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Ruskin quietly opened the door and stepped inside, immediately closing it behind himself. He walked to the bed and stopped next to it. He looked down and his gaze fell to the face of the young man who was lying there, sleeping deeply.
His beloved master, the Rose Prince, Charles.
Even one glance at him was enough to make the beating of his heart faster. Prince Charles' beauty always mesmerized him, it seemed ethereal and otherworldly like he was not even a human, but an angel fallen from heaven. His curly hair locks which were shining silver in the early morning sunlight, fell to his pale face. The long eyelashes which could be envied by any princess, were hiding a pair of striking golden eyes. Ruskin always started trembling when his own gaze met with them. It made Ruskin remember again and again how much he loved Prince Charles and that his existence was tied to him. Without him, he didn't even want to exist. If Prince Charles would be gone, Ruskin was sure that everything which was beautiful and worth living would disappear from his world forever.
But he was determined to not let this ever happen. After all, his duty, which became the purpose of his life, was to protect his master from everything that can harm him. Especially from one thing.
Needles.
Ruskin turned his head away from the sleeping Prince Charles. As beautiful he was like that, he didn't like watching him while he was asleep. It just reminded him of the curse again, the curse that fell onto his master when he was born. Prince Charles was the first and only child of the ruler of the kingdom, the Rose King and Rose Queen, so on the day when he came to this world, the pair held a huge celebration for their son. Kings and queens, fairies and wizards visited the little Rose Prince to shower him with gifts. Prince Charles was blessed with a beautiful look, a shining intellect, a fairy-like charm, an enormous wealth. But even these blessings were not strong enough to protect him from the curse that the evil witch who was not invited to the celebration casted onto him. The guests listened to the words with horror as the witch set the little prince's fate in stone. He will be beautiful, but his heart will be evil, just like hers - and the citizens of the kingdom could only save themselves if they pricked the prince with a needle which would put him to an eternal sleep where only true love can wake him up from - but this will never happen as no one would love an evil creature who knew their real self. Then the witch disappeared with an evil laugh, leaving the ruined celebration behind.
Some people believed in the curse and some of them didn't. After all, as the prince grew up, there was no sign that he would be evil. Nevertheless, the Rose King and the Rose Queen chose a guardian to watch over their son and protect him from the needles and from turning evil. This was Ruskin, a boy who was a few years older than the prince. He became his servant and the only person to whom the truth got revealed.
That the curse was real and there was indeed a rotten, evil soul behind the mask of beauty and intellect.
Ruskin knew that his beloved master was evil, but he didn't care. He loved him from all his heart and he promised him that he would protect him from everything. Only Ruskin was completely aware that needles were a real threat, so he carefully watched over Prince Charles. But every morning, when he saw his sleeping figure, the fear became stronger in his heart. He didn't want to think what would happen if he fails and his master's golden gaze will never shine up at him again.
Ruskin shook his head to chase the terrifying pictures away and put his hand down on Prince Charles' shoulder.
"Good morning, master."
He was relieved to see that the other man's eyelids moved. His master opened his eyes and looked up at him. A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Good morning, Ruskin. It's a nice day, isn't it?" He turned towards the window.
"It is, master." Ruskin agreed and watched as Prince Charles sat up in bed. "I immediately serve your breakfast. Just wait - and don't touch..."
"...anything that looks sharp." Prince Charles finished his sentence and let out a chuckle. "I know. You never forget to remind me of that every day."
"Because that's what your life depends on, master." Ruskin said in a serious voice. "I can never let you get hurt by a needle... or I will lose you."
Ruskin was disheartened, but Prince Charles was still smiling.
"Actually, you will not." He stated cheerfully and tilted his head. "For this exact reason. Your love towards me. The evil witch who cursed me thought that it is impossible to break it, because she believed that no one can really love anyone who is evil who sees their real self. But just because she never found true love, that doesn't mean that I didn't." The prince told and winked at Ruskin. "I know that you love me the way I am."
Ruskin turned red from the statement. He didn't know that his feelings were that clear. He stared at his master with burning cheeks and he couldn't say anything. He only gave a nod.
To that, Prince Charles let out a little laugh again. He suddenly grabbed Ruskin's wrist and drew him closer.
"If I ever get pricked by a needle, just wake me up with a kiss." He looked into Ruskin's eyes deeply. "Don't be so shy, my loyal servant. One day, you will be my saviour. But until then, don't be afraid."
He sounded so confident that it awakened Ruskin's hope. He just watched the man he loved more than anything else in the world and wished if what he said was true. Can he truly wake him up if the worst comes... with a kiss?
"Do you think that it would work, master?" He asked and he started trembling in the other man's embrace. He saw that Prince Charles felt it and his golden gaze shone up.
"I don't just think. I know." He answered and placed a fast kiss to Ruskin's lips, making his heart beat faster. "All you need is to believe in your love. And believe in me."
"I believe in you, master." Ruskin replied without hesitation. This was one thing which was sure. He believed in him... and in his love towards him.
"Then nothing will tear us apart." Prince Charles let him go. "You can serve the breakfast now."
"Yes, master." Ruskin gave an obedient bow and he left the room. His steps felt lighter than when he came in. The burden he put onto himself with Prince Charles' protection felt easier to bear.
He wanted to believe that he could save him through his love. It would truly make his life content.