ROYAL AFFAIRS (MXM) ✔

Five

Crops lined up throughout a huge field. Augustus looked over the beautiful land. He didn't know how to feel. This was exactly what he wished to do for his own people. He couldn't understand how the Rubenstein's were able to do all these things for their people. While his own father failed to just give the locals oil. The same oil they dug up themselves. He felt slightly ashamed of his own family.

"It's beautiful," he breathed, looking at the blossoming crops.

Sebastian just smiled. He was proud of the hard work his people have put into this.

"My prince," Neil shouted, as he jogs over to the two prince in his dirty overrolls. His grin so big to tame. He bowed before the two men of royalty.

"Neil," Sebastian greeted, his joy also pouring into his voice. "I see green everywhere," he said.

"And red, yellow, purple..."

"I think we get it Neil," Sebastian chuckled, stopping the elder from his cheeky remark.

Neil chuckled, shrugging his shoulders knowingly. There it was again. The fondness and comfort that Augustus wasn't used to seeing in locals back at his home.

"The haverst will be coming soon. The yams are also coming okay. I think in October we'll be hosting the annual yam festival," the older man spoke with a sense of pride.

"You've all done so well Neil. Families will have enough to eat for a few months," Sebastian gushed.

Neil grinned, nodding his head. His forest green eyes sweeping around the area prideful.

"Oh! Would you like some veggies? I'm sure there's a cabbage and spinach ready to be harvested," the old man inquired.

Sebastian laughed shaking his head.

"No thank you Neil. I'd never take food from the locals," he denied politely.

Neil grinned, and bowed respectful to both prince. He bid his farewells, before jogging down the trail. Augustus smiled at the disappering old man.

"We should leave before they start shoving cabbages at us," Augustus joked.

To his delight the other prince laughed at his vague joke. He nodded, agreeing with him.

They rode to town, deciding to waste a few minutes at the markets. Augustus was still not used to seeing locals being cheerful, excited to see a person of royalty. They recieved them with warmth and love. Genuine smiles, but also respecting their prince. Not because they had to, but only because they wanted to.

"My prince," a sweet, serene voice drifted into their ears.

Augustus watched the young lady with a book clutched against her chest. Her black hair held together by a white ribbon, and a fishtail braid going down to her waist. Her floral medival dress going down to her ankles. She was pretty, with tiny freenkles littered on her nose and cheeks. Her small pink lips curving into a smile. Her crystal blue eyes sparkling brighter.

"Magdeline," Sebastian greeted warmly, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

The lady was clearly oblivious to Sebastian's discomfort, as he shift his feet awkwardly. He averted his gaze, looking at the stall a bit faraway. But Augustus didn't miss it. While Magdeline smiles at the prince, Augustus was more alarmed by his behaviour.

"It's great to see you mingle with the locals," she said, her grip on the book tightening.

Sebastian sighed, taking a barely noticeable step back. He finally looked  at the lady.

"You're from the library?" he asked, suggestively looking at the book she was cuddling.

Magdeline nodded, smiling shyly.