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Stones in a Glass House
Prologue - Sovereign Duty
27.07.04

"What?! No!" Prince Shinichi shouted, slamming his open palm against the table, sending tremors across the entire surface. Before the dining ware ceased to shake, Shinichi was up on his feet, all thoughts of dinner forgotten, his eyes blazing in defiance.

"Listen to me, son." Yusaku met his son's eyes; his stubborn and determined expression mirrored Shinichi's. "As member of the royal family, we have duties to this country and to its people. You will marry for the well-being of this state." Yusaku said, twisting the state ring around his index finger to remind Shinichi of the duties of a sovereign ruler.

"But I don't know anything of the girl you expect me to marry. My happiness…" Shinichi protested.

"If your marriage buys the peace and joy of our country, your happiness is a small measure to pay." Yusaku cut in evenly. His voice carried no trace of compunction and his words conveyed no pity. Though Yusaku loved his son more than he valued his own life, he could not shun the role he had been born to play in this world. As king, he was protector of his people and a defender of the merciless concepts of truth and justice.

"No! I will not! I refuse!" Shinichi screeched frantically. With a wild, reckless swing of his arm, he sent his elaborate meal to the floor with a crash. Then, he turned and sprinted madly out of the dining hall, ignoring his chair, which he had overturned in his haste to get away.

Yusaku didn't even look up, the forkful of salad in his right hand continued traveling towards his mouth as if no interruptions had occurred.

"You will. It's your sovereign duty."