Work Text:
Another day, another attempt at procrastinating royal duties that consisted in paperwork that his step-mother refused to do, and instead let marinate for too long on a lone desk.
He’d do it later, he promised. But for the moment Callisto was just trying to enjoy some peace in the afternoon’s sun that warmed the capital’s streets, as people bustled around going about their day. Some peace that was hard to come around because of his Chief Aide’s insistent nagging.
The two started off with light bickering which was a day to day reoccurrence for them, and from there went from one discourse to another, after Cedric had given up the idea of convincing his liege to go back to the palace.
Somehow, they got to the absolutely riveting topic of romantic partners.
“If not for your dubious character, women would be flocking to you like bees to honey.” Cedric crossed his arms as he leaned on the wall behind them.
“Are you implying I’d have trouble finding a lover? And whatever do you mean by ‘dubious character’ ?” Callisto scoffed at the assistant’s obvious nudge, he was one of the few who were allowed the freedom of sassing him.
Cedric raised a brow, looking at him with skepticism, “I’m just saying that your…ways could use some improving. Furthermore you would’ve already had many proposals from lots of noble families. I mean, more than the ones you’ve already received and maybe ones you don’t even know about if only you hadn’t burned them all.”
Callisto rolled his eyes, he was truly not interested in any of the leeches of high society. “Is this a challenge Porter? How about you? Why don’t you have a partner, oh enchanting devilish one?”
Cedric coughed awkwardly. “I am simply too busy to have a love life, Your Highness, because of all that paperwork you throw on my desk so generously.”
“Right, and you’re sure it’s not because you have yet to charm a woman into talking to you beyond pleasantries required by etiquette?” The Prince’s booming laugh grated on the Aide’s nerves more than it usually did.
“I think you’re mistaken. You’re the one that won’t engage in small talks with women beyond greetings.”
Callisto’s laugh had yet to subside, even as he regarded the shorter man with a teasing expression. “Tsk, hasn’t anyone taught you that you’re not supposed to start battles you won’t be able to win. How sloppy of you, Porter.”
“Hardy har har. Your Highness’ humor is absolutely compelling. You’re just a bitter, sore loser and can’t admit to the fact that no woman would willingly talk to you beyond what is necessary. If you weren’t the Crown Prince, I’m sure you would’ve gotten slapped across the face many times.” Closing his eyes, Cedric pinched the bridge of his nose, already feeling an incoming headache.
“Now aren’t you getting a little too leisurely. Wouldn’t want more paperwork, would you?” His red eyes crinkled at the corners in delight, as he kept on poking fun at his subordinate.
Cedric sighed tiredly, taking his glasses off to wipe the lenses clean. “Not at all, I’ve got enough workload to last me a lifetime.”
“A lifetime is a little bit of an exaggeration. You have plenty of years ahead of you to help with stately affairs.” Callisto patted him on the back in what was supposed to be a reassuring manner, yet seemed to be more of an attempt at beating the lungs out of his body. If Cedric didn’t know any better, he could’ve sworn that some of his bones got rearranged in the process. The Crown Prince should really start to learn how to control his strength, he was far from an average man, yet he seemed to forget that quite often, except for when he made fun of other people’s height, as he gloated about his own insanely tall body.
“Whatever you say, Your Highness. However I rest my case. The day I’ll see you with a lover, is the day I’ll admit defeat, and offer a night’s worth of drinks to the whole battalion belonging directly under your command.” The Aide truly struggled to even imagine the Crown Prince as a libertine man, as he pushed his glasses back onto his face with a swift motion, that was precisely why he promised such a thing.
Callisto laughed, “then you’d better be ready to pay. You’d be surprised at how immediate this surrender will be. How do you know I don’t have someone already?”
Cedric regarded him with even more skepticism and a grimace, “respectfully, you’re bluffing. It’s not like this supposed ‘secret lover’ of yours would suddenly manifest out of thin air and drop into your arms like in children’s fairy tales.”
Callisto raised his arms and shrugged. “Believe what you want. But you’ll eat your words soon enough.” After all, he was good at keeping secrets whenever he felt the need to, and although his Chief Aide was probably one of the few people that got to know mostly anything about him, even he couldn’t know just everything, could he now? Some things were better kept as secrets.
Their conversation was cut short by sudden shouts. Their eyes flicked to the opposite direction, where people scrambled out of the way as guards—not just any guards, but the Eckhart Dukedom’s guards at that, all but bulldozed their way through the crowds, uncaring about the people they pushed aside.
A string of rapidly muttered curses had both men look up, and before they registered it, something—or better yet, someone fell from the sky (top of the not so tall building), and right into the Crown Prince’s arms.
Looking down, the new-comer was none other than the youngest daughter of the aforementioned duchy. Before he could say anything, she reached out a hand and brought his head closer to hers, planting a firm, quick kiss onto his lips. “Thank you for catching me,” she smiled up at him, an act that made him grin back. “Anytime, Princess.”
Their time was limited as the guards spotted her eventually—way too soon for his liking.
She was out of his arms in moments. He helped by setting her down carefully, supporting her weight until her feet were firmly on the ground. “You were right where you supposed to be. I should be grateful for your timely appearances.”
“But of course, what kind of lover would I be if I let my dear Princess fall?” She chortled at his playful wink, which had him grin once more.
Turning around, she waved at them, “evening gentlemen!” And off she went, running away down the streets as a whole troop of knights followed rapidly in her wake, calling to her and requesting her to cease the chase.
Cedric had not spoken since Lady Penelope had appeared—or well, disappeared again, instead opting to gape stupidly like a fish, at least that’s what Callisto saw it as. “So, about you admitting defeat…”
“When was this?!” The aide’s shrill demand did not surprise him.
“You see Porter, I’m a man of many secrets. Perhaps if you weren’t so obsessive about your work, maybe you would’ve known when this,” his gloved hand gestured vaguely around in circles, “happened. And maybe you would have a lover too.”
Cedric knew that Lady Penelope had come under Callisto’s watchful gaze many times, too many for that matter, yet he did not think it was because of something like a secret relationship. He would’ve sooner believed his liege was stalking the youngest lady of Eckhart.
Callisto walked ahead ignoring his Aide’s protests, instead deciding to think about the time he’d get to receive Penelope’s letter where she would explain just what had caused the earlier chase, being somewhat aware that it was most likely partly her pink-haired brother’s fault. It was most amusing seeing all the trouble she stirred, even if most of the time it was unintentional.
And of course, Callisto could not afford to miss out on mocking Cedric one more time. “Ah yes, how could I have forgotten. I have already arranged a luncheon with my troop for this evening, to congratulate everyone for their hard work.”
Callisto couldn’t help the chuckle when he heard Cedric’s groan. “Aren’t you happy Porter? You’ll have the chance to fulfill your promise. You should rejoice.”
“Oh I’m absolutely elated, Your Highness. I’m shaking in my excitement. I can barely think straight due to all the happiness I’m feeling.” Cedric would’ve liked nothing more than to pick up the nearest stick and beat his liege with it.
That was going to be a very long night, which would leave his personal account spiraling into a state close to bankruptcy.
Ah yes, it was in moments like these when Cedric Porter loathed working as the Crown Prince’s Aide.