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It was late at night when Prince Tholomule snuck out of his room in the east wing of the castle. He’d dressed in clothes he considered appropriate for townsfolk and fled his home, using the dark black of the night to remain unseen. He approached his subject little town with enthusiasm, excited as if to take on the world! It was the most beautiful night, all the stands were lit up, amazing smells of all kinds of street foods filled the air, and people chattered away in the background. Everything felt warm and fuzzy. He came to a sudden halt when he spotted a father and son, the dad looked to be upset, wearily sighing and leaving a food stand, yet he possessed no food. Matt approached and handed him a pouch. The father held his son closer, looking at him skeptically, Matt smiled nervously and promptly sat the pouch down next to him. He then continued his walk, ignoring the calls from the man he’d just given coins to. The wind raged a moment, stopping him in his tracks, by the time he regained balance he let out a small breath, reaching to fidget with his bracelet, only to realize it wasn’t there. It wasn’t there?! Prince Tholomule pulled down at his sleeve, shocked to see his bare wrist. He heard a rustle and snapped his head to the side just in time to see a figure taking off, he ran after the thief without hesitation.
-
This guy was good, but Matt was better. He was a royal after all! And he wasn’t going to let some street thief win. He took a shortcut and surprised them by appearing right in front of them, causing the thief to fall backward onto the grass. Prince Tholomule drew his sword but the thief drew his just as fast. Probably another thing he stole. Matt scoffed and swung, the thief rolled away and stood up in one swift movement. Matt tried to hide his surprised eyes. He slashed at him and the thief parried his attack, immediately attempting a stab at him which Prince Tholomule barely dodged. At this point they were both working up a sweat, every attack either of them threw out was dodged or stopped in its tracks. The figure grew tired, he went in for a slash, Matt readied his sword in defense only for the thief to instead kick his legs, causing him to stumble and fall onto the floor. The thief stood over him and put his sword to Matt’s chest. Matt blew his bangs to the side, out of breath. He could see the thief smile slightly from underneath his hood,
“Had enough yet?” The figure spoke, clearly annoyed and equally as out of breath as him,
Matt was surprised to note how young the voice sounded. Was he fighting a boy his age?
Matt put on a brave face and returned the smile,
“Not quite,” Matt sneered, acting quickly, he slashed at the boy's sword with his own that he had hidden behind his back. The boy startled, his sword dropping to the floor due to the strength of his hit, but before he had a chance to react Matt stood right in front of him with his sword to the boy's neck. Matt’s hood fell off in the process. Matt immediately noticed a change in the boy's breathing pattern.
“Who are you?” Matt asked, curiosity itching at his brain, a rough exterior added to his voice automatically, a feeble attempt at seeming tough and scary.
The boy groaned. Slowly, he started putting both hands up, Matt tensed immediately, the boy seemed to flinch as well but continued, he placed one hand on his hood and with a breath slid it off.
Damn. Not only was he fighting a boy his age. He was fighting a pretty boy his age. He looked mad…damnit he made pretty boy mad!!
“Augustus,” The boy spoke suddenly,
“Augustus Porter,”
“Well, Augustus Porter-“ Matt started,
“You put up a hell of a good fight.” He chuckled a little, sarcasm lining his voice,
“Oh fuck you,” Augustus rolled his eyes,
“All this over a bracelet? Can’t someone like you easily afford another one??”
“It’s not just a bracelet,” Matt almost yelled, surprised by his own raised voice he let out a breath.
“It was a gift.” He spoke softly now,
“From my mom.”
Augustus seemed to consider this a moment, his expression changing from bitter to confused to understanding, he reached into his pocket, this time unafraid when Matt once again flexed his sword, he showcased the bracelet in his palm and held his hand out to him. Matt found himself immediately less tensed, he slowly lowered his sword. With caution, he approached him, he grabbed the bracelet from his palm, immediately placing it back on his wrist. They stared at each other for an uncomfortable amount of time.
“Well don’t rush to thank me,” Augustus deadpanned,
“Thank yo- wait! You STOLE it!” Matt shot back at him,
“Well, I gave it back!!” He exclaimed, a confused yet genuine smile on his face,
“Only cause I beat your ass!!” Matt felt himself smiling now,
Augustus laughed,
“I could beat you any other day!”
“Is that right?” Matt teased,
Augustus grinned and cocked his head to the side slightly, a shift in his expression,
“What are you doing out here?” He asked,
Matt rolled his eyes at him, a stern look on his face
“Shouldn’t a prince such as yourself be with guards out here orrr maybe asleep, dreaming of princesses or something??”
“First of all-“ Matt pointed an accusing finger at his new acquaintance,
“I can take care of myself.” He said firmly,
“Mhm sure,” Augustus said, one hand placed on his hip, Matt didn’t appreciate the sass. He mocked him with his hand and crossed his arms, immaturely sticking out his tongue,
“Second of all- I’m gay.”
“Are you?” Augustus smirked at him,
Matt felt himself go red slightly, Augustus’ smile only grew bigger,
“Third of all!!-“ Matt continued in a higher-pitched voice, ignoring the previous comment,
“I need to get home.” He confessed with a sigh. He’d been out much later than expected, at this point, someone might have noticed his absence and alerted the guards, which was not a very ideal situation…
“Awhhh does the prince have a curfew?” Augustus teased,
Matt rolled his eyes,
“Fuck you.” He spoke simply before walking away from him and making his way back towards the castle, he didn’t get far before a hand grabbed at his own and he found himself turned around and facing pretty boy who for some reason was even prettier up close. Augustus held at his hand gently, quickly yet softly removing a ring that lay on his middle finger. He backed up, examining the ring as if it were his own before putting it on his ring finger,
“You have small hands your highness,” Augustus told him, a cat-like smile forming on his face,
“Give that back.”
“Next time I see you I will,” He smiled,
“Huh- but-“
“I can’t hear you!!” Augustus lied, already walking backwards away from him,
“When will I see you next?!” Matt said raising his voice as his new friend continually walked away from him,
“I don’t know? Next time you sneak out!!” He yelled back, still walking
“How will I know where to find you??” Matt shouted, confused, concerned, but also intrigued. Ignoring the fact he automatically assumed he snuck out.
“You’ll know!!” Augustus yelled back with a laugh,
“See you around Prince Tholomule!”
And with that Augustus disappeared into the trees, Matt stared at the empty spot in which he once stood.
“Did I just let that asshole rob me?”