At first glance one wouldn’t be able to tell that the kingdom of Helilin had been in the middle of a war for years. It clearly was on the winning side of the conflict. The buildings, though having been destroyed time and time again showed no signs of damage. The fields thriving as were the magics that kept the kingdom well defended and gave their soldiers their strength. Of course it did help that not only did King Sebastian have his own magical artifact, but the artifact of Eorzia kept tightly under lock and key as well. However, as they say, first glances are often the most deceiving. The king was considered more of a tyrant, often running his kingdom and family as if it was losing the war they were clearly winning. His citizens were already beginning to rebel before the enemy kingdom sent the offer of marriage for peace, to refuse the offer would be a death sentence. Though perhaps the death sentence of his father would be better than unknowing being thrown into a possible marriage agreement with the enemy. Perhaps it was wrong for Liam to think such things, maybe even more wrong for him to say such things to his father's face. He was sporting a rather nice size gash under his eye for it. Though finding out that his new wife was coming to meet him only a day before her arrival was very frustrating. His mind went back to the night before as his light blue eyes watched the carriage as it entered the city gates from the small balcony off his room. --- [i]Liam had been in the courtyard most of the day, he often sent his days here. If not in training then simply to be outside.Though at the moment he was in combat training. Though Liam was gifted with magic, he insisted on knowing his way around a sword. There was never telling when an attack was going to come. His father thought it was useless and never joined him, yet another plus. So it was a surprise when his father interrupted the training, taking up a sword and shooing the trainer. “This is a surprise.” Liam said, smiling a touch as he raised his sword and got into his stance. “I don’t find many opportunities to speak with you without your mother stepping in.” His father answered. Liam raised a brow at this, but soon they were fencing. He would be lying if he were to say that even now he was having trouble keeping up with his father. “What is so important for her to not be here?” “I found a way to stop the rebellion and the wars.” He let Liam get a hit on him and they stopped for a moment before getting back into stance. “You’re going to marry the princess of Eorzia.” Liam dropped stance immediately. “I’m WHAT?! I am not marrying some weak little princess for your idea of peace and attempt to save yourself, you coward!” He yelled at his father. It was outrageous. Before he even had a choice to realize it, his father swiped the sword cutting under Liam's eye with the hilt of the sword. Though it wouldn’t leave a scar it hurt like hell and left a nice little gash. “I am no coward, and you will take no such tone with me. You’ll understand when you are older. She will be here tomorrow and you will be there.” With that, he left Liam.[/i] --- The sound of the carriage coming to a stop drew his attention back to the present, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the guards that were with her carriage open the door. The blonde princess stepped out and smoothed her dress. He hated to admit that she looked quite beautiful from where he was standing. Watching her for a moment as she seemed to be debating on running or not. Part of him hoped that she would, sure she would probably be brought back before she got far, but there was still some hope. As she started towards the doors he sighed making his way down to the entry. His room wasn’t very far and by the time he had got there she had only been there for a few moments. He could tell from the fact his mother was still in her curtsy. His mother no doubt was the light in their castle. Liam couldn’t help but look his new wife over as his mother prattled on with a mixture of disinterest and curiosity. “My aren’t you just a beauty. I had heard rumors that Regis had a pretty daughter. It must have been such a long journey. After we are all done, I’ll have Liam show you where you can rest for a while dear.” “You’re late.” His father said annoyingly as Liam came to stand beside him. Liam frowned a little and mumbled that it was only for a moment. Which got him an angrier look before Sebastian looked back at the princess. “Arabell, Arabell!” The queen frowned and stopped talking looking at him. “I have things to do princess, so you will excuse me. Welcome to our home.” He said matter factly before pushing Liam forward a bit and leaving the three of them. Liam’s mother grabbed his arm pulling him forward more happily to the princess. “Of course, Liam is very happy to meet you my dear. Isn’t that right? If you’ll excuse me though, I simply must talk to my husband.” The queen said before leaving the two of them alone and angrily going after her husband. Liam frowned slightly for a moment before giving a small bow to her. “Welcome princess. I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name when I found out about this yesterday.”