Chapter Text
“Have I made myself clear, Sebastian?” The power and finality of his father's voice could make anyone crumble. In fact, he thinks he saw one of the guards crumble a little. Coward, you’re not even in trouble. Are you even a soldier? If Sebastian had been anyone else, he would have too, but he was accustomed to this. Getting in trouble was his specialty.
“This is your last chance.” Yeah, yeah… that’s what you always say, father. “If you cause any more trouble, you are gone. You will no longer be a part of this family.”
What? Sebastian’s eyes go wide, “What?”
His father shakes his head and points toward the door, “You are dismissed.”
—
Sebastian grumbles as he walks down the lavish hallways back to his bedroom. His father would never cut him out of the family… Right? He was the only heir to the throne. What was he going to do? Have another child? That would be ridiculous… Whatever, I’ll just lay low for now. Sebastian takes the last turn to get to his bedroom and notices someone in a guard uniform standing by the door.
Sebastian walks forward and notices it’s someone he doesn’t recognize, “Who are you?”
“Good evening, Your Highness,” the stranger bows, “I’m your new retainer, Kurt Hummel.” Kurt, apparently, says.
“No, you’re not. I already have a retainer. Where is Nick?” Sebastian replies flatly. Nick was Sebastian’s closest friend in the castle, even before he became his retainer. If he was gone…
“I apologize, Your Highness,” Kurt bows again, “Nick was relocated.”
“Of course he was.” Sebastian scoffs, “Well… you can just stay out here or whatever.” It happened quickly but Sebastian was sure he saw his newfound retainer twitch a little at his dismissiveness. Interesting.
Kurt shakes his head, “Unfortunately, I am unable to do that, Your Highness.”
“Fine, then do something else. Go away.” Sebastian shoos Kurt away and turns around to open his bedroom door. He has had enough of everyone today.
Kurt remains unmoving, “My orders from His Majesty are to protect and watch over you. Another member of your guard, castle staff, or I must always be in the same room with you.”
“Right…” Sebastian trails off, “Pick a corner to stand in or something. I’m getting ready for my bath.” If his father was being serious, Sebastian knew that this was not something he could fight.
“Of course, Your Highness.” Sebastian watches as Kurt hardly takes three steps into the bedroom and turns to face the door. “For privacy, Your Highness,” Kurt clarifies.
Oh? Is he embarrassed? Sebastian smirks and walks back toward Kurt, suddenly forgetting how tired he is. Sebastian whispers into Kurt’s ear, “I’m not shy, Kurt” he lowers his voice, “In fact, you could join me.” He notices Kurt’s ears slowly becoming red. I knew it. This could be fun after all.
“Your Highness,” Kurt says without moving, “If your reputation precedes you, I’m certain I would catch every disease imaginable.” Sebastian smiles for the first time tonight and heads to the already prepared bath.
—
Sebastian exits the bathroom, feeling a hundred times better, and immediately walks straight toward his bed. After he made himself comfortable, he notices Kurt speaking to a person who more resembles a jester, rather than a guard as his uniform suggests. Before he can ask, Kurt speaks up, “Your Highness,” Kurt motions towards the giant, “This is your night guard, Finn. I will return in the morning to escort you to breakfast.”
“What a shame… I was hoping you’d join me in bed tonight,” Sebastian smirks, “Despite the risks, that is.”
Kurt rolls his eyes and turns to pat a confused Finn on the shoulder. “See you in the morning, Finn.”
Finn ruffles Kurt's hair, “See you in the morning, little brother.”
“Never do that again,” Kurt grumbles despite smiling softly, “Good night, Your Highness.” He walks out the door, and Finn closes it before positioning himself near the seating area by the entrance.
Little brother? “Finn,” Sebastian calls out to ask.
“Yes, Sebastian?” Finn’s eyes open wide, “I mean, Yes, Your Highness? Sorry…”
“No, feel free to call me Sebastian.” Sebastian flashes his kindest smile, “I’m not one for titles anyways.” (He most definitely is one for titles).
“Please don’t tell Kurt. He’ll definitely get mad at me for slipping up,” Finn pleads.
