As I sit in my chair, across from my mother and father, accompanied by the council nobles in the drawing room, I feel utterly and completely out of place. And hungry, it was 11am and not a crumb of food had graced my stomach since awaking. All my life I have been raised for a purpose, I have been raised with a single goal in mind, to ascend to the throne and become King.

Call me a cliche, but I why me? I know, I know I should be grateful. But my whole life has just been... well, to put it frank, BORING. Ever since I could walk I’ve been dressed in uncomfortable suits and shoes. Ever since I learned my first word I have been constantly reminded of the vocabulary standard that is held for royals. And ever since I turned 18 two years ago I have been hassled into finding a princess to make queen.

As the nobles and my father debate back and forth about various different concerns relating to the kingdom, I sit back and wait patiently for this crap to end.

I can feel my eyes roll as I hear one of the nobles squabble “The summer solstice celebrations have already begun!”, “and why is it taking so long for your heir to find a suitable queen, we’ve been waiting patiently for 2 years!” Another piped up.

As if it has anything to do with them. My father decided years ago that although ‘the council’ as he refers to them, although they hold no lawful authority, will be able to voice concerns and be heard in an open and respectable manner. Obviously over time they have forgotten that this is a privilege, not a right.

The summer solstice was a huge celebration, everyone in the kingdom no matter of wealth or status celebrated. Usually there was a formal evening set within the castle walls and usually followed by a weeks worth of drunken partying in the city, with streamers, balloons, music, and fun.

I yawn for the 5th time in a row, hoping that someone will see how unimpressed I am, as usual when it comes to these types of meeting and end the conversation with haste. However this was not the case. As usual they ignore me and go on with their rambles, to be honest I don’t even know why I have to be here since I almost never speak a single word when here.

“I understand the concern, but all is well and there is nothing to be worried about. Prince Asher is picky, and does not want to take a false bride. And I am happily allowing him the time and space to make the right decision, for our kingdom.” My father, King Lawrence reassured, “Thankyou for your time but we really do need to be wrapping things up, there are many other things occupying our time today.”

And with that alone, the nobles stood, gave a polite bow and departed the room single file. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all quite lovely however I hate the politics of it all. I wish I wasn’t first born. To hell with ‘first’ born, I wish I wasn’t the ONLY born. My mother never had another pregnancy after me. So that goes without saying that I quickly and easily became the golden miracle child of the land. I figure this is why my childhood was more like a boarding school than anything else.

“My Darling” my mother, Queen Karissa softly spoke, “Why do you look so grim?” Her voice filled with concern as it always did, her palm stroking my face.

A smile graced her face when I turned and gave her a peck on the cheek “I’m fine Mother, just don’t know why I must always accompany you guys to these god awful meetings .” And before I could stop myself my eyes rolled hard and landed right on my father who had an unimpressed but understanding look on his face.

“Darli—“ my mother began before my father interrupted. “Son, you are an important part of this kingdom and we understand that it’s not to your taste but we only have these meetings for an hour once a week” he assured, “you’ll get use to it, and eventually you’ll begin to become interest—“ I stopped him there, “Father, I will never be interested. I just want to live a normal life for once, I don’t see Luther or Charlie in here bored out of their mind!” Luther and Charlie were my uncles sons on my mother’s side, although they aren’t technically royals, my father treated them no different.

He gave a low raspy chuckle, he and my mother were both extremely tolerant and loving, although strict they never made me feel unheard or unloved. And i have tested this a lot over the last 2 years, never once did they falter. And secretly I was extremely grateful to have them as parents, however I still hated the idea of being a boring, lonely king who never got to experience anything fun and normal.

“You know why they are not accompanying us my boy, however if you think it would be easier for you to connect with your responsibilities you are welcome to invite them next week.” I sigh of relief left my mouth before I could stop it, “thanks dad.” I said softly. See, I told you they were good.

*****

It was now early afternoon. After leaving the dark mahogany drawing room it was a nice change to go out and feel the sun on my face. The leather chairs, price antlers on the walls and bundles of stacked papers were all so mundane for my taste.

Luther and Charlie had just arrived back from their frolic around the city, and I could see the coming through the gates of the garden.

Luther, a tall muscular man only a year younger than me, his hair was as black as night and his eyes were a dark blue, similar to that of my mothers and uncles. Charlie however had almost the exact same build and height but with sandy blonde hair and light brown eyes was 18. Both of them rugged and unshaven, you’d never know they were the most sincere men in the whole castle.

As they approached a heard a snicker come from Charlie “His royal highness, looking as handsome as ever on this fine afternoon” he shot me a wink and I smirked, knowing I must have looked fed up with castle life as I usually did.

“Why Thank you, kind sir. Wish I could say the same although your Aunt would not approve of any lies leaving my royal mouth” I huffed. We both stared at each other trying to keep our cool. But ended up in a fit of laughter a moment later. This was my relationship with my cousins always happy and laughing. I loved my mother’s family, they were all so.... cheerful. However my fathers side.. YIKES.

“So...” Luther started, “found a beautiful lady yet?” I was going to hit back with something smart but as I saw the serious look on his face and backed out. “To be honest guys... how the hell am I suppose to find one with 5 guarded behind me at all times, I motioned over my shoulder and the party of armoured men behind me. The last time I tried to approach a suitable young woman she screamed at the sight of the guards and thought she was being arrested.” I squeaked. “It’s just not going to happen. I may as well just marry that nobles daughter that was mentioned this morning. At least she won’t have a heart attack when I approach” a saddened scowl etched across my face.

“Don’t get your hopes down too soon Ash, we’ve got an plan!”

I could see the devious smirk that quickly appeared on their faces. What were they up to? I thought...

“Just... trust us.” Charlie started, “It’s going to be a fun night” A rough chuckle ending his statement.

Shit... What have they gotten me into now....