Chapter Text
He is a boogeyman to some, a protective angel to others.
The Craft Royals are reclusive, they stick to their Empire and never stay long in any others. That never stops gossip and rumors though. There's stories of a strong young man with golden locks and snow skin. "His mighty ax is unbreakable, they say he's taller than the trees, and has fought wars alone." She whispers, her friends giggle around her. "Oh stop Clara, you just have a crush on him, hoping for a handsome rich man, you are." Tessa grins at her, Abby smothers her laughter into her fist. "Shut it Tessa, everyone says that's what he looks like and who are you to crush my dreams of wanting a prince?"
Abby sighs and nods. She dodges around another person that's speeding past. A strong wind makes them all shiver. "Can't help to agree, think Tess, a strong prince to whisk you off into the castle? I'd go with him anyday." Tessa crosses her arms as she shakes her head. "If it's true about Prince Theseus I'd say he's a beast of a man, c'mon whole wars by himself? I think he'd be scary." Clara shakes at her friend's shoulder with more force than necessary. "That just adds to the thrill, I bet you'd like to be pushed up against the wall huh?" She cheekily asks, Tessa flushes a brilliant red. The two snicker and Abby sticks up to her other side. "I'd like too, an axe? Making me hot just thinking about it." She pretends to fan herself. Tessa blankly stares at Abby. "We live in the North Abbs, if you're hot you're probably running fever."
"Oh don't be a sour puss Tess, I'm sure Prince Theseus would take good care of a sick wife." Clara nods along, still giggling all the way. "You're both delusional, I'm leaving." She quickens her pace as they round the Butcher shop. It's a creaky old thing with its sign falling off yet it's where most go for their cuts, she can't remember if she needs anything from it. She glances at the building a moment, perhaps hoping it would jog her memory. In that second she bumps into someone, knocking her to the ground. She looks up where the other only stumbled. It's a thin brunette, his glasses are askew as he's reoriented. Next to him is another with long pink hair and prominent tusks. "Oh sorry Miss." The brunette lends a mitted hand out.
She hesitantly reaches out and grabs it, he pulls her up with ease. "Already making friends without me, I'm so proud." Abby and Clara have met again at Tessa's side, all five look over. A young man with golden curls and snow skin strides quickly through the crowd. His broad shoulders and long legs aid him nicely as he stands between Tessa and the brunette. Tessa whips her hand away as she looks over the three now. All with crowns, other jewelry tinks off their pointed ears. Brunette and Pinkie have sharp tusks while all wear clothes of soft cotton by the looks of it. The Princes, Tessa freezes, she hears Abby let out a gasp from her right. "Well that's awkward, anyway, hello." Prince Fucking Theseus greets and offers a hand. She jolts into motion and lends her own hand, he leans down and kisses it quickly. He frowns and doesn't let go. Clara watches with rapt attention (and amusement) as her friend dies inside.
"Your hand is cold Miss, why no gloves?"
Tessa opens her mouth twice before spewing her words out in quick succession. "Didn't have time to buy new ones after my old pair ripped." She squeaks. William looks highly delighted at her panic, Technoblade is inspecting the building next to them. Prince Theseus takes her other hand and leans down so as to not strain her arms. He encloses them in his much bigger ones and puffs hot air onto them. His hands are somehow warm with no gloves like he himself is radiating heat. "There you are, much warmer. You'd better be home soon with a fire, do wonders for stiffness." No one says anything about how tense she is, flushed head to toe.
She squeaks something not understandable as she nods and stumbles into her friends as he releases her hands. "Alright then let's get going boys, have a nice day ladies." Theseus wraps his arms around the other princes shoulders with a grin as he leads them away. He sends a final wink to the other trio before continuing on. "Holy Mother of Prime." Abby whispers, Tessa buries her face in still heated hands and screams.
