N:   "I would like to," half smiled Johann. He didn't have the appetite to eat anyway so he thought that he might as well spend the day doing something he enjoys.

He stood up from his seat and followed the Mandorians to the royal stables, and when they reached there, he followed Rowen to Star Dust. When he saw the mare, he stroked her muzzle softly and asked her, "are you doing alright?"

——————

England watched as some of the English soldiers were being prepared to leave and raised a brow. Anglo saw this and explained how they were going to leave that day.

"Finally, I was wondering when we were going to leave," he muttered as a guard unlocked his cell; however, his face fell when he saw the cuffs that they were holding.

"Looks like you are not going just yet," Anglo commented when England was cuffed. The younger country rolled his eyes at the comment and watched as he was led out of the cell.

M:   The knights led the English prisoners and Anglo out into the throne room where Mandoria was waiting. The knights bowed to their king, he nodded back and they stood when he drew closer.

"Verace ankar gentlemen," (good morning) he said to the prisoners in a professional and authoritative voice, "I hope you all had plenty of rest last night despite the little incident that occurred," he cast a quick glance at England but said nothing more about that.

"Today you all will be joining Sir Anglo and Sir Saxon back to the British Isles. When you return there is a message that I wish you to give British Empire. Tell him that he is no longer allowed to send military groups of any kind into my kingdom and any visits from him must be scheduled ahead of time and authorized by me."

He faced England and shot a hard look at him, "and that goes for all of his family members, if I find a single Brit in my borders unannounced EVER again, especially ones with ill intentions to me or anyone in my kingdom, there will be serious consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

——————

Star Dust nickered and nuzzled Johann like she was asking if he was ok, Rowen smiled and let them have a moment while he went to check on the horses and cart that would be taking the English home.

The brothers went to the back of the stable where their horses were. The two horses weren't adults yet so they weren't as big as Star Dust was, but they were still impressive animals.

Mandara's horse was a white Knabstrupper with a blood bay undercoat and spots like a dalmatian. Derogan's was a pure black Thoroughbred with light color hooves and a white stripe that ran down its forehead and nose that vaguely resembled a lightning bolt.

The princes led their horses over to Johann to wait for Rowen, they both smiled at the bond between the boy and Star Dust.

"'I guess you really like her," Derogan stated the obvious.

N:   Johann laughed a little when Star Dust nuzzled him and tried to say that he was fine.

"I do," he replied without turning around, "she's really kind and nice to be with." He then loosely hugged her around her neck. "And how can you get over the fact she literally looks like a galaxy."

——————

When they heard this, both England and Anglo were a bit miffed from what Mandoria announced. England felt responsible that his actions may have strained relations between the kingdom and his son so he was about to speak out when his father stopped him.

Anglo, although he could tell what his son was going to do, understood Mandoria's strict regulations about the British in his kingdom. Seeing how much trouble had occurred when they arrived, not to mention what Saxon did in Saxony, he stepped forward. Lowering his wings in respect, Anglo replied, "We understand your terms and I speak on behalf of the rest of my family that we will abide by them." He glanced at England to make sure he wouldn't make any sudden moves.

Saxon, after hearing that England and Anglo were with Mandoria, headed to the throne room only to be denied entry. He didn't persist as he was able to hear what they were saying from outside.

M:   "I truly hope so," Mandoria sighed to Anglo, it wasn't in a threatening voice, it was true hopefulness that they would follow the new rules. He backed up from England and ordered his knight's in Mandorian to remove the prisoners' handcuffs.

"Seen as there have been several rogue nations in my kingdom looking for Sir Saxon, I am having my knights patrol the area for any sign of danger before I send you all home. I predict them to be finished around noon so you're all welcome to wander if you wish, though you will be accompanied by one guard and are not permitted to leave the castle." He looked to Anglo, "you however will be put in charge of watching England and Saxon since you have proven to be the only responsible Brit in this kingdom."

He paused when he saw Saxon at the doorway to the throne room being blocked out, the king did not acknowledge his presence but did say, "I think that will be all for now, all I ask is that no one causes any trouble, and I mean NO ONE." he loudly said that last part so Saxon was aware he was referring to him, and with that, he excused himself from the meeting to get back to his duties.

——————

"That is a fair point," Mandara said, earning a hard nudge on his back from his horse, clearly offended.

Derogan laughed at his brother but quickly turned his focus back to Johann, "we probably can't compete with a galaxy, but I'm sure our horses are still nice, mine is Thunderbolt and Mandara's is Cinnamon, we've raised them since they were foals as part of Father's tests of responsibility."

Mandara nodded, "they are very friendly too, though they can be a bit stubborn at times, aren't you girl."

Cinnamon responded by licking Mandara's face like a dog, earning a grumble from her owner and more laughter from his brother.

N:   Johann laughed along with Derogan, amused by the interactions between Mandara and his horse. "I can see they are quite impressive horses, owing to the efforts of both of you, so I'll say that you are doing well with the responsibility."

