The Emperor of Seven Kingdom's stood with his family. The balcony provide a viewpoint, but the crowd surged forward, hiding those directly beneath them from their eyes.

The crown Prince stood slightly behind and to the right side of his father. His face stoic. Expression of any sort would crack his resolve and let his fears show. Not acceptable behavior from the heir to the Empire his father's wars built.

If he had his way, he would dissolve the conglomeration of resentful Kings and give them their autonomy back. Let them settle their differences however they desired. He wanted no part of the petty infighting between them.

To live without guards watching over every step he took was his private prayer, but the Gods weren't listening.

The protector behind him hit his right kidney with painful precision. Stumbling forward, he regained his balance before he tumbled over the railing.

He knew the routine. Raise his right hand, wave to the crowd, bow to his father, then step toward his mother, and kiss her cheeks before turning to face the crowd again.

How did he get out of his fated duty?

And there she was. Daughter and Princess, the only child of King Magnus Dei. Selena winked, and he knew her plan would work.

She wanted none of it either. Political posturing wasn't her idea of the way to spend her life. Abdicate. His little brother resented him for being oldest. Let him take the duty. He was ready to run, and the guards, well Malfesto had their loyalty already.

Tomorrow. Their last chance. His birthday would lock him into a horrible future. Tonight, they would run.