REIGN

MIA

"Mother I'm back," I said as I dropped the vegetables I harvested from the farm into a burlap sack.

The sun out in the field was not very friendly. Each of its rays had its way all around me. Although, this was the best weather for plantation else we starve during winter. I felt relieved as the burden of the harvested vegetables left my back and I leaned on the wall.

"Mia, you're overworking yourself. Don't struggle for me anymore, just get married and live your life happily" My mother said again.

We've always discussed this, but my mother is stubborn when it comes to issues like this. She always pressed that I should get married but the truth of the matter is, I am not ready for marriage. All I cared about was just seeing a smile on my mother's face. Knowing that she eats and rests well. This was my promise to my father before He passed on. Truly, it's been a struggle for us since He left. Father was our fortress and He was everything we needed to live comfortably. We lived at the very end of the village a little distance from the palace. We've lived here for years and not many people know we exist. At least it is better than been thrown and pushed out into the streets having nowhere to stay. I usually took the harvested vegetables to the village square where the main market was. Taffy, my loyal horse always had the job done. She was my father's gift to me when I turned eighteen. We would go to the market together, have the vegetables sold and then come back home to make rich soup for mother. This was my life and I had nothing to worry about.

"Mother, you know it's impossible for me to leave you. If I do who would take care of you?" I paused and a flinch of fear in her eyes. I smiled "Besides, the right man would come at the right time. I'm still very young you know. I'm just twenty-three" I smiled

"Well I'm not getting any younger and I want to see those tiny feet all around me," she said and I laughed

"Oh Mother, don't worry you will....soon. But for now, you are my priority and I must take care of you" I stated and kissed her forehead.

I left her and headed to the back to prepare food for the evening.

ALEX

"You went out again!!" My father shouted and I flinched

"Yes, Father," I said gently not to irritate him more than I already have.

This was unavoidable this time. They had already seen me. Those bloody maids and their dull behaviours.

"Alexander, how many times do I have to tell you not to leave the palace grounds," He asked tiredly.

Stop trying so hard father, it's not working.

There's just something about outside the palace that calls my attention. 'The Freedom' there's none like it. No rules, no formation, just live the way you are. That's what I love. Sometimes I wonder why I was born a prince. Whoever made me, made the wrong choice.

"I'm sorry Father" I apologized.

Can we end this discussion now?

"You know what, all this childish nonsense ends now" He stated quickly. "I'm getting you a wife. Maybe when you have more responsibilities all this hoodwinking around will stop" He added

WHAT!!

"No Father, I can't get married now," I said already feeling drowned

I can't get married. I still have a lot on my list to achieve. I plan to reach the end of the village towards the ocean. I've never been there before. It's a little far but it's worth the risk. Getting married just ruins all of my dreams.

"I'm getting you a wife, whether you like it or not," He said as a matter-of-factly

And now the discussion has ended. Great.

"Your majesty, let's be a little easy on Prince Alex. He may act all frivolous now, don't you think marriage would be a bit too far" Cornelius smiled and winked at me.

Cornelius and Clint were the only two people that understood me. Cornelius is Father's knight and more like His best friend. They were always together. He trained me in martial arts, archery and horse riding. He's a great man. I'm very sure if he had a daughter, Father would have given her to me. Thankfully, He doesn't.

"No Cornelius, Alex needs to learn the palace etiquette. Else, he'll rule recklessly" My Father said sternly.

It seems His words are final. Heartbreaking.

"You're dismissed" He added.

I bowed and left the Palace hall. As I walked back to my quarters, I notice Clint who hadn't spoken at all smiling.

"What," I asked quickly.

Father's words really got me thinking and asking so many questions. How soon is this wife coming? Who is this maiden that has caused my ruin?

"You're getting married" He laughed and I glared at him.

Clint is my personal guard but preferably my brother. We grew up together, he took care of me and was always there for me. He owns my trust. A very loyal and faithful friend that's who he is.

Entering into my quarters, I felt boredom swallow me. Please get me out of here. The same things were repeated every day. Just like my father's quarters, no one can come into mine. It's very restricted.

As I fell on my bed, the idea of leaving the palace came into my head again. No, I just got scolded. But then, there are many adventures that await me outside. I sat up quickly and turned to Clint who had been smiling at me the whole time.

"Let's go out," I said quickly.

His smile changed to scorn quickly.

"Your Highness, are you not aware of where we just returned from?" He asked

"What does it matter? I'll be getting married still. I have a few days to have fun." I said

"But Your Father......" He argued

"We'll be more careful this time" I assured

He paused to think about it. Clint also loved going out with me but mostly reluctant because of Father.

"Fine" he finally agreed and I smiled