For Spadia

Child or Adult?

Alfred did not want to nor did he understand why he had to do paperwork. He never had to write or read. He couldn't even hold the strange tool that helped to form the letters to a language he could only speak. He was to embarrassed to say a single thing though and yesterday had really hurt his voice. He could barely form words at the moment. His clothing was the same as earlier this morning. It didn't look or feel like armor but no weapon could pierce the beautiful silk like fabric. He was going to make more of it for himself, Arthur, Yao, and Matthew if he could just get some privacy. He lived longer than the others but they were treating him as if he was precious and valuable. He wasn't that important. The King barely had to do anything. It was so boring. The only thing he was supposed to be doing was paperwork. He just continued to Star at the weird parchment blankly, trying to make sense of it. He was aware of the eyes on him.
"Stop staring at me! I'm not a child!" He almost whined, the hoarseness not going unnoticed. Why was he acting like this?! He never felt the need to fidget or pout or anything for centuries, maybe even millennia. Arthur was watching him very closely, writing something down after every interaction.
"Did you even have a childhood? When's the last time you were able to relax?" Arthur asked softly, Matthew closing the door and standing right outside. Yao was on Alfred's other side, doing the paperwork and figuring out what they needed to teach Alfred. Both of the adults knew there was a possibility that Alfred might never learn how to read or write.
"What is a childhood?" Alfred asked, far to serious and genuine to be a prank. Arthur almost felt his heart shatter.
"What did you do as a child?" Arthur asked, calm and patient.
"I trained for the war. Every single day, I was learning how to control my magic and was taught the sword. There was no room for mistakes. There was never time for anything else than training and warning village and tribal elders that the only way to survive was to unite. I was willing to do anything and everything no matter the personal cost to make sure that Spadia survived the invaders and the tyrants. That was what I did as a child. The moment I turned ten, I was an adult and started fighting on the front lines and planning every move that would lead to victory." Alfred didn't look at anyone, staring down at his hands, a sense of shame hanging around him. Arthur found himself kneeling next to Alfred, trying to look at his eyes.
"Darling, look at me. Nothing you sacrificed or gave to win and unite the people would be shameful. You are the reason this country stands tall. You are the reason most of the people who have been born in this country exist. If you had the chance to go back and not make those sacrifices of yourself, would you do so?"
A single tear fell from impossibly Spadian blue eyes as Alfred shook his head, unable to use his voice anymore today. He looked so tired. Arthur made up his mind, wiping the tear away lovingly.
"Come, love. I think we have done enough for today. You look exhausted." Arthur almost whispered, holding the calloused hand and pulling Alfred with him. Arthur used a secret passage to get to their room quicker. Alfred was completely compliant as Arthur led him through the secret passages and through their chambers. Arthur picked out some very soft sleep clothes that had been made especially for Alfred.
"Let's get you settled in to these and you can pick a book for me to read to you." Arthur was being gentle as Alfred blinked slowly, dressing his king. Alfred was too tired to even put up a fuss about being treated as if he was glass.