Chapter Text
In retrospect, maybe he should have seen it coming. The odd looks from servants he swears weren’t there the day before, the chill in the air and the tingle down his spine. Looking back he probably should have felt the tension in the air. But of course, he did not. For he was far too caught up in his own mind to notice the forces at work around him.
Then again, a prince lives a life of luxury, where he needn’t worry about anything. The fact is, he did not notice and therefore was unprepared to be suddenly grabbed while walking in the gardens.
It really isn’t his fault! His mind was preoccupied! He had been having a spectacularly crummy day, and the events were swirling around in his brain, harassing him.
The day had started out all wrong. While at breakfast, the handle of the cup he was drinking out of had broken off and spilled his drink all down his front. Later, has he was sitting in on a meeting between his father and the council, he attempted to contribute an idea and was harshly rebuked and made to leave. Of course it would bother him! His sister had been an active part of the meeting, speaking out and voicing her thoughts, but as soon as he attempts to do the same he’s sent away! It really did bother him how little his father seemed to have faith in him.
It didn’t help that he’d tripped over his own two feet as he was leaving the room and made an even bigger fool of himself.
After the incident he’d fled to the garden to hide in shame. Embarrassed and confused, he paced among the flowers. He didn’t know what to do to make his father happy. He was never impressed by what Lance did, and never took notice of his accomplishments no matter how hard he tried to showcase them. In truth he was feeling very isolated. His sister was clearly the favourite, she never had to get lectured and ridiculed in front of others. He just wanted to make his father proud. These were the thoughts swirling through his mind as he walked, and heavy as they were they prevented him from observing his surroundings.
So preoccupied he was, he did not hear the quiet footsteps approach, nor the heavy breathing from behind him. No, he was only to be made aware of his imminent danger when the cloth was already covering his mouth and nose. Though briefly he struggled, already his legs were going weak and his mind starting to blur. Few moments had passed, and Prince Lance of Altea was completely out before his head even hit the ground.