Chosen

The prince rubbed his temple as he felt an incoming migraine. This was the third preparations meeting he’d sat through today. He was just about done with it all. If one more person mentioned how remarkable the fact the he was turning “of age” was, he’d cancel the whole event.

He would blame his father if it wasn’t for the fact that he had asked for this. A few months ago he had demanded not to be treated like a child anymore and this is what he got.

“Plan your own parties,” his father had said.

He wanted to regret it but he couldn’t. For so long all he did was got schooled and look the part. He wanted to feel like a prince not just look like one. Even if it meant doing pointless things that could easily be solved with hiring a planner.

Which was what he thought he could do until his father had slammed the fact that this ball was “his responsibility”.

“Your highness,” the caterer voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Realizing he was still stuck here, he inwardly groaned.

“Yeah, I’m listening,” he lied.

~~~

After finishing up his last meeting for the day, Zaen was well on his way to a meal. After his morning, he wasn’t sure he could handle dinning with his mother.

He passed a few servants alone the way. They gave him a bow in which he smiled in return. He wasn’t one to abuse his power. In fact without them, Zain wasn’t sure he’d have survived childhood.

Chuckling at the thought of his near-death experiences, his day was starting to brighten. That was until a small messenger informed him that his presence was requested.

He almost scoffed. As if he had a choice.

Seeing that his day was back to ruins, he trudged out of the palace and into his mother’s garden.

The garden was filled as usual. Court ladies noticing his presence, sat straighter, puffing themselves out to look their best. The urge to laugh was tempting. Too tempting. Instead, he settled for smiles which he gave them.

“Zaen!” he turned towards the voice and a grinned.

There stood his mother. On a table. Waving her arms to get his attention.

Chuckling, he made his way towards her. Although his mother was queen of this kingdom, she often had her moments. He loved her to death but she sure can be a stress causer.

Lysanna . Queen of Etheria.

Zaen looked nothing like his mother. She was pale with dark hair and dark eyes. Zaen took after his father. In everything except his eyes. He had no idea where his green eyes originated.

“Hey Ama,” Zaen said as she pulled him in a hug.

She kissed his cheek “Hey darling-,” she stopped once noticing his expression.

“What’s wrong--oh. Busy morning?” she asked. Zaen nodded. Busy was an understatement, he thought.

Lysanna sat down at her table and signaled for a drink. She turned back to her son and motioned for the seat across from her in which he took.

“Someday you’re going to rule this kingdom, hopefully not anytime soon. I know its stressing but you’re going to have to get used to this. Isn’t this what you asked for?” she asked raising a brow knowingly.

“That was in the past. I was native and stu-,” he corrected himself. “-less knowing back then.”

His mother chuckled at his behavior. “Whatever you say.”

She caught sight of something behind his shoulder and a great smile bloomed across her face. “Scarlett darling! Welcome!”

Zaen turned and smiled as well. Walking towards them with a gentle smile was his best friend. Well one of them.

The redhead bowed before the table. She looked up and gave a gentle smile to Lysanna before turning her sapphire eyes to Zaen.

“Dear! Have a seat,” an extra chair was brought over and Scarlett settled.

“Its good to see you dear. It’s felt like ages,” Lysanna preparing Scarlett drink was something she would never do. It was an honor that took a while for Scarlett to accept.

They’ve been friends as long as Zaen could remember. Along with Nick. They grew up together, some of the few children of the more powerful nobility.

They were, in a sense, the three musketeers. Always together unless going to visit see their parents. Which is what Scarlett took the past week to do so.

“It good to be back, Your Majesty. I just missed home,” Scarlett replied.

Lysanna nodded. “By the way, how is your mother?” she asked.

“She’s great, just a grumpy couped up alone,” Scarlett took the tea that was passed. She thanked Lysanna and took a sip.

“I hope it taste fine,” Lysanna said watching Scarlett’s face.

“It’s wondeful,” Lysanna smiled at that. The ladies quickly get wrapped into conversation. Zaen’s headache was beginning to give way. Standing, he exused himself and made his way out of the garden.

A few ladies tried to converse with him on the way out. Although he was in no mood, he didn’t have the heart to just shout at them like he wanted to.

When he somehow he made it back to his room, he flopped down onto his bed. He sighed as the fresh scent of linen hit him.

He would have stayed there all day hadn’t his stomach told him to get food. Agreeing, he sent for food. He looked around his room and noticed some papers on his desk.

Cautious, he got up and slowly walked towards the papers. He had a feeling he knew what they were. He read the note left and groan.

“Read these over. I want a full report and possible solution tomorrow morning. Good luck;)”