"You're late."

Shane and I scoffed in unison, completely ignoring Angus as we walked past him towards the pile of luggage containing every single one of my belongings. After dumping what was in my arms; a butt load of parting gifts from almost three quarters of the village, I turned to the scowling knight.

"Where's his highness?"

Angus glowered "I suggest you talk about him with more respect, peasant. You may be his fiance--"

"Unwillingly."

"--But you'll never be his equal." He crossed his arms "Just remember your place."

I rolled my eyes. I already knew I was never to be respected as queen, I would just be a condition for uniting Roseya and Belliak. Nothing but a key to my kingdom.

"Whatever..."

"Well I suggest you speak to a lady with more courtesy." Shane suddenly retorted, suddenly at my side as he scowled back at the older male "A knight's code is to be chivalrous towards women, isn't it?"

Angus's eyebrows raised slightly at the mention of the code, and his lips pursed together tightly before he could blurt out some kind of rude comeback. He didn't like me, that much was obvious, but he couldn't deny his duty because of that inconvenience. So with tight grimace, he bowed towards me.

"My apologies, m'lady..."

And without another word he stomped off towards the carriage, sulking like a child after what he had been forced to do. He must have been regretting his career path, and that made me snicker.

"Thanks, Shane." I turned to my best friend "You being here makes me feel a bit of closure. Especially when you fend off nonsense spitting snakes."

Shane chuckled slightly and placed a gloved hand on my shoulder "Anything to keep that smile on your face. I know this is hard for you."

I bit my lip as I allowed my eyes to cast down to the floor. It had been hard, packing and preparing for my 'transition' to Roseya with only the company of Shane and those stone-faced guards to help me. Alexei had shown up once, to see how preparation was going, but I didn't even spare him a glance. He lied to me, and he's forcing me into a loveless marriage for his own gain. At least, I think it's for his own gain... Anyway, you may have guessed already, but today was the day I'd be traveling to Roseya. It was weird, and scary at the same time to know I'd spend the rest on my life in a kingdom miles away from the people I love. But it was scarier to know I'd be married to the prince of that kingdom, and have my life ripped from me as soon as I say 'I do'.

It was terrifying to know I didn't have a choice.

Suddenly Shane's eyes shifted to something behind me, and he stepped away from me with a frown before bowing grudgingly.

"Prince Alexei..."

Oh no.

I whipped my head around to see the thirteen year old standing behind me with his hands behind his back, with Lizza standing beside him staring at the floor guiltily. This was the first time I had seen her since she appeared at my door, and I could tell she was kicking herself for not telling me the truth sooner. The thing is, I didn't really blame her for this, but at the same time I kind of did... she had the chance to tell me 'Al's secret on numerous occasions, but how was she to know his intentions of marrying me against my will? I was conflicted on what to think of her actions- or lack of, so I just turned my head away from her. Alexei cleared his throat, gaining the attention of me, Shane and Lizza.

"Is everything ready for Cynthia's departure?" He asked.

He's using my full name now. It's probably formalities... but I can't help but feel small when he addresses me that way...

"Yes. We have her belongings ready over there." Shane responded with as much respect possible behind grit teeth "We're just waiting for your word, highness."

The dark haired boy nodded before his crimson eyes focussed on me, making me shiver "Have you visited everyone you needed to?"

I nodded, silently.

"And your parents, are they not seeing you off?"

"They couldn't handle seeing me sail away with you... so we said our goodbyes at the bakery." I muttered, holding my upper arms "I don't blame them."

Alexei, though obviously wanting to comment, only nodded and turned towards the carriage "Angus, have the guards move her luggage."

"Yes, sire."

With a half arsed flick of Angus's wrist, armoured men began grabbing my belongings and carefully placing them in a wagon parked behind the transport obviously meant for the prince and I. Three horses were also stationed around the coach, presumingly for Angus, Lizza and Shane. Watching everything I own being loaded made me become more conscious about this being my last few moments in Belliak, which caused me to lean against Shane for support. He allowed it wordlessly, but Alexei didn't let it slide.

"Is there a problem?"

Shane huffed "She's overwhelmed, your highness. She isn't used to engagement."

I mumbled a small warning, hoping Shane would tone down his spiteful behaviour while continuing to lean against his side. Alexei sent me a small empty glance, however I swore I saw something else for a split second.

"We can wait a little bit longer until your nerves settle, if you wish." He declared, though his expression said otherwise. He wanted to get moving as soon as possible, I could tell. I sighed and pushed myself from my best friend, making my way towards the carriage.

"That's okay. Let's just get this over with..."

I hated it. I hated how he was trying to be considerate even though what he was doing was far from that. Make a choice, your highness: be considerate and let me go, or keep me caged in your royal duties like the merciless king you're to become.

