All Around You (Troyler AU)

Chapter 2: Questions

Tyler’s P.O.V

“What was that all about?” asked Caspar.

“I’m really not sure…” I responded, still looking at the window, now closed by a curtain.

It was obvious Prince Troye had been looking at me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how embarrassed he seemed when I caught him looking at me. It was as if he didn’t want to get caught. But why? He didn’t talk to anyone, and I barely ever saw him, so why would he be looking at me of all people?

“It’s probably nothing,” said Caspar with a shrug. I sighed. Caspar was probably right. As much as I’d love to think it meant something, it was probably just a guy looking out a window and nothing more. Besides, I knew better than to get my hopes up when I knew there was nothing I could do about it.

“Look, it’s the princess!” I heard Jim yell from within the crowd of other knights. I turned my head.

Princess Sage was walking out of the castle with her maid, coming down towards the castle gates. I rejoined the group of knights, and as the princess got near, we all bowed on one knee to her. She gave the softest giggle as she nodded to us, acknowledging we had bowed in respect to her. We all stood up, standing before her, but out of the corner of my eye I could see her maid bouncing on the heels of her feet, looking at me with the biggest grin.

“Tyler!” she squealed.

“Zoe!” I yelled back and ran over, giving her a tight hug. I could hear a couple gasps from the other knights; all shocked that I came anywhere near the princess, but I knew Sage didn’t mind. She was actually giggling as I squeezed Zoe tighter. She was well aware that Zoe and I were close friends, and she had no problem with it.

“Do I get a hug too?” asked the princess very politely when I was done embracing Zoe. I chuckled and opened my arms to her, and she promptly hugged me as tightly as she could. By this time, most of the other knights were downright mortified that I was getting this close to a member of the royal family. Personally, I was a little surprised too. I had never hugged the princess before! I guess today was just all sorts of special regarding me and royalty.

“Where are you off today, your highness?” I asked as she let me go.

“Zoe’s suggested we go out to town for some fresh air,” said Sage.

When Sage looked away for a second, Zoe pulled me closer to her so her face was right beside my ear.

“I really just wanted to see Alfie,” Zoe whispered to me when she was sure no one else could hear. I tried to hold back a chuckle. Alfie was also a friend of mine, and he and Zoe had been in a small relationship of sorts for a while now. However, she worked in the castle and he worked in a small shop in town, so they didn’t get to see each other too much.

“How’s your training?” Sage asked. She was now turned to the other knights, who had resumed their swordfights and battles.

“A little sweaty,” I shrugged. “A little hot. Pretty gross.”

“That sounds great,” she joked and turned back to me with a smile.

As I looked back down at her, something hit me. She was Prince Troye’s younger sister. She must know him pretty well, at least well enough to tell me if it was me he was looking at. Maybe she could even tell me why.

“I think we’d better get going now,” Zoe told Sage.

“Wait!” I said before they had the chance to go. Zoe gave me a small annoyed look; I knew I was cutting into her time to see Alfie but I really had to know.