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The floors were filthy. The dishes dirty. The windows misty. Dust lined the cupboards. Tapestries lay on the floor, covered in mud.
This was the aftermath of a tantrum.
Lance had merely wanted to go to the ball. That’s all. He’d wanted to go, to dance, but instead, he was suck here with this mess. He sighed, preparing himself for a long night.
At the very least, it was quiet. The house was empty, no awful stepparents or step siblings to boss him around. He took steadying breaths and moved about the house, cleaning what he could. He made lists of what would need replacing.
He came across his father’s old stash of books and almost broke. He’d hidden them so well, but his step siblings hadn’t cared. They’d found them.
Lance clenched the remains of tattered books to his chest, standing. This was no home. This was the place his parents had raised him, it was supposed to be his safe space.
He packed a bag. Set out to find his steed, who was munching away at some hay. She was the only horse Lance was allowed to keep of his fathers. She was the most useful.
Lance sat astride the powerful beast with a sigh. They could figure it out. He was done. This was no home. He wasn’t sure where to go, but he knew he had to leave. He was more then a servant. He didn’t know who he was, not yet, but he would figure it out.
Maybe he’d try his hand at being a knight. He came from noble blood, it wouldn’t be too crazy. He’d always had great aim, and he was fairly strong. He could be a knight.
The darkness was like a friend. He was so used to working at night, taking Blue out for rides. She hardly reacted to the darkness, so sure and brave beneath his legs. She was his one friend in this world.
Hoof beats made Lance frown. He turned, directing his mare to move more cautiously. He had a dagger, a gift from his late father that he always kept on his person. He wasn’t confident he could fight bandits though.
Someone rode closer, looking well dressed with jewels glinting in the moonlight. Well groomed, although Lance did wonder about the choice of haircut. Lance halted Blue, the chestnut horse gaining on them.
"Who’s there?” The rider shouted, moving closer.
Lance’s fingers tensed on Blue’s reins. She coiled, ready to leap away at Lance’s command. “I’m no thief,” he said.
“Show yourself.”
Lance couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Bossy.”
The man made a noise, annoyed and frustrated. “State your business.”
“Dude, I’m in my own forest. Relax.”
This made the figure pause. “I see. Why are you taking such a late ride?”
Lance pushed down his rising irritation. “I’d like to know that, too.”
“I asked first.”
Lance actually laughed. He felt Blue relax minutely, immediate threat gone. She moved closer, taking a half step, ears trained on the chestnut. “I’m leaving.”
“Leaving?”
“I cannot stay here any longer,” Lance said, though he wasn’t sure why. What business was it of this stranger?
“I see, and where will you go?”
Lance shrugged. “Hadn’t thought that far ahead.” He admitted. “Your turn.”
“I couldn’t stay any longer, either.” The man said. “Too many expectations, too much responsibility. I needed to get out.”
Lance understood, to a degree. He softened. “You chose a good night, everyone will be celebrating the prince’s birthday.”
“Yes, that was the point.”
“It must be amazing, being a prince. Having the power to change things, to protect the kingdom. Living to serve.”
The stranger seemed perplexed, dark eyes watching Lance. “You desire a crown?”
Lance laughed, the sound ripped from his chest in sheer shock. “Me? Oh, no. No, I couldn’t. But I think the royals are important, you know? And, sure. Having money wouldn’t hurt. But, you know, it’s important.” He paused. Considered the clothes, the bling, the cleanliness. “Do you know the prince?”
The stranger frowned, taking several steps closer with his large steed. “I have met him, yes.”
“They say he’s able to best anyone in a fight, and that he’s looking for a spouse.”
“Those are two wildly different rumours,” the stranger was doing a poor job of concealing his amusement. “Why didn’t you go to the ball?”
Lance shrugged, curling a piece of Blue’s mane in his fingers. “I mean, look at me. I wouldn’t fit in. I think the royals also wanted to keep peasants out for a reason. Can’t have the prince choosing one of us.”
“Who the prince chooses to marry is none of their concern,” he said, sounding quite firm on it. “For a happy king will make for a happy kingdom.”
“Well said.”
