Sebastian let a soft sigh leave his lips as he stood in the supply room of the stables, his back leaning up against the wooden wall. He has been hiding from his parents for the past few days. They say that they want to talk to him about something. He doesn't know what it is, but he knows that when they say that, it means that it is probably something he isn't going to like. He shook his head of those thoughts, not wanting to think about what they want to talk to him about. He pushed off the wall and headed towards the shelves. He grabbed a brush and a bucket of oats before he opened the door to reveal multiple stalls that held the Kingdoms horses, Unicorns, and Pegasus'. He walked along the straw path for a few moments before he stopped in front of a buckskin-colored Pegasus. A grin slowly appeared on his face as she knickered at him while her head bobbed up and down in excitement and finally seeing him.

He opened her stall, closing it behind her and pouring the bucket of oats into her trough that is still filled with hay from this morning. She isn't usually a morning eater, much like him, but she does enjoy eating her oats no matter what time of day it is. He stood next to her, gently letting the brush glide over her fur as she ate. As he brushed her, he let himself slip back into his thoughts about what his parents want to talk to him about much to his dismay. He has a few ideas on what they want to talk to him about, but they are all ideas that he doesn't like whatsoever. The first one that popped into his head is that his father is dying and wants him to step up as King. He isn't ready for that and he is afraid that he never will be. He knows that he will be stuck working constantly and never have the time to be able to be by himself without having someone yapping in his ear. The other idea is one that he hates most of all. It is him marrying a Princess from another Kingdom they are at war with to either make peace or to just make them both into one big Kingdom. He rather not do that as that means he will be marrying a stranger and someone that he doesn't love. He rather marry someone he loves and knows rather than a stranger that knows nothing about him.

He didn't realize he was done brushing Zahra until she nuzzled his shoulder, causing a soft laugh to leave his lips. "Stop it, girl." He murmured, his voice husky, yet velvety. She did it again, causing another laugh to leave his lips before gently pushing her face away. After a few minutes bickering with a horse that doesn't talk back to him, he slipped out of her stall with the brush and empty bucket in his hands. He walked back to the supply closet, putting them up before he left the stables. It is like he is a completely different person now. He seemed so carefree and soft in the stables, but outside of there, he seems, cold, distance, and perhaps even harsh with how there isn't one trace of emotion seen on his face. He isn't one to show emotions as he feels like that is a weakness which is something he doesn't want the enemy to see one bit. Well, the softer side of him anyways. He likes to keep that hidden, even though he is sweet and caring if you know him really well.

He slightly nodded as he walked by the guards, showing that he is alright and doesn't need anyone following him around to places. He wouldn't be able to deal with it as it would be like they are the Devil on his shoulder and telling him that he should do this or shouldn't do that. He can make his own decisions without anyone telling him what to say unless it is his parents of course. Throughout the Kingdoms, he knows that they view him as a cold-heart, ruthless, cold-stone killer who doesn't have a place in his heart to care for someone. That is not how he is. He just uses that as a mask as if you show weakness, that means that the other Kingdoms think they can take whatever they want from you and that he is going to be soft on them and agree to anything they say to prevent a war. He wears this mask all the time, except when he is around Lorelei -which is his sister-, his companions, and Xander -which is his best friend and best guard. They know the true side of him and would never tell anyone that he is actually not what he seems to be.

He pushed the doors to the castle open, revealing the most expensive and gorgeous materials, items, flooring, and anything else you can think of. Just before he could head down the hall that leads to his room, he saw someone move towards him out of the corner of his eye. He turned slightly as his gaze landed on an older woman. She has dark chocolate locks that cascaded to her midback in elegant curls. She wore a dress made out of the finest materials and the best diamonds she owned. Her forest green eyes shined with happiness at finally finding him after days of him avoiding her. Her heels clicked against the polished flooring as she walked towards him, causing a silent groan to leave his lips. He should've known that his mother would be waiting for him to come through these doors. He should have come through the back doors or through the kitchen. He could have even come through the secret passage if that means he could escape seeing his parents.