I heard him sigh, followed by the footsteps of his boots as he followed behind me. I felt stiff when my eyes landed on the carriage that would take me to the docks, where the ship for Roseya awaited; the ship to my unfortunate unplanned fate. However I felt Shane place his hand on the small of my back, for both support and reassurance that he'd be there every step of the way. I was grateful for that, knowing I wasn't completely alone and also for the fact it was him coming with me. He was my best friend, he knew me better than anyone...

Shane helped me into the carriage after giving me one last reassuring hug, before taking his place next to Lizza who had just given her prince a respectful bow. We made eye contact for a moment, for the first time since she appeared, and I could clearly see the guilt in her squirrelly brown eyes. It was like she was sending a thousand apologies right to my brain, without ushering a word...

"Are you ready?"

I flinched, my head snapping towards the cushioned bench across me where Alexei suddenly sat. I hadn't noticed the rocking of the coach when he got in, which surprised me more...

I nodded, making sure not to look him in the eye.

"Ready..."

---

The salty Pacific air brushed against my face and arms as I stared into the distance. There was nothing but ocean for miles, and I didn't expect that to change anytime soon. Roseya was around 5 hours asway from Beliak on the water- if the winds guided the sails right. I grumbled, stomach feeling uneasy as buried my head into my arms, which were folded on the wooden railing in front of me.

"How's seasickness treating you?"

My head shot up immediately "L-Lizza! I-I didn't--"

"Hear me coming? I know." The redhead piped, moving to standing next to me "I've been trained to 'move with the wind', as they say."

"Who says that?"

"People I don't know."

I raised an eyebrow, and she coughed.

"Anyway you didn't really answer my question before, so I'll ask again. How are you feeling?"

"I think I should be asking you that." I scoffed "You had a rain cloud over you this morning, did princey give you a hard time?"

Lizza groaned "When doesn't that kid give me a hard time?"

"Touche. But that's not what I meant."

"I know, but I don't think I should be the main focus here, Cindy."

I paused, taking my lip between my teeth and staring off into the horizon once more. I knew what she meant.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Tough stuff, we're talking about it."

"Lizza!" I whined "Seriously, I'm fine. I've... always wanted to take a trip out of Belliak and explore somewhere new."

Lizza let out an unbelieving hum, swiping her curls away from her face "First of all, Roseya ain't the the place to do that, lass. Second, you clearly aren't fine. You have the eyes of someone screaming for help." She placed a hand on my shoulder "You can tell me, you know. Besides Shane, I'm the only one that can fend off the kid. And since I've known him since he was born, I know how he thinks!" He explained, almost cockily "Trust me, if you want anyone to talk sense into him, I'm your best bet."

I bit my lip. He told me not to tell anyone, or he'd do something horrible. But, Lizza was fine, right? She was the royal aide, she could know royal secrets... My silence seemed to worry the redhead, as she turned me to her.

"Cindy. What did he say to you?"

---

SLAM

"ALEXEI, GÒRACH PÌOS DE CAC!"

Alexei sighed out in irritation, refusing to turn away from the book case to address his fuming aide. If she was insulting him in Gaelic, she was definitely mad.

"What is it?" He asked, exasperated "Can't you see I'm busy?"

"That can wait, your highness." She gritted, her heavy steps apparent as she approached "How dare you do that to Cindy! How dare you threaten to close down her bakery!"

This time he flinched, but made no visible reaction otherwise "I thought I told her to keep that between us."

"Oh believe me, she was going to, I'm the one who asked her what you told her." She crossed her arms "I'm not one to ignore a friend's troubles, especially when they're being threatened!"

"I was bluffing, there's no way King Elias would ever let me do that."

"She doesn't know that! You have no right to manipulate her like that!"

"Do you think I had a choice?!" The boy snapped back, finally turning towards the woman "My father expects me to return with an acceptable queen, and every girl I saw at that pointless ball were status climbers that would drive my kingdom to ruin. Except Cindy. She's a perfect queen, or at least she will be."

"She's also a person with rights. And she had the right to refuse!"

"Not when timing is tight." Alexei's eyes narrowed as he leaned his palms against his desk "Need I remind you who you're supposed to be loyal to, Lizza? You're my aide and servant, so to you my word is law. Unless... your duty isn't important to you?"

Lizza paused all movement.

"That's what I thought... Now listen to me; you will not interfere with this marriage, or with my bride. If you must speak with her, do not mention the marriage unless it's to further convince her into it. Or I will replace you with someone more willing to obey my orders. Understand?"

"But--"

"Tuigsinn?!"

