Being a prince is such a drag.

It's unbelievably boring, between needing to stay educated on current political happenings and having to put up an elegant front for his people, as he represents this country more than anyone, it was all just... exhausting.

Not to mention the constant guilt. No matter what Javier did, who he sided with, he could never seem to make everyone happy. Perhaps that's part of being royalty, of being an authority figure. But that doesn't mean it needs to be a part he enjoys. Either he fails his duty to govern the people, or he fails or duty to his royal family name.

Truth be told, he wasn't even born of royal blood. He'd been told many times before by the king and queen, they found him as a baby, an orphan with no father, and took him in out of the kindness of their own hearts. Maybe they thought of it as kindness, but they always seemed to say it in a way that whispered 'You owe us.'

Really, he'd rather have been a knight. To die defending this land, these people, their kindness and terribleness, their love and hatred. To fight for them and their rights till his very last breath. He's known so since he was just a child. Watching the guards practice their swords, it was mesmerizing. Sometimes they'd notice him watching and even do little tricks for him. It was inspiring.

Thus, of course, he did what he felt he must. He began to practice using a sword. Helping lead these armies, training along side them. It filled him with pride.

Oh, but people could never find out. No. God forbid it. If other royalty discovered he was neglecting his royal duties to 'play knight'... he would ruin this nation's reputation. He wouldn't allow it.

But he couldn't resist the temptation of a blade for too long.

Tonight was the night of his 21st birthday. His claim to the crown, as the only son of the king. It was such a momentous occasion, of course, that it prompted a royal ball. Having so many other rich pompous people in one space made Javier nauseous, but he deigned to refuse the king's will. Instead, he slipped away the second he got the chance to, escaped to the garden, and started to practice with his sword until he couldn't feel his fingers in the frigid air.

It took his mind off how he would have to sell his soul to this career instead of the one he dreamed of every night. At least, until he heard a quiet rustle that pulls him out of his thoughts immediately. He looks over to the source of the sound--still calm, just a bit statled. Perhaps expecting a hare or maybe even a fox--only to see you.

A random royal who strayed from the party as well.

Javier gasps. He has never been prepared to be caught. Really, he was so foolish to risk so much on tonight of all nights. In his panic, he points his sword to you.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Ah, yes, Javier, what a calm and collected response. This surely won't backfire...