The only thing that was really audible right now was the clanging of wooden swords together as Elias was playing around with his youngest son. Elias enjoyed sparring with just about anyone and since his youngest son insisted on being taught swordplay, there was no way that Elias could refuse. Laughter was in his tone as his youngest son managed to get a hit on him. "Good, my boy." Elias said as he walked closer towards his youngest son and ruffled his hair. "You'll be ready in no time." Elias had mentioned towards his youngest son as the Queen of Essex was standing right at the door, a little displeased at her King right about now.

"Surely you haven't forgotten that we're welcoming the Princess of Wessex today?" The Queen questioned her King, who sighed and shook his head towards her. "I haven't forgotten. Go get ready, Elijah." His youngest nodded his head and ran off to go and get ready for the welcoming. His eyes met with his Queen, whom he waved off as he handed the wooden swords to his boy then went to his room, where he soaked before having his servants dress him for the welcoming.

Elias was now ready as he told his messenger to send word towards the other royals within the palace and demanded that they be ready for him whenever he was done. The messenger nodded and went to do whatever he was told as Elias looked towards his Queen with a wink.

About a few minutes later, he was ready and his Queen was by his side. "You look lovely, your grace." The Queen mentioned as Elias eyed her and kissed her lips. "So do you, my Queen." Elias stuck his arm out as his Queen grabbed then linked her arm with his. As they walked through one hall and down a few stairs, their arrival was announced along with a small fanfare being played as they walked by their royal and noble friends, who were bowed down before them.

"Where the hell is Sebastian?" Elias muttered towards his Queen, who sent someone out to find her darling son, the Crowned Prince. Elias' eyes wandered down the road and surely enough, Wessex's carriage was coming towards them.

She was quiet.

Her ladies-in-waiting were chatting and giggling among themselves but Alissa, Princess of Wessex was silent. She was suppose to ride within the carriage alongside her mother but since her father, King of Wessex, wasn't able to attend the welcoming ceremony, she took it upon herself to ride in the carriage with her friends, her ladies-in-waiting. Alissa knew that she'd have to hear it from her mother later about what she did but for now, she had too much to worry and think about as her eyes saw the Palace of Essex up ahead.

"We're almost there, my lady." One of her ladies-in-waiting said as Alissa looked towards her with a smile. "Indeed we are." There was no way of telling if Alissa was truly happy or sad right about now - Only she knew herself. Besides her feelings and emotions, she was unsure about this arrangement and unsure if she was ready to wed the Crowned Prince of Essex or if he felt the same way as her.

Alissa wondered how much the Prince had grown up since they've last saw each other, which has been awhile since they were children. As they neared towards the palace, she looked at all that had gathered and nerves started to fill up within her. "I feel sick." Alissa muttered as one of her ladies-in-waiting looked at her and comforted her. "It's all right. You're probably just nervous. Sebastian will still like you." Alissa looked at her then smiled as the carriage slowed down then suddenly came to a halt.

A fanfare sounded as they were helped from their carriage and Alissa looked at everyone that had come from surrounding palaces to witness her arrival. Her eyes then wandered over towards her mother, the Queen of Wessex, as she lowered her head towards her before one of ladies-in-waiting mentioned the absence of Sebastian. Alissa sighed as she walked over towards her mother, waving for her own ladies-in-waiting to join them as she proceeded to walk towards the King and Queen of Essex. Once she was close enough, Alissa along with her ladies-in-waiting bowed before them.

"Your majesty. My Queen." She spoke once she had risen up and eyed them. "I thank you both for welcoming me back to your palace after so long and the reunion between myself and the prince shall be one to remember." Alissa then waved for her mother to join her side. "You remember my mother, Queen Penelope." She introduced her mother and waited for the King and Queen, or even Sebastian whenever he decided to show up, to speak before continuing on.

Qeen Penelope // 40

---

The carriage ride would had been rather lonely if it were not for the lady in waiting Queen Penelope had brought with her on the trip. Her husband, the king of Wessex, had decided at last moment not to come on the trip. Her daughter Alissa had ridden with her friends rather than with her as planned. She worried slightly for her daughter as she stared out of the window taking the scenery. Recently she had noticed her daughter had changing the subject of her married when it was brought up.

Penelope sighed deep her own thoughts. She understood what her daughter was feeling that more than she probably realized. “Is something wrong My Lady?” The soft voice across the carriage brought her attention back from her thoughts at she frowned towards her lady in waiting. The Queen opened her mouth to answer, yet after a second thought shook her head. “I’m quite alright, it has just been awhile since I’ve been here without my husband.” She said her voice slinky smooth before her gaze returned to the window.

