The last part was heavily inspired by the podcast The two princes. It's so fucking good. Please go check it out if you haven't already.
Enjoy!
The window sills damp with morning dew. Birds tweet and mammals chatter. Animals and humans alike. Their voices could be heard from all walks of life. An average merchant would get lost in the sea of people but not William. Knowing the routes, tricks and trades he found it easy to slip amongst them. His gaze was low as he skipped and hopped along the paths. At times he would forget that the narrow alleys had low arch ways so his head met its rim. His height deceived him.
Finally after his long venture through the market. William placed down a basket of fruit on the kitchen table. He was home. Compared to the outside it was solmen and quiet a little to quiet to be able to hear himself think, which he appciated. The walls were stone, and floor was a dark wood. The room consisted of high shelves stacking jars of spices and pots and pans. Opposite the window was the stove next to the various cupboards.
William perked at the sound of his favorite owl. Soot cooed, its frame perched on a stand of some sort.
William extended his hand to the withered bird.
He fed her compliments and a dead mouse. He then let her perch on his shoulder as he added logs to the clay fireplace in his workshop. As per usual the knights would be barging in here by noon. It was best to be prepared when they start asking for every weapon that starts with 'large'.
As promised William recognized the familiar knocking on the Tudor windows. Looking up from his anvil William saw a bearded man and a couple of iron helmets filing behind him. Opening both windows lead out a chill that caused Soot to puff her feathers. Night was nearing. The bearded man plopped his sword on the window ledge, crying out loud on how he had slane a treacherous beast with it.
"Is that so, well the bigger the beast interprets how much damage it's brought on your mighty sword." He paused and examined its edges before continuing,"I would do my upmost best to clean the dust." The knight grouched lightly, he was used to Williams toned approach towards his ballards. The other knights chuckled. Letting out a sigh William accepted the bag of gold and slid the sword to the side.
It went the same after that. With shields and breast plates being the drawn items coming in. William brought in and brought out weapons like some pawn shop owner. Finally the clock tower chimed and the last knight said his thank you, leaving a bag of coins and a crummy William.
Sighing again for the 100th time William started sharpening blades on the grinding stone. He didn't particularly like his job but family business is to blame. It was his excuse to wake up in the morning and to not sleep at night. It was also his excuse to hum while he worked. The humming soon turned into singing. In open people assume his character to be dark and witty but behind closed doors he was just a little singing bird. Ever since Louis came to the town square playing Lily of the west on his wooden recorder. A six year old William slammed sticks on walls and pavements brewing a rackety sort of harmony and babbled words closer to what Louis said.
Present William still mumbles it. Never bothering to learn the actual lyrics. A harsh knocking rattles the door. William tuts angerliy and relied on lazy feet to carry him to the door. The knocker stood straight. He held shadows over his nose and eyes like a mask worn at a masquerade ball. William glares daggers.
"What do you want." He growls with one eye peaking through the open crack of the door. The masked man doesn't reply and instead pushes the door open with no effort. William is pulled backwards and nearly trips over but a hand grabs him by the waist.
A rather big hand that quickly started snaking its way under Williams shirt.
"Excuse me sir, but unless if you don't want a stuffed up nose I suggest you rid those grimy hands off me." William protests. Hammering the strangers forearm whilst stamping his boots. William withdraws his left hand and is about make a quick hard punch on the stangers nose when suddenly a voice prevents the strangers face to be beaten to a pulp.
"I don't think it's how you treat a king, and I assure you I cleanse my hands religiously." The voice was husk and had a deep sort of American accent.
William was still not phased and continued to try and pry his way out of the kings tight embrace. After a while with no progress he gives in. He pants softly before he immediately fuses into a whole bunch of rambles.
"...You can be William Shakespeare for all I care but you had no right to barge into my house and to amuse yourself with me. You obviously slept through your 1st tutor lesson that you had when you were..." William contiplates then says.
"35"
The king laughs, entertained. If it was anyone else they would be hanged shortly the following day. But William was an exception. A very rare exception that makes the kings heart swell.
"Do you not remember me?"
"No and why?" William growls again. It's probably the long beard the king tells himself.
"Well if I trimmed this off would you then remember." He twitches his mouth side to side moving the beard in the process. William was about to say no when his eyes pondered to the king's. The emreld orbs stare back at him. There was only one person William knew that had those loving green eyes.
William in shock whispers."Henry?" He pauses, waiting for the other man to nod. He did. William then abruptly crys into Henry's shoulder. Henry eventually cries too and they both sank to the floor. When they were finished the two parted. In the silence William jumps up onto his feet clearly angry.
"Why did you leave me for five fucking years! Was I just a dainty doll you played your feelings on. Now you are a king probably with a wife and child. You such a bastard for coming back." William repeats again and again.
You bastard. Bastard. Bastard. Bastard!
They were young and in love. They made love on new years and in the morning William woke to a empty bed. Since that day William woke up empty.
Henry stands and tries to gather William into his arms once more. This time William was quicker and skids under Henry's outstretched hands.
"You can't fool me again with that trick." William says now behind Henry.
"I'm not trying to trick you. I am only trying to protect you." Henry pleas.
William scolds. If his brows could furrow even more they would.
"Would you allow me to elaborate further." The stillness from the room comprises Henry's question.
"The Clovers is a dirty business.
If they knew I was with you, you would've been a target. That morning I saw the advert for needed knights and I took the opportunity. After the third year I was one of the few most trusted knights for King Benjamin in Chesire. He died last year and didn't have a heir so by vote I became king. A month ago I received a invitation from King Edward to came here to celebrate his baby's christening."
"How did you know where I was." William croaks his face turned slightly and it was obvious he was crying.
Henry rubs the back of his neck apprehensively.
"I may or may not have begged the whole kingdom to find where you were."
William laughs.
"Well done, chicken. You found me."
Being serious Henry acknowledges the sun's rays poking through the window.
"Can we start over with a breakfast date."
The blacksmith wipes away fraying tears and takes Henry's clasped bear hands. A glee in his tone William says.
"Yes but I want to know about this Clover club and how did you get involved "
××××××
The end for now.
