All Around You (Troyler AU)

Chapter 9: Amazing

Tyler’s P.O.V

“I have to catch up on my lessons today; you can do whatever you’d like.”

That was exactly what Troye had told me this morning as we were walking down to breakfast. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed I wouldn’t be spending my whole day with him, but I knew he’d have to catch up on those lessons eventually. I had offered to stay by the door in case I heard any yelling. Now that I knew what his tutor was like, I was willing to interrupt their lesson to stop him from yelling at Troye. That only seemed to make him nervous, though, as his tutor was already mad at us. We agreed that if he said anything mean to Troye, Troye would tell me when the lesson was over and I’d deal with it. Still, I couldn’t help but be concerned.

There was training today down on the grounds; but after what happened at the last training session, I wasn’t too eager to go back. I had no idea what the other knights were going to say when they saw me, and I wasn’t ready to find out. So, when Troye told me I could “do whatever I’d like”, my first immediate thought was to go out to town and spend time with my friends. I regularly went to their shops anyways to keep them updated on things going on in my life. Although I’d only seen them less than a week ago, I already had a lot more to tell them.

Stepping out into the fresh air of a new day felt so relaxing. For once I didn’t have to worry about sword fighting, battling, or anything like that. I had an entire walk to the town alone with my own thoughts, which I thought was pretty calming every now and again. I didn’t like to be left alone with my thoughts too much, I preferred the company of others. When I came up to the town, I felt a little relieved knowing I’d soon be in the company of some of my best friends.

First, I decided to go down to the bakery. I was already hungry despite the fact I had just eaten (I’m only human!) and I knew Connor offer me something.

Any upset feelings I had were completely gone as I walked down the rough stone pathways through the village. This lively, sociable environment gave me a feeling of warm nostalgia. The town was loud with the sound of every villager having a conversation at once. Peasants and merchants were bargaining over food prices, kids were screaming gleefully as they rough-housed with each other, the sounds of animals rang through the streets. This is where I grew up. It was nothing like the castle, which was so quiet and proper. Not that I didn’t love the castle! It was like the dream home I’d always wanted, and I was living there in my own room, so I was grateful…it’s just that sometimes it’s nice to go back to what you’re more used to.

With a much happier bounce in my step, I went into Connor’s shop. The only people inside were Connor and, surprisingly, Alfie. “Hey guys!” I yelled cheerfully as I hurried inside. Connor ran forward from behind the counter Alfie was propped up against, and gave me a quick hug.

“Hey Tyler!” said Alfie from across the room. I wasn’t having any of that. With an over-exaggerated eye roll, I went over to him and gave him a big hug. He laughed his signature unique laugh.

“So, Tyler, where’s the prince?” asked Alfie.

“Is he not coming?” Connor followed up with as he walked over and stood beside us.

“Nope, just me today, boys. Troye is back at the castle.” I replied with only the slightest bitterness laced into my voice. I couldn’t help it, I would’ve killed to bring Troye back along for a day out.

“Did he not like it here?” asked Connor. “I mean, he seemed a little nervous. Did I leave a bad impression or something?”

“I felt the same way!” Alfie said to Connor. “I mean, he seemed to be in a good mood when I met him but he was just kind of closed off away from me. I got really worried!”