-----
"Well I must say, that was highly entertaining." Wilbur grins up at him. Tommy rolls his eyes before ruffling his younger brother's hair. "Of course you'd enjoy that, Tech looks nauseous from where I stand." It's true, Technoblade looks heavily displeased. "It's just youngest sibling syndrome, he wants our attention." Techno can't help the snort he lets out. "You're three minutes older Wil', don't act like an old man, you'll end up like Dadza or Theseus." Tommy chuckles, he stops as a stand catches his eye. He feels his eye twitch as Wilbur descends into laughter upon catching sight of it too, he can feel Technoblade's shoulders shake under his arm.
It's a stand for him. Fake replicas of his crown, earrings matching the silver moon pair he's constantly seen in, hell he even sees a mug with his name on it. It's a Prince Theseus stand, he'll never live this down. Wilbur ducks under his arm and walks over to the stand, people weave out of his way as he does. He stops in front of it and picks up one of the crowns. It's child size, made of plastic no doubt. "Theseus!" Tommy sighs but goes over, he can see the owner crouching in embarrassment behind the table. Wilbur plukes his crown off him and replaces it with the child one. Honestly they have the details down close enough. A silver circlet with chains that hold precious gems dripping into his curls and face. He deadpans, face stoney. "Thank you Wil' I love it." Wilbur's too busy cackling to appreciate the display, Techno's chuckling increases though.
"We'll take it thanks." William says around the taste of laughter in his mouth before sliding two gold coins over. The owner nods, her face flushed in shame over the Princes being in front of her display. Tommy will end up with the child crown once they are back at the castle but he does take his circlet back for now. The fake one is tucked into Wilbur's leather satchel as they continue on.
It's one of the rare days the twins have their older brother completely so they hog his time immediately. They've already eaten breakfast together, then he sat in on their lessons, and Wilbur's dragged them out on one of the lower towns where the vendors trade. They push him to goof around a bit, it reminds him of his teenage days. Back when he only had to worry about his studies, training, and 'getting the ladies' as he quotes. However, Technoblade isn't a huge fan of the crowds and stares which leads them on their way back to the edge of the town. Sitting there on the coach together are Niki and Jack, right where they left them an hour or so ago. Jack is passed out, his head back against the wall as he snores quietly through the beanie pulled over his face. Niki has her boots in his lap, her back against the iron roses that line the side as bars. Her smile is flushed as she reads one of those romance books, Tommy will get the highlights later off her to see if it's worth his limited free time. "Niki!" Wilbur calls once they're close enough, she picks her head up and grins brightly at them. She smacks at Jack's chest who sits up with a start and a warbled noise. He peels the hat up his face and breaks out into a matching look. "Prince Theseus, William, Technoblade." Jack mock bows. Tommy rolls his eyes and flicks his forehead in passing. The blonde slides the carriage door open, the twins hop in, sitting on the one side together. "Yes, yes, Jack, I'm sure you're ecstatic we've returned. Let's get back to the castle, yeah? I've got to be there before my little ones get antsy." Niki giggles into her gloves but takes the reins. Jack huffs as the oldest Prince slides the door shut. "Jerk!" He calls back, a thump is all that replies to him.
The ride up to the castle is calm, Niki and Jack bicker over anything they can think of to pass the time. The three horses pulling the cart only get distracted once, it's a nice outing. Inside Wilbur and Techno exchange goodies of all sorts. Tommy leans back and closes his eyes, his shoulder pulses from a recent spar. Taking stock of his body will only enhance more aches that he's ignoring. He hisses as they go over a particularly large bump in the road. His younger brothers silence immediately at the quiet noise.
He looks at them, both are pulling faces of concern. "You alright, Tommy? I thought you felt good today?" Wilbur asks, Tommy pulls a grin onto his face. "Awe my little Wilby is worrying over me." He teases, Wilbur bounces off it. "C'mon Toms you said you would tell us if you weren't feeling well." He pouts, Tommy sighs and settles into his seat more. "I know Wil', I feel fine, I'm just.. getting old I guess. Body can't keep up sometimes." He chuckles lightheartedly. Wilbur huffs and jumps over to Tommy's side. He leans on his brother's good shoulder, Tommy takes Technoblade's hand when the younger reaches for him. "I'm fine boys, just need a healing pot and I'll be right as rain." Tommy let's Technoblade's assessing stare crawl over him the last few minutes to the castle.