"Mother." He greeted, giving her a slight nod of his head towards her. She smiled brightly at him as she stopped in front of him. She is shorter than him by a lot, having her stand at only five foot four. "Your father and I have something to talk to you about. Let's go to the throne room as he is waiting for us." He pursed his lips, ready to protest, but he decided against it. He held his arm out towards her, having her wrap her arm around his as he leads her to the throne room. He has a feeling that this meeting isn't going to be a good one and only hopes that Lorelei is going to be in there to prevent him from lashing out at his parents.

Sebastian slipped his arm away from his mother's grasp once they came to the doors to the throne room. He stood there for a few moments, trying to compose himself before he entered the room. If only he didn't come through the front doors or he wouldn't be here at this moment. He glanced at his mother out of the corner of his eye. She still has that smile on her face as if trying to make him feel at ease with what is about to be discussed. Even though she knows that usually never works on him, she still does it regardless. She has always been the one with a gentle soul and a caring nature towards people. She seemed to have passed that down to Lorelei with how she wants to help people no matter what position they hold. If he can't ever seem to find her in the kingdom walls, he can always find her among the folks in the town.

After taking a deep breath in, he reached forward and pushed the wooden doors to the throne room open. An older man sat in a silver chair with red cushioning. His midnight raven hair is starting to have speckles of gray in it, clearly showing that he is aging. His ocean blue eyes held a twinkle of happiness, yet deep down you could see the coldness that swirls in them. While he stood at six foot two, he was only an inch taller than himself. Even though he is starting to age, his body still seemed to be muscular and ready to fight in a war if needed too. There is no doubt in his mind that this man wouldn't go down easy with how he can handle a sword. He stood up as he walked towards the man, bowing to him once he stopped in front of him. "Father." He greeted, knowing that his father hates when he bows down to him.

Before anyone could speak, the wooden doors open again. He turned quickly on his heels as his hand instantly went to the hilt of his sword at his hip. At seeing Lorelei walking towards them with a bright smile on her face, he instantly relaxed. As if she has put a spell on him, a smile crept onto his face. He walked over towards and pulled her into a hug, feeling her arms wrap around his body. He nuzzled his face into her neck, glad that she is here so he doesn't have to face their parents himself. "Thanks for coming." He whispered before he pulled away from her. Her chocolate brown hair is in loose curls, cascading down to her waist. She wore a dress, also made from the finest materials, but it isn't as flashy or elegant as their mothers. She didn't wear jewelry either, which is odd. She never has been interested in flashy things and would wear trousers and a long sleeve shirt if their parents allowed her to. Her ocean-blue eyes shined with happiness and excitement as she looked up at him.

He turned back towards his parents, walking towards them slowly with Lorelei right behind him. "You wanted to talk?" He asked, his brow raised as if he is truly interested in the subject that will be talked about at any moment. His father looked at his mother, her head nodding as if saying that it is okay or something like that. His father turned his attention back onto him. "Yes. We know you aren't going to like what we are going to tell you. But please understand that we are doing this for a good reason." He said, causing him to look at Lorelei in question. She seemed just as confused, wondering what they are even talking about. "Okay." He said hesitantly, his gaze going back to his father. Of course he will listen to their reason, but he will gladly protest if he doesn't like it. "Continue."

His father stayed quiet for a few seconds, probably trying to figure out a way to tell him the news. "We have agreed to have you marry the Princess of the Oceana Kingdom." He said bluntly, knowing that sugar coating it for him would only make matters worse. His eyes seemed to almost bulge out of his head at those words. His head snapped so fast to the side to look at Lorelei that anyone would think that he would get whiplash from it. She seemed just as surprised as him with how her mouth is agape. "What? You have to be joking, father." He said, hoping that he is because he rather not marry someone he doesn't even know. Both his parents shook their heads, making anger build up in his chest. "How is this even fair?! You always said that I would be able to marry someone I love. Not a complete stranger that I know nothing about!" He said, his voice rising. Lorelei stepped forward, grabbing his arm. It calmed him down slightly, knowing that she hates it when he argues with their parents.