It seemed only moments before the carriage came to a stop, though perhaps that was because once again she had became lost in her thoughts as her lady in waiting had chattered on. As her eyes wandered, looking at the crowd that had came to see her daughter's arrival. She caught Alissa’s eyes and gave her a soft smile giving the same gesture. She couldn't help but notice Sebastian, or lack of his presence more like. Well, at least something hadn't changed about the boy.

Penelope watched her daughter greet the king and queen with a proud smile, barely noticing the prince sneaking in as Alissa talked. As Alissa introduced her, Penelope stepped forward still smiling proudly. She gave a small bow and curtsy. “It is most pleasant to see you again.” She said before standing straight again. “My husband sends his rejects he could not make the trip. He will be sure to make the wedding.

Prince Sebastian // 22

---

---

The castle though quiet had been to busy over the last few weeks. This small place just outside of the gardens had been the only spot he had to clear his mind, the quiet stillness in the air refreshing. All of his life he had spent waiting for the coming weeks, yet even still it felt as if it had come too soon. Prince Sebastian could remember as a child when this was something that seemed so easy. To be king, it seemed as if people would flock around he, doing as he said, he would have wealth and power. What child doesn't dream of such things? However, over the years he had come to see how important the throne was. Was he really ready for this? He had kept fooling himself that he had more time.

“My Prince, the carriages shall be arriving soon.” The uneasy voice ruined the quiet surroundings around him, before Sebastian opened his caramel eyes and looked at the servant before nodding. “Alright.” He spoke lightly his mind still unsure of itself as he walked quietly through the halls towards his room to clean himself up and look presentable. He wondered to himself about Princess Alissa, had she changed as much as he had? For he hadn't seen her since they were children, even then she had been fairly quiet and perhaps a little more put together than he. Sebastian had liked her though, he had even once pulled her away from their parents to the gardens because she had said she liked them.

Almost too soon it seemed a messenger came to announce that his father demanded that the others were ready for him. Sebastian quickly finished up his own bath and got dressed, before heading out of his room. Only to speed up as he heard the fanfare that announced his mother and father. What hopes he had of catching up before his lateness was noticed, to be ruined as he ran into the servant his mother had sent to gather him.

Sebastian’s only hope was to not be noticed as he worked his way through the crowd watching the arrival of the Princess and Queen of Wessex. Coming to a stop to stand beside his father as Princess Alissa was in the middle of thanking his parents for welcoming them back to the castle. He felt rather winded and flashed a smile to Alissa as she spoke, and her mother as well. His eyes careful to not glance towards his mother who surely giving him a look.

Once she was done he turned his attention back to Alissa. “It is always a pleasure to have you both within our walls. Princess Alissa.” He said giving small bow to her as he reached forward and placed a kiss to the back of her hand. He let go of her hand and offered a bow to Queen Penelope. “My Queen.” Seeing that the king wasn't there he returned his eyes Alissa with a charming smile as he waited for her to continue or father to invite them inside.

Elias eyed Alissa as she walked up towards himself and his beautiful Queen, bowing respectfully before them. A smile formed over his lips as he stood with his arms and hands behind his back, not taking his eyes off of Alissa as she then started to speak towards them. Elias took her words in and as he was about to respond, she introduced her mother, Queen Penelope and a slight gasp came from him as his eyes examined over her. He could not believe that she was still as stunning as he remembered and right now, he was absolutely speechless but his son, Sebastian spoke up.

His eyes continued to watch Sebastian as he then took Alissa's hand and placed a kiss upon it, people from the crowd starting to mutter at the display. Before anyone else could say a word more, Elias finally broke out of his trance and stepped forward. "Ah, yes. It is definitely a pleasure to have back within our Kingdom, Princess Alissa and Queen Penelope. No worries about your King's absence, I cannot wait until the wedding to see him again." His eyes averted towards his Queen with a smile as he then looked before him at Alissa and Penelope, along with their friends behind them.

"I imagine after such a long journey that you guys are probably hungry. I've had my best cooks prepare a small meal for us to enjoy and it shall be served momentarily." Elias said as he then snapped his fingers towards some servants and guards. "Please, help them with their bags and escort them to their rooms so they can at least rest before the meal." The servants and guards nodded their heads then proceeded to do what the King commanded. "My lady." Elias said as he turned heel and his Queen linked her arm with his. His eyes went furiously over towards Sebastian for a moment. "Throne room. Now."

As everyone walked back to their respective parts of the castle, Elias broke away from his Queen though grabbed her hand and raised it to her lips, delivering a kiss upon it. The Queen chuckled and smiled, turning away with her blush as Elias dismissed her. "Be nice, my King." She commented before taking her leave and stopped beside Sebastian, giving him a soft pat on his shoulder then proceeded on to leave.

