Chapter Text
Dean’s pissed. Well, Dean’s normally always pissed about something but this time, he’s really pissed.
“No, I’m not going.” He yells behind him, running away from the dining room and his so called ‘responsibility’.
“Dean, I am your father and you will listen to me! You don’t have a say in the matter.” John barked after him, slamming his fist on the wooden table.
Dean stilled, clenching his jaw, and slowly spun around. He didn’t want to cause a fight. Sure his dad could’ve been better but he was still Dean’s father.
“I’m sorry, Dad. I just don’t want to marry some random prince I’ve never met before! I don’t think that’s unreasonable!”
If he had the choice, Dean would never get married. True love was something that just existed in fairy tales. Why would he settle down with one person when he could be with a new person every night?
But if his father was forcing him, then at least he’d want to marry someone he knew and could tolerate. Like Anna or Lisa or Lee. Not some stupid, undoubtedly prissy, stuck-up prince.
“Look Dean, I accepted it when you stepped down from being the heir and gave Sam the role of being the future king but that doesn’t just mean you’re free to do whatever you want.” John paused as Dean rolled his eyes. He’d heard this lecture like a million times since he’d stepped down.
“You’re still a prince, Dean. And this arrangement would be very advantageous for our kingdom. Think about our people, Dean, not just yourself. The war with Azazel’s kingdom has weakened us greatly, we need support and help to get back on our feet.”
Dean’s lips pressed together tightly as he nodded, knowing that his dad was right. He loved everyone in the kingdom and would do anything to protect them.
But still, he really didn’t want to do this. Why should he sacrifice his potential future happiness?
“Besides, this isn’t even an engagement. You’ve just been chosen as one of the six potential suitors the prince would like to get to know better. He could hate you!”
“Wow Dad, thanks for the support.” Dean retorted, throwing his hands up in frustration.
“Okay look, what I’m trying to say is just go and see what he’s like. You never know, you could fall in love.”
Sighing in acceptance, Dean sunk into a chair and began to rub his forehead. This was all giving him a headache. He had to do what was best for his kingdom. He had to fulfil his duty as a prince. He didn’t have much choice.
“Fine, I’ll do it.” John grinned at him, clearly proud and happy with Dean’s decision. “But I ain’t going to like it and I certainly ain’t falling in love.”
John held his hands up in surrender as Dean stalked out of the dining room, needing to go pack and prepare for this trip.
“There’s no such thing as love anyway.”
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Glancing around at what would be his home for the next few weeks, Dean slid out of the carriage. He turned round to give his brother a half-hearted smile. He needed to reassure Sam that he would be okay.
“I’m so sorry, Dean. This is totally unfair.” Sam complained, shaking his head. “I should be the one doing this. I’m going to be king.”
“And that’s exactly why you need someone you love and who loves you back to be able to stand by your side and support you.” Dean explained for the final time, making Sam hang his head.
Dean reached over and clasped his little brother’s shoulder, grinning at him. Sam couldn’t help but smile back as the corners of his lips twitched upwards.
“I’ll be fine, Sammy. Plus it’s only a few weeks and then I’ll be coming straight home, I promise. There’s no way the prince is going to pick me.”
“Right.” Sam nodded, slowly accepting what had to happen. Still, he wished Dean could just stay at home. “I’m going to miss you, man.”
“Me too, Sammy.”
Giving his brother’s shoulder one final squeeze, Dean pulled away and stepped back, nodding at the driver. He gave a two-fingered salute before winking.
“See you later, Sammy!”
Unsure of where to go and wanting to avoid the castle, Dean found himself walking into the palace garden. He couldn’t help but whistle; it was a truly impressive sight.
It was big but in every corner, various flowers and trees flourished, clearly being taken care of. It was a beautiful paradise and with the sun shining high in the sky, Dean could tell he’d be spending a lot of time out here.
He was brought back to reality as he spotted a group of 5 people, all dressed in the finest and clearly hoping to impress the prince. Right, he wasn’t here to enjoy himself. He was here for the kingdom.
“Hi, I’m Dean Winchester.” He introduced himself awkwardly, raising a hand. The others went in order and said their names as Dean tried to give the him his best, winning smile.
There was Meg, who seemed feisty and Dean definitely didn’t want to get on her bad side. She was dressed in a simple, dark blue dress with netted gloves.
There was also Crowley. He acted friendly but Dean thought there was definitely something off about him. He was dressed in all black three piece suit and a large black coat.
