Chapter Text
When you’re alone, it's expected to be silent. Some may find it comforting while others feel uneasy. That was not the case for Poe, the prince. It was silent, but he wasn’t alone. One might say at first glance he was sitting “alone” in his room. However, the cameras prove otherwise. They were always watching, listening. No movement gone unnoticed. He felt trapped. He was trapped. Sure, being in the royal family was a blessing every villager yearned for. Little did they know what the royal family was actually like. He sat there, trying to bandage himself from the previous “lecture.” Well, that’s what the King decided to title them. “Sir Poe,” said the only knight he was fond of. “I’ve been instructed to have you report to the Queen.” The Queen, he could feel himself relax by the thought of her. “Very well.” He said, rising. The knight smiled and led the way. The prince couldn’t help but admire every ounce of the beautiful knight displayed before him. He knew these feelings would be shunned by the king, but what could he do? Surely he could ask her Majesty for advice.
“Sir Poe, we have arrived.” Spoke the knight. Poe thanked him and walked through the royal garden to meet the Queen. “Ma’am,” he bowed, she smiled. “So formal Edgar, think of me as your mother!” It was like she was beaming with sunshine and happiness, if only she knew. “It's been 10 years, and you're still so formal with me!” She pouted but stood up to hug Poe. “How have you been my dear?” She asked while gesturing for him to sit with her. He gave her a pitiful look as tears began to cloud his eyes. It almost shocked her that he ran to embrace her. He’s never been this intimate with anyone since childhood. She was filled with a mixture of happy but saddened thoughts. “My sweet child, what is the cause of such tears dripping from your eyes?” He squeezed her tighter. What if telling her would ruin their relationship, would she still see him as a son? The possibilities were too high, what could he really do after all? If he told she wouldn't believe him, despise him. He couldn’t bear that, so he kept his mouth shut.
“Knight Ranpo,” she called. “Take my dear Poe back to his room and accompany him until his spirits are high.” The two were surprised but the knight obediently agreed. “One last thing,” stopping the two. “Make sure that cameras are disabled Ranpo, my husband can be quite bothersome.” He nodded and escorted the Prince towards the royal castle. Poe could feel his heart rate begin to quicken. The knight he had stolen glances, loved, and admired was going to be by his side once again. He had to be careful. He couldn’t risk spilling the King’s secret or worse, his feelings being known. The walk back was tense, suffocating him slowly. He mentally slapped himself for being so sensitive, he didn’t even get a chance to ask her Excellency for advice on his growing feelings. Unlike the king, she was accepting and sweet. He usually found himself wondering how a powerful woman such as herself could put up with that man. He would forever cherish the Queen, for she was the reason he’s alive.
She’s infertile and unable to conceive children. She was abandoned and hated by her parents for “ending the bloodline.” It took her years to accept it, but once she did, her world lit up. On the very day the King found out about her “dilemma” she found Poe. A little boy injured and scared lost in the woods. Her Majesty went out to find herbs after a “lecture” from the king. She hadn’t expected to find a child. She will always treasure that moment. “Sir Poe.” He visibly flinched, worry painted the knight’s face. “We have arrived at the castle, would you like my assistance?” He spoke, though he knew Poe wasn’t listening. He seemed spaced out, thinking deeply about something. It was as if him taking hold of Poe’s hand made no difference in reaction. He paid it no mind, this hadn’t been the first occurrence. Ranpo was the only knight allowed alongside Prince Poe. He thought it was silly at first when the Queen informed him of such a thing, until he saw it happen in first person. He had also been a child when Poe was brought to the castle. Ranpo was in training, and happened to be the first person Poe met besides her Majesty. He only spoke to Ranpo, but of course the child knight thought nothing of it.
Though later it grew worse. His severe anxiety only escalated as he grew, making it nearly impossible for him to openly communicate with others. This also happened to be the King’s fault. His constant abuse corrupted his mind, to the point he saw everyone in such poor manners. He began to develop panic attacks frequently. When introduced to new knights, he would hyperventilate, that was only the start. He then would shake and tears flooded from his eyes, and he screamed, panting for it to stop. No one knew what the cause of this behavior was, he refused to tell. The only thing they knew for sure was it didn't happen when with Knight Ranpo. He was determined to get the answer out of Poe, if nothing else he will make sure of his safety. By the time the two had reached the room, Poe was no longer spaced out. He was crying, silently. If Ranpo hadn’t looked at him before entering, who knows what might’ve happened. Pulling Poe into the room he embraced him tightly. They stayed like that, not saying a word. Sounds of Poe’s sniffles and heavy breathing is what filled the room. Silent cries hurt the most and hold the most pain. “Please,” the prince started, “save me.” is all he said before blacking out in the knight's arms.
The knight was trained to not panic, but it was as if all his former training vanished. He was shaking, as the head knight he’d never admit but he loved Poe. So very dearly, his love for the Prince was as pure as freshly fallen snow. He’d never be able to go on living if the Prince died in his hands. Instantly calling backup and the Queen, he fell to the floor with the Prince grasped tightly in his arms. If anyone was going to get the answer out of Poe, it was her Excellency. The news traveled rather quickly through the castle, however Ranpo’s strict instruction of having the King on a blind eye made it clear they needed to keep quiet. As for her Majesty, she rushed over along with 2 younger knights. “Knight Ranpo!” Exclaimed the Queen, “what has happened to my dear Poe?” She shuddered, Ranpo had never seen her Excellency in a vulnerable state. She was always well kept and calm, he felt a bit relieved as it reminded him she was still human. The Queen was visibly horrified seeing her precious child in such a way, her tears threatened to seep through. “Your majesty, Poe he,” Ranpo stopped. The words felt like they were being caged as his heart ached just thinking about the previous event. He was only able to say this once, “someone is hurting him.”