Capes and Crowns. (TomTord Royalty AU)

Chapter 4; A Duel.

Tom was awoken by the fluttering of his balcony curtains, letting rays of early morning sunshine leak into his room in flashes. His tired eyes blinked open, the Rocksonian prince sitting upright in his bed with a small groan. He felt awkward in his own skin, like it was uncharacteristic for him to be so well-rested.

'What do they put in these sheets?' He thought gruffly to himself, feeling over the pillowy mattress underneath him. His theorizing was put to a halt when a knock sounded outside his door. "Uh- come in."

A maid opened the door, holding a folded pair of clothes in her arms. "Good morning, your highness. I have a change of day-clothes for you. Breakfast is also being served downstairs, the royal family awaits your attendance."

"Ah, thank you...What was it your name was?" Tom asked, flattered by the welcoming service. The maid blushed at the question, her eyes widening slightly.

"M-My name? Why do- uhm. Ahem, it's Katya, your highness." She stumbled, the blonde woman gently setting his clothes down on the vanity's chair. "Well, thank you Katya." he replied with a smile, slowly shifting out of his bed.

Katya bowed respectively towards her higher up, before quickly leaving the room. Tom walked towards the chair, lifting up the clean garments in his hands. A flowy silk shirt with crisp pants and a dark vest. It was unlike what Tom was used to wearing, a part of him wondering if it was normal to wear something this light outside. But it was summer here, and for the first time, Tom would have to spend his time somewhere warm.

After changing into his guest clothes, he put on his boots and earrings and set out into the hall. This was his first time touring the upper-floors in the daylight, looking at the grandeur with wonder.

The large windows had speckles of stained glass, the sun filtering onto the floors in differing shades. There were fine details in the stairway's curved railing, and the metal was shaped at the ends. Tom almost felt like a child, close to being swept away and mesmerized by the fantastical architecture.

He looked over the edge as he walked down the stairs, watching the maids work down the halls. Some were cleaning, some were carrying laundry, some were just plain talking. It was interesting to say the least.

When Tom reached the floor, he made his way to the dining room, being able to hear clicks of silverware from where he remembered being last night. He peered into the open space where the Larzinnian family sat, expecting them to all be silent since he didn't hear their voices.

They were anything but silent, actually.

In between their eating they were signing to each other, Kjersti's plate being untouched. It looked like any normal breakfast conversation, just all exchanged by hands. But eventually Tom was caught staring, The queen making a gesture towards her son to go talk to him. Tord looked over his seat, his mouth full of food.

"Gossh Morninsh Tom."

"Eugh," Tom cringed, tensing up. "Swallow your food, Weirdo."

Tord laughed and turned back to his food, Tom finally walking into the room. He sat down at the seat across from Tord; Egil and Kjersti at the far ends of the table. He looked down at the plate in front of him, seeing a medley of meats, sweet soft breads, fruits, and juices.

'Oh damn.' Tom thought, already feeling the drool coming on. 'I think I love this place.'

"Thank you for the meal, your highnesses," Tom grinned to the king and queen, not the prince, before grabbing his fork and digging in. It took all he had to not melt and just swallow the entire plate.

"Of course Prince Thomas, you're our guest after all." Egil said simply, finishing his meal and letting down his fork. "After this, I'm preparing to head to your father's stay. I wish to meet him, and I want to send him my best regards and medicine while still able."