The 3rd Prince

"Father, what is the meaning behind this arranged marriage that I have heard? The maids have been gossiping about it. I thought I already told you that my dream is to pursue a path of knowledge such as that of a philosopher!"

A young boy around the age of 11 ran into a study, slamming the door in the process. His angry expression shows the defiance against the decision that his father has made without his knowledge.

"Wil, I made this decision with you and the family's benefit at the front of my mind. You are already 11 and should be thinking of marrying another to carry down our lineage."

A man sat on the other side of the study, his eyes gleamed with life, however, there were a few gray strands in his hair. His voice seems to contain deep remorse at his son's opposition to his decision.

"I have already made an arrangement for the 2nd Princess of the Kingdom of Strohia, Princess Aria, to come with her family members in a few days. I can't cancel the event all of a sudden. What if they think that we're insulting them?"

"I don't care! I won't be marrying anyone!"

The young boy dashed out of the study in a fit of rage and ran straight into the Royal Library. The collection of books that towered before him brought him back from the darkest parts of his mind, and he smiled.

The library was the boy's favorite pastime area as the experience of reading was exhilarating for him. As he happily flipped the pages, he is able to learn new ideas that other people have had.

The young boy's name is Wilhelm Constantine, Third Prince of Constania. As the prince of a kingdom, Wilhelm was expected by his family to establish a political relationship with another kingdom. Both kingdoms will flourish and prosper if Prince Wilhelm and Princess Aria were married. Through this marriage, new trade routes, treaties, and even a military alliance will be made between the two kingdoms. Both kingdoms needed this alliance as it was common knowledge there is no such thing as too many.

In the year 1095, there were no kingdoms that would say that they were safe without alliances and a strong military. War breaks out every so often and would engulf the land into chaos. Even Constania, who are famed for their hospitality, must be prepared at any moment in case a rival kingdom declares war on them.

The Kingdom of Turin was an ally to the Bolivian Kingdom and was located in between Constania and Stroh. This alliance between the Constania and Stroh Kingdom will allow the Stroh's to attack the Turin Kingdom if they were to ever make an advancement into Constania.

Wilhelm was just about to start reading when he heard someone come into the library.

"Mother!"

Wilhelm puts down the book and runs to the woman that just came in. She was the mother of Wilhelm, Queen Anne of Constania. She gave Wilhelm a heartfelt embrace and smiled. Even though Wilhelm is defiant toward his father, he still obedient when facing his mother.

"Hello my dear, sweet boy. Are you reading?"

Wilhelm nodded.

"I'm on the last few chapters of this book."

Wilhelm showed his mother the book and she gestured him to sit down with her. The two had a mother-son bonding moment as they read the book together. After they finished the book, Wilhelm was eager to start a new one and got up.

"Honey, You can read later. I have to talk to you for a moment."

Wilhelm's mother signaled for Wilhelm to sit back down.

"Yes, Mother?"

Wilhelm looked at his mother with confusion written on his face.

"Honey, it's about the arranged marriage. Don't be mad at your father. He only arranged one for you because he wants you to live happily. Why don't you give it a chance? Maybe you'll come to like Princess Aria later after you two get married."

Wilhelm's mother gave Wilhelm a serious, yet tender look. As much as Wilhelm hated the idea of being forced to marry someone, he couldn't go against his mother's will.

"Okay, I'll give the marriage a chance."

"Thank you, sweetie."

Wilhelm hugged his mother and his mother kissed him on the head. She then got up from the chair and left the library.

Days would pass as Wilhelm engulfs himself in the books of the library during his leisure times. Wilhelm's mentality is much stronger and mature than an average 11-year-old. However, just being more mature does not allow one to escape the grasp of puberty.

Wilhelm tried to not have any thoughts about the arranged marriage although occasional thoughts would pop into his mind.

*What's the princess's personality?*

*Is she pretty?*

*Will I like her someday?*

Although he was against the arranged marriage, Wilhelm is still a little concerned about his partner. Usually one would hear rumors concerning nobles and royals amongst the public, however, Wilhelm hasn't heard any gossip regard the 2nd Princess of Strohia. His worries intensified as the date of the meeting was getting closer and closer.

Finally, the fateful day had arrived and everyone within the castle prepared the banquet for the visiting royal family. Many nobles and allied kingdoms are going to be present at this party, so it was given the highest priority. Wilhelm and his family are situated near the front door of the banquet hall, waiting to greet the Stroh Family, just as a servant announces their arrival.

"The Stroh Royal Family has arrived!"