the Crown of Edom {Solangelo Prince AU}

3. I'm A Little Bit Charming

Nico awoke to hysterical screaming. 

He hopped out of bed, grabbed his sword, and ran to the source of the hysteria—all the way to Bianca's room.

Hazel was screaming and crying into a pillow, clutching a note in her hand. Will stood quietly, watching the entire thing unfold. Nico pushed past him and to Hazel.

"W-what is going on?"

Hazel weakly gave him the note.

Dear family,

I know you must be worried. Please know I will be safe.

I am not cut out to be queen, nor do I wish to be. I hardly know who I am, let alone know how to rule thousands of other's lives. A ruler must be assured. They must be certain.

At the ball we attended the year before this, I met someone, a humble townsperson. We have grown closer over the time apart, writing letters to each other. I intend to stay with them. Or perhaps, we will explore more destinations together.

I do not wish my departure to keep Hazel from following her wishes to marry King Frank Zhang. Therefore, I will only return, if and only if, our brother Nico steps up to the crown.

I see the possibilities in him. Hazel, I hope you do not doubt him. He knows the people who truly need a ruler's help. Under my leadership, they would suffer.

I love you all the most.

-Bianca

"It is just horrible!" Hazel cries. "I have already sent the knights into town. I fear that she has already left the kingdom entirely. I just do not know how she could. The exits were all blocked."

Nico furrows his eyebrows, thinking back to last night.

"I-I don't know. It doesn't make any sense," he lies. His gut feels pained, which did not help the hangover.

"What do you wish to do, your majesty?" Will suddenly asks.

Hazel sniffles. "I will send a letter to Frank. I will cease the engagement and take over. Then I will send all of our men to find her."

Nico scoffs. "Wait a minute. Bianca said she'd return, willingly, if I were to become king."

Hazel stares at him, clears her throat, and dusts off her dress. "You are intelligent, Nico. Everyone knows this. I am sure you can come to the reasons why you can not be king."

    Nico raises an eyebrow. "And?"

    "The people think you are a demon," Hazel exclaims. "We all have heard where you run off to at night, must I remind you. While my love for you is unconditional, the townspeople are not ready to have their beliefs challenged."

    "Have you ever considered that with no challenge, there is no change?" Nico asks, taking a step towards Hazel. "I should not be hidden away. I will show them who I am by being the best damn king there ever was! And you will get married to the love of your life!"

    "And how will you do this? You have never paid attention, nor cared, about what it means to be royalty. My wedding is in a month."

     "You said it yourself," Nico grins. "I'm intelligent. And..." he walks over to Will, who's almost a foot taller, and throws his arm around his shoulder. "We already have a teacher."

    Will folds his eyebrows and looks back to Hazel. "I will follow the orders of the queen."

    Nico stares at Hazel expectantly. She shuts her eyes tight and lets out a deep exhale. "Fine."