Then there was Daphne and Dean couldn’t help but feel bad for her. She was clearly a lot younger than all the rest and she looked absolutely terrified as her eyes darted around the garden. Still, she was wearing a lovely, if rather modest, pink dress with flowers on it.
April was very flirty, giggling excitedly as Dean introduced himself and getting very close to him. Was she not here to try and win the Prince’s heart? Her almost neon yellow sundress made her stand out and not in a good away.
Finally, there was Lilith, who looked very regal in a dramatic black lace dress with a plunging neckline. She sneered at Dean as he introduced himself, acting like she was better than all of them. Better avoid her then.
“So, um, where’s this prince then?” Dean questioned, wanting to get this show on the road. Maybe the prince would take one look at Dean and send him away. A guy could wish.
“We don’t know. We were just told to wait in the garden.” April explained, running her hand down Dean’s arm. Sending a stiff smile her way, Dean pulled away from her and slipped his hands in his pocket.
“He’s probably busy, doing very important work. He is the heir to the throne after all.” Lilith spat, slowing her words down like he was stupid. Dean resisted the urge to roll his eyes, stepping forward to Lilith as he grinned lazily.
“I know since for most of my life, I was the heir to the throne. Till I gave it to my brother since I know he’ll make a much better king. Not that you would understand; any hint of power and I bet you just sink your nails in and cling onto it.”
Lilith gasped angrily, rage spilling into her eyes as she clenched her fists. Scared that he was about to end up in a fight after only being here for five minutes, Dean patted her on the shoulder and walked away.
He took relief in the beautiful sight and smells of the flowers, brushing his hand up against what he thought were Morning Glories. He’d always liked them and couldn’t help but grin as he walked around the bush. He let out a very unmanly squeal as he nearly stepped on someone.
“God, I’m sorry. I nearly tripped over you.”
The man squinted up at him, tilting his head to the side. Dean swallowed nervously as it felt like the man’s piercing blue eyes were reading his soul.
They were very cute blue eyes though. As a whole, the man was quite cute. Beautiful really. And god, that hair. It was messy and seemed to stick up in a thousand different directions, making Dean just want to run his hands through it.
“It’s okay. I was in the way.”
Dean’s eyebrows raised in surprise. He was a cute, little guy and Dean did not expect his voice to be so deep and gravelly. Dean couldn’t help but think of a more fun interaction the two could be having. It wasn’t his fault, what with the hair, eyes and voice, the guy was basically sex on a stick.
“Don’t apologise, you were just working and I interrupted you. Sorry, I was just admiring the flowers.” Dean explained, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
“You like them?” The man perked up a little, smiling slightly at Dean.
“Yeah, they’re beautiful. I always liked Morning Glories.”
The man grinned even wider, standing up and walking closely to Dean. What was with people not understanding personal space? But Dean didn’t mind this man getting closer to him as much.
“Sorry, I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Dean. Dean Winchester.” Dean said, sticking out his hand. The man slowly wrapped his hand around Dean’s, shaking it.
“I’m Castiel.”
“Cassie-what?” Dean blurted out, blushing as he realised how rude that sounded. But the man just laughed, shaking his head slightly.
“C-A-S-T-I-E-L. Castiel. It’s a biblical name; I’m named after the Angel of Thursday.”
“Right. Well, I think I’ll just stick with Cas. So you’re the gardener?”
“Yes. Not the most glamorous of jobs but I enjoy it.” Cas replied, shrugging modestly.
Dean chuckled slightly as he couldn’t help but think how lucky Cas was. Dean would love to spend all of his day outdoors instead of being stuck in boring, stuffy meetings. Cas would never be forced into a stupid marriage with a stupid prince.
“Yeah well, being a prince isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Cas looked surprised at that, raising his eyebrows as another small smile crept up onto his face. Dean wondered if he was being annoying by complaining about his lavish lifestyle but Cas just seemed completely amused by him and his words.
“Dean! We’re going in to eat lunch. I wanted to just leave you out here but the others made me tell you.”
Dean clenched his jaw and cursed internally. Him and Cas were having a nice moment but of course stupid Lilith had to ruin it.
She marched over to them, grabbing onto Dean’s arm and trying to tug him along. Dean pulled away, scowling at her. He would not be manhandled!
“Hi, I’m Castiel.” Cas smiled and held out his hand to her.
“I don’t care.” She sneered at him, flinching away from his hand. “You’re just the help. Plus, I don’t know where that hand’s been.”
Dean fumed and instinctively placed a hand on Cas’ arm, letting him know that it was okay. He might not know the guy very well but nobody should be treated like that. Cas frowned deeply but didn’t back down as he raised his head to glare right back at the blonde.