"You have to understand that it is for the good of the kingdom." His mother finally spoke up. His gaze shifted to her, his eyes cold as if they did the most terrible thing to him. "It will mean no more war and no more men dying. I know what we said, but you have to do it for us. Do it for the people so we can bring the remaining people safely back to their homes." A growl left his lips, anger now flickering in his forest-green eyes. To say that he is angry would not be the correct word. He is enraged that they think they can control his life and force him to marry someone that is from another kingdom just to stop a war. He felt Lorelei's grip on his arm tighten, but it brought no comfort or ease to him at this moment. "I will not marry her even if it is to stop the war. This is ridiculous! Arranged marriages should be illegal." His voice was dark, cold as if he is an entirely different person. That is just how his voice is when he is enraged. "You will marry her whether you like it or not. I am the King and you will listen to me." His father's voice boomed in the large room, causing him to clench his teeth together to prevent him from saying anything more.

"We have arranged to have you meet her outside of the kingdom. Pack some clothes as you will be leaving shortly." His mother added, a smile no longer on her face. He harshly pulled his arm away from Lorelei before turning on his heels. He threw the wooden doors open, having them bang against the walls as he quickly walked down the halls to his room. Everyone seemed to move out of his way as they knew that he would probably be on a rampage if anyone dared to try and stop him.

Sebastian pushed the wooden doors to his chamber open, causing them to bang against the walls as well. A growl left his lips as his hands curled into a fist. He turned towards the nearest wall, letting his anger out as he punched the wall repeatedly. How could his parents do this to him after promising him that he can choose who he wants to rule by his side? He should've known that promise was going to be invalid at some point. Promises that his parents made have never been promises to begin with either. He was foolish to think that his parents might have had a change in heart and actually keep a promise they have made. Damn him for hoping that this promise was going to stay till the very end.

He heard a knock on his open door causing his head to snap in that direction. Lorelei stood there, a small smile on her lips. He seemed to relax slightly at seeing her and gestured for her to come into the room. She closed the doors behind her once she entered, her hands behind her on the wood material. She stood there for a few seconds before noticing blood dripping from his fingertips due to his busted knuckles. A small gasp left her lips as she rushed towards him, grasping his hands gently in hers. "What on earth were you thinking, Sebby?!" She asked, her honey-like voice raised and stressed. Her brows are furrowed together, worried about him, and what happened in the throne room. He pulled his hands away from her, turning towards his closet to start packing. "Don't you dare or you are going to get blood all over your clothes." She hissed, causing him to be slightly startled. She hardly ever hisses at anyone, and if she does, it is for a good reason.

While she went to the bathroom to grab a wet towel, antiseptic liquid, and bandages to wrap his hands up, he took a seat on his bed. He looked down at his hands, noticing how angry, bloody, and swollen they look from him punching the wall. At least it wasn't someone or he would feel guilty about beating them up afterward. Lorelei soon came back in, quickly cleaning his knuckles up before wrapping them up with the bandages. "Thanks." He truthfully said before he stood from the bed. He went to his closet, starting to pack things for the short time he will be in the village his parents are sending him to to meet the princess. "I know you hate this, and I do too, but this will finally end the war that you said you have been wanting to end." She said, causing a sigh to leave his lips at that. She isn't wrong about that. "I know and I understand that, but I hate arranged marriages like this. I rather have found love in my own time without being forced to love someone for the sake of stopping a war." He explained as he finished packing up. He turned towards her before pulling her into a hug, his face nuzzling into her neck. "Be safe when I am gone." He said, giving her one last squeeze before pulling away. She grinned, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I will. You better stay safe too. I want my brother home without another scratch." He snickered, watching her leave before he grabbed his luggage from the bed.

He quickly walked down the halls before arriving at the stables ten minutes later. Just as he handed the guard his luggage, he heard a deep bark come from behind him. He turned around, kneeling on the ground as a white German Shepherd ran into his open arms. "Hey, boy. I have been wondering where you have been." He said, scratching Atticus behind his ears. He yipped slightly, giving him multiple kisses all over his face. "Okay, okay. Enough." He laughed before jumping to his feet. He went down to Zahra's stall, but she is already all saddled for him. Damn, he wanted to do it himself. They should know this by now. He put a foot in the stirrup and swung himself up onto the saddle. Atticus jumped up onto Zahra's flank before he gently kicked the mare to go forward.

