"That's not how you play!"

Dream shouted at George. George rolled his eyes.

"Why do we always have to play it in one way?"

He said, and honestly I agreed.

Clay's face fouled in anger.

"There is only one way. MY WAY!"

He shouted down at George who stumbled back and fell. I rushed over and picked him up.

"That's enough Clay!"

I snarled at him. I couldn't care that he was taller. I couldn't care that he was older. I'd fight him if he thought I'd let him bully us.

"I won't listen to some Lord's son. I am the prince! The destined king!"

He brought his hand down but I stepped in front of it and it hit my forearm harshly. It stung, a lot.

His green eyes blinked. Freckles turning into shock.

He knelt down.

"I'm...sorry... I'm so sorry..."

He muttered, tears welling in his eyes.

I didn't move but George shifted around me and hugged him.

My throat burned with anger. Burned with fear. Burned with tears.

George forgave him so easily, and could I really blame him? He always acted out when his father returned. Was it really his fault?

I swear I'll be stronger than you. I can't change that you're taller, can't change you're older. But hell I'll be stronger.

I walked down the hill.

"You'd think at nine years old we wouldn't fight like babies."

I mumbled kicking a stone.

Queen Puffy had a beautiful poppy field. There I saw Y/N and Drista playing catch.

She had never seen Clay like that, neither of them had.

I'll make sure they never do.

"AAAAH! DRISTA! WAIT!"

Her voice touched my ears as she shrieked. Running away and laughing. Her E/C were glistening in the sun. Her hair in a long braid her dad had done for her.

I carefully stalked into the field, keeping my head low.

I crouched by younger Drista's side. I put my fingers to my lips and she nodded. For a six year old she sure was bright.

Y/N's head popped up. She looked left. Then right.

"Drista? Drista it's not funny..."

I jumped. She whipped around as I tackled her to the ground.

"AAAAAAAK!"

We went tumbling and flattened poppies.

I shook my hair, pollen flying.

Y/N was next to me, trying to slow her breathing. I smiled at her and she beamed back, cheeks still pink from the fright.

I'll marry you. One day.

I lifted her up.

Just you wait.

I brushed the pollen off her cheeks.

Clay could bully us.

Enemies from across those mysterious seas could overtake this land.

All I need is you by my side.

I rehearsed the lines in my head.