Trash of the Royal Family (Ao3)

LVI

"Hey, baby, do you want to be my assistant?" Alver asked one morning over breakfast. Callen turned to face the prince, who was beaming.

"Why? Is having a mistress bad? I don't want to work," the boy actually said.

Alver smiled. His little baby always had his priorities straight.

"Are you interested in becoming one?"

"No."

"Would you mind telling me what it is?"

Callen remained deafeningly silent. He hugged the little dragon and carefully examined him. "I don't want to be one. I'll work as an aide, but don't make me."

He can't help but chuckle once more. His adorable younger brother, as well as his priorities, are and will always be amusing.

"Then I'll give you a room next to mine, so my adorable little assistant can come and help me whenever I need it."

"Alright!"

As the months passed, Alver and Cale talked about a few things while Callen remained in the palace. He felt right at home. None of the princes chastise him for his rivalries, but instead lavishly pamper and spoil him.

Of course, he carried out his responsibilities as the crown prince's aide, but his focus was on the palace and a few tactical plans rather than household matters.

They appear to be having trust issues with him robbing them.

"What's the reason for your smile?" Alver asked, placing him between his legs. The boy laughed and buried his face in the dragon's belly, acting adorable in front of the prince. He wasn't sure why he always lost his mature demeanor around this man, but he enjoyed being around him.

This is something Callen enjoys, especially on normal and obnoxious days. Alver's slick fingers ran through his scalp, and the prince soon combs and braids his long hair however he pleased. The Crown Prince's favorite pastimes are getting his hair done and being fed sweets. He doesn't even make him work and lets him sleep in his chambers rather than the room next door.

"Baby..."

He can't help but feel sleepy. He closed his eyes and ignored the prince. He felt him carefully maneuvering while gently laying him on the couch. He can feel the children playing around him, but he longs for another warm embrace.

He blinked open his eyes slightly. Alver Crossman sat on the floor, his back to him. He shifted slightly, turned sideways, and rested his head on the Crown Prince's back. He has always preferred these quiet afternoons.

He acted as if he'd known this man for a long time.

"Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"I'm going to sleep."

"Then sleep..." his voice was gentle and warm.

"Don't leave..."

The Crown Prince took a brief pause before smiling softly from the side.

"Of course... I'm not leaving."

As he fell asleep, he heard him whisper, "even if you decide to leave... I'll never leave your side."

Two years have passed since Callen moved into the Palace of Joy. He was the palace's longest-living guest, and he's now fifteen years old. He is, in fact, the Crown Prince's most trusted aide.

He still can't get used to Robbit having him sit on his lap while Hellion pampers him with sweets, despite having lived in the Palace for two years. Since becoming the Palace of Temperance's Fourth Prince, Xavier Crossman has been playing with them far too casually.