love and thorns | dnf

work and time

a/n: IMMM BACCK!!! This chapter is a lot of just getting things going and explains George's role in this story

The curtains were shoved opened revealing the morning light which cast throughout the room, bouncing off several surfaces and right into George's unopened eyes.

"It's time to wake up, it's a big day for you"

The figure standing next to George's bed was only a blurry silhouette that was completely unrecognizable due to not being completely awake.

"Give me five more minutes, it can't be so important that it requires my utmost attention." Says George as he grabs the pillow from beside him and shoves it back over his face.

"I'm sorry to alarm you, but it does indeed need your utmost attention" The silhouette starts, "Now please excuse me for this."

George's peaceful sleep was then interrupted by the blankets being ripped off of him and a steady hand pulling him up from his uncannily large bed.

"Oh! What is it that's so important?!" He asks.
"Don't get an attitude with me now I'm only doing my job! Now get up or I swear-"

George's eyes finally start to wake up and the blurry figure begins to come into view.

It was his handmaid, Niki.

"Fine, fine I'll get up but please do tell me what needs my attention." The king asks.
"God, you are forgetful aren't you? It's your coming of age ceremony for goodness sakes!"

The next few moments are just flashes of shiny jewels and fabrics with a smell of a strong cologne. (He has never been a huge fan of flashy outfits but decided to put up with it in fear of aggravating Niki more than he already has.) After that they tried to tame his terrible bed head, (the comb had to of been stuck in his hair at least 15 times) but finally his hair was combed back accompanied by a crown.

"Go take a look..." Niki says.

Walking over to the mirror it revealed what all the silks and fabrics were and where they had been placed. The crown was what you would expect, a three-tier with red and blue jewels, but as his eyes moved down he couldn't help but be in awe. A white blouse was paired with a red and blue robe which faded down to white, and a gold belt that held it to his waist.

Niki never failed.

"Niki, you've outdone yourself!" George says while turning around.
"Well I couldn't have you showing up to a coming of age ceremony underdressed could I? Now let's go!"

Pushing the boy out the room and closing the door behind them, the pair makes their way toward the hall.

~~~

Saying the castle was decorated was an understatement.

From floor to ceiling banners hung, every window had its familiar curtains tied back with a gold ribbon.  Butlers and maids meandered the halls looking for things to busy themselves with, George did try to help them hang banners here and there but it just resulted in Niki pulling him away and back on track.

Along with the decorations it was always tradition go hang portraits of leaders around the walls. The paintings looked the same as they always did, their bright eyes and wide smiles looking down on the pair as they passed.

But two portraits contrast and seem to catch George's eyes more than others. One of them he knew to well, their lips in a thin line and the familiar trench coat layering his skin, the intricate details seemed to pop out from the canvas.

Wilbur Soot, loved by many but not all.
The nation he once built for a new beginning would ultimately end him.

George's eyes moved from the golden nameplate to the next, seeing it was someone he didn't know. The clothing on the figure was painted dark with the occasional ender pearl painted into the cloth. The figures face was something the boy had never seen before, green eyes pierced down at him along with dark black skin dotted with white. Their face was stoic but somehow an emotion filled George, something along the lines of grief and pity.