The stranger sighed, looking back the way he’d come. “I suppose I do have duties.”
“Perhaps I’ll see you again? I’m thinking I might like to become a knight.”
“Only those of noble blood can serve the crown.”
“You sound like a parrot,” Lance said, rolling his eyes. “My father was a duke.” He looked down. Found comfort in Blue’s warmth. “I can use that, I guess.”
“I’m sorry,” the stranger said, meaning it.
“It is what it is,” he said, looking back up. “No point dwelling. Will I see you around?”
There was an amused smile on the stranger’s face. I think so,” he turned his horse, but kept his head on Lance. “Thank you, you’ve successfully changed my mind. Do enjoy your evening.”
Lance went back to the house. He put Blue away, then wrote to the palace. He would go to town in the morrow and post it, hoping for an opportunity to show his skills. To learn. Part of him hoped he’d encounter his strange friend again.
His stepfamily returned home at some point. Lance didn’t care. He was past that. All his belongings were in the barn where he slept. Let them figure it out. He would leave sooner then they could threaten him again. He was done.
Mail came two days later. His fingers twitched as he opened it, but it was a rejection. He dropped onto the hay, ripping the letter up. He scowled.
Apparently, they had no use for someone with no experience. Lance looked to Blue, the mare peacefully eating at her stall. He sighed. He had chores to do, but he’d ignored them.
Something about his defiance was getting to his stepmother. She was allowing it. He’d grown a backbone. He knew it wouldn’t be long before she found something to take away, but he had a plan. It was her own fault. Had she not destroyed his fathers’ books, he’d probably consider staying.
He took a ride in the evening. He smiled at the fresh night air. Hearing the sound of hooves, he paused. A familiar chestnut entered the space, the stranger once more atop the beast.
“Hello again,” Lance said, nodding to the man.
“I expected to see you at the palace.”
Lance looked down, the letter appearing in his minds, the rejection curling through his skin. “Rejected.”
“I see.” The man moved closer, his horse keeping an ear on Blue warily. “There’s to be a party, a belated celebration for the prince. Held at the edge of town. For all citizens. Will you attend?”
Lance hummed. “I do like dancing. Will you be there?”
The stranger smiled, soft and practically glowing in the moonlight. “If you will.”
“Save me a dance, then.”
The family were in a state of disarray. Apparently, the prince had found someone, rumours were aplenty at court. Lance could care less. He’d seen the beautiful stranger several more times since, the prince was none of his concern.
He was no longer a stranger, either. Instead, he was a friend. The only name the man had given him was Red, the name of his steed. So, Lance had decided to follow and provide him only Blue’s name.
The party was looming. Lance was almost excited. He would get to see the prince, sure, but he was keener to see Red. His stepfamily were all thrilled at having another chance to secure the crown.
They thought they could marry into the royal family. From what it sounded like, the prince was already settled on someone. Good luck. He wouldn’t wish his step family on anyone, let alone the kingdom.
Lance wasn’t bothered by the crown, he’d be pleased to simply see Red.
The day of the party came around. Lance was dressed in clean clothes, nothing special about them. He just wanted to see Red, talk with some of the knights. Perhaps get a chance to prove he could be useful. He needed to do something, to leave this farm. Needed to be someone.
It was all happening, the royals had done an incredible job. The place looked truly incredible, decked in lights and banners, colour and music. The smells of delicacies from cooks around the kingdom.
A makeshift yard for steeds was to the side, and Lance passed his beloved mare to a stable boy. Amongst the horses in attendance, Lance spotted a beautiful red chestnut, her eyes watching Lance. He smiled.
He moved to the edges of the gathering. He liked to see the bigger picture. He was more of a distance guy, to watch from the shadows. He found a knight and smiled, but they just turned away. Right. Peasant.
Something glinted in the twilight and Lance frowned. His eyes focussed. A blade. He moved swiftly through the crowd, single minded. No one noticed, no one cared that a peasant moved among them. So many other peasants filled the space, cleaned and brushed.
Lance stood before the would-be assassin. He gripped their hand, stealing the dagger with a swift movement before they could figure it out. Frightened gasps started around them as people registered a peasant wielding a knife.
