Two Odd Princes ~ A Solangelo AU ~

Chapter 1

Today was like any other summer day in Hades Kingdom. Calm breezes, sunny skies, the constant chirping of birds. It was one of the best times for Princess Bianca to sneak out of the castle to visit her younger brother.

She slipped out of her room in a her favorite jacket, and old green hat, and basket in hand, making her way down to the kitchens. With her jacket, she looked just like a servant, so no one would question her when she packed her basket full of food.

The kitchen was even busier than normal and the princess knew why. That's why she had to sneak out to visit her brother as soon as possible.

Bianca filled her basket with apples, cheese, a few pieces of expensive meats, and fancy pastries before rushing out of the royal palace and through the woods.

The woods were Bianca's favorite place to be. She felt as one with nature and often found herself hiding away from her royal duties whenever she could. An old friend of hers, Thalia Grace was her name, showed her how to track, hunt, and even how to shoot a bow. All things her father believed a princess would never need, but it had become her hobby.

After an hours walk, Bianca had reached the small town where her brother lived. It was alive as ever. The market was full of people doing their best to get the cheapest price on items, and merchants trying to sell their good.

The young princess smiled, wishing she could have her brothers' simple life instead of the high expectations she had to live up to.

Bianca made her way to the other side of town where her brother was to be found. He lived in a small rental apartment and worked at an inn down the street.

She knocked on the sixteen year olds door. She heard her brother unlock the door and open a bit, saying, "Come in, B."

She did as she was told, closing the door behind her and setting the basket on the counter.

"How you doing Nico."

He sighed, disliking this question. "Same as usual. You?"

"Good," she responded, taking out an apple and slicing it up for them to share. "I thought about bringing Hazel with me, but father has a message for you."

Hazel was their half sister. She was only six, and Bianca often bring her along when she went to visit Nico, but her father had made sure to put more security around the castle, making it harder to sneak the younger princess out of her room.

"What does dad want?" Nico asked.

"Well, funny story actually," B started with a nervous laugh. "I'm engaged."

Nico's eyes widened. His sister? Engaged?

"To whom?"

"It's an arranged marriage father set up with King Apollo of the Sun Kingdom. In two weeks, Prince William Solace will be visiting the castle. To make everything look normal, father wants you back at the castle."

"Why?" Nico said, anger hinting in his voice. "So he can kick me out again for my sexuality?"

Bianca sighed, wishing her brother would just be happy for once. "Will you come back? For me? You could see Hazel; see the library that you would never leave; see your old room again. Maybe even--"

She would've continued on, but Nico cut her off. "See the parent who was willing to basically ban his own son from his home because he likes guys?"

Bianca let out a breath, wanting the yell at her brother to just cooperate for once, but, of course, he didn't. She understood where Nico was coming from. She would be just as mad if their dad had kicked her out for liking girls.