You have been kidnapped for your magic

"Rest easy little prince, we have no intention of breeding you for now." he says, giving his men another stern glare, "Boss wants you for your magic. Not sure what the whole story is, but the King of the Fresh Pines is looking for someone with strong magic. Preferably someone with good healing abilities. Heard his son was sick and no one has been able to heal the lad."

"I was there when he asked your father for help." another faun adds in, "Begged and pleaded for help, pointed out all the times we came to his aid when his kingdom was being attacked. Turned us away without a second thought, said he didn't owe us a thing. Gave us an offer that we refused to take instead. So, we had to get a bit... Creative for your help."

Your father... No. No! He might be a royal hardass, but would he actually leave a child to die? You don't think he would. The political ramifications for such a thing, especially since the child was a prince of an allied Woods, would definitely a high price to pay. To lose their loyalty during such a time of turmoil would be awful. But... It would make sense at the same time. The Prince of the Fresh Pines was the only child of the King. If he were to die, it would put the entire royal succession in jeopardy. Either the king would have to name one of his nephews, which he has none, or he would have to produce a new heir... Awfully convenient timing considering you were so close to your injection date... "He offered me to the King, didn't he?" you ask softly, the puzzle pieces fitting together too well to be anything else.

"Aye." the leader says, "Offered you up for marriage, but wouldn't hand you over for healing the prince."

"Because with the prince, any child I had with the king wouldn't be in line for the throne. Without him, father would have kin on his own throne as well as the Fresh Pines."

You sigh, feeling sick, confused, and defeated. Things had been... Strained between yourself and your parents lately and that was saying it nicely. Your father barely spoke to you anymore, unless it was to reprimand you for your behavior, and your birth father had been avoiding you. You only managed to see the pitying looks out the corner of your eye. He must have known what was coming and your father must have made him promise not to tell you. He wanted you out of his hair, but still making life easier for him.

"Smart lad, aren't you?" he says, giving you a glance, "The King isn't much interested in finding a partner at the moment, but heal the Prince and I'm sure he would pay you your weight in gold."

"You don't need to bribe me." you say, "I'll do what I can for the Prince. But, if he insists on a price... All I truly want is my freedom. To choose who I love and do what I please. I will save your Prince either way."

"Good call." he says before turning his attention to the two faun holding on to you, "Let the boy go. Doubt he'll try to run. Not like he'll get far with all of us around."

The two release you from their hold and you stumble a bit once on your own two feet. Your body is still a bit off from your injection earlier. You don't make a complaint though. You have a mission now and you'll be damned if you let a child die on your watch.