Chapter Text
Rohan may have been a crowned prince, but most of the time he felt it was more of a curse than a blessing. The idea of Rohan having someone follow him around all the time was infuriating, he didn’t need a personal guard. Someone makes one attempt on your life, and you’re stuck with one.
Rohan was furious. He didn’t need to be coddled or babysat, he was twenty years old, well into being an adult, and in his opinion, ready to take the throne. He understood why his parents were concerned, as he was the only heir to the throne, but the assassin from the neighboring kingdom of dragons had failed . They weren’t even entirely sure it was related to the royalty from that kingdom, they couldn’t prove that it was. Regardless he was perfectly fine without someone to hover over him more than the general guards already did. It was simply ridiculous.
He was headed to the throne room, seething as he prepared to meet his personal guard at the request of his father. He’d give the guard the slip whenever he could; it couldn't be that hard to do, the guards were almost always incompetent when compared to himself. Most people were.
As he entered the throne room, his eye caught on a tall, broad man with dark hair. His eyes were a clear piercing blue, like the waves of the ocean. He was very attractive, but Rohan didn’t recognize him. He was wearing very simple leather armor, different from what a typical castle guard wore. Perhaps he was nobility? He drew his gaze away, approaching his father where he sat on the throne.
“Rohan, you know why we summoned you here,” his father said.
“Father, I don’t need—” he was cut off when his father held up his hand to silence him.
“We have been through this before. You will be accompanied by a personal guard for the foreseeable future. We cannot risk anything happening to you. We have selected a well trained man, he has been with the guard for several years. We've decided he is the best suited for the job. Jotaro,” his father called, and Rohan watched as the man who’d caught his eye earlier stepped forward.
He tried hard to conceal his shock, saying nothing. He didn’t recognize Jotaro, nor had he had any inkling that he’d be the guard assigned to him when he saw him. He had to wonder why he wore different garb than that of a normal guard, but he figured that was something he could ask later. For the time being he simply pursed his lips and nodded. “Very well,” he said to his father. “May I leave then?”
“As long as you are accompanied by Jotaro, yes,” his father said. Rohan let out a slight huff and rolled his eyes, but he didn’t argue.
He turned on his heel, his cape flying out behind him as he left the throne room. He heard footsteps follow him close behind, but he tried not to show too much interest in his new guard too quickly. After all, he was still annoyed he was there to begin with, though maybe it would be tolerable if his looks were anything to go by.
They walked in silence through the castle towards the library. It was making Rohan’s skin itch, he hated silence.
“So, why is what you wear different from the other guards?” He asked simply.
“I was allowed to choose my armor for this job.”
“And why is that?”
“They trust my judgment and skills.”
Rohan nodded but let them lapse back into silence until eventually they came to the library. He had some research to do about combat. He wanted to be more prepared for anything that came his way. He would prove he could take care of himself. He walked past the shelves, looking for the best books on the subject. Eventually he found a few he was satisfied with and sat down to begin reading.
Jotaro stood behind him as he sat at a table for study. He could feel his eyes boring into the back of his head as he read, and eventually it became too much to bear.
“You’re not very talkative,” Rohan commented, looking over his shoulder at the tall man.
“It’s not my job to be,” Jotaro said bluntly. Rohan’s eyebrows shot up. No one ever spoke to him like that, they usually knew better. Still, he found it more intriguing than anything.
“You do know I’m the crowned prince, don’t you?” Rohan questioned pointedly.
“Yes.”
Rohan huffed incredulously with a slightly disbelieving smile. He’d never had someone be so outright disrespectful. He must know his parents held him in a high regard, and that his job as Rohan’s personal guard was secure. It took a great deal of gal for someone to treat him so casually; it was slightly infuriating. His parents, he knew, would treat him like an insolent child if he complained about his guard. “You’re very sure of yourself for a simple guard,” he said looking back at the book in front of him.
“Hmph. I wouldn’t call myself simple. Your parents did trust me with your safety, after all,” Jotaro said.
So he did trust his job was secure then. His parents must truly hold him in high regard. “Yes. And how long do you think that will last when I tell them how you seem to be treating me?” He asked, testing his theory further.
“And how would you prefer I treat you, your highness?” Jotaro asked, a slight edge of mocking to it.
Rohan felt his face warm slightly, suddenly feeling a flare of embarrassment accompanied by anger. “With the respect I’m owed,” he snapped.
Jotaro scoffed. “Respect is something earned. So far I have seen nothing but a haughty child, angry with his parents for trying to do what’s in his best interest.”
Rohan was furious, turning to face the other man as he stood. “You’ve no idea what’s in my best interest. You don’t even know me,” Rohan said, seething.
“I trust the king and queen's judgment, and they seem to think this is best. You shouldn’t be complaining.”
Rohan clenched his fists. “I’m going to be king one day, perhaps you should learn to watch your tongue if you know what’s in your best interest.”
“Yes. Well, until that day comes you’re stuck with me.”
Rohan huffed, scowling up at the other before forcing himself to relax and put a neutral mask over his face. “Yes. Well, I suppose you’re right about that. That being said, I think it would be in both of our best interests to be civil.”
“That’s not my job.”
Anger flared up in Rohan’s chest again. How could someone so attractive be so insufferable? He grit his teeth. He supposed if Jotaro was quiet unless provoked, he would simply treat him as a statue that followed him around, he wouldn’t speak to him, he’d simply ignore his existence. He could do that.