This story is based on the Philippine Literature "Florante at Laura". It will follow the same idea but may have a different narration from the actual story. I give credits to Francisco Balagtas Baltazar who made this story during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines. Enjoy~

Chapter 1

On the outskirts of the kingdom of Spain was a forest that slpread far throughout the land. The forest was dark and gloomy, as the high trees and its large leaves and branches covered the sky, not letting even a single ray of the sun shine through. What illuminated the forest was the fireflies that twinkled with a dim glow, but their lights not enough to let a traveler see where he's going.

Because of the environment, what dwelled inside were big and strong animals that can kill any human or animal on sight. The forest was not a place for travelers nor for any human being to trudge on.

In the middle of the dark forest was a man tied to a tree. Messy brown hair and green eyes, a handsome young Spaniard. He was lost in thought as two lions prowled around him, ready to attack and rip him to pieces.

"I wonder how my kingdom is? The kingdom that has fallen under the hands of my enemy. And how about mi amor? Who has left me and has forgotten about our love, and went to the man i despised and battled with" He asked, looking up to the heavens.

"Oh God, what have i done to displease you? I have been faithful and loving, yet, why was i given this bad luck?" He shook his head, sighing.

The lions roared and started to claw at him, maybe because he was complaining to much. He knew it, it was his end, he's going to die. He felt blood trickle down his leg, his hunger and thirst draining his energy.

But at the last minute as the fierce animals were about to eat him, a man with a spear walked upon him. When he saw him he immediately understood the situation then proceeded to kill the lions. One they were dead the man released him from the tree and was about to ask him why he was here when the Spaniard fainted.

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"Antonio this is for your own good" the Duke of Spain said. "We love you but you have to learn how to stand up for yourself my dear, what would happen if we both disappeared?" The Princess of Barcelona reasoned as she touched her son's shoulder.

"I can always learn to stand up and fend for myself here! Why do you have to send me to Greece?" Antonio asked, not liking the fact that he has to go away from his family. "I'm sorry my son, but you have to go, whether you like it or not!" his father raised his voice.

"I'm sorry father" Antonio answered after a few moments. "I will study at Athens as you wish" he sighed, giving up. If he pushed this any further he knew his father will have to make him agree by force. His parents smiled "Good boy, we will send you there the next day. I wish you will do good and learn mi hijo" the duke smiled then dismissed him.

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1st Person POV

I opened my eyes, the sudden blast of lights blinding me. I sat up and looked around find myself in a small hut outside the forest.

"Ah, you're awake" someone from my right spoke. I turned my head to see a blonde man with blue eyes holding a wet towel above a bowl of water. "What happened? where am I?" was the only thing I could ask him. My head throbbed as i tried to stand up. "You fainted when I saved you from those two lions, I don't recommend that you stand up. You should rest" he said, studying me carefully.

"As for where you are, you're in my house. You seem familiar, whats your name?" he asked. "I'm Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, Duke from the kingdom of Spain" I introduced myself. When I was studying in Athens, my teacher taught me to not let go of any information to unknown people, but I'll have to worry about that later.

The man quickly took his spear then pointed it at me. I looked at him in surprise. "Hey! Don't point that at me! That's dangerous." I stammered, trying to avoid getting killed again. "An Spaniard!? I don't trust Christians like you" He growled. "Calm down, don't kill me por favor? I already faced death in that forest and i don't want to try my luck against you" I reasoned.

The man lowered his spear. "Fine, since I also saved you, I'll spare your life again. I'm Ludwig Beilschimdt, a prince from Germany." he still kept an eye on me as he said that.

"Germany? That's far away from Spain if i remember. What are you doing here?" I asked as my stomach growled. "I'm looking for someone, which is none of your buisness" his grip tightened on the spear as he stood up. "You must be hungry, I'll get you something to eat" he offered.

My eyes lit up "Oh, thank you! Im really hungry. Do you have any tomatoes?" I asked. He took a moment before responding,"Yes I have, I'll prepare your food, stay there and don't touch anything" he said then walked away.

I looked outside the window. From a distance I saw the Spanish Flag flutter in the wind from one of the castle towers."ah i missed my home... I hope my kingdom is doing fine" I smiled sadly was I remembered the times i spend in that castle as a kid.

My enemy, Arthur Kirkland, was now the new governor of Spain, which was supposed to be under my rule. But he took it away from me, along with my beloved whom I have loved very much.

"Here's the food" I heard Ludwig's footsteps come near. I looked at him and saw him holding a plate of beef, bread and a few tomatoes. "Gracias mi amigo" i said as i took the plate then started eating.

"I forgot to ask, what were you doing in the middle of the forest tied to a tree?" He asked. I laughed "It's a long story, but I would be happy to tell you about it".

For the world is a town of resentment

And everyone measured by the test of strength

Grown by Gladness without any patience

As the heart of my love beats for someone else