To Wear The Crown

13

Charlie waits till he's in his room, next to the prince's, before pulling the letter from his pocket. He knows he could've looked at the letter in the prince's room, but something felt wrong. Like it should only be observed in private.

To the physicians this lands in the hands of.
You may or may not already know that there is currently news of a disease spreading in the village to the north, Redcliffe to be exact. I, the prince, was made aware of this situation only a few hours ago until a member of the counsellors and the king advised me. We would like you to investigate this privately. Do not tell anyone where you are going and you are to only report back to me. The king does not wish to have our people alarmed and worried. It is best if people aren't panicking and can continue on with their everyday lives. I am aware that you are currently looking at taking in an apprentice, please take them along with you as it will be easier for them to pass reports to my servant without raising any suspicion. You will be contacted again after the investigation on what the nexts actions taking place will be.
Thank you.
The prince, Nicholas Nelson.

It's no surprise to Charlie when he sees how neat the prince's handwriting is. It's so elegant and curly unlike most, though they haven't had the same kind of upbringing. For many, especially girls, it's not exactly common for them to even be able to write. Some people have to leave school early to work for the family. Some don't have the money to fund education. Some are refused education because they are seen as an atrocity, who shouldn't be allowed around easily influenced minds. Charlie has never been to one of the proper schools, he was taught next to the prince. He was taught basics; like how to read and write and do maths— Charlie has always been better than the prince when it comes to maths. Other than fighting, the prince was also better when it came to history. He'd deny it, but he actually enjoys reading the books. On multiple occasions, Charlie has found a book hidden in the drawer of the bed side table, or not so secrelty tucked behind a pillow.

What does surprise Charlie is how the king is mentioned in the letter. The king certainly never came to speak with the prince and does not wish to investigate, let alone acknowledge, the matter. From a civilian point of view, it is better to believe that their king cares for them, rather than their king couldn't give two shits.

Sliding the letter back into his pocket, Charlie goes to see Issac but freezes when he opens the door. An individual stands opposite him with hand raised in a fist.

"Oh um," Awkwardly lowering their hand they apologise. "Sorry, I didn't think you'd be right behind the door. I wasn't even sure you would be here."

"Is everything okay, your highness?"

"Yes, yes. Very much so in fact um... I was wondering if I could talk with you."

"Well, if you don't mind walking while we talk, I need to head to the lower town for a bit."

"As long as I can talk with you, I do not mind." Prince Benjamin says as he steps to the side, allowing Charlie to leave his room.

"What is it you wished to discuss, your highness?" Charlie asks as he starts to lead the way out of the castle.

The prince chuckles to himself as he follows beside. "What did I say about you calling me 'your highness'."

"I know you asked that of me but... first of all I am simply a servant and you are a prince-"

"But I've given you permission." The prince cuts him off.

"Not the point. It's a hierarchy thing. I am below you, therefore I address you with formalities. Second, I am aware of the rumours about me and if someone overheard me referring to you by your given name... that would... cause only problems for you. Your highness." Charlie says the final words with such a cold, icey tone that the prince feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand.

"Are you on about the ones from Harry? Why are you so worried about those rumours?" The prince scoffs thinking about the numerous silly comments the other prince has made in the past two days.

Charlie lets out a deep sigh, his gaze shifting the floor before his steps. " if someone overhears me talking to you informally, the rumours will only get worse. Not just for me, but you too. Okay? And... and-if that got the prince- no the king. It would not be good." Charlie leans in closer, lowering his voice in process. "The king isn't some great, accepting guy. If he found out about me liking men, he'll have my head taken off. The same would happen to you too."

"Wait." The prince stops in his tracks, his brain lagging behind what Charlie said. "The rumours are true."