He patted Star Dust's head and said, "we should probably start getting ready. Admiring horses is great and all, but riding is better." He turned to Rowen and asked, "are we going to have a leisurely ride or do you have something else planned?"

——————

"That is reasonable," Anglo commented; however, when he saw that Mandoria's gaze was beyond him, he turned around to see Saxon at the doorway. England also turned around and his face soured when he saw his father.

Saxon, at the doorway, heard Mandoria and rolled his eyes when he knew who the king was referring to. However, he caught Anglo's gaze as he saw the winged country give him a look of disappointment.

When Mandoria had left, Anglo herded England to the door where Saxon was, wondering what to do with the both of them. "Since the both of you are my responsibility," he sighed, "I am going to set some rules. One, no one is to mention Saxony until we reach home. Two, do not cause any trouble."

He stopped when he noticed there was clear tension between Saxon and England, so he concluded, "and three, both of you have to get along."

Both of them looked at Anglo, annoyed that they were going to be watched the whole time, so Saxon asked, "and what are you going to do?"

"I," replied Anglo, "am doing to make sure you two do not start a war between the Kingdom of Mandoria and the British Empire."

M: Rowen turned to the kids when he heard Johann's question, "not particularly, I just knew that you three needed cheering up so a leisurely ride was the best answer."

As he thought about it though, he knew that the princes used to be very close with Saxon before they learned about Saxony, but now they had become distrustful of him, and rightfully so. It didn't sit well with the captain that the English should leave and the futures of Mandoria be distrustful to them, which is sure to result in long-term tension between the two families that could negatively affect the alliance of the nations.

As discreetly as possible, Rowen whispered to a stablehand in Mandorian to go fetch the English countryhumans, and even though the worker tilted his head in confusion, he obliged and went to find them.

"Alright then," the adult said to the children, "I just have a few more things to make sure of for the English's departure, how about you two show Johann how to saddle a horse, it would be good to know such a skill if he is ever to ride a horse on his own."

N: "I will definitely learn to ride on my own, and maybe beat you in a race, Sir Rowen," smiled Johann before following the princes to learn how to saddle."

Meanwhile, Anglo had to deal with Saxon and England's bickering as he led them to his room.

"-with you and your insurgents messing the balance of Europe, all you are doing is inciting chaos."

"Well, it is not my fault that I became the head of insurgents, but that is what you do when you are one. You did not have to delve into my business."

"Are you trying to make me one of your insurgent goons, you should get the father of the year award. Best at being an arsehole."

"Hold up, you lil-"

"Can the both of you," shouted Anglo, his good wing puffed up slightly from agitation, "be quiet for ONE BLOODY MINUTE!"

They both fell silent but continued to stare daggers at each other. When they almost reached the door, a stablehand came up to them and asked them to follow them to the stables. Confused, Anglo followed them, dragging the father and son with him as they approached the stable.

M:   When Rowen saw them approach, he made sure Derogan and Mandara were busy showing Johann how to saddle Star Dust before heading over to the countryhumans, thanking the stablehand on the way.

"Verace ankar," he said, bowing slightly in respect, "I don't believe I have ever properly introduced myself, I am Sir Rowen, captain of King Mandoria's army. I had the stablehand fetch you because I am in need of your help."

He glanced over at the children before continuing, "I have noticed that the princes are holding a new distrust for Sir Saxon after learning about Saxony. Knowing that they will be taking over the kingdom someday, I am worried that this distrust will prove troublesome to the alliance with the British Empire. So I was hoping that perhaps you all would like to join us on a leisurely horseback ride around the area to hopefully dispel the tension, I don't want you leaving and the children have an underlying grudge towards you that is left to fester."

N:   "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Rowen," Anglo replied, also bowing in respect, "and I understand your logic. I also do wish a good future between our nations but-," he pointed to Saxon behind him, "the tension between Saxon and Johann would be hard to resolve and we don't know if them two being near each other would help. However, we can try."

When he had said that he remembered, "King Mandoria had told us that we cannot leave the castle, so are we even allowed to do that?"

M:  Rowen placed a hand to his chin as he pondered that, "well ... usually no ... and I will most likely get in trouble for this but I believe as long as we don't ride too far and no one tries to escape-" he shot a glance at England, "then I think we should be fine, we'll just have to make it back before noon."

He then called over to the kids, "hey you guys, guess who's going to join us."

Mandara and Derogan looked over to Rowen and the English, Mandara happily waved to them but Derogan scowled at Saxon.

"Why is he coming," he grumbled, ruffling his wings in disgruntled anger.

"For the simple fact that you need to get along with him," Rowen said, "you may not trust him anymore but he is still a part of the British family, our allies, and when you become king it will be your duty to-"

He didn't get to finish that because Derogan hurled a horseshoe at his head, thankfully the captain dodged it but Derogan was pissed.