"So, where in the hell were you?" Elias spoke while removing his crown from his head and sitting it in his throne. Before Sebastian had a chance to answer, he continued on. "Your bride-to-be is arriving and you're late! Poor manners, Sebastian. Very poor manners and I was disappointed in you for a moment." Elias said in a furious tone then walked up to Sebastian, his hands grasping Sebastian's face gently. "Is something wrong, my son? Tell me, what's troubling you?" He tried his best to sound concerned and as if he cared for his Queen was much better at such matters than himself.

Alissa raised a slight brow at King Elias reaction towards the introduction of her mother. She then eyed her mother as she stepped before her now and looked at Sebastian as he spoke. "It's a pleasure to be back, Sebastian. And it's even better now that I get to see you again." She stated with a smile following her words then looking towards the King as he started speaking once again. She was shocked by Sebastian kised upon her hand as she let out a gasp. Her feet took a few step back to stand beside her mother, Queen Penelope, again.

Her eyes went over towards her mother for a moment as she made a mental note within her mind to ask her about Elias response upon her introduction. Alissa's eyes then went forward as some of the servants and guards started to come towards them and do the King's bidding. Once King Elias turned his back upon them and started walking, she linked her arm with her mother and muttered softly towards her. "What was up with King Elias reaction upon your introduction?" Alissa couldn't wait any longer to know what was going on between those two.

As they continued their walk inside the castle, Alissa caught sight of the King and Queen, along with Sebastian going towards their throne room. She lowered her head with a sigh and turned to look towards her friends with a hint of laughter coming from her. "Will you guys help me freshen up for the meal?" She asked of them as she turned towards the guards. "Escort them to my chambers, please." She mentioned towards her ladies-in-waiting that she will be with them shortly.

Alissa eyes cut back towards her mother with a raised brow. "Well, mother?" She now said in a very questioned tone, one that demanded an immediate answer from her. In this moment, she did not care if she was a Queen or not but she was indeed her mother and she wasn't asking for the sake of her being a Princess but for the sake of her being her daughter.

Queen Penelope // 40

---

Penelope hadn't missed the slight gasp that had come from King Elias when her daughter introduced her. Her eyes going to Elias has her smile widened ever so slightly before she bowed and greeted them. Her explanation that her King was unable to come as well seemed to be taken well. Or perhaps he just didn't have anything to say about it his eyes went over her in such a way that made her heart skip a beat faster than normal? The years truly had been kind to Elias. Had the crowd’s eyes not been on her and Alissa there might have been more to look him over.

She saw Sebastian place a kiss upon Alissa’s hand and frowned slightly and placed a protective hand on the back of her daughter's arm as she took a step back towards her. Only to see the look of the same boy who clearly knew he was in trouble on his face. Then the King finally spoke and her smile returned, though at as brightly as it had been before, as he said he was looking forward to seeing her King. Yes, she was too, as he had bowed out right before they left and she had been forced to ride by herself.

She gave a slight nod at the mention of a meal and glanced towards her daughter. When Alissa said nothing she spoke. “Thank you, your grace.” Once he turned at walk away she used the moment to look him over with a thoughtful look, before Alissa looped her arm through hers. Penelope looked to her daughter with a smile, and patted her arm softly. “It is nothing daughter, I take it as a compliment.” She answered trying to brush the question off as if it was nothing. Though part of her quietly hoped it was not the truth. As they entered the castle she saw Elias and his queen heading into the throne room. Sebastian trailing behind them walking a bit slowly.

She glanced at her daughter as she sighed, giving her arm another gentle pat. She had been rather proud of her daughter taking control. Soon Alissa was sending her ladies-in-waiting off, she saw her own stop and look at her before she nodded, her lady following them as well. The look Alissa gave her as she asked the question, she had gotten it from her father for sure. Penelope sighed a little as she lowered her voice. ”Truthfully I do know Alissa, it has been years since we have seen each other. Perhaps he was simply happy to see me. Or surprised I was without your father it is not often I have a carriage to myself. We grew up together after all. It isn't something to worry yourself about.” She said, she didn't want to get into this talk with her daughter as and they continued she quickly changed the subject.

”I was very proud of how well you handled yourself in front of everyone. Despite Sebastian’s lateness.” Penelope said smiling at her daughter as she patted her arm as they following the servants still carrying their belongings in. She had been expecting to have to be the one introducing Alissa instead of the other way around. ”Even if your husband-to-be was late upon your arrival.” She said with a slight sigh as she shook her head.

---

Prince Sebastian // 22

---

Sebastian frowned a moment at Alissa’s reaction to the kiss on the hand. A look of shock and hurt. He took a step back as his father stepped forward,masking his feelings with a small fake smile. He wasn't sure if the mutters had been because of his actions or the princesses reaction. However, by the quick look Queen Penelope had given him, he guessed it was his actions. The thought it was inappropriate had not dawned up him.

