Two weeks later, the castle buzzed with activity, the halls alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Lucas had settled into his new life as Prince Aric's consort more seamlessly than he could have imagined. The initial fear and uncertainty that had plagued him during his arrival had transformed into a sense of belonging—one that he had thought was lost forever after his mother's death.
Each day brought new challenges and learning experiences, but Lucas found himself thriving under Aric's guidance and support. He was no longer just a villager; he was part of something larger, a world that came with both its privileges and burdens.
During the mornings, Lucas would join Aric for breakfast in the sun-drenched dining hall, where they would discuss plans for the day. Aric was not just a prince; he was a mentor and, in many ways, a friend. They shared stories, laughter, and the occasional teasing remark that warmed the atmosphere between them.
One warm afternoon as Lucas sat in his room staring at the garden through his window Agatha walked into the room excitedly, "good news sire!" She rejoiced closing the door behind her.
"What is it Agatha, why do you seem so happy?" Lucas asked looking away from the window, "the prince has summoned you to his chambers tonight." She said excitedly.
"What?" Lucas gasped.
He knew soon or later this will happen but he didn't expect to be this soon, "tonight!" He asked shocked.
"Yes, we have to get you ready." She added, "I'll prepare a bath for you and some loose clothes for you."
Lucas's heart raced as he processed Agatha's words. The thought of being summoned to Prince Aric's chambers filled him with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and a nagging sense of uncertainty.
Agatha smiled encouragingly and led him to the bathing area. As he stepped into the warm water, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to sink into the soothing heat. Thoughts of Aric filled his mind. Would he really enjoy their time together? Would he be able to meet the prince's expectations?
After a few moments of quiet contemplation, he felt the tension in his shoulders start to ease. Agatha's gentle voice brought him back to the present. "Now, let's get you clean and ready for the prince!"
As she throughly washed him his mind couldn't help but drift to last week when he met the royal family, his meeting with them wasn't very pleasant. They had treated him like a low life, and talked rudely about him like he wasn't sitting next to them.
"You know last week when his highness took me to meet the royal family, it wasn't very pleasant." He said to Agatha, "They seemed to dislike me so much, I even thought after that meeting the prince would've second guess his decision on making me his consort." He added.
Agatha slightly chuckled as she poured water on him, "you must really not know the prince, his not the one to give into people's words."
"I guess you can say your highness is a bit hardheaded, it's hard to change his mind when he has made his decision." She added.
"So you don't have to worry about him kicking you out of the palace."
Lucas relaxed a little, letting Agatha's words soothe him. "I just… I don't want to be a burden," he murmured, watching the ripples in the water. "I feel like an outsider in this world. They made it clear I don't belong here."
Agatha offered him a reassuring smile. "That may be what they think, but their opinions don't matter as much as you might think. The prince is the only one who matters here, and he wouldn't have chosen you if he didn't see something special in you. He values strength and honesty over titles and noble blood."
Lucas looked up at her, hope flickering in his eyes. "Do you really believe that?"
"Absolutely," she replied, gently pouring another jug of warm water over his shoulders. "The prince has always followed his own path. And he's never been one to treat his decisions lightly. If he's chosen you, it's because he sees something no one else does."
Lucas let her words sink in, feeling a small weight lift off his shoulders. Perhaps Agatha was right. Maybe he had something to offer beyond his background, something that Aric recognized even if he couldn't see it himself just yet.
As Agatha finished washing him, she handed him a soft towel and continued, "It'll take time, but the others may come to see what he sees in you. Until then, hold your head high. The prince sees you as his equal—that's all the validation you need."
Lucas nodded, wrapping the towel around himself. "Thank you, Agatha," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Agatha smiled, gathering up the bath supplies. "That's what I'm here for, sir—to remind you that you're stronger than you think."
After drying off and dressing in his clothes, Lucas stood before the mirror, straightening his shoulders. He was still nervous about his place here, but Agatha's words gave him a glimmer of confidence. Maybe he didn't belong in this world of royalty and riches, but he was here now. And he would do his best to be worthy of the prince's faith in him.
As he prepared to head to the prince's chambers that evening, he took a deep breath, remembering Agatha's advice. Aric had chosen him for a reason, and no matter what the rest of the royal family thought, he would stand beside the prince with his head held high.
