In Another Era

Chapter 16: Memory Lane

Chapter 16: Memory Lane

Archie did not know why his hands trembled as he knocked on Kenric's door.

It was not fear. It was the farthest thing from fear because if there had to be one person in the entire world that Archie had to put all his trust in... then that would be Kenric. He had always felt safe with the prince, never the contrary.

But still, his heartbeat had quickened, and his breathing was uneven as he opened the door and stepped in once he heard Kenric yell 'enter'.

"Close the door behind you," Kenric said. Archie nodded wordlessly and did as the man asked.

"How may I be of service, sire?" Archie asked. Kenric sighed tiredly as he looked over at the stable boy, hoping that he would stop with the formalities already.

Kenric was sitting on one of the sofa chairs, a jug of wine and two glasses on the table in front of him. Archie stood awkwardly near the entrance of the massive room as he waited for Kenric's orders. Whenever the prince wanted anything, he usually went to Archie. This was the first time he had called Archie to come to him.

"Take a seat," Kenric stated. Archie pressed his lips in a thin line as he walked closer to the prince, he was about to sit on the floor when Kenric spoke up again. "On the chair, Archie. Not the ground."

"But—"

"I think we are past your futile protests by now," Kenric interrupted him. "Just sit on the fucking chair, the King will not flog you for it."

Archie stared at Kenric briefly, before giving him a gentle nod and sitting on the soft chair hesitantly. His body language was stiff, his posture straight as he sat with his hands placed on his knees and his eyes on the ground.

"You can look at me, you know," Kenric said.

"Why did you ask me to be here?" Archie asked as he looked up at Kenric.

"I just wanted to speak with you and enjoy your company. Is that a crime now, Your Highness?" Kenric answered, the corner of his lips rising in a teasing smirk.

"Okay," Archie replied, his voice timid.

Kenric did not know whether to laugh or sigh. Archie was the farthest thing from shy when he was a kid, always running around and talking back to everyone. But it seemed like life had changed him. Kenric did not mind much at times, especially when he would watch Archie get flustered and turn red at the slightest teasing from Kenric. But it was moments like these, moments when Kenric just wanted a friend that he missed the old Archie.

Kenric got up and poured wine into both glasses, before handing one of them to Archie.

"Before you protest again, need I remind you that it will be fruitless?" Kenric said. Archie glanced at the glass and then at Kenric's face, saying nothing as he accepted the drink. The prince smiled as he sat back down. "I heard Sir Christian paid you a visit today."

"He did." Archie's face lit up immediately as he looked at Kenric, a smile present on his face. "I wanted to thank you for the gift as well."

"You need not thank me. It was Sir Christian's doing, not mine," Kenric replied.

"But he did so with your permission. You very easily could have denied him his request," Archie said. "But you did not. So I owe you my gratitude as well."

"Did you like it? The bow?" Kenric asked.

"It is beautiful," the awe was noticeable in Archie's voice. "I cannot wait to use it."

"You have not yet?" Kenric questioned and Archie shook his head.

"I was occupied with work, so I did not get a chance," Archie answered. "But I shall wake up early tomorrow and head over to the forest first thing in the morning."