Spring

02

Roman

For Prince Roman it was a busy day. Making sure that preparations were ready for the upcoming ball his father was planning the next day. Sword practice and his horseback riding lesson. He even saved a 'fair maiden' from falling off a ladder in the library. When he finally reached his room he took out a book and a pencil. He marked a tally with what seemed like thousands. Roman felt like he was cursed. Everyday since his seventh birthday he always saved someone. Whether it be a 'damsel in distress' or a 'bachelor in a bind', there was even the occasional animal. For what seemed like almost ten years he had saved countless people. From age seven to almost eighteen.

People had nicknamed him the 'savior'. And it was getting tiring. In all honesty Roman hated it. Sure he loved helping people, but sometimes people would go out of their way to be saved by him. Not to mention all the times maidens had tried to 'reward their savior' with a kiss. Roman always left. He didn't understand why, but he had never really liked women that way. Maybe because he hadn't found the fabled 'one' yet. His mother always told him stories of how she hoped for grandchildren from his 'one'. Roman would kill for that day. Maybe then he wouldn't have to save anyone but them.

A knock broke him out of his trance and a servant walked in.

"Prince Roman. Your mother calls for you." The servant said with a bow. Roman nodded and followed the servant out of his bedroom and down the hall. Upon reaching his mother's library the servant scrambled off, probably to go home for the day. Roman took a breath and walked in. The room was big and covered wall to wall in books. A small seating area was in the middle where his parents were currently seated. Roman walked over with a smile and sat down on the couch adjacent to them. They quickly finished their conversation before turning to him.

"Roman!! How are you? How are the preparations?" The queen asked excitedly.

"They're going great. So far everything is on track and nothings really behind schedule. It's all going according to father's instructions." Roman replied.

"As it should. Roman, you're almost 18, and you have yet to find a bride. By this age I was fooling around with your mother." The king said adjusting his spectacle. Roman grimaced while his mother laughed.

"Anyways, at the ball we expect you to find said bride." His mother said with a sad smile. Roman looked shocked. Right to the point, he guessed. His mom always told him to marry for love while his father could care less on the matter. Roman cleared his throat. He was a prince. Princes usually had to have arranged marriages if they hadn't found someone by eighteen. It was for the good of the kingdom, but it still didn't mean Roman necessarily liked it.

"What's made you change your mind?" Roman asked.

"Well, your mother and I can't keep ruling forever. You can't certainly run a kingdom by yourself. Running this kingdom is a joint effort between husband and wife." His father stated in a matter-of-fact tone. Roman sighed. When his father ordered something it was absolute. Not to mention the kingdom was waiting to see what type of ruler Roman would become. With his father being one of the best the subjects only saw the best in Roman.

"Yes, father." Roman grumbled. His mother gave him a sad smile.

"The ball will go on as planned and you will find a wife." The king stated.

"I have a request!" Roman abruptly stated. The king raised an eyebrow. "Would it be alright if it were a masquerade ball. I want to marry someone who doesn't see a prince the first time they see me." The prince continued. His father nodded and said something about going to change the invitation before standing up and briskly walking out.

"I'm sorry hun. I tried to talk him out of it. I want you to marry for love, but it's for the good of the kingdom. You know that." His mother said with the same sad smile. Roman nodded and stood up giving his mother a hug. "Now, you should get back to managing the preparations." The queen continued. Roman nodded. The prince walked out of the room and headed quickly to where the ball was being set up.