Unfortunately, Lance had very little actual training, and this person was an assassin. Lance was thrown to the side the moment they’d gotten their bearings. It was too late though. Their cover was blown. Three knights descended on the assassin and Lance grinned, catching his breath.
He pushed himself back to his feet, ornate dagger still in his hands. Trying to figure out the target, he turned, but he only saw Red.
“You,” Red said, moving closer. Eyes wide. “You saved my life.”
Lance flushed, putting the dagger into his belt. It was a pretty thing, and the assassin wasn’t going to need it anymore. “If I’d known it was you who was the target, I’d have let him.”
Several knights who were within ear shot all levelled their weapons at him and Lance jumped.
Red held up a gloved hand. “At ease, please.”
Lance blinked, sensing the control Red had over the knights. Took in his attire. A small crown adorned his head, red jewels blinking at him.
Oh. He’d just threatened Prince Keith.
“Blue?” Red – Prince Keith – asked.
“Sorry, my lord. I’ll leave.” He ducked his head, trying not to look threatening. This was the prince. He’d been an idiot. As if the prince would want him. A peasant boy from nothing. Ludicrous. And if the rumours were true, this man already had someone. He was a fool.
Keith’s hand moved to grab for Lance as he turned. “No, please. I’m sorry. I want you here. I should have told you.”
Lance looked down, Keith’s shoes worth more then anything Lance had ever owned. “Perhaps.”
“You have incredible instincts.” Keith said. “You need training though.”
“I was rejected, if you recall.”
Keith grinned, gesturing to the crown atop his head. “I am the prince.” He tapped his nose. “I can make you a squire, if you want. Only if you want.”
Lance wasn’t sure what he wanted, but he was pretty confident he wanted the prince close. “Are you sure?”
“You saved my life without even trying. I’m sure.”
Keith looked sad. Lance hesitated as he moved towards him. They’d taken to training together after the official training with the knights ended, and Lance was improving in leaps and bounds. He was a quick learner, and he was loving it. For the first time in his life, he loved his work. He got to live in the palace, Blue got a special place in the stables. He was finally happy, away from his awful stepfamily.
“Keith?”
The prince startled, which should have been a clue. This man never startled. He was always on his guard. Especially on the training field. “Lance, sorry. Hello.”
He sat beside the prince on the soft grass. “Are you ok?”
“My mother has given me until next month to declare a courtship, or she’ll declare one for me.”
These were not the words Lance had been expecting. His heart, which he’d been trying to ignore, broke in his chest. It was easier when Keith didn’t have someone to imagine they could be happy together. How could he not fall for this man? Keith was so beautiful, so good. He was the best prince they could have.
“I see.” Lance said, trying to calm the ache in his chest. “Is there anyone you’d consider?”
Keith turned, ever so slowly, eyes wide. Scared. Hopeful. Nervous. A conflicting series of emotions Lance wasn’t used to seeing on his prince. “Yes, there is. But I don’t want to ruin anything.”
“Anyone would be lucky to have you, Keith.”
Silence was louder then ever. Keith watched his hands, taking a steadying breath. Lance ached to see him so unsure, so unlike himself. “Even you?”
He stopped breathing, trying not to get his hopes up. Trying not to read into this incorrectly. “Me?”
“You’re the first person to see me, Lance. And you also stopped me from running away. You still owe me for that.”
Lance laughed, running a hand through his hair, tension dripping from his fingers. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He never saw his rotten step family again. Didn’t care to. He’d found a home in the palace, right beside the prince as his consort. He loved Keith with all he was. They were happy together, and a happy prince made for a happy home.
The two found time to be alone, taking frequent rides together with the trusty steeds. With Lance’s new status as a real, official knight, Keith was in safe hands. The first knight had promoted Lance personally, Shiro seeing his potential and even offering to teach him the workings of the war room, he’d shown a real knack for being a strategist.
This was his home, where he belonged. Protecting his prince, loving him and keeping his heart with him. This was who he was, a fighter, a lover, a prince.
Hand in hand with Keith was exactly where he needed to be.
Where he wanted to be, forever.