A Kingdom of Untold Truths || Dreamnotfound

6

Clay's POV

Clay woke up bright and early the next morning. He freshened up and went to the training field again. This time Patches came along. Today he was just going to work out instead of sword play. He left his armor in his room and wore proper clothing for working out.

He saw Punz in the ring sparring with a soldier. Punz waved in greeting and Clay waved back. He walked towards the parkour course and started stretching alone. When he was done he went through his core exercises. He missed how Sapnap used to supply ample conversation during their workouts.

He started doing push-ups and Patches sat on his back as he went up and down. About midway through he was interrupted.

"What are you doing Step Dream?" A familiar voice called out.

Clay choked at the name. Patches startled and jumped off his back. He got up immediately and looked at the Prince incredulously. Clay bowed and straightened back up. He was glad there was no one near them.

"What did you just call me?" Clay asked, amused.

"You said you'd prefer it if I called you Dream," Prince George said innocently.

"Yeah Dream. Not Step Dream."

The Prince grinned like the Cheshire Cat. "You didn't find it funny?"

"No."

"Fine. I'll just call you Clay then." The Prince said and picked at his nails.

Clay sighed. "Did you need something?"

"No."

"Then why are you here?"

"Um hello? You're my guard. You're supposed to be at my side... Besides I like watching you." Prince George smirked.

Clay didn't respond. He found the Prince quite amusing. Clay couldn't tell if he was joking or not.

"So get your armor and let's go. We have stuff to do today." The Prince continued as if he had said nothing.

"Yes, Prince George," Clay replied.

They walked to his room. Patches followed behind the Prince. He was wearing a cape today. The scarlet fabric was designed with whorls of gold. He had a black shirt on with black pants and brown leather boots. Every piece of clothing was speckled with gold. The same gold crown sat atop his head. Overall, it was a very attractive outfit.

They went into Clay's room. Clay paused.

The Prince gave him an impatient look. "Well, go on. Get ready." 

Clay held in a chuckle at the Prince's impatience. He grabbed his armor and went into the bathroom to change. He washed his face and came out minutes later ready to go.

The Prince looked at him. He grabbed a cloth that Clay hadn't seen on his bed. He handed it to him and Clay looked at him confused.

"It's a cape. Similar to mine, but different. We're supposed to match today." The Prince explained.

"Why?"

"I have a meeting with my father today and you are to attend. He is going to meet you. So put it on." Prince George said impatiently.

Clay grabbed the cloth and unraveled it. The patterns were exquisite. The scarlet and gold created a beautiful design that made Clay pause to take a loser look. He flipped it over his shoulders and pinned it on.

The Prince nodded approvingly and walked in a circle around Clay. He straightened the edge of the cape. Clay observed the Prince's movements. He noted that Prince George was trying very hard to please the king.

Once the Prince was finished he faced Clay. "Let's go." 

Clay followed him out of his room. Patches stayed behind. She went to lay in the sun by his window.

The two walked down several corridors in silence. They approached a large set of doors and were let in by two guards.

The large doors opened and Clay saw the king sitting on his throne. The Prince bowed and Clay followed suit.

"You may rise." King Philza said.

They stood straight. Clay saw that the Prince was trying to stand tall.

"How are you doing today George?" King Philza asked.

"I am good father. How are you?"

"I am doing well. Thank you, George." The King replied fondly.

"You wanted to meet Dream?" George said in a question.

He said Dream instead of Clay, probably because it would be weird in front of the King. Clay had met the King before, but with a group of commanders, not personally.

"Yes. I've heard great things about your new guard." The King said.

The Prince looked at Clay. Clay glanced at him briefly before looking back to the King.

"It is an honor to serve for Prince George." Clay said.

"Indeed. You do know what you have signed up for, correct?" King Philza asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have read through the requirements and understand that it is my duty to do whatever it takes to protect Prince George."

"Good. Do you swear to abide by those rules?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I swear to abide by the rules stated."

"And you understand that you are to protect the Prince in all ways possible, even by laying down your own life?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I understand," Clay said without hesitating.

King Philza nodded in approval and looked at the Prince. "And do you understand Dream's job?"

"Yes, father. It is his duty to protect me." The Prince replied. Clay heard something different in his voice, but he couldn't quite place the tone.

"Good. I would also like Dream to be your nightly guard. His post will be taken up by another shortly before sunrise so he may rest a few hours and then resume his duties." King Philza paused. "With recent news we have received, it is necessary for Dream to be at your side at all times." He turned to Clay. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Clay replied.

"Then you two are dismissed." The King said.

They bowed and left the throne room. On their way out they passed Wilbur. Wilbur gave Clay a knowing grin that made Clay's stomach churn. Clay looked away, but not before he saw Prince George glare at Wilbur.

They walked outside and the Prince stopped at the steps in front of the castle. They stood staring down at the city for a few moments before the Prince asked a question.

"Is Wilbur always like that with you?" he asked.

"Yes." Clay swallowed. He had nothing to be ashamed of, after all, he'd gotten used to Wilbur's teasing.

"Hm. I want to show you something."

"Okay. Where will we be going?"

Prince George turned to look at Clay and smiled wide, "To my favorite place in all of Emberfall."

A/N

I DO NOT mean any hate or bad intentions towards Wilbur. My portrayal of him is not who he actually is irl. I love Wilbur and his content as well as his music, he is not a bad person. In my story, however, if you have noticed, Wilbur has taken a liking to Clay and hints at it. You will read more eventually. :)