When they hear the familiar creak of the iron gate they sit up and readjust themselves. Jack opens the door in a more formal manner. Technoblade and William take up pace side by side just behind Tommy, by now a well practiced motion. Unless in private quarters of the castle they should appear sharp and as a unit. Jack and Niki bring up the rear of the Princes, guarding a lingering attack. Tommy smiles warmly to the staff they pass and nods at any parting nobles. Finally they come up to a large pair of doors, the two guards there pull them open wordlessly. Inside is a long table full of nobles he doesn't care to place now.
Tommy raises an eyebrow as they all quiet upon his entrance. His father sits at the far end next to his mother. "I wasn't aware a meeting was in session, has something happened?" He asks, no one speaks for a long moment. "Prince Theseus," A man greets, his tone is curt in a way that makes Tommy narrow his eyes. "I've been discussing with the King of something important regarding your ruling." Wilbur's boney chin digs his shoulder. "I bet it's idiotic." He whispers, Tommy's lips twist up into a polite smile. "Well now I'm certainly intrigued, tell me, what are your concerns?" Tommy doesn't even know this man's name and yet he wants to curse it. Something about him feels slimy, pushing against the star pulsing in Tommy's chest. "You're marriage of the guard boy, you'll marry in spring yes?" The oldest Prince bites his tongue at the snark he speaks with.
"A father of my children, watch how you speak of him." In the end Tommy says what is important, disrespect of his soon to be husband he will not tolerate. The man's face twists something ugly at his words.
"Yes, I was hoping you could perhaps, reconsider?"
Tommy pauses his swirling thoughts. "Re-consider?" He finally breathes. He's sure the incredulous look on his face would make his brothers laugh if not the situation. "I've raised a beautiful daughter who would be a considerable option." Of course that's what this is about, marrying him is what most girls dream about. A handsome prince to whisk them away and protect them from the monsters. A knock hits the door behind him before it opens without answer. In runs two little boys, a mischievous grin on one's face, the other with anxiety edged on.
They duck behind Tommy, peeking around the side of him. His husband steps in, a toddler in one arm, a baby in the other. Tommy reaches out and takes them, allowing his husband to lean on him. "Hi dear, I've brought the gremlins." He sighs the words into the blonde's neck. With his arms occupied he can only nuzzle his face into pale blonde hair. "Hello lovely, let me deal with this and I'll bring them out to the garden." He turns back to the nobles who just watch the scene. "It's none of your business, but I'm perfectly fine with my family. I will be wed to Purpled, and that is the last I'll hear of it. Father, I would sooner give up my star, goodday." At last he swept out of the room. Technoblade and Wilbur start laughing immediately, Tommy charges on unperturbed.
Clementine giggles as she bats at his chin, Shroud looks up at him with adoring eyes. A force hits his back almost making him stumble. "Mum! Mum! Guess what me and Ranboo found today?" Tubbo chitters into Tommy's ear. Tommy smiles then shrugs which has Tubbo shriek and tighten his grip. "We found a creak by the willow tree, it's a new one." Ranboo almost whispers from next to him. "How about we show Mommy the creak, yeah?" Purpled suggests. Tubbo nods his head enough for it to bump into Tommy's. "Huh a creak, yeah it must be new I don't remember one by the willow." Wilbur wonders aloud.
Techno shrugs, Ranboo clutches his uncle's hand with a shy grin. "Maybe a new water dam broke." He grunts, Purpled nods. Tommy's previously aching shoulder protests roughly as he bumps Shroud up more. The toddler pats his cheek like he knows, which knowing how Shroud is, he probably does know.
