Love & Duty

Chapter 14

Sam was in his new room the following day, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He was still unable to get used to his new look; he looked like a new person. "I wonder how they will react when they see me like this." he wonders about his siblings.

Eric informed him yesterday at the end of the day that his siblings would arrive today afternoon if all things went according to plan. To be honest, he was still worried about Prince Julien... He knows how impulsive he can be about punishments.

Of course, he also believes in Prince Eric when he tells him he will protect him and his siblings. However, it wasn't easy to erase awful past experiences.

Sam looked at the time and realized he needed to go. His new job required him to always be on time. After all, he was serving The Prince of Whitestone!

When he first met him, when they were captured, the presence and energy the Prince emitted were astonishing. Sam would never tell Eric, but he was in awe when he saw how he carried himself and spoke.

He also can't forget the dark look he got when the King was insulted; he knew right then and there that this was someone that no one should dare to mess with. The bright energy and the peacefulness he felt from him a few minutes ago were gone instantly. That's where his confusion about him started.

He wondered which side was the real one.

"Good morning, your Highness." he greets Eric outside the Prince's room.

"Good morning Sam. How are we feeling today?" he starts heading to the day's first task, with Sam following him.

"Great! A bit excited, actually..." he says, the last part hushed.

"Sam, you don't need to hide or hold back anything. Remember, I can't ensure the happiness of my people if they hold back their feelings." he tells him with a comforting smile.

Sam only nods, feeling slightly flustered. He will really need to get used to this new treatment. "S-So, what exactly am I supposed to do?"

Eric reaches his office and settles down on his desk. "I hired you as a squire, at least for now."

"For now? What do you mean?" Sam stood straight, trying to be professional.

"Well, I don't really know your level in fighting. And even though I find you worthy and I trust you, there are a lot of annoying steps to hire a new aide, so-"

"AIDE?! Y-You, want me to be your aide?! Y-You're joking, right?" Sam's jaw would have touched the floor if it was possible. "A-An aide is a high position. Only highly trained soldiers and the best of the best are trusted to stand by the side of Royalty!"

"Wow, you know your positions, huh. You're right. That's why I couldn't directly hire you as my second aide. Your skills need to be tested." Eric tells him as he sits down and checks the documents he has to go through.

Silence took over the room, and Eric looked up at Sam, wondering what had happened. "Something wrong?"

"I was just thinking how you're still alive with those quick, thoughtless decisions you make." Sam lets out a chuckle.

"Aren't we getting comfortable with our comments." Eric smirks at Sam, noticing again why he decided to take a chance on Sam.

"I'm only following your orders, your Highness; you did tell me to be truthful." he smirks back.

When Eric doesn't reply but only gives him a cheeky smile, Sam tries to continue the previous conversation.

"So, who would be training me? I mean, if I do get to train. Because you said I need to be tested, and I-I kind of want to pass." he admits in a low voice.