Hidden Empress

Chapter 2

William's pov:

I looked out the window of the royal carriage wary of my destination. The streets looked weird. I didn't recognize a single thing. It's been twelve years since I left home to train to the royal academy to prepare myself for the unavoidable role as king.  Yep you heard me right. Right from birth, my father made sure to remind me often that I was meant to be king. My name is William Renaldi Arthur, crown prince of Radar. My father is King Cameron Charles Arthur.  I just turned thirty few days ago.  On my birthday, I received a letter from my father's chief advisor and my personal best friend saying my father was seriously sick and I'm to come home immediately.  I ignored the letter. Now my father wants me home. After years of dejection. Years of treating me like a pariah in own home. Honestly I don't care if he died. I know he is my father but he lost the right years ago. Two days ago, another letter came in saying my father was dead. Really? Good riddance to bad rubbish. That was my first thought. You honestly don't expect me to mourn a man who never treated me like his son. He treated me like an object. No emotional attachment. The letter went further to say that before my father died, he had arranged my betrothal to Princess Elena of Nane. What the actual hell? What the flying pigs was he thinking? I'm thirty years old and mature enough to choose my own bride when I decide to get married. This man doesn't miss a chance to make my life miserable. Congratulations father you succeeded, I thought sarcastically. At least he gave a reason. His reason was to protect nane. He said if I married her, it'll protect her kingdom (nane)  from attacks by bandits, power thirsty kings and Alice, the witch.  Why must I sacrifice my happiness for the sake of one tiny kingdom that has absolutely nothing to do with me? I understand the part about protecting the kingdom but must my happiness be sacrificed? Though Alice is known to be very powerful, we were equally strong and had defeated her warriors repeatedly. She would think twice before attacking us or any kingdom in relation to us but that still does not give my father the right to sell my happiness in exchange for the protection of a few hundreds of people.  Okay maybe I'm being selfish but it's my life in question here. I can't wait to hear Edward's opinion about all this. I'm sure he will have a very colorful language to describe my father. Oh I miss him though I'd never admit it to his face. I'd never see the end of his teasing if I do.
The jolt of the carriage broke me from my thoughts and I looked around to see we had arrived at the palace.
A guard quickly rolled out the red carpet specifically meant for royalty while another quickly opened the door. I rolled my eyes at their shenanigans. I came down from the carriage and noticed all the palace guards and servants lined up ahead.
"Welcome back, your royal highness " they all chorused at once and it made me wonder if they had practiced had spent time practicing it. 
I replied with a curt nod. I ignored the red carpet and walked on the bare ground towards where Edward was waiting. I could hear the murmur about my behavior but I didn't care. They knew how much I hate drawing attention to myself. When I got to him, he was about bowing as customary but I pulled him in for a tight hug. At first he hesitated but returned the hug. There is absolutely no way I would let my best friend and brother (though not by birth)  to bow before me. The whispers got louder and I could practically hear the disdain in their voice that I was showing public affection. Well screw you. I don't know how my father ruled them but mine would be different. Discrimination won't be allowed in my reign.
"Your highness, welcome back " he greeted when I finally let go of him. I rolled my eyes at the tittle. Yeah right. Later in private, he'd be cuffing the so called hugeness.
"How are you, Edward? Its been a long time. Hope you are married with a dozen kids now? " I replied cheerfully. He rolled his eyes at me and replied "I hope you have pot belly" I burst into laughter. Edward still hasn't changed. It's just like old times.
"Shall we go inside sire, your future bride awaits " he said gleefully.  The idiot was enjoying my pain. I resisted the urge to punch out his teeth and shove it down his throat. I secretly prayed to the God's that whoever my bride is, she should at least be pretty. I don't want to wake up beside an ogre everyday for the rest of my life. I walked ahead and entered the palace not really ready to face my fate. But like Edward says, life goes on.
Oh goody, I'm so excited.  Note the sarcasm.

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