Once Upon A Time

Chapter 41

"Oh that." He chuckled. "Yes that was a mistake."

"So even if your reason for masquerading is a foolish one it's nothing to be too ashamed of."

"Very well. I disguise myself as a guard so that I may leave the palace once in awhile and explore the lands and kingdoms. Observe my people. Learn about them and their problems, their needs. I am to one day be king and because of that position I felt that it would be best if I were to find out what I could do to better the lives of my subjects."

"Well that doesn't sound so very foolish. Except for the disguise. Why not just go as you are?"

"Two reasons. Number one no peasant will actually tell the prince if he or she has any problems with how things are being run in the kingdom and number two my parents only allow me to leave the castle occasionally. They believe that I should learn my duties from books and scriptures and I should but I should also learn them from experience. Reading isn't the only way good knowledge can be gained. I want to know more than just my kingdom's history and how to run it. I want to know how I can make my people happy and safe."

"You sound like you really care about your subjects."

"I do. I must. A king is not just a powerful ruler, he's also a trusted friend and a devoted guardian. His sole purpose is the well being of the people he reigns over. Everyone makes the mistake of assuming that the subjects must serve the king but in actuality it is the king who must serve his subjects."

"Astonishing really."

"What is?"

"That you are a monarch who sees his position as one that must be completely selfless. If I am not mistaken most people in your position would be eager to ascend the throne as a means to gain power."

"Being royalty has it's perks but it's is mostly a burden. I am defined by my title alone. My people hardly ever see me as who I am instead what I am. I must always do what is required of me and make sacrifices. My parents were the same. Once they became king and queen they had to pretty much stop caring about their own needs and wants."

"Does that bother you?"

"Of course not."

"It's alright if it does."

"It shouldn't bother me. I have been told since age five that as soon as I am king what I want no longer matters. This has always been expected."

"But just because it's expected doesn't mean you can't be upset about it sometimes."

"A prince cannot listen to his emotions. He must listen to reason."

"Agreed. But while you are a prince you are also a human being and emotions are a natural part of being human."

"Yes but my humanity has now become privilege. My fate is no longer my own to control. When the moment is right I shall succeed my father and become a servant to my people."

"And marry the Princess Mirajane of course." Erza added.

"Oh...right...Her."

Erza looked away from him to hide the discomfort in her eyes.

"You are very lucky." She said. "She is very beautiful."

"Indeed. She is the heir to a glorious and wealthy kingdom. A union between us would be perfect in political terms. However in terms of love I'm not entirely sure."

"What do you mean?" She asked facing him. "Are the two of you not in love?"

"Not yet as my father puts it. To be honest we were engaged before we even met."