Even though he could easily go to the village himself, his parents thought it would be safer for him to bring a few guards with him. Of course his best friend is with him a well as three others, but that is it. He didn't even feel like talking to Xander. He just needed some peace and quiet before he met up with the princess. He is going to be going to a small house there and change into different clothing as he doesn't want to draw attention to himself when they meet up. Drawing attention to yourself means more room to draw unwanted attention to you. He rather not have that as he doesn't need to defend a stranger, let alone a princess, that he doesn't even know.

After a while, they arrived at the village. He pulled on the reins, causing Zahra to come to a stop in front of the house he is going to be staying at. He dismounted, Atticus following his move and jumping down to the ground as well. He wagged his tail as he looked up at him, excited to be somewhere that isn't the castle. He grabbed his luggage from the guard before opening and closing the door, still wanting some more peace and quiet to himself. He is sure that Xander is wanting to talk to him about what is happening, but they will have to have that chat later. He set the luggage on the small bed before digging around to find the clothes he is going to wear. Once he found them, he quickly changed so he could get this meeting done and over with.

Sebastian glanced at his appearance in the small broken mirror in the middle of the room. He wore a pair of black pants, a forest green long sleeve shirt with strings in the front to pull the slightly opened v-neck closed, and somewhat tattered shoes. He ran his hand through his hair a few times, making it messy to blend in with the village folks a bit more. He shrugged his shoulders, seeming to be satisfied with how he looks. He turned towards Atticus, gesturing towards himself slightly. "How do I look?" He asked as if the dog understands what he is saying. Atticus only wagged his tail, letting out a small whine before jumping off the bed and bounding towards him. He chuckled slightly, bending down and scratching him behind his ears. "Don't worry, I won't leave you here." He mumbled, pressing a kiss to the top of his head before standing up.

He took a deep breath as he stood before the wooden door to the house, wondering if he should just skip this meeting. Then again, his parents would be furious with him if he left the Princess waiting. It would be rude too. He swung the door open, letting Atticus exit the house first before he stepped outside as well. He slowly closed the door behind him, his gaze latching onto Xander as he walked over to him. He held up his hand, knowing he was going to ask him about the meeting with the Princess. "Not right now. Later perhaps, alright?" Xander sighed but nodded his head regardless as he walked behind him with the other guards. He then had a thought pop in his head. He turned around and stopped, causing Xander and the other three guards to stop in their tracks. He whistled for Atticus, having him bound back to him from wherever he went. "You should probably stay here as well. It would look more suspicious if you were to be following be around." He could tell Xander didn't like that idea one bit, but he gave a curt nod before they turned to head back to the house to wait for him.

"Come, boy." He said as he turned back around and head deeper into the village. He nodded his head towards people when they waved and said 'good afternoon' to others when they said that to him. He easily maneuvered his way through the crowd, making sure that he didn't bump into anyone in the process. Atticus stayed close on his heels, not wanting to run off even though he is finally in a new area that didn't consist of a castle and people who try to groom and care for him. He stopped at a cart that held flowers, wondering if he should get some for the Princess. It would probably be nice to do so even though he had no desire to do so. He pursed his lips, looking at the many options while wondering what she would even like. He gave up, just grabbing the usual red roses before paying the person and muttering a 'thank you' to them.

He held them in his right hand as he continued to walk, wondering where she could be. He should have asked his parents where she would be waiting before he left, but then again, he is angry at them for pulling what they did. He sighed, letting his gaze flicker to the Shepherd at his side with his tail raised, and his ears flickering at all the sounds. He has a feeling that the Princess might be looking for someone who flirts around with people or has their fun. He has never done that. Well, that isn't completely true. When he was little he did, but war and years of other things have changed him. He cares not for adults, but he has a soft spot for children. He doesn't know why, but he just does.

He soon came to what seemed to be the middle of the village that held a beautiful fountain. He went over to it, leaning over slightly and letting his fingers run gently over the surface. He smiled slightly, though it disappeared seconds later. He went to sit down, but something caught the corner of his eye. A woman sat near the fountain, a young Griffin on her shoulder. He tilted his head to the side, wondering if she is the Princess that he is currently looking for. He slowly approached her, the roses behind his back. "Hello, miss." He said gently. Once he was in front of her, he glanced around him to make sure no one is paying attention to them. When he saw nothing, his gaze flickered back to her."Are you the Princess of the Oceana Kingdom?" He asked with a tilt of his head.