Faith

*Authors note: This a collaboration with Trueblue_44 you will find the story on her account to.

"To be or not to be..?" He lingered his gaze towards the empty chair, large and tall with unique carvings only familiar to the eldest of the land. "Wise words Your Highness". The boy jumped in his spot from the voice coming from behind him. He turned around in a hurry looking for the source of these words then stops as his sight looks directly at a young girl, slim and quite pale, dressed in a faded grey dress that stops at her ankles. She bows with her head low, facing towards him. a piece of folded red material in her hands; she keeps her head low. "I apologize for the intrution, but i have come to return your cloak from the wash. It has finished drying". He took a few steps towards her, the sound of his heels against the stone floor became louder and louder as he steps closer. Her hands began to tremble with every sound and she couldnt take it. She dropped the folded cloak to the ground and rushed to the door, her anxiety stayed in the atmosphere even after she left; he bent down and picked up the soft fabric of his cloak. "I'm sorry too..." He looked towards the door and released a heavy sigh. "...not to be".

"Darling". She says as she searches for the Prince in the east wing of the palace, her heels clicking and echoing through the halls with every step she takes. The sound of her heels stop as she faces a wooden door with iron plating, her hand resting on the handle, she takes a deep breathe. "Please be in here". turning the doorknob then walking in with determination in her steps.

The room is dark but she can just make out a figure leaning against one of the four wooden bed posts. "I didnt know I raised such a dark child". She strides towards the large window and pulls open the drapes to let the sun shine into the room. The boy flinches as the bright light shines upon his face. "Mother, what are you doing?". He says in a displeased tone as he covers his eyes with one hand, letting his sight adjust to the light. "Oh Hunter, its only a little light. You have been in here all morning; you even missed breakfast. Your father is quite offended".

"What is the point of me leaving this room when I am just going to cooped up in this castle all day?"

"Your father wishes us to be together, regardless of how you feel about it".

"If I am to honour his respect shouldnt he begin to honour mine".

"Its not that simple darling, he is King and you're the Prince, once you're King; respect will be given".

"What if I dont want to be King, what if there is another path for me?" He says standing tall, no longer leaning against the post. His mother could see the seriousness in his reply. "Hunter, your destiny has always been to become king since your birth, that is the path you were chosen for". He sighs turning his head away from his mother, saying softly so she could barely hear. "That destiny is not for me...I know it".

"My darling, this is not a duty you can give up". His frustration rises as he grinds his teeth together, he marches towards the fireplace in his bedroom, the anger continues to rise from her her words. raising an arm high that his muscles throb. "I do not care!" he thrusts his raised arm towards the largest vase on the matle; his mother flinches as it smashes against the stone floor. Avoiding the broken pieces of china she reaches forward placing a hand on his shoulder. His body becomes tense at her touch but relaxes knowing her warmth. "Hunter, I know you wish to refuse but you are the only son, the heir to the kingdom. I'm sorry for giving this responsibility to you but please...for all of us". Her voice trembling as she speaks her words. Hunter can feel the sorrow his mother holds; he placed his hand atop hers and she can sense his apology without him having to speak. After a few moments his mother slips her hand from his grasp and quietly leaves the room closing the door behind her.