Chapter Text
Curt walked through the town square absentmindedly, pretending for a moment that the guards subtly flanking him didn’t exist.
It had been a year since he had married Owen, and what a year it had been. Much of it had been spent repairing issues that the war had caused, and trying to make sure they fostered peace between the nations as best they could.
Owen’s father died about three months into the marriage, which meant they’d scrambled to coronate the two of them. Initially the Carvonyan nobles had only wanted to coronate Owen, and leave Curt as a Prince Consort, but Owen had flat out refused, saying that Curt had just as much a right to the throne as he did.
Curt’s thoughts were interrupted by a tiny little body colliding with his legs. He looked down to find a child- surely no older than four- at his feet and having fallen on his behind.
Curt crouched down so he was eye level with the boy. “Hello there,” He said kindly, noting that he looked to be on the verge of tears- probably from the fall.
The boy blinked up at Curt, forgetting his distress for curiosity. “Hi,” He said shyly, getting to his feet.
“My name’s Curt. What’s your name?” Curt offered his hand to the child for him to shake.
The boy had to use both his hands to be able to shake Curt’s, but he managed. “Nick.” He paused, staring up at Curt before saying bluntly, “You have the same name as the King.”
“I do,” Curt confirmed, somewhat amused. “Where are your Maman and Papa, Nick?”
Nick tilted his head. “What’s a Maman or Papa?” He said the words clunkily, probably never having spoken French before.
“Oh, forgive me- I meant to ask where your parents are.”
Nick averted his eyes. “I don’ have any.”
Curt’s heart broke a little bit for the poor boy. “I’m sorry, little one.”
An idea sparked in his mind, and he dug in his pocket before pulling out a small gold piece that had the royal signet stamped on it. It was a tradition that both he and Owen had been particularly fond of; by giving the royal seal to a commoner, they were indicating that this person had the favor of the royal family. That way, if the commoner ever got into trouble, they were able to get the help they needed. It had saved many-a good man from an unwarranted punishment.
Curt handed the piece to Nick and put it in his hand before closing his fingers around it gently. “Hold on to this for me, won’t you? If you ever want to see me again, just find one of the nice guards posted around the town square and show it to them. They’ll take you to me.”
Nick nodded seriously, and Curt smiled. “Run along now. And make sure not to lose that coin.”
Nick ran off and waved goodbye to him, shouting, “Bye Mister Curt!”
Curt chuckled and rose to his feet. He hoped the boy would be all right.