“Are you coming or not, Dean? I for one hope you don’t. Then, the prince’s attention will be less divided and he will soon quickly realise that I’m the best option.” Lilith bragged, making Cas snort.
Her head whipped round to face him, glaring furiously at Cas. Dean’s heart beat rose in panic as he feared that a fight was going to break out again. But Cas just raised an eyebrow, refusing to back down but not taking it any further.
“What’s so funny, gardener?”
“It’s just that I know the prince quite well and I don’t think he would ever chose someone like you.” Cas replied matter-of-factly. Dean snorted in surprise as Lilith turned an even darker shade of red. She was practically steaming at the ears.
Still smirking, Dean offered his fist to Cas, who stared at it for a few seconds before bumping their fists together.
“That’s a lie! I bet you have never even seen the prince. Everyone knows his father is too protective so he stays in his room all day.” Lilith argued back, clearly trying to provoke Cas. Well, she was managing to piss of Dean.
But Cas just shrugged simply, turning back around to his plants. Lilith scowled once more before storming off.
“Dude! That was awesome. She’s a total bitch.” Dean exclaimed excitedly, punching Cas’ arm. Cas peered up at Dean, tilting his head to the side again. It was slightly adorable.
“Thank you, Dean.”
Dean grinned, letting out another chuckle. Cas seemed like a really cool dude. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad with him around.
“Well, I should probably get going. See you around, Cas!” Dean shouted as he ran off, waving behind him. He heard Cas saying goodbye in the distance, bringing another smile to his face.
Dean ran into the dining room, panting slightly, and froze as all 7 pairs of eyes descended on him. He smiled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. His eyes flew around the table, noting the five people he’d met earlier plus two others.
King Charles Novak and his wife, Queen Becky.
Right. He was really being thrown in the deep end, wasn’t he. Okay. He could do this.
He smiled at them, bowing slightly, before sitting down next to Crowley. Various smells filled his noise, making his mouth water. He stared hungrily at the large plate of bacon in front of him.
“Don’t worry, we’ll let you tuck in soon, Dean.” The king laughed.
“Thanks, your majesty.” Dean replied with a cheeky smile.
“Please, call me Chuck.”
Dean raised his eyebrows but slowly nodded, still smiling at Chuck. Hopefully the prince was as relaxed as his father. Speaking of, there was no sight of the prince still. When would they get to meet him?
“Now that Dean is here, I need to say a few words. You have all been chosen as potential spouses for my beloved son and heir.” He paused as he scanned their faces, seeing how they reacted.
Dean noticed Lilith smirking from across the table as Crowley tensed next to him and April beamed excitedly. Frowning, Dean let himself imagine what would happen if he was chosen. He’d be married off, forever stuck in a union he didn’t want.
But that wouldn’t happen. Everyone on this table, well maybe apart from Lilith, was better suited as the prince’s future partner than Dean.
“You will be staying in the castle for three weeks and by the end, my son will have chosen his future partner. Be on your best behaviour at all times. And remember, we’re always watching!” Chuck exclaimed, before declaring that they could all eat.
Dean grabbed some bacon as he frowned. That totally wasn’t creepy. And he still didn’t understand how the prince was supposed to chose the person he wanted to marry if he didn’t get to know any of them. Clearly on the same wavelength, Meg cleared her throat and spoke up.
“I was just wondering where the prince was? I would very much like to get to know him. Plus, how will he decide which one of us is the best if we can’t meet him?”
“Don’t worry, Meg. My son will get to know every single on of you in due time.” The king assured her with a kind smile.
Dean furrowed his brow. What was with this man and being weirdly cryptic? He wanted to be prepared for when he met the prince. He loathed the idea of suddenly running into him.
“Will we always be around the prince? Or in our rooms?” Daphne asked, still clearly overwhelmed by all of this.
“You are free to do whatever you want around the castle, as long as you don't stop people from doing their jobs.” Chuck explained.
Dean’s heart lifted slightly as he realised that this meant he could spend all his day out in the gardens and as long as he still did his work, Dean could possibly talk to Cas.
With that, the king stood up, offering his hand to his wife, and they both excused themselves. A silence descended over the room as everyone began to eat.
“So why are you all hoping to marry the prince?” Crowley asked. “Power, I presume? I mean that’s why we are all here, right?”
“Speak for yourself. I’m here because of the mystery. The prince is interesting. Unique. And I want to be the one to snatch him up.” Meg explained, smirking at Crowley. Her dark brown eyes flicked over to him. “What about you, Dean?”