"STOP FUCKING TALKING ABOUT THAT!!!!," he roared, spoking the horses slightly, "I DON'T WANT TO BE KING, YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"

With that, he jumped on his horse and took off at a full gallop away from the stables.

"Derogan wait!" Mandara shouted after him, he ran and jumped to fly after his brother, but fell face-first into the dirt when the bandages on his wing kept it closed.

N: Johann followed out with the princes, but froze when he saw Saxon. His mind went blank and stood there as he observed the three English countryhumans, but only focused on Saxon. He was shaken out of his faze by Derogan and was surprised when he saw him throw a horseshoe at Sir Rowen.

"DEROGAN," Johann yelled as he watched him gallop away, but he knew it was futile as he was already too far away.

When Mandara fell, Anglo rushed to his side and checked on his fellow winged country. "You know you can't fly yet," he helped the prince sit up, "let yourself heal."

England stood next to Saxon, and not knowing about Derogan's views about being king, was confused. However, he took the state of confusion and disorder among them as an opportunity to sneak into the stable and get a horse. Knowing that he would be told off by Anglo, he approached a saddled steed slowly until he was able to mount it, turn towards where Derogan was, and galloped after him.

M:   "Hey, stop," was all Rowen could say before England was already racing after Derogan, making him very panicky, Mandoria would not be pleased that his "prisoner" rode off.

He quickly shook off his shock for the matter at hand, he raced towards Star Dust and jumped on her back, then pointed to Saxon and Anglo, "you two get on a horse and follow me, we have to retrieve those two, Johann and Mandara, you two go back in the castle and find Mandoria."

"Natin," Mandara said to Rowen, "we can help too."

"Out of the question, go inside and stay there,"

With that, Rowen and Star Dust ran off to catch the two runaways, hoping to god that they don't get themselves in trouble with the rouge soldiers still in the kingdom.

N:   Anglo and Saxon did as they were told, saddled and mounted two horses, and galloped after Rowen. Anglo in particular was angry that England disobeyed the rule of not causing trouble, and knew he would be responsible for his actions.

When they had gone, Johann walked up to Mandara, "I would like to help too, but your hurt and your father probably knows what to do."

Further away, England began to slow down as he saw Derogan's figure become closer and closer until he stopped and rode up next to him. Right in front of him stood a waterfall that fell into a lake at the bottom of a pit. He wasn't sure whether he should speak, but he did nonetheless.

"I don't know what your deal is with not being king," the older country began, "and I know that you dislike my father Saxon, but you did not need to ride away. And before you throw something at me, just listen. What Sir Rowen said is true, about the relationship between the two nations. The moment your father allied with my son, whether he knew it or not, he brought on the baggage of being connected to the British family, namely Saxon."

He leaned back on the horse, admiring the waterfall and continued, "As a member of the Mandorian family, you would still, king or not, have responsibilities related to being allied with us. Take my family for example. Even when British Empire is the person responsible for, well, the British Empire, the rest of my family knows that our actions with other nations would have an effect, even when we don't rule the empire, so we all take on the responsibility of being allied to others, some better than others."

England fell silent and continued to watch as the waterfall gleamed in the sunlight.

M:   Derogan didn't speak, he didn't even acknowledge that England was there, he just sat on his horse and stared into the Eye of Ora, thinking.

"That's why I don't want to be king," he said eventually, his voice wasn't angry or sad, it was calm and rather mature sounding, "I'm not ready to take on that responsibility. Father has so much on his plate from being king here and from being the King Wing, he's not able to spend much time with Mandara and I and will often work himself sick from staying up for days at a time, sometimes weeks. The extent of my responsibility is taking care of Thunderstrike, outside of that I am an immature prankster who doesn't give a damn if his actions hurt others, does that sound like a king to you?"

The prince didn't give England time to answer as he sighed, "whatever, you should just go back and leave me alone, surely your precious alliance is more important than me."

Derogan clicked his tongue and his horse backed up from the edge of the sinkhole and he galloped away, unaware that he was running towards a band of rogues that wished him ill fate.

———

BANG!

Thunderstrike whinnied in pain and fell over, Derogan falling off. He got up quickly to run but four strangers on horseback ran up and threw ropes over him, tightening around his wings, arm, and throat. The prince panicked and tried to pull the ropes off with his free hand, but one of the strangers lassoed it too, leaving him completely helpless.

"Well what do we have here," a voice said, Derogan turned to the voice as a man rode out of the shadows holding a musket. It was the Prussian leader that Anglo told to back off the other day.

"You aren't the one we were after, but I believe you will give King Prussia more pleasure to have, little prince."

Derogan's eyes widened in horror, he was prompted to struggle harder but the soldiers that held him captive backed up so the ropes tightened, but he only stopped when it became difficult to breathe.

The leader smiled maliciously at the teen's failed attempt to escape, he spoke German to his men and they started dragging Derogan away, leaving his dying horse behind.