To Wear The Crown

24

Sat on a stool in the armour room, Charlie has the prince's breastplate on his lap as he polishes away. Even though it is just for training, the prince insists that he should always look immaculate. He is the prince with a reputation to withhold. 

"Well look who we have here?" A voice mocks as they come clattering into the room, throwing their sword and shield onto the table. Christain, Sai, Otis and Ben follow behind. Charlie doesn't need to look up, he already knows who it is— Harry Greene. Harry chuckles as he pulls a stool next to Charlie and takes a seat. "So..." Harry slings an arm around Charlie's shoulder and leans in close. "What's it like seeing Nick every morning? You know, you have to help him wash, don't you? Doesn't it turn you on seeing his body?" Harry prods at Charlie, a smirk on his face as he's fully aware of how he's irattaing Charlie. With the prince not around, Harry can't get in trouble because he knows Charlie is unable to go running to his prince for help— only making the rumours more suspicious of Charlie being gay and in love with the prince.

Charlie nudges his shoulder in hope that Harry will retract his arm. Instead, Harry only holds Charlie tighter. "May I help you?" Using his best be-polite-and-don't-be-angry voice, Charlie stands up and walks over to the prince's armour stand.

"Hmm no." Harry watches as Charlie replaces the breastplate and takes a pauldron. "I'm just here to put my stuff away before going for lunch. Just thought I'd be polite and make sure you're doing okay. I'm sure Nick is high maintenance. " Charlie can hear the creaking of the stool as Harry stands. "Like, you must have to help him with all sorts of things." Pleased with himself, Harry snickers.

"Hurry up Harry, I'm hungry. We're hungry" Christian whines from the doorway. Him and the others have been waiting patiently for Harry to finish with his simple minded immaturity.

Harry clicks his tongue as he turns towards the door. "Yeah, whatever. Have fun fantasising about Nick while you clean his armour." With his final comment made, Harry leaves Charlie alone. "What's for lunch anyway?" He asks as he now wraps his arm around Otis's shoulder.

"Don't know so let's get there and find out." Otis replies, rolling his eyes.

When Charlie turns around he expects to find himself alone and in peace again. "Hi." A shy Ben gives Charlie a small wave. "Is Harry actually always like that? I didn't think it was a constant, never stopping thing."

Charlie scoffs as he remembers the numerous things that Harry has said. Most of them don't affect Charlie, but a few have. "You would think he'd get bored of it but nope!" Charlie jokes back.

Ben whistles in disbelief. "Wow. I would have punched him by now if I had to endure that for so long."

"Oh I've dreamt about it." Charlie cuts Ben off. "Multiple times in fact, but I'm a servant. If I punch him I automatically lose my job, or my head right now with David as king." Charlie may say it like a joke even though it really isn't. "Shouldn't you be gone with them... to get lunch?"
"I will." Ben steps into the room and closer to Charlie. "I wanted to talk with you first. Is that okay? Mhm."

Charlie puts a hand over Ben's mouth before he can say anything else. "It's broad daylight. Anyone could see us. You need to be more careful. I'm just a servant, right now you should be treating me like one." Charlie caves in seeing the slight hurt in Ben's eyes. "I have to leave again after lunch, so meet me by the door in the garden. Do you remember where it is?" Ben nods his head with Charlie's hand still over his mouth. "I'll meet you the-"

"Ben!" Harry's voice shouts from outside.

Charlie sighs and removes his hand. "Go now." He threatens.

Ben smirks as he cheekily sneaks a peck on Charlie's cheek before leaving to find Ben.

"Sorry, I was putting our things away instead of leaving them on the table." Charlie can hear Ben talk clearly to Harry outside which makes him nervous— was Harry close enough to hear their conversation?

"Not trying to steal the prince's play thing I hope."

"What? No! I need to be good if I want to pass my probation period."

Eventually their voices fade away and Charlie is truly alone. His thoughts filled with Ben, not the prince.