The Prince and The Guard

Chapter I: An Audience with the King

The first time that Leonardo Van Urmothar laid eyes on him was when they were both 12 years old, on the eve of Leonardo's birthday,

 
    Leonardo was allowed anywhere in the castle, since he was the King's firstborn son, but there was one place he was prohibited... The head guard's training area. This displeased Leonardo. So, one fateful day, he decided to 'accidentally stumble' upon the grand schooling chamber.

 
    When the youthful blonde turned into the colossal corridor, he froze in shock. His jaw dropped, admiration making him grin cheekily. Before him was a boy his age, with long raven hair that shone many a colour due to the stained glass portraits surrounding and projecting onto him. A sword far too large for such a small child was forcefully gripped in his hands, his jaw clenched in concentration. His eyes were a darker blue than the darkest depths of the ocean, standing out beautifully against his soft olive skin.

 
    "What are you doing here, this place is forbidden." The mysterious boy said coldly, his eyes piercing into Leonardo's soul.

 
    The call made the Head Guard, Stefonith Ferntoie lV, turn towards the young prince in surprise and curiosity.

 
    "Well.. I-I'm the first born prince! I'm allowed everywhere, and you shouldn't speak to me like that! You're dishonoring the royal family!" Leonardo cried out. He knew that this place was forbidden but hoped this boy didn't know of that information.

    The boy stared into Leonardo's eyes for a while, then bowed deeply and spoke, "Greetings to His Highness, Son of the God Sol."

 
    They locked eyes. Leonardo stood still, captivated by his eyes that reflected the colours of the stained glass, swirling in a rainbow.

 
    Time seemed to freeze in place. That was until Leonardo felt a tap on his shoulder from behind.

 
    "Leonardo, boy. Isn't today the day that the visitors from the Nyacei Isles arrive? It is your duty to greet them." A hoarse voice boomed behind him. He turned to see a large man glaring down on him.

 
    "H-H-Head Guard Stefonith!" Leonardo had to crane his neck to gaze up at the tall man. "Yes... today is the day. But I was bored!" He protested, stomping his foot and pouting in the babyish way that could make no adults say no. "I wanted to come and watch you train... and him, I suppose.." Leonardo trailed off, finding himself lost in the gorgeous portrait that was the Head Guard's apprentice.

 
    "That's no excuse, Your Majesty. Go back to your father, now." Head Guard Stefonith gripped Leonardo's shoulder to lead him out as he called out behind him to the perfect sculpture that was the boy training, "Continue what we just practiced on the dummy."

    Leonardo attempted to look back, but could not, and he would regret not getting a last look for the next few years of his life...

                                                                  ☆ ~~~ ☆

9 years passed since that day, the day they first laid eyes on each other, the day they said their first witty remarks to one another. It was the anniversary of that day, Leonardo was now becoming an age where love came harder. Temptations came faster, feelings hit harder.

 
Leonardo awoke in a rush, dazzled by the morning sun reflecting off of his pearly white sheets. He felt his morning hair scrape the side of his cheeks as he rushed off of his bed hurriedly.

As he crossed the room to the master window, he quickly threw his hands out and knocked the window open, as if he were in a scene from a novel. Like professing his love but instead of a confession to another person, he was instead professing his love to the sun. The sunrise in fact.
The reddish orange hues of the sun highlighted his blonde hair and colored it like a blank canvas, he threw his arms out to the side and shouted. He didn't shout any words, he simply.. shouted.

 
Your beauty is indescribable, I am old enough now and require a wife soon but you are the only thing that I wish to marry. Might I have that request fulfilled? Father knows not of my desires.

Suddenly from behind, a knock could be heard. "Your Highness, the king requests your audience, immediately." Leonardo was hesitant to respond.

"Your Highness?"

 
"Yes in due time, I have yet to acquire my morning outfit, I must look good in case any princess decides to fancy me." He chuckled at his own remark, knowing the head butler, Raquel Jimin, was far from amused.

 
"As you wish, Your Highness.."

 
It took only minutes for him to get dressed, he wore a simple white silk shirt and brown, honey colored pants. He was simplistic but masculine, his eyes like icy blue and jawline carved from the heavens.

 
"I have finished, my dear Raquel." Leonardo sang as he exited his bedroom. Raquel Jimin was only a few feet down the hall until Leonardo met his gaze and the length was shortened. "Go.. your father has gone impatient, he is quite the goose.." Leonardo chuckled, they often kept jokes between each other, just small things like nicknames or words. They were friends, supposedly.

Raquel Jimin reached for Leonardo's warm, veiny hand and gripped it tightly as they made their march down the hall. Soon the single hall branched into a large decorated opening. Raquel quickly removed his grasp so none may see, "Go, for whatever he may have in store." Leonardo nodded, puffed his chest up and his façade he's been living all his life, started again.

Leonardo stumbled clumsily into the throne room, adjusting his messy hair and the crown displayed with pride on his head. Although he was the prince, he had to maintain the proper acts anyone would towards the king.

 
    Leonardo fell gracefully onto one knee, bowing his head.

 
    "Rise."

    Leonardo did so, raising his head to stare into the eyes of his father. He was almost a mirror image of his father, but younger and more thin. "You requested my audience?"

    The king- his father- King Noedea UrMothar II sat with perfect posture and a look of pride on his sharp face. "The time for you to be bestowed a personal guard has advanced upon us." He spoke with flawless confidence, his voice smooth like butter almost like a criminal, or a thief undercover. Thin fingers rose to snap at one of the many butlers kneeled around the throne. A butler ran off then returned within an instant.

 
    Leonardo turned with a soft gasp, his sky blue orbs widening slightly at the scene.
    Approaching behind him was a tall, muscular man. He was clothed in armor, including a helmet masking his face. He bowed, as Leonardo did.

 
    "Rise. And free yourself of your helmet." King Noedea flicked his hand at the man.
    The man rose, as did the helmet.

 
    Leonardo partially flinched at the face beneath the covering. He was beautiful... almost too beautiful. His gorgeousness was similar to that of a woman's, but the thing that separated him from one was long, thick, beautifully groomed eyebrows and a razor sharp jawline that could cut the hearts of many women. He looked fake- artificial. His beauty was indescribable.

    It's him.

 "This is Clyinius Ferntoie, son and apprentice of Head Guard Stefonith Ferntoie IV. He has been chosen to be your personal guard." King Noedea II's erupting voice boomed throughout the hall, displaying authority.

    "Y-Yes, Your Majesty." Leonardo was staring at Clyinius, attempting not to excitedly embrace the man.

 
    "Well. Be off then." The king waved his hand at the two, then looked down at a scroll clutched in his claw-like hands.

 
    As Leonardo walked off, he could feel the warmth radiating off of Clyinius as he, re-helmeted, marched beside the prince. A gentle smile painted his face.

    It seems my muse has returned to me, like the rain meets the flowers to allow them to bloom. It seems my life will regain joy. I will claim him as mine, for when I get my hands on something I like, I never let go.