The Unwanted Prince

Ch. 4 - Adrian

I must say, Novaria sure does a good job showing off its wealth. The halls were neatly decorated and cleaned of any speck of dust. Along the walls were tapestries sewn to tell stories that feed the pride of Novaria.

A thick strand of my hair slipped in front of my face, making me blow at it. It just fell back to where it was.

The guard leading me was talk and bulky, the most stereotypical build for a royal guard. The helmet offered room for his mouth to show, so I could see a well-trimmed beard on him. Knights, guards, whoever would fight usually didn't have facial hair because someone could just grab it during a fight. So whenever there was someone with facial hair, it was usually shortly trimmed. I always shaved, my face just hasn't reached the right shape for a beard.

Beards are for old guys anyway.

The guard stopped in front of two doors with two other guards keeping watch. The two guards saluted him then opened the door, casting me strange looks. Again, I didn't exactly arrive in the most princely matter.

I could also just feel the pity spilling from them. They must know how desperate someone must be if they want to save the princess of Novaria.

"Your Majesty," The guard said, going onto his knees. I did the same, only because it's polite.

Bowing, going on your knees, saluting, all of those were signs of showing your loyalty to your superior. Or maybe you're a submissive bastard who likes that shit. I don't know and I don't care.

What I do care is that one day, when I finally prove myself worthy to keep my royal title, I'll have people bowing down before me.

The guard stood up so I did the same.

"Your Majesty," He repeated, "Prince Adrian of Tavern has arrived."

I looked up at the majestic ruby red throne, sitting on it was a man. The king, with his red velvet and golden crown sitting on his head. For someone who was supposed to be old, he sure does look good for his age. The king's hair was a dull brown, I'm sure if you looked closely there would be white in it but I was standing pretty far away. He also had a beard that was trimmed as well.

The king had on a deep red suit with gold accents. It was long-sleeved with what looked like gold vines climbing up the sleeves that ended at the elbows. His pants were tucked into a pair of deep brown boots that had gold painted soles.

He looked at the guard and Adrian, with a rather hardened suspicious look. His fingers were tapping anxiously on the armrests, creating a constant rhythm.

I knew I was making the face where it showed how confused and lost I was. 

Finally after what felt like forever, the king said, "Take him to the meeting room."

The guard bowed before taking Adrian to where this "meeting room" was. It was just a small simple room. A red carpet was on the floor, over it was a long table with a map on it. Obviously, the table came with chairs, though the chairs were fairly worn out.

Compared to all the gold and sparkly shit I saw on my way to the throneroom, I was surprised at how simple this room looked. Behind the table was a big black board with papers posted on them.

As I waited, I curiously looked at the papers.

Prince of Thera, Edward Mulligan, found headless in village's fields.

Sir Horace, Knight of Helgrad, crucified on unclaimed land.

Sir Park, Knight of Delbar, caught in wild herd of centuars. Found dead five days later.