The Unwanted Prince

Ch. 5 - King Marlo

He was not what I expected, that prince.

He had the perfect looks of a prince. A fair face that was nicely sculpted, it would look better if he wasn't always scowling. The prince had rich golden hair that was in waves. Though, it was preferred if he had kept it short.

His eyes were green, just like mine.

I've heard of the royal family of Tavern. They were known for their long history with green eyes.

But the prince, even with his handsome looks, didn't act like one. He was rigid the moment I first saw him. He was bitter and angry, many of his choices had to have been made out of spite.

Adrian. His name was Adrian.

Adrian had called me a coward.

And he's right.

I am a coward. I let my daughter go. I let that man take her away.

I was helpless but I could've done more.

My sweet Eleanor, oh how I miss you. I just want to see you smile one last time.

Adrian may be my last chance, my last chance for that wish to come true...

"Your Majesty?"

I was staring out my balcony window, turning my wheelchair to see my Royal Advisor there. He was a tall man, structured in the shape of a log. He was old, just a few years older than me.

"William," I nodded in acknowledgement, "What is it?"

"The prince's room has been ready and he's in it at this moment. He'll be heading out tomorrow morning." William informed me.

I turned back to my window. It was a glass door really, a door leading out to my balcony.

In the window I could see the reflection of myself. I could see the wrinkles of old age creeping on me. And behind me, the reflection of William frowned at me. He was always frowning, upset at how little time there was left.

"He's our only chance you know?"

I nodded, not bothering to look back at him.

"If the prince doesn't bring the princess back," Willaim said in the tone where I know he's serious, "It will be the end for us. For all humans."

"Even if my daughter comes back or not, there will be war."

"But at least she'll be with us," William assured me.

My sweet Eleanor would be with me. She's is my only light.

But there was something I didn't tell Adrian.

He may survive, he may die.

My hope?

That he dies.

Because if Adrian dies, then at least he won't be alive to see war. And if he lives, he'll be the cause of war.

Killing an emperor, that is a matchstick to a bomb. It is a heavy burden to carry, which is why I didn't tell the prince.

"We need the princess with us when the war comes back," William hissed at me, "So you better hope this prince can save her."

As much as I want Eleanor to be alive by my side, I can't let her become part of this war.

But... in the end I am selfish. That is what a human is. We're selfish beings.

I would spark a war if it meant seeing my daughter smile.