Chapter Text
Erik looked over his shoulder in time to see Prince Charles fall from his horse with a shrill cry. The horse followed, a spear protruding from her chest as she collapsed on top of Charles. The battlefield was full of knights, all yelling as they fought for what was right. Not ten minutes previously the prince had led the charge, urging them forth into battle.
Now, all Erik could hear was the dull clanking of Charles’ armor as it crushed the prince. Erik turned his horse and rode across the field, completely ignoring the chaos around him.
He arrived at Charles’ side quickly, dismounting and kneeling at the side of his Prince.
“I’m alive,” Charles greeted with a wheeze.
“My liege,” Erik replied, propriety taking over suddenly, where it never had before. Charles rolled his eyes.
“I’m alive and I’m not dying,” Charles specified. “It seems as though Cerebro has missed everything vital.”
Erik looked at Charles’ horse, breathing her last on the prince’s legs. Relief coursed through him. He nodded at Charles.
“You know, aside from all this, I think we’re doing fairly well,” Charles said, looking over the field. Erik looked up. It appeared as though they had won. Erik barely remembered what they were fighting for. All that mattered was Charles’ safety.
Erik would always follow him into battle. He had many times. Though it never got easier seeing Charles lead the charge, laying his life on the line for his country and his people.
Prince Charles was universally beloved, if he were to die on the battlefield, everyone would mourn, not just Erik. Everyone preferred him over King Marko and his son. When Charles ascended the throne, he would usher in a new era of peace.
“I can’t quite feel my legs,” Charles mused. “But the battle seems to be ours.”