I pace around the room rubbing my temples. A million thoughts are racing through my head. Should I send the right-wing army to join the left-wing and…uh I don’t know! This king stuff is hard. I wish my father would return to the place soon, I’m losing my mind.

I sit down behind the desk and put my hands in my head. How am I meant to do this? How can I rule a kingdom?

“Prince Louis?” I am reminded of the presence in the room. Head warrior Carter.

“Carter…” I say, “do what you think is best.”

He knows why more about fighting and defending a kingdom so I trust him to make the right decision…or at least hope he will.

“Prince Louis as much as I am honored and I would never question your authority but, are you sure?” he asks bowing his head. Ugh, respect.  I hate being called the prince and I hate the way people talk. No ‘hello how was your day?’ always ‘Price Louis how did you enjoy your day today?’ with like 60 bows. As much as I am thankful and glad people looked up to me, I just want to have a casual conversation.

“It’s fine Carter. Fighting is your area of expertise, not mine and I do not wish to invade. Do what you think will be most benefiting and I trust you to do right by our kingdom. You are dismissed.” He bowed his head and mouthed a thank-you. I swear I saw a tear in his eye.

“Oh, and carter” he froze with his hand on the handle to the door, “Don’t tell father about this”

“Yes sir” I feel my jaw clench.

“And don’t ever call me sir again” ugh one of my biggest pet peeves honestly.

“Okay Prince Louis” he said chuckling before leaving the room. I leave my father's large office after a long day of filling in for him. I slowly walk down the halls like I have done so many times. I walk around until I find the large familiar oak doors at the end of the corridor on the 2^nd last story. My room.

The room that has offered me years and years of safety. I push open the doors and flop on my large bed exhausted. My head hurts and everything is sticky. I almost drift off to sleep before hearing a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I say while groaning. A young lady walks in, she is wearing a maid outfit, so I assume she is one of the maids here.

“Your parents just sent this letter. They will be arriving back tomorrow at sunrise.” She informs me while handing over a letter.

“Thank you, may you also get me some headache medication and a glass of water?” she nods her head before scurrying away. I open the letter.

Dearest Louis,

We are sorry, the trip was so long it got pushed back a couple of days. We hope you are holding up well running the kingdom all alone. We have faith in you son. We will be back tomorrow by sunrise to make sure everything is alright.

I am also proud to inform you we have found a way for the war to end! We got extremely lucky and manage to pull up a deal. We will tell you in person because we don’t want you to read about it and be upset with us.

We are sorry in advance but what needs to be done will be done. Also, remember to look after yourself. We will see you tomorrow and we expect you to be waiting by sunrise.

Love Mother and father x

I sigh. I have so many questions right now…why would I be upset with the deal? Why is the deal so important to be told in person? Why are they sorry?

I’m in for a treat, aren’t I?

I sigh and jump off the bed placing the letter in my nightstand before heading to the bathroom. I decided to eat with the others that live in the kingdom today, so I don’t have to eat alone.

I jump into the hot shower and let the water rush away all the negative energy and thoughts along with the stress of today. I spend time thinking about all the possible answers to my questions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I get out of the shower and dressed in a random decent thing. I dry my hair not bothering to touch it and head out to have tea.

I enter the dining room, and no one notices me which is exactly what I wanted. I line up to get my food. After a while, I finally make it to the front.

The person severing food gasps.

“P-Prince Louis…what are you doing here?” she asked with her jaw practically on the ground.

“didn’t want to eat alone” I shrug.

“Well, you should have not waited in line”

“It's fine. Can I have some dinner please?”

“Sure…we have today's special meat and potato?” she scans around the food dishes, “or I can get the chef to make you something?” she offers.

“No. I’m good with the meat and potato thanks” I say and push a plate towards her. She piles on meat and potatoes, and I thank her before turning around and looking for my best friend, Gillian. I see him sitting in the coner. I walk to his table.

I stand behind him and scare him.

“Louie!” he shouts causing some people to turn their heads to us. I quickly shush him. He is the only one in here that treats me like a normal human being and not as a prince. The only one who hangs out with me for me not just for my title.

I sit next to him, and he is beaming. I shake my head at him and start eating.

“So,” he says with a mouthful of food. I playfully smack his arm.

“Gillie, if your mother ever saw that she would go crazy and put your head on a stick”

“I know, I know” he says swallowing his food, “but did you hear?”

“Hear what?” I ask curiously wondering if he knows what the deal is between the two kingdoms.

“Apparently there will be another arranged marriage!” he exclaims, and I laugh at him. A bit of doubt runs through my mind, but I really don’t believe my parents would sell me to someone in marriage. So I don’t dwell on it for long.  

Poor people who have to get married. Hope they can make it work? I don’t know what to say.