That evening, as Lucas walked down the grand hall toward Prince Aric's chambers, his heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and nerves. The palace was quieter than usual, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows along the walls, making everything feel surreal. It was hard to believe he was here, in the royal palace, walking through these hallowed halls as if he belonged.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he approached the doors to Aric's private chambers. Two guards stationed at the door gave him a respectful nod before opening the doors for him. Lucas stepped inside, feeling the weight of his new role settle around him like an invisible cloak.
Prince Aric was waiting near the window, looking out into the night. His silhouette was framed by the moonlight, and for a moment, Lucas was struck by how regal yet lonely he looked. When Aric turned to face him, his expression softened, and he gestured for Lucas to come closer.
"How was your day?" He asked. "It was great, but it felt empty without you around." Lucas replied shamelessly.
Aric chuckled, "I'm sorry for leaving you alone today, that's why I want to make it up to you." He said looking over a the table set next to the window with the perfect view, he slowly led Lucas over to the table that was decorated with two candles and had all his favorite dishes on it.
Lucas's eyes widened as he took in the beautifully set table, the soft glow of candlelight reflecting off the polished silverware and casting a warm, intimate light over the scene. It was all his favorite dishes, from the comforting stews and roasted vegetables he used to have in his village, to the delicate pastries he'd recently discovered here in the palace. For a moment, he was speechless, his heart swelling with gratitude and surprise.
"Did you… prepare all this for me?" he asked, looking up at Aric, a mix of disbelief and admiration in his gaze.
Aric gave a gentle nod, his expression soft. "I did. I know this life is… different from what you're used to. I wanted to bring a bit of your home to you." He gestured to the seat across from him. "Please, have a seat."
Lucas sank into the chair, his heart fluttering. No one had ever done something like this for him. It was thoughtful, personal—a reminder that even in this grand palace, surrounded by luxuries he could barely comprehend, Aric saw him, understood him.
As they started their meal, Lucas found himself relaxing, the earlier nerves melting away. Conversation flowed easily between them, and for once, he felt he could let his guard down. They laughed over shared stories, moments from Lucas's village life and Aric's tales of palace mischief when he was a child. There was something deeply comforting in knowing Aric had had his own share of struggles growing up, despite his royal title.
At one point, Aric leaned back, his eyes warm and fixed on Lucas. "I'm glad you're here," he said softly. "It's strange, but in just a short time, you've brought something to my life that I didn't know I was missing."
Lucas felt his cheeks heat under Aric's gaze. "I… I'm glad too. Even though it's all so new, being here with you feels… right."
They continued their meal, the silence between them now filled with a comfortable warmth. As the night deepened, Aric rose from his seat and held out his hand. "Would you like to step out onto the balcony with me? The view is incredible tonight."
Lucas nodded, letting Aric take his hand and lead him outside. The cool night air wrapped around them as they stood side by side, gazing out over the illuminated palace grounds and the distant lights of the village beyond.
"I want you to know," Aric began, his voice barely above a whisper, "you don't have to pretend around me, Lucas. Whatever you feel, you can tell me."
Lucas looked up at him, his heart beating fast. "It's… hard sometimes," he admitted. "I still feel like I don't belong here, like any moment, I'll wake up and be back in my village, and all of this will just be a dream."
Aric's hand tightened gently around his, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Then I'll make sure you never have to feel that way again. You belong here, Lucas, as much as anyone else. I want you here—not as my consort, not because of any obligation, but because… you've become important to me."
Lucas's breath caught, his heart racing at Aric's words. The warmth of Aric's hand, the sincerity in his eyes—it all felt so overwhelming and yet so right. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I… I never expected any of this, but… I don't want it to end."
Aric's hand moved to gently cup Lucas's face, his thumb brushing over his cheek. "Then it won't," he murmured, a soft smile touching his lips. "You and I… we have all the time in the world." He said planting a kiss on his lips.
As Aric's lips met Lucas's, time seemed to slow, the world around them fading away until there was only the two of them, standing together under the starlit sky. The kiss was soft, tentative at first, as though Aric was giving Lucas a moment to pull away if he wanted. But Lucas didn't want to pull away. Instead, he leaned into the kiss, letting himself get lost in the warmth and reassurance that Aric offered.
When they finally parted, Lucas's cheeks were flushed, his heart beating so fast he was sure Aric could hear it. He looked up, searching Aric's face, and saw nothing but warmth and sincerity in his gaze.
TBC