if he hopes to stop the invasion from Dolus. He flashed him a smile. He didn't want that sweet boy to see how broken this seventeen year old man was on the inside. 

Valerie uncurled his right fist and put her hand in it. Roman looked over at her. Valerie was biting her lips as though she was either trying to contain an outburst or as though she was about to cry. She kept her head bowed and didn't say a word. Roman looked at the Queen and watched her give a "follow me" signal. She turned and began walking away from the foyer down a corridor. Patton followed her silently and solemnly. Roman tried to steady his breathing as he led Valerie onwards. Onward to an auidience with the Queen. Onward to the first step of stopping this invasion... hopefully.

1425 Words

~Eva