The prince ran his fingers through his sandy blonde hair as he paced the throne room. He sucked in a breath of annoyance; he knew the very reason why his father summoned him here. His father, the king, sat on a large golden throne. His forehead wrinkled in such seriousness as he looked at his son. Though the king had a large grey beard, one could clearly see his disapproving frown.

"Darrian," the king sighed, "you are about to turn twenty-one. At that age, a prince like yourself needs to settle down and continue the royal bloodline."

"Father, you know it's hard to find someone that wants me as myself, not wanting me because I am a prince," Darrian replied.

"It doesn't matter what they think, what matters is that you and your wife would produce a son to continue the rule over Aethoria."

"Father, but I don't want to just have someone to continue the royal bloodline. I want a partner, someone who doesn't want me for my title. Someone-

"You have always been a mother's boy, haven't you," the king laughed, his large belly jiggled as he did. "She always filled your head with such silly love nonsense. Stop daydreaming and start acting like a man and rule this land."

"It isn't just marriage I am hesitant about, its myself taking over the responsibilities of being king. I am just not ready."

His father sighed and shook his head. "I knew you would be resistant. That is why I have already arranged a coronation ball for your birthday. I am having all women from eighteen through twenty come to this palace. You will have to choose one of them, then you will be crowned. This is your duty as the future king."

"Father!" Darrian exclaimed in disbelief. "You can't force me to do this."

"I can and I have. The ball is already in the process of being arranged. I don't want to hear any more arguments about this," the king said sternly.

The prince threw up his hands in exasperation as he turned to leave the room. He grabbed the golden handle of the door; his grip was strong and tight. When he was about to turn the handle, his father spoke up.

"This is for your own good, but mostly for the good of the people. As king, it's your obligation to guide and protect the people of this great land. But most importantly, you are to help keep the peace between the humans and those despicable creatures that still live in our land."

"The faeries?" Darrian began. "The Great War was half a century ago. Besides, not all of them allied themselves with the Dark Forces. They aren't a big threat."

"Son, I don't need a history lesson from you." The king pointed a shaking finger at him. "I know it, because I lived it. If it weren't for your mother and her compassionate heart, I would have them banished, every single one of those dreadful parasites. They need to be kept under control. But at least they are good for one thing. They are hard workers and without their deserved labor, the palace wouldn't be half as nice as it is now." The king chuckled at his own joke.

Darrian strong jaw began to tighten. There was no point in talking to his father out of this arrangement. Once his father made up his mind, what he says goes, and there was no turning back. Darrian nodded to indicate his leave and headed back to the door, his steps were quick and heavy. But before he could make a complete exit, his father called out once more.

"Once you get to your room, a new uniform for the coronation ball will be suited for you."

Darrian rolled his eyes, as his back was turned to his father. He let the door slam shut behind him. He rubbed his forehead in frustration. He was indeed not ready for the responsibilities of becoming the king. Not much less getting wed to a complete stranger, someone he didn't love.

Instead of heading to his room like his father ordered, he walked to the back entrance of the palace which led to the stables. A nice horse ride would do to calm the anxieties that plagued his mind.

When he stepped outside, he took in a breath of fresh air. The gentle breeze, the sound of the birds singing, and the sweet smell of the flowers always put him at ease. Once he got to the stables, he quickly tacked up his white horse, Caspian. The horse neighed in excitement, ready for Darrian to take him on an adventure. When he hopped onto the saddle, he quickly but quietly rode Caspian to the end gates. He hoped the royal guards wouldn't question his exit or tag along with him. Once he got out of the vicinity, he galloped away until the castle was out of sight.