We Were Born To Lose

“Father-“
“Enough. If you back out, there will be a war on our hands.”
“Father King Vancett is a reasonable man!” I cried. Honestly I didn’t know why he wanted me to marry her so much. We had a good relationship with them and we didn’t need a marriage uniting us. Besides I’ve talked to King Vancett and I’d dare say we’re friends.
“Fine. Alexander if you can go to the king and tell him that you don’t want to marry his daughter without starting a war, you don’t have to marry her. But if fighting ensues, Alexander so help me I’ll make your life so much harder.” He growled, not showing an ounce of fatherly love.
“Who are you?” I asked. The father I remember taught me how to use knives and swords, he taught me how to climb trees, how to ride, how to do…Well, everything.
“Your King.” he snarled.
“I gathered that, I mean where is my father? Because the father I knew was one that always considered my opinions and thought about why I might think a certain way. And if he disagreed, he would gently explain his reason for thinking that way and even after that, if I still didn’t agree, he would respect that.” I said breathlessly.
“You’re a Prince. Your duty is to your kingdom.” He said.
“Father don’t for one second, think that I wouldn’t give everything for this kingdom,”

Except for one person.

“But how can I give everything I have if I have nothing? The kingdom comes first, but I must also look after myself so that I’m not in ruins when the kingdom needs me.” I said.
“Go. Run away. And tell the king you don’t want his daughter. See how that works out for you.” He snapped. I bowed curtly and left. I knew I had to go the the King now if I didn’t want to lose my nerve.

A little bit too soon for my liking, I was in front of King Vancett’s door. I bit my lip and knocked, nerved clawing at my stomach.
“Come.” Said a voice from inside. I took a deep breath and opened the door. This had to be done delicately, one wrong word meant war. He was sat at his desk signing papers. He looked up to greet me with a smile.
“Sire.” I said, bowing.
“Alexander what a nice surprise.” He said, putting his quill down.
“I’ve come to ask you something.” I said.
“Well come sit my boy, don’t be shy.” He said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. I breathed and sat.
“Well Sire, I’ve been betrothed to your beautiful daughter Amelia and well,” I took another deep breath, “As lovely as she is, I feel like our two kingdoms are allies, dare I say, friends.” I chanced a glance at his face and he nodded but his face was solemn which made me lose a bit of confidence but I kept going. “What I’m saying is that we don’t need a marriage uniting us because of our goodwill to one another. If I were to marry, I would want to do it to prevent war and death. Forgive me sire, but I can not marry her daughter.” I finished, looking him in the eye. He held an unreadable expression.
“Alexander it was very brave for you to come here and tell that to me personally. Let me ask you one thing, do you love her?”

No.

I was tempted to lie, but lord knows where that’d get me.
“No Sire.” I sighed.
“If you were to meet someone you did love, but she was not a princess to another kingdom, therefore you couldn’t benefit the kingdom by marrying her, would you still do it?” He asked. His questions made me uneasy. I was terrified I’d answer wrong but I had no idea how he wanted me to answer so I just went with the truth.
“Yes because if a king is happy with the people he surrounds himself with, his judgment will be more fair and just.” I answered, praying he’d like my words.
“Prince Alexander, I will not force you to marry her.” He said. I bit back a sigh of relief. “Though I wish you would, you are going to make an outstanding King and I am honored to be friends with you.” He smiled.
“Thank you your Majesty.” I grinned.
“Please, call me James.” He laughed.
After that we got into the subject of books and I told him about a few books he should get from the library. After an hour, I knew I’d have to go and face my father. I bade the King a farewell and headed back.
“Father?” I announced myself, bowing when he faced me.
“Done reaping havoc on the kingdom have you? How many troops is he sending?” He asked.
“None. I told him I didn’t wish to marry his daughter and told him why, then he confirmed that we were friends, told me I’d make a great king, and then we talked about books.” I smiled. My father’s face was blank. I bowed again before leaving and returning to my room to be with Jack. I opened my door to see him sleeping on my bed. I felt my body relax when I saw him. I kicked off my boots and moved over to him, laying next to him and pulling him closer. He hummed contently and lay his face on my chest. He fell asleep quickly but I allowed myself to stay awake for a little bit longer, just stroking his hair and drawing little shapes on his skin.

Notes

Title Cred: Arms by Christina Perri


wow I reallyreallyreallyreally don't like this chapter.