“Of course, but you and Kurt? You’re brothers?” Sebastian figures he would be able to easily get information about Kurt through Finn.
Finn smiles immediately, “Yes, by marriage. Our parents married about three years ago.”
“I’m surprised,” Sebastian says, “You seem like you’ve known each other forever.”
“We’ve been through a lot together, like the training to join the guard. It was pretty hard,” Finn laughs, “But Kurt helped me a bunch with fighting with a sword.” Sebastian raises his eyebrow. “Kurt’s awesome. He graduated at the top of our class… I’m only here because of his recommendation.”
“Well, consider me impressed,” Sebastian fake yawns to end the conversation. “I think I need to sleep. Good night, Finn.” As much as Sebastian wanted to learn more about his two new guards, he really was exhausted. He lays down and pulls the cover over his head, passing out immediately.
— — —
The next morning, Sebastian wakes up with a newfound feeling of dread. The day after his father yells at him for doing something “irredeemable” is simply the worst, but with this new threat, he can’t imagine what breakfast will be like. Sighing, Sebastian steps out of bed and notices Finn half asleep on the velvet couch. Night guard, my ass… Sebastian coughs loudly to startle Finn.
Finn immediately stands up. “Seb-, I mean... Your Highness... Good morning.” Finn gives Sebastian a rather flustered look.
Sebastian chuckles, “Don’t worry… I won’t tattle to your little brother. If I were you, I’d fix your hair and uniform before he comes.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I’m glad to be working with you,” Finn replies so earnestly and sweetly that Sebastian’s certain Finn could throw up rainbows. Instead of responding, Sebastian heads toward the bathroom to prepare for his day.
—
After exiting the bathroom, Sebastian notices Kurt standing patiently by his door. At that moment, Sebastian realizes that he never really looked at Kurt. He was too preoccupied with his own problems that he didn’t give his new retainer a good look over. Kurt was not his usual type, but he was quite… pretty... He had a sharp jaw and clear porcelain skin. The uniform simply did not do Kurt justice. Sebastian imagined that he was more muscular and defined than he was letting on. To be honest, Sebastian felt like Kurt looked more like a prince than he did.
Cutting Sebastian’s thoughts short, Kurt calls out to him, “Good morning, Your Highness. It’s time for breakfast.” He opens the door, and they both step out walking through the marbled halls.
They walk in relative silence until Sebastian speaks up first, “Finn told me you graduated at the top of your class.”
“Of course he did,” Kurt holds in a sigh. “But, yes, I did.”
“I’m picturing it now,” Sebastian closes his eyes and points at his temples, “You in a training uniform, except without a shirt. Nice abs. It has been hours of training. You’re sweating. Everyone around you is swooning, including the prince all alone in the tower. You-”
Kurt ignores Sebastian and cuts him off, “Nick sends his regards.”
Sebastian’s eyes open, and he steps in front of Kurt to stop him from walking, “You spoke to Nick? Where is he now? Is he okay?”
“Nick returned home.” Before Sebastian can interject Kurt continues, “Not for anything bad. He’s training to take his father’s position of Captain of the Royal Guard.”
“I can’t believe he didn’t tell me…” Sebastian looks down and sighs. This was probably decided without Nick’s knowledge, but Sebastian was relieved that nothing bad had happened to him. Sebastian moves back next to Kurt, so they can continue walking. “How do you know Nick anyways?”
“I trained with him back at the academy. He actually recommended me for this position.” Kurt turns his head to face Sebastian, “He convinced His Highness that you would do better with a retainer the same age as you. You should be grateful.”
Kurt opens the doors to the dining room, “I’ll be waiting right here. Enjoy your breakfast.” Kurt stations himself at the door facing down the hallway.
“Join me,” Sebastian winks, “It can be our first date.” Please, I don’t want to sit and eat with my father.
Kurt turns to look at Sebastian and replies gently, “His Highness had his breakfast brought to him. I heard he requested that for the next two weeks… Something about planning a banquet.”
Sebastian’s shoulders relax slightly as he walks into the dining room by himself and only then does he realize that Kurt read him like an open book.