Chapter Text
It had been a long time of this routine, ever since his father died was when it started. Thomas’s mother never did care for him, he wasn’t the son she wanted due to his “shortcomings”, or so she called it. It was only a formality he had been brought to the kingdom interested in uniting with them through marriage. So he brought something to read as he usually did, being quiet during the introductions.
James hadn’t said anything the entire time the foreign queen was introducing almost all of the potential courting candidates, looking unamused at best. When he finally did speak, it was on a matter she wished not to discuss. “And what of him?” The prince nodded in the direction of the only one who hadn’t been introduced, in fact, they acted as if he wasn’t even there.
The man simply held a small pocketbook in one hand, his other arm behind his back, maybe to give the impression he wasn’t just standing there mindlessly. Thomas’s mother looked back at who he was pointing to. Usually, no one paid attention to him when she didn’t introduce him, overlooking the quiet presence. She had no choice but to bring him due to customs, otherwise, she wouldn’t have.
“Oh, that is… one of my sons. I assure you he would not suit a successor to the throne such as yourself. I recommend one of my other children, you will find they are more suitable for-“
“Well,” James didn’t like that answer and stopped the queen, “that would be my decision to make. Would it not?” He really should be more formal and polite when it came to the royalty of the other kingdom but in status, prosperity, and strength their kingdom was much less. So even though the native king and queen were there, they didn’t stop him from inquiring further whether it was rude or not.
Queen Jane—Thomas’s mother and the woman whom James considered ignorant—gave a sheepish laugh. “I suppose you are right.” She cleared her throat, “let me have a word with him. He can be quite shy.” Turning around, her plastered smile changed to a very displeased expression.
She walked over to her son and whispered to him with a very quiet, irritated hiss. “He’s asking about you, politely let him know you’re not interested in being courted. tell him to focus on one of your siblings instead.”
Thomas glanced at James, the man waited patiently. Looking back at his dearest mother, Thomas smiled. “Of course. I would hate to embarrass you, your majesty.” He spoke with the most sincerity he could muster.
“Good,” she gestured for him to go.
Putting the pocketbook once more in his pocket, Thomas only needed to take a few strides to be in front of the other prince. “Your Highness,” he smiled with a bow, “it is an honor to have caught your attention.”
“Of course,” James nodded, “it is hard not to notice someone such as yourself. That is, someone so uninterested in this discussion that you would rather be reading than paying attention.” He frowned, “are you used to this? You seem well educated on etiquette, I cannot imagine why you would think reading would be appropriate at this time.”
Thomas’s smile broadened at the comment. “Of course not, your highness. I ask for your forgiveness for my behavior, I am unaware of the customs in your kingdom, and,” he nodded in his mother’s direction, “I am quite shy.” His last point was very obviously lacking any seriousness, disapproving of his mother’s opinion of him but not sounding too disrespectful.
“I see, in that case, all is forgiven. If you would not mind being a part of this conversation, that is, seeing as you are included among those eligible.” He found Thomas had much more of a personality to his liking so far, so it would do him better to participate. “If you would rather not I would forgive you, but it would not be very tactful of you. I recommend that not be your decision.”
There was no getting out of this now, to his mother’s chagrin. He’d been the most interesting one there and how could Thomas possibly give up such a rare opportunity? “I would never decline your offer.” He bowed in respect, “I would be honored to be even just considered by you.”
“Then it is settled,” James gestured to where the prince had been standing previously. “You may return to your place.” A small smile crossed his lips, “preferably without your book in hand. No matter how boring you may find this. I doubt this will be much longer and you will all be led to your guest chambers where you will stay for the remaining time of your visit after.”
Thomas nodded and returned to his place. His mother’s smile was the most fake he’d ever seen on her, she was probably grinding her teeth seeing as her jaw was clenched. It wasn’t like he had tried to catch the native prince’s attention, so he really wasn’t the one to blame. At least that was how he saw it and he didn’t feel bad about it either.
James’s mother and father were pleased that James had participated at all, he’d gone almost the entire time without saying anything and they were at a loss. Both knew that their son had no interest in finding a companion, but his mother in particular did not want him to be alone. His father was more keen on strengthening relations than anything, but he could agree it would be better for his son not to rule alone when it came time for him to take the throne.
After that interruption, the native prince hadn’t said another word, to his mother’s chagrin. He’d involved himself once and that would have to be enough. Thomas would soon find it wasn’t uncommon for James to go without talking. He was very quiet until it came to his duties and studies. So when the queen and king finished their discussions—essentially bargaining marriage plans—they had the visiting kingdom’s royalty escorted to a palace specifically kept for important guests.
Thomas got quite an earful before he went to bed that night.