Obsessed With You - DNF Royal!AU

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐨 - 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 (𝟑)

(Cover Art: 900sbde)

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After the final hay bale was thrown into place at the top of the stable's holdings, Dream dropped back down with a heavy groan, stretching his arms up into the air before heaving over, laying his head against its sturdy wall.

"I became an Advisor so I could aid the King," The grumpy male started. "Not to be assigned as a temporary stable boy..." He trailed off, looking around for his partner, before getting trampled on by his accomplice, who fell on top of him from the space near the roof where they were placing the hay bales.

They both fell to the ground with a grunt, and after a few seconds of silence, they both giggled amongst themselves.

"Sap, get off me, you smell like a pig!" Clay snorted before rolling onto his back and tickling Sapnap, urging him to get off. Howling in laughter, Sapnap quickly rolled off of Clay, and clumsily stood up with a giant smile on his face.

"That makes two of us then, you should see your face, Mr. So-Called-Royal-Advisor." He claimed before going to lower the ladder back down.

He only rolled his eyes in response, and got up, going to the entrance of the stable for a breath of fresh air.

The other servants who were supposed to aid in cleaning the Stable got assigned to decoration duties in the main dining hall of the castle. After a meeting with the director, they had deduced that since the Knights practically had nothing to do, they should help with the Stable instead. After shifted glances and quiet laughter, Dream and Sapnap had volunteered to monitor the barn. It wasn't as bad as they had thought, at least, after a few hours it wasn't.

They had been close friends ever since Sapnap had become a Novice Knight, about four years ago. They grew up together within the castle walls and had roomed together in the Servant Quarters, so it wasn't hard to see the chemistry between the two boys. With Sapnap's endless jokes about how ridiculous the chores were and Dream's wheezing that filled the whole barn was enough for the time to fly by as they did the list of chores, they were given.

A crash sounded from within the Stable, followed by gasps and that was enough to snap Dream out of his thoughts. He quickly spun around with a curious look on his face only to see Sapnap on the floor with the ladder on top of him, surrounded by children. He speedily walked over to the 'crash scene' and stared down at his friend. A smile crept onto his face, biting back the urge to laugh.

Sapnap frowned.

Shaking his head, he looked at the children instead. "What happened?" Clay asked the tiny children standing around him. They all stared up at the taller male for a few seconds before looking at each other.

"Mister... funny knight guard... guy wants you, Mister Dream, to the castle's entrance.. immediately."

(Dream automatically assumed they were referring to Sir Alex since he seemed to be one of the children's favorites for some reason. Maybe it's because of how loud he was all the time, or the childish persona he would put on around them.)

"We came to tell you, but then tall man fell! I think we scared him!" Another exclaimed loudly, which cause the children to all collectively laugh. Dream offered a hand and helped up Sapnap, who was holding his stomach, clearly spooked by the children coming all of the sudden.

"Alright, alright, yeah yeah- we get it." Sapnap dismissively waved his freehand in the air before side-eyeing Dream, as if to tell him to go. He got the cue and just smiled back at Sapnap, before waving goodbye and running off towards the castle entrance.

-

By the time he made it to the entrance, he saw Alex already there tapping his foot impatiently, clearing attempting to mask his anxiety but failing miserably. He was welcoming in the ladies who had arrived in their carriages. All of them had beautifully sewn dresses in all different kids of eye-catching shades, their hair neatly pinned in place in all sorts of jaw-dropping hairstyles. They had vibrant colors accompanying the colors of their gowns, and some had a few servants holding up the back of their gowns to prevent any damage.

Dream approached Alex as he was helping out a hooded maiden find directions to the main hall. Once he got within earshot, she looked at Clay before bowing and thanking Alex multiple times, quickly scurrying away.

Clay's stomach dropped, and he paused. His eyes trailed her for as long as he could before she seemed to disappear into the shadows.

He collected himself mentally before continuing to Alex.

"Ah, Dream, there you are!" Alex called out to him before speed-walking his way over to Dream.

"Hey, Alex. Whatcha' need?"

He looked around before responding as if someone was watching (probably paranoid, but Dream didn't comment on it) and pulled Clay closer.

"There's sorta- a situation. If you wanna call it that-" He began, earning an intrigued reaction from Clay, who immediately stood up straighter upon hearing this information.

"The ambush attacks have seized. We pinned the Magnolia Kingdom for weeks on end, and we even took the precaution as to not invite them to this event, as you already know. Their Queen has made a statement that she does not need a spouse, and she will not be sending anyone to Lebio-" He took a deep breath, information pouring out of his mouth, and exhaled, "However, if the ambush attacks have stopped, and Magnolia is the one ambushing us, why would they stop during this event, and not attack from the inside?"

"This could be the perfect opportunity for Magnolia to finally get us. Even after we didn't invite them to the event..." Alex stopped talking, and his eyes wandered the cobblestone ground as if he got lost in his thoughts, confusion clouding his face and creasing in his brows.

Dream sighed and shook his head, tapping his friend to get his attention.

Alex looked up at Dream with desperation.

Dream nodded.

"What do you need me to do?"

"I don't know... I was hoping you would know better than anyone. You're the Royal Advisor, after all, Clay. The King picked you for a reason."

Dream bit the inside of his cheek at the mention of the King, not forgetting how grateful he was for the position. He was very fond of King George and stated his position with pride. He felt warmness bubbling at the bottom of his stomach, and a sense of protectiveness wash over him. With newfound confidence inside of him, he swung a hand over his heart and dipping his head respectfully.

"I shall see to the situation. Do not worry. Alex, for now, I need you to call all front-line Knights to a meeting in ten minutes." He spoke solemnly before lifting his gaze to see Alex nodding in response with a small smile.

"Yes, Sir!" He quickly chirped before running quickly away to do his task, disappearing amidst the chaos in the crowd.

Dream looked up and pressed his lips together in a line.

They'd have to figure this out before gossip arose.

And it would have to be fast.

Dream started towards the castle.

He wasn't doing this for the safety of the kingdom. They could all die and he wouldn't give one shit.

He was doing this for the safety of George. If one person laid one finger on him...

He clenched his teeth and bitterness filled his once prideful expression.

They would pay.