The Boy's Companions Chapter 2

    The King and Queen of Earthhaven eagerly awaited the arrival of Prince Alton. His goodwill visit, and subsequent marriage to their daughter, Princess Abigail, would serve as a symbol as the successful merging of Altonis and Earthhaven.
    While most were excited to meet their future king, the princess herself was unhappy with her circumstances. She barely knew the man she would soon marry, but she had already decided that she hated him. Perhaps it was immature, but her resentment was justified from her viewpoint.
    She had begged her parents not to force her to do this, but to no avail. Despite their multiple explanations, she found the entire situation completely moronic and unnecessary, as she didn't understand why a simple signed document could symbolize the two kingdom's union just as well. Abigail was frustrated over her state of affairs, and she associated these negative feelings with her soon to be husband.
    But in the end, there was really nothing she could really do, so she unenthusiastically obeyed her parents. The King and Queen could make her go along with their plans, but nothing could force her to be happy about it.
    The morning of his visit, she was instructed to wear her nicest dress. A pale pink gown was picked out, and carefully put on her by servants. As they braided her hair, she had a few moments to think.
    She wondered if it would really be worth it to wear a fake smile when she met the prince. She knew she couldn't maintain a nice demeanor the rest of her life, so perhaps it would be better to show her true feelings now. She realized that acting out in front of someone from Altonis would come off as pretentious, but she was stubborn and didn't care.
    Just after she had made her dcision, she was compeltely dressed and groomed, and was led to the throne room to meet her eventual husband. She was seated alongside her parents as servants scurried around to make last second preparations. They all stilled after a few moments, however, as trumpets went off, signaling the arrival of prince Alton.
    He was led in by castle staff, who directed him into the throne room with the Earthaven royal family. He introduced himself, gave a courteous bow, and Abigail at last could take a look at the man whom she was engaged to.
    His overall appearance was plain, and completely different from her expectations. He was tall and lean, likely due to the impoverished nature of his homeland, and his hair was a very light blonde. His face looked completely average to her, not especially handsome, nor unpleasant. His clothes at least were neat and formal, but they looked like a beggar's rags in comparison to the elegant garments worn by Earthaven royalty.
    As Abigail eyed the prince up and down for the very first time, she found herself completely unimpressed.