“My kingdom needs the support.” He muttered, not really wanting to talk about it.
“Ah yes, the war against Azazel.” Lilith interrupted. “I want to marry the prince for money and the title of Queen.”
Dean flinched at the reminder of the war, his mind flooding with memories of the battlefield and his men dying in front of him. Luckily, no one seemed to notice.
“I also want to be Queen. The idea of him calling me his Queen on our wedding night is so….sexy.” April moaned, making Dean squirm uncomfortably.
“I’m here because my parents told me to. That it’s what God expected of me.” Daphne mumbled nervously.
Dean filled with sympathy for her. She clearly didn’t want to be her and judging from the cross hanging from her neck, she was also religious. It didn’t seem fair for her parents to use that against her. Especially when she was so young.
He also felt bad for the prince. It seemed that no one was here just for him. No one cared about the opportunity to love him. Dean wondered if he was being forced into this just like his father had forced Dean into this. It didn’t seem fair at all.
With a tight lump in his throat, Dean realised he’d lost his appetite and stood up, bidding them all goodbye before stalking off into the garden once more.
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He immediately felt better as the sun beamed down on him. He sighed softly, cursing his father’s name as he angrily kicked the floor. This really was such a crappy situation. For everyone involved.
But it was only three weeks. He could get through this and then he’d be back home with a new lady in his bed.
“Are you okay, Dean?”
A deep voice interrupted Dean’s inner thoughts. He lifted his head upwards and smiled at the sight of Cas, peering anxiously at him.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dean replied, trying to reassure him. Cas’ frown just deepened though as he tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.
“You don’t seem fine. You kicked the floor.” Cas noted, making Dean chuckle.
Dean’s eyes widened in surprise as Cas wrapped their hands together and tugged him over to a bench. What with this and the lack of personal space, Cas was a very forward man.
“What’s wrong, Dean? Please tell me the truth.”
“I just miss my home and I miss my brother. And I don’t want to be here.” Dean answered with a sigh, sinking tiredly into the bench. Cas seemed surprised by this, frowning slightly, and turned towards Dean.
“Why? Many would kill to be in your position and have a chance at wooing the....elusive prince.”
“Yeah but I don’t want the prince.”
This again seemed to puzzle Cas. Dean could feel the gardener’s eyes burning a whole in his face but Dean refused to meet his eyes. He wouldn’t be judged just because he didn’t want love.
“Why not though? Marrying a prince is surely everyone’s dream life?”
Dean scoffed, shaking his head at Cas’ words. Despite not knowing much about the man, he liked Cas. But still he was as naïve as everyone else was.
“You’ve been reading too many romance novels, Cas. This marriage isn’t about love. It’s about an agreement between two kingdoms. Anyway, love doesn’t exist.”
Cas stared at Dean in disbelief, just like everyone always did when they heard Dean’s thoughts. Probably because they knew he was right and just didn’t want to admit it.
“How can you say that?!”
“Because in my experience, it’s not real. Only lust and attraction are. And I don’t think that two feelings that will fade over time are a good enough reason to tie myself to one person for the rest of my life!”
Cas sprung up from the bench, grabbing Dean’s hand once more as he pulled Dean along. They stopped in front of a big tree and Cas got so close that there sides were pressing together. Dean’s eyes widened slightly at the close proximity.
“Look up there.”
Dean frowned, scanning the area where Cas was pointing. He smiled softly as he noticed the little blackbird sitting in a nest. Another blackbird then flew in, settling down in the nest and handing the other one food.
“The male goes out to get food for the female while she protects their eggs. He goes out and then always comes back to her. That’s devotion. That’s love.”
Dean couldn’t help but smile at the cute sight. He glanced over at the man standing beside him and his smile grew as he saw Cas staring in awe at the birds. Cas looked back at him and their eyes connected once more. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Cas leaned in even further.
Dean took in a sharp breath as Cas’ mouth found its way to Dean’s ear. Cas was so close that Dean could feel the other man’s breath. He couldn’t help but shiver slightly.
“You say I read too many romance novels.” Cas whispered. “But maybe you don’t read enough.”
Dean turned his head slightly so their lips were only a few centimetres apart. He wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t very attracted to Cas. And despite being here to try and win the prince’s heart, he’d very happily kiss Cas.
Almost like he was reading Dean’s thoughts, Cas smirked and stepped backwards. Dean frowned, feeling sorely disappointed at the lost opportunity.
“See you around, Dean.”
Dean shook his head, his mouth agape, as he watched Cas retreat. He couldn’t quite believe what had just happened. This was going to be an interesting few weeks.