Two Princes: Dark and Light (Prinxiety and Logicality)

Chapter 4

Roman stopped in front of a large door, panting heavily. He didn't know why, but he knew something was wrong with his father. He gripped the handle of his sword tightly and went through. This door lead to his father's study, where his father was usually found.

When he went in, all heads turned his way. His father was sitting where he usually sat, and his guest were standing in no particular order around the room. A couple of foreign guards, and ambassador from another kingdom, and what looked like another king. Roman quickly bowed.

"Roman, what is the meaning of this?" His father asked, placing his hands on the desk in front of him. "Can't you tell I'm in a meeting?"

"I apologize father, please forgive me." Roman stated, still in the same position.

King Gareth huffed, looking only slightly displeased. The other king in the room looked at him curiously.

"King Agnar, please meet my eldest son, Prince Roman. I apologize for his outburst, I do not know where that came from." King Gareth addressed the other man in the room, seeming to be a king as well.

"Yes I am truly sorry for this outburst, and I shall leave you to discuss in private." Roman stated, rising from his bowed position and turning towards the door. Just before he was about to touch the door, he paused. Something wasn't right in the room and he knew it. Without much thought, he took his dagger and threw it, impaling the dark creature attached to his father's leg, effectively killing it.

"I knew it." He growled, drawing his sword. "My father always conducts meetings standing, he has since I was little. The only reason he would be sitting would be if something was keeping him there."

The other guards in the room drew their swords, and the foreign king smiled.

"Well, it seems you have quite a bright one there Gareth, I think he will do nicely."

"You will do no such thing." King Gareth finally rose, pulling his own sword from his sheath.

For the next few minutes, a battle rose out in the room, with swords clashing and blows landing on their marks. No ones aim was to kill, seeing by the fight, but seemingly to make their opponent immobile for the time being.

Roman had just knocked out a third guard when he heard a scream. He whipped his head to the source and all the blood drained from his face. A guard had his sword pointed at Patton's throat, slowly backing him into a wall.

All Roman saw was red as he charged at the guard and threw him back. The guard stumbled, and Roman got in between Patton and the guard.

"Patton, leave." He growled, not taking his eyes off his opponent.

Patton nodded, whispering a shaky answer, before bolting towards the door. He had never liked violence or fighting, preferring to stay away from that and gravitate towards animals and riding, seemingly safe and fun activities.

Patton had almost made it out the door when an iron grip clasped upon his arm. He looked up in fear, straight into the eyes of none other than king Agnar.

"Stop!" Agnar commanded, putting his blade against Patton's throat. At that call the battle stopped, everyone looking towards him. Roman growled low and deadly, seeing his brother in such a position.

"Let. Him. Go." He commanded, raising his sword in prepare for another fight. The king only gripped his prisoner tighter, making Patton whimper.

"No, now that I have your attention, this meeting can finally begin. I'll tell you what I want, and you can decide from there. Since your father seems to be getting nowhere, I'll tell you. Prince Roman, you will come with me and my men to the Ombré kingdom to marry one of my daughters." King Agnar said, looking expectantly at Roman. "In return, we will have a union between our two kingdoms, and your brother gets to go free. How does that sound?"

Roman narrowed his eyes. "Why did you choose now to attack, when the ball is next week. Your daughter could have been picked by me and we could have avoided this whole thing."

King Agnar tsked. "This way I can be certain you pick one of my daughters. Besides, this isn't just beneficial to my kingdom, but to yours as well. We are one of the biggest kingdoms besides yours and this alliance will gain you a powerful ally and avoid a dangerous enemy."

Roman could see the logic behind his words. I would be good to have this alliance, and this could guarantee his brothers safety. He slowly stood from of his fighting stance.

"You promise no harm will come to my kingdom or my brother from your kingdom if I agree to this alliance and marry your daughter?" He asked, making sure.

King Agnar nodded. "Yes, and I'll even let you choose which daughter you wish to marry. Do we have a deal?"

King Gareth spoke up. "Absolutely not Roman, you know your duty here."

Roman looked at his father. "Yes, but my duty is to the kingdom as well as becoming king. I assume you are not going to keep me in your castle forever, and will allow me to rule once the time has come?" he directed the last question to King Agnar.

"Of course, you just must stay in my castle for a few months to get to know my daughters and then you may return to claim your title." Agnar answered.

Roman nodded. "Very well, I except your request. I shall marry one of your daughters, and in return have an alliance between our two kingdoms."

King Agnar let go of Patton, who immediately ran towards Roman, hiding behind him.

"I do have a request though." Roman said, shielding Patton with his body.

King Agnar looked slightly annoyed. "Yes?" He asked.

"You wait until next week for our departure. The kingdom won't like it if I pick before the ball. We must make it look like I picked one of your daughters there, so the kingdoms will be happy and the people will except her." Roman requested, putting his sword away. They needed the people on their side, it that wouldn't happen if they knew the true story.

King Agnar looked thoughtful. "Why don't you postpone the ball to next month, and come with me now. That way, you will know my daughters and by then could pick one, but you have to come with me."

Roman thought for a minute, and then nodded. "Very well," He said. "When do we leave?"

"We leave in two hours, pack everything you need and meet me back at the front gate in two hours." King Agnar replied, leaving the room with his men. "Oh," he stopped, pausing at the door. "Your brother is coming with us." With that, he left, his men trailing in tow.