The Unwanted Prince

Ch. 3 - Adrian

Novaria was... huge. Novaria was the largest kingdom within the human lands which meant it was the most powerful and influential among the land.

I left Tavern as soon as possible, heading to Novaria. I was lucky Tavern was actually close to the big kingdom, I only spent about a week getting to Novaria.

The city surrounding the Novarian palace was hectic as rich civilians bustled around. I had already past the outskirts of the city, the parts where the poor lived. Now all I see are overdressed women wooing over men and their fake smiles.

Novaria is actually a really close-knit kingdom. The Novarians are so uptight and think way too highly of themselves. Bastards. All the other kingdoms have the same opinion on Novaria. The kingdom was fucking two-faced, but it was better to have them as an ally rather than an enemy.

I've only been to Novaria once when I was a little boy. I couldn't recall the reason why I went to Novaria, probably just to attend a stupid ball or whatever. As a child, I thought Novaria was a dream. The kingdom was just showered in riches and power, everyone was so beautiful in their posh ruffled outfits and sparkling jewels.

But as I'm riding through the kingdom streets, I could feel the hardened stares on my back. Stares of curiosity and suspicion. Novarians were too full of themselves.

"Mother! Look at that horse! It's white!" A young little girl pointed over at me, showing a toothy smile to her mother. 

Her mother, who only sneered at me and my horse, ushered her daughter away.

Rolling my eyes, I petted my horse's head. "It's alright, Rat."

Yes, my horse, a strong white-coated mare with dark eyes, is named Rat. I mean, she loves it... I think. It's fine, she's the only thing I love. Sad, I know. But Rat is a loyal mare that I've had since I was ten. She's seventeen now, not too old. At least I think so? I'm not exactly a horse expert, all I know is that Rat likes eating oats and carrots and that you shouldn't feed them sugar cubes.

I learned that the hard way. My father gave me a good yelling when he found out I was giving Rat sugar cubes in secret. I was twelve, boys are idiots back then, what'd he expect?

Rat just gave me a soft neigh and kept walking. Rat's a smart girl, she knows directions better than I do. Which is helpful every time I fall asleep while riding her. Rat is the only one I trust with my life. I know, it's sad that I trust a horse more than a human. But humans are horrible.

The sun was blaring down from the sky, it was the beginning of spring so it wasn't terribly hot. But I was starting to build a small sweat thanks to my mopped up hair. I was too much in a grouchy mood to bother a haircut. My hair was naturally wavy curls, kind of like ocean waves. But because I've been ignoring it for a while, it's grown out too much for someone who's supposed to be a prince. It's just past my chin, so my hair is constantly in my face.

Which is why I've been tying it up. But I still get strays slipping out of the ponytail which is annoying. Of course, Stephan and his wife hate my hair. They say it's not proper for a prince to have long hair. I know that, but it's just hair.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

Ah, my mind distracted me.

Coming back to my senses, I realized that I'm in front of the Novarian palace. It's a grand castle made of the strongest stone in the lands. It loomed over me with its giant wall and pointed towers. Guards posted outside pointed their swords at me, their faces shield away by helmets.

Digging into my pocket, I pull out a gold pocket watch. It's been broken forever, but its function isn't what matters. It's the emblem on pocketwatch's cover. It's the head of a male lion with vines embedded in its mane. My family symbol, the lion of Tavern.

"Your Highness, we were expecting you," A guard bowed his head, nudging the other one to do the same. The confusion on their faces told me everything. They didn't expect a prince to ride up alone with unkempt hair and a scowl.

They opened the gates and I rode Rat through. I put the pocket watch away, making sure it was safe in my pocket. It was the only object I hold dear aside from my sword. It proves my worth and status as a prince, a man with royal blood. It's the only thing that labels me with power.

Another armored guard came up to me, saying with a gruff voice, "I will take you to His Majesty, the others will take your horse to the stables."

As soon as I got off Rat, two more guards appeared out of nowhere and took her away. The first guard from before dragged me away.

What a warm welcome.