Lizza's jaw dropped. Never had Alexei spoken to her with such hostility, not once. Even when she was assigned to him, he'd never lash out. And in her own language nonetheless...

What was she to do? He was so stressed under his father's expectations, he'd forgotten about others' emotions; Cindy's especially. At this rate... would the boy lose sight of the good of the kingdom, and become just like it's current king?

She hoped that would never be the case...

"Yes, m'lord..." She muttered with a bow, before leaving without another word.

When the door shut Alexei's eyes widened and he slapped a hand over his mouth, his limbs now shaking as he thought about what he said... Replace Lizza?! He could never! She was his only friend, even if he could never vocally admit it. He even snatched a young woman from her life, all because he was in a rush. He was becoming inconsiderate... He was losing his damn sanity over this marriage. His head lowered, and his jaw tightened as he muttered in a low growl.

"Is this what you wanted, father...?"

---

Oh my...

My eyes almost burst out of their sockets when Roseya came into view. It wasn't anything like I expected...

A winter wonderland, all year round...

Snow coated the roofs of the townsfolk houses, as well as towering piles of it on the side of the roads. Everyone was wrapped up warm; or, as warm as they could afford, and sometimes you could see an occasional group of kids running past throwing snowballs.

The winter air suddenly blew violently, causing me to shrink back and hold my shivering arms. My teeth began chattering as I was not used to this sudden climate, and I wished I had worn something far warmer than a simple dress.

It seemed my prayers were answered, as warmth enveloped my top half in the form of a white fluffy coat.

"A gift from Lizza, you should probably thank her later."

The voice made me instantly relax as I placed my arms through the sleeves "I will, thanks Shane."

"Anytime," He responded, moving next to me to gaze at the incoming kingdom "So that's it, huh?"

"Yeah..."

"Well at least we know where the prince gets his cold nature from."

I snorted loudly, but stopped instantly when I saw who was approaching. Shane seemed to notice my silence, and let out a nervous sigh.

"He's behind me, isn't he?"

"Uh huh."

We both gulped and turned to face the prince, who was staring at us with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow. He too was dressed up warm for the weather, wearing a thick dark blue tunic, a cloak and some sort of fur hat.

"Well," he huffed "I come to welcome you to Roseya, only to find you talking smack about me. That's not a very respective greeting, is it?"

We said nothing, and instead stared at him with deadpans because he should know we were unwilling to show him any sort of respect. In fact, I was starting to believe I'd prefer getting executed rather than married. However, if that happened, who knows what Alexei would do to mother and father. And I don't even want to think about what he'd do to Shane...

So grudgingly, I gave the boy a small half-arsed curtsy "My apologies, m'lord... we did not mean to be so inconsiderate..."

Yeah, we did.

The prince stared at me for a moment, then at Shane who only nodded in false agreement, before dropping his arms with a sigh and moving towards the railings next to me "No matter, I suppose...There are more important things to address, after all."

"Like what?" Shane asked, not really sounding all that interested.

"Like meeting my father."

My best friend and I both froze.

We were going to meet Alexei's father...

We were going to meet the King.

I turned to the dark haired boy stiffly, expecting him to be as stone faced as he usually was. But, to my surprise that wasn't what I saw. Alexei was staring down at his hands, which were clamped together on the railing so tightly they were beginning to turn white. His lips were pursed so tightly together, you almost couldn't see them. His eyebrows were tightly knitted together, and despite the temperature, he was even beginning to sweat...

What I saw wasn't the calm Prince I met in Beliak's throne room.

In that moment I saw a vulnerable boy. A child, who had to grow up too soon...

It made me wonder... was he just as trapped in this marriage as I was...?

I opened my mouth to speak, but alas another voice spoke before I could get a word out.

"Your Highness," The voice of Lizza made the three of us turn around, to find her with her hands behind her back formally "We will be docking soon, so I recommend you complete any unfinished business while you can still do so."

As if someone had snapped their fingers, Alexei was back to his stoic self as he nodded to the guard "Thank you, Elizabeth. You are dismissed."

Elizabeth? Since when did he call her Elizabeth?

I swore I saw hurt in Lizza's eyes for a moment, but she turned away before I could confirm it. And, when I turned back to Alexei I thought I saw the same, but he too turned his back.

"You heard my aide." He told us, but it sounded almost strained "Make final preparations for our arrival, understand?"

"Y-Yes, your Highness." Shane and I answered with harmonious surprise. And with that the boy left, leaving my best friend and I alone.

"You know, I'm starting to believe princey doesn't actually want this. Get married, I mean." Shane muttered, eyes narrowed as he leaned his back against the railing.

"Yeah..." I nodded "Me too... But then, why is he doing it?"

"I don't know, Cindy... I don't know..."