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Even though his hands were handcuffed behind him, he still made sure to stay between her and her father, which was very intimidating to him. Her father was still displeased, "Strider, you will return to the castle because their are still discussions to be made. You are to be married, you are of age and need a spouse to prepare yourself to become queen. And if you havent picked a suitor then the prince we have spoken of will be such suitor." He explained which Cody felt like he should probable getout of the family fight but he said he would protect her, which under the stress, his protection could be used by her to get out of marrying the prince, only by choosing Cody as her suitor.

Cody saw her stomp her foot down and when she spoke he felt a slight bit of pride in her standing up to her father, showing good signs of being a princess. When he looked up at the king however, the words clicked in his head, "Wait what!?" He asked but the King seemed, well annoyed as he looked at them, "We will speak of this at the castle." He said as the guards ushered them to the cars where the king had her and Cody, whose handcuffs were removed. He sat beside her as he looked, well nervous may be an understatement, "Um, strider... correct me if Im wrong but did you just proclaim that we are to wed?" He asked trying to make sure he hadnt heard incorrectly.

Cody looked at hera bit concerned, "Putting aside the fact that you are saying we are to be wed... why me... I mean, i get not wanting to marry the prince but why would you pick a nobody like me. Im not a prince, I have nothing to give aside from fixing computers." He said softly as he felt like he was not one to be good material for a royal marriage.

He saw that she was frustrated and felt like he should do something to help reassure her, so he gently held her hand, "If i had to guess, your father is a king who wishes to see his daughter take her role as queen. To be ready for responsibilities that you may have to take which i know it may not have been your choice, but things can always change... you just have to be patient." He said gently, hoping she would calm down and not worry herself because he was already nervous, they wouldnt do good if both of them were freaking out.

Cody wasnt sure what to say about that, but he shook his head, "I dont know anything about an army but I promise everything will be okay." He said as he wasnt sure what to say as he noticed they arrived at the castle.

Cody looked at her when she got out of the car with him, "Well considering im involved now, I will help as best I can, but just stay calm okay." He said as he walked with her till they were led to her father's study where he was waiting, "So this is the man you have chosen to make your husband?" He asked his daughter, staring at Cody and making him nervous.

Cody felt like his heart was in his throat but he stood his ground but nearly jumped when her father looked at him again, "You are not royalty are you, Cody?" He asked as Cody almost seemed loss of words before speaking, "No sir but im no freeloader sir." He said as the king raised an eyebrow, "Well then I will say that it has sealed your fate. Law dictates that my daughter may choose her suitor but her suitor, if not royalty, must prove themselves. You will have a duel with the prince who challenges for her hand in marriage. Are you willing to risk your life for her hand in marroage?" He asked and Cody seemed fear driven but looking back at Strider before looking up, "I wont back down." He said steadily.

Cody looked at Strider and nodded at her support but in the back of his mind, hidden by his reassured expression he was questioning it all and having a nervous breakdown. The king then snapped their attentions again, "Alright, its settled that you will move into the castle till the duel and from there it will be handled as time will tell." He said as he dismissed them, which Cody went and walked out with Strider, a maid lead him to his room which once inside, if strider had followed behind him into the room, she would witness him basically having shaky knees and collapsing onto the bed, face deep in the sheets.