A Dance of Princes (The Heir, Book 1)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 

The men led me into a white limousine with flags flapping against the wind on the antennas. I guessed it was their country's flag. The ride to my apartment was mostly quiet as two of the guards had sat next to me. I had nothing else to do but fidget my fingers while staring at the man's coat and medals. He must've been the commander of their army or a general, and the thought made me even more anxious than I was in the classroom.

I wondered back to my classmates. What would they be saying about me now? That Allyria was in for a rude awakening because of having a homosexual prince? Were they saying things that were along the lines of assuming I wouldn't be fit to rule the country because of my reputation in the school: the jocks' punching bag? If anything, I bet the rumors or talks wouldn't be positive and I could picture Mason annoyed and irritated enough to tell everyone off and to leave me the hell alone.

When we reached my apartment, my mother was there sitting in the kitchen. She was about to pull me into a hug when I lifted up a hand. I didn't want a hug, I wanted answers. For my whole life, my mother pretended that my dad was dead, that he died in battle when I was only an infant. And now, here these men standing outside of my apartment door who claimed that I'm the next in line to rule such a magnanimous country.

My mom had an mixed expression of worry and confusion before she nodded when she understood my stern look, taking a seat on the round dining table in the kitchen. I sat across from her while Commander took a seat in between.

"Ms. Stronghold, I understand how anxious and worried you feel right now," he said in a soft and calm voice, compared to the professional and bold tone he had while he was reading the letter to me in class. "But I'm afraid that there is no other alternative for this situation.

My mother was quiet as she leaned on the table with her elbows and covered her face in her hands. She must've been thinking about a lot of things right now. I kind of felt a pang of guilt rush over me because over the past few months, things have been a bit harder now that the apartment rents were raised which caused her to pick up night shifts at the local hospital. I wanted to feel bad, but I also felt betrayed and lied to. I needed answers.

"Your son has the King's blood, and it's by law that he has the right to the throne."

She nodded a few times, but I couldn't tell if she was agreeing or that she was just shaking. She sniffed quietly and I realized she was silently sobbing. She removed her hands and composed herself. "I can't believe this is happening."

"We understand you're distraught about this. But I'm more curious as to why you had hid it away from him for so long."

"I was protecting him from a life he doesn't want. I was trying to be a good mother."

"By hiding away his true identity."

"His true identity is Vincent Stronghold. He isn't a prince, he's my son."

"I'm sorry, madam, but he is the King's son as well. His only one, apparently, which makes this circumstance very imperative. If King Lawrence had more sons or daughters, then we wouldn't be here today unless Vincent was the first in line to the throne, which he is."

I sat there in silence as they continued to argue back and forth, and by the looks of it, Commander was on the winning side. He kept bringing up points about how it was my destiny to rule Allyria and govern the great nation. My mother just kept saying how I'm not ready for this kind of commitment especially since it was a huge responsibility. I cracked at the frustration.

"Will you both quit it?" I demanded in a frustrated tone.

"Apologies, your Highness."

"Please don't call me that." Commander nodded before I turned my attention to mom. "Mom, you lied to me. Why on earth did you wait until it was too late to tell me about dad?"