He had been far too busy trying to fix the fact he was late. Yet seemed to only dig himself into a bigger hole. He reminded quiet letting himself look over Alissa quickly. She had changed over the years, but not in a bad way. She truly was beautiful. His smile turned genuine before his eyes snapped back to his father as he snapped his fingers. Sebastian started to open his mouth to say something before he looked as his father, the angry tone making him frown as he followed into the castle. Though once inside the castle he slowed his walk still following his father. He wasn't looking forward to this in the last bit.

Once they were inside the throne room, Sebastian felt his mother pat his shoulder and gave a small smile still faked smile before she left and his eyes turned to his father. He wasn't even given a chance to answer the first question, gesturing to the door and opening his mouth before his father continued. The next words felt like a knife to heart and his pride, and he actually hung his head a bit. “I’m sorry father. I didn't mean to disappoint you.”

Sebastian felt his father's hands on his face. He looked at his father he asked what was wrong. There was so much that he wanted to say. Can we not put the wedding off for another year? Let me get to know my wife again? I’m not really to be king yet. It's too much responsibly. I don't want to disappoint you. He wanted to tell his father the truth, but he had already disappointed him once today. Those things would only disappoint him again. He was always saying he was proud he was taking over.

Instead of saying what was really wrong he shook his head trying to pull the same fake smile. It didn't stay on his face however, he sighed. “My nerves are just starting to get to me father. I have not seen Alissa in years. She has changed very much. I’m unsure how to act towards her as my bride-to-be. And I truly did try to get there in time to greet her. When I was late I panicked.”

---

Maybe Elias overreacted slightly towards Sebastian but whenever he gets in a mood, his emotions went out of the window and everyone within the kingdom knew that. Whenever Sebastian apologized, Elias dropped his hands from around Sebastian's face and placed them behind his back and let out a slight scoff. If only Elias knew what was going on inside the head of his son and heir to the throne, he would know what to say to that apology but instead, he kept quiet about it.

His back was now turned towards Sebastian whenever he talked towards him again and Elias let his words transfer through his mind before turning heel and facing Sebastian again, this time from afar by the thrones. "It does not matter how you act towards her." Elias said bluntly as he walked a little bit closer towards Sebastian now. "All you have to do is marry her and be the next King, Sebastian and she will be your Queen." Elias mentioned as he placed his hands back behind his back, standing firmly upright and his piercing stare locked on him now.

"Wait a moment. I know what you're thinking, Sebastian." He chuckled after speaking those words and snapped his fingers in the air. "You don't want to marry Alissa but someone else. Is that it?" Elias asked of his son as he shook his head and walked to stand beside him now, muttering and not even letting Sebastian answer him. "Too bad, Sebastian because Alissa's Kingdom is an alliance and we cannot afford a war right about now. Get your head out of your ass because this marriage is happening." He said as he reached out and grabbed Sebastian's arm tightly.

"Mess this up for our Kingdom and I'll have your head on one of those spikes. Just ask your uncle." Elias muttered towards Sebastian through clenched teeth while taking his hands from around his arm now. "See you at the dinner. Go get ready." He practically commanded of him as he walked off and went to go ready for the dinner feast himself.

It was rather typical of her mother, Queen Penelope, to change the subject and take the limelight off of herself and place it back on Alissa. She let out a soft sigh as she shook her head at her mother's display then nodded her head with a soft smile forming over her lips. "Why thank you, mother." She commented towards her mother now as her ears twitched at her mother's lasting words. "Let's not speak of that again. I am sure he had a reasonable explanation for his lateness." Alissa said as she knew something was going on between her mother and the King. There was something there and Alissa took it upon herself to definitely find out what that was exactly.

"Mother, I think we need to go get ready for the dinner." Alissa muttered as she then called out for some guards to escort her mother towards her respective room. She walked up the flight of stairs and went to her own chambers, finding her ladies-in-waiting there as they eyed her with worried looks. "Alissa? What's wrong?" Catherine asked her as she went over towards Alissa and grabbed her hand while dragging her over towards the bed so that she can sit down. "I'm sure it's nothing but something's going on with my mother and King Elias and I must find out what that is." Alissa said towards them as they gasped and went over towards Alissa, who eyed them all.

"How can you be so certain about this, Alissa?" Emmaline asked. "Well, during her introduction, King Elias looked at my mother longingly and a bit uneasily. You guys didn't see that?" Alissa commented and questioned towards her ladies as they shook their heads towards her. She let out a soft sigh then looked over towards her window as she parted her lips to speak again. "Maybe I am reading a bit too much into this but I can just feel that something is going on." She muttered as her ladies looked at each other then back at Alissa. "Let us help you get ready for the dinner, huh?" Catherine said as Alissa nodded her head and stood up, walking over towards the vanity mirror and sitting down before it as her ladies started to gossip and giggle among themselves as they helped her get ready.