Come the morning of their departure, Vayne dreaded even the thought of leaving the comfort of his bed. If only he had the free will to say no when demanded such things he had no wish to pull through with. Groaning, the prince lifted himself up, cradled his head between his arms for but a moment and finally dressed for the occasion. Nothing too fancy or formal for today. Today meant business so he was dressed head to toe in the uniform of the royal guard. Also known as the royal army. The only distinction between himself and any other guard was a simple badge with the royal emblem; two swords crossed diagonally over a human heart.
Once ready, he made his way to the front of the palace this time where the group meant to go along with was being fitted with their horses. The stable boy in charge of his own gave Vayne a cross look as the reins were held out. "You could have very well been found out had I not dried him off after your little escapade not long ago. What if you gave poor Lyn here a cold? I would have beat your hide before your father even laid hands on you."
Vayne and this stable boy, Mira, had an ongoing relationship like this. He would keep any of his escapes silent, and in return he was given the right to chew out the crown prince. Such has been since childhood. Perhaps one of the only friends he had that had not come and gone like the wind.
The prince chuckled softly in an attempt to grab the reins away and avoid confrontation. "Thank you Mir. I appreciate it a lot. I could-"
"You could get in a lot of trouble. Yea I understand." Shaking his head, the other male sighed before straightening up immediately once seeing movement from the corner of his eyes.
"Hurry. King moody is coming." This was spoken more softer. "Here you are your highness. Safe travels. Godspeed."
As Ren approached, the reins were hoisted into Vayne's hands. He graciously took hold and bowed as his father approached.
"Good morning. Your Majesty." The older man nodded in approval to the greeting.
"Remember what I said before. I expect full cooperation from you in our conquest of Miridia."
Beside Vayne, Mira gave a quick look of pity before bowing himself and making his way off.
"Yes fa- your Royal Majesty." Luckily, he caught himself before making a fatal mistake yet again. How he wished for a day where the king would stay off his case. Just once was all he asked for.
As everyone else finished their preparations, the group set off in a moderate speed.
The wind in his hair and the beautiful scenery was all he took note of as they traveled. Various apple trees were passed by as well. So used to Ryu from previous adventures, it was first nature for him to reach out for one skillfully and without stopping as they passed by. Only to forget why he had done so and slide it into a pocket for future him to worry about.
Once they had finally arrived, pure panic could be felt as well as seen throughout the small village. It was as if they carried some sort of plague and each and every citizen felt draw away.
"Citizens of Miridia!" Ren bellowed from where he sat in front atop his horse. "We have come here today to seek your support and cooperation in our budding war with Vesperia. If you do not comply...well, I don't think I need to speak the consequences."
Vayne turned his head in shame as gazes filled with hatred and contempt were given.
This made him feel sick.
"Men! I want each and every one of you to search and make positive none try to escape or retaliate. If so, you know what to do. I'll be having a word with the chief." With that, Ren carried on and left the others to do his dirty work.
Clenching and unclenching his fists around the reins, unwillingly Vayne led his horse down a path he vaguely remembered from years ago.
The houses were the same. The only thing different was the age of a familiar young girl whom planted herself smack dab in his path.
"We don't want your kind here! Once was more than enough! All you bring is pain and misfortune upon us! My family works so hard for so little. And-and you just expect us to throw everything away because some king says it's alright?!"
Drawn to her noise, other nearby villagers exited their homes and watched from afar the scene play out. Some seemed ready to jump in and offer the girl assistance. Anything to drive away those that brought them suffering.
All he wanted was to leave as well. It hurt him to see his people suffering. It hurt to see how the common folk were often treated and left.
Dismounting, Vayne approached the girl with caution. He remembered her. The little girl who had before spoken out against them. He admired her spunk. In an attempt to calm the situation, he reached into his pocket, pulled out the apple he earlier picked. A peace offering.
She looked from his face, to the apple, back to his face. She scoffed.
"You think an apple of all things will shut me up?" With a huff, she roughly slapped it out of his hands and continued to rant on.
The rest drowned out by an internal battle.
'You know what you must do.'
'But I-'
'Do what I say.' Rather than his own voice, Ren's flashed through his mind.
Taking a gulp of air, Vayne hesitated and unsheathed his sword. There was no warning given for his next turn of action. Not for the girl. Not for himself.
With a slice, a clean cut was made through her body and both her head, and body crumpled to the floor in two separate pieces.
Before anyone could stop him, or any screams were voiced, he ran.
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