The gardens are Tommy's pride and joy (besides his family). The trees and bushes are plush, the flower beds sway invitingly. He sits down by the willow tree he planted when he was as young as Ranboo, before Technoblade and Wilbur were adopted. There is a small dip in the land, water flowing through it into a zigzag pattern for a few feet before it drifts off into a pond he purposefully put there. Tubbo jumps into the water, small ram horns more noticeable with his hair sitting flat. None of the Princes are big water fans, being nether hybrids, nor is Ranboo as an End hybrid. Purpled rolls up his slacks and dips his calves in to give Tubbo some company.
Technoblade and William lean back against the wide tree, hidden from view by the tikling vines. Shroud watches the stream curiously, Tommy sets him down in the grass for him to explore as he likes. Purpled wordlessly hands the scarf around his chest to Tommy. He wraps it around himself before settling Clementine inside. She eagerly snuggles up to his warmth, even with no snow around the castle, the high winds would make anyone cuddle into a hybrid who radiates heat. As such Ranboo finds his way into his lap, thin limbs curled up with his head on Tommy's chest. The Prince only worries slightly that Clementine will kick her brother in the throat. Tubbo cheekily splashes water at Purpled's knees, the young man playfully glares in return before kicking water at his son in retaliation.
Despite Ranboo being bundled up Tommy still tilts him to hide his exposed face from any spray.
Shroud watches in interest only brushing his fingers along the top of the water. "So what did you guys do today? Anything interesting?" Purpled asks when it's obvious the kids are good to entertain themselves. Tommy shrugs lightly as to not disturb the ones sleeping on him. "Just went out to the markets. Wilbur insisted I needed this plastic children's version of my crown, I'll show you it later." He assures.
Eventually Tubbo is calmer and he steps out of the pond, soaking wet he is though. Tommy sighs and stands up, Ranboo makes a noise as he's jostled, the blonde freezes until he's done. "I'll go get Tubs cleaned up, bring Shroud inside for me?" Purpled rolls his eyes. "Sure, leave the one attached at your hip to me." He does gently get Shroud's attention though and picks him up. Tubbo follows Tommy dutifully under the willow tree to wake up his uncles. It takes longer than it should since neither have ever been particularly deep sleepers but they finally get up to come inside.
They travel inside where they immediately go into the personal quarters to avoid any nobles. Techno splits off to see Dadza, Wilbur goes off as well, Tommy suspects he'll be off to flirt with any maiden he sees though. Theseus and Purpled manage to get their children into the Prince's room. It's been redone so Purpled can watch the children while Tommy does work. Clementine and Shroud's cribs sit across from the couples bed, bookshelves lining on one wall. A toy chest next to a shelf of children's books. The room has carpeting for little feet to pattle about. Tubbo's directed to a door leading to the bathroom. Ranboo and Tubbo have their own room, however it's not uncommon for them to spend the night here.
With Tubbo on task Tommy puts Ranboo down on his side of the large bed. He passes Clementine off to Purpled for him to settle her down. He shakes Ranboo's shoes and outer layers off before tucking him under the soft blue comforter. Tubbo pads out into the main room again now in his sleep shirt. It's only seven but Tommy's not against some lucky sleep. Four young children are not easy to balance with trying to run an empire and going off to fight wars. With Clementine and Shroud safely in their cribs Purpled grabs the older kids favorite book and climbs into bed. Ranboo curls into his side, Tubbo gets in next before Tommy follows at the end. Purpled smiles softly and wraps his arm around Ranboo's shoulders. He's asleep but cuddles up anyway. Tubbo rolls over to lay smack dab on top of Tommy. The blonde rolls his eyes yet his fingers glide through his son's hair, careful to avoid stubby horns. Purpled props up the book firmly in his lap. "You ready Tubbo?" The boy nodded, already half asleep from his busy day outside.
"On the island of Crete during the age of King Minos, there lived a man named Daedalus and his young son Icarus-"