My Precious Prince (fruk royal au)

Chapter 16

"I like being alone, not all alone.."
~~~
Arthur
~~~

My new home was tarnished, not at all accustomed to my lifestyle. It was filled with rags of wool everywhere, a just well fitted bed (which was hard and uncomfortable) and a little table and stool. There was a tiny dining room attached to a kitchen where Ludwig would come in to cook for me and serve me food and then he would stand outside with this other mean guard. His name, I presume, is Albert and he is not a joyous accompany to have tea with or any sort of talk.

I don't know why I was moved here to Sherberry Tower, I don't remember doing anything wrong. I did argue with the king about Matthew's death but that's just about it, he hit me so that should be sufficient for him. Right? I guess not. The only thing he said to me before I was forced out was, "I pity you, you have to pay for someone else's sins..". I didn't understand what he meant, whose sins they were? Who got him angry? Who am I paying the price for? I should be mad at the person but I can't help but think that maybe, maybe that person cares about me more than anyone can imagine.

"Your tea.."

Ludwig passed me the teacup as his dull green eyes glanced at me and then looked down at the floor once more. He knew what I was going to ask because I knew, he knew.

"Where's Feliciano, Ludwig? Where is he? He should be here, with me, as not only my first man but assistant too."

"I don't know, your majesty.."

I narrowed my eyebrows and asked him once and every time he said he didn't know but I wasn't going to give up, I needed to know where he was.

"Ludwig-"

"Your majesty!"

Albert came rushing in with a dish of some food. It had freshly cooked sausages with an array of vegetables. Peasant food, I thought, but what choice did he have.

"I hope you enjoy your meal, your majesty. I will be outside guarding the entrance." Albert said who made his way out the tower.

As I started to slice up his sausage, Ludwig banged the table, causing Arthur to abruptly let go off his cutlery. Before I could question why Ludwig did that, Ludwig said,

"It's poisoned.."

"W-what?"

"Don't trust any food Albert gives you. He has been ordered by the King to kill you.. Go to your chambers now, I will deal with the situation and give you food soon."

"How?"

"Don't question, just go!"

I stood up from my seat and dashed up the stairs to his chambers, I didn't want to know what could happen if I stayed there. I looked around in my messy room, I had not much time to organise it I usually busied himself with the exploring the night sky and nature outside. Well, I better start then, it might look a bit homely afterwards.

As I started to put some of his prized possessions in the bed side table next to him, I noticed a diary entry, crinkled up. Now, I knew that he shouldn't be snooping in pieces of paper from old members of the royal family but it's not like anyone would know, right?

"Curiosity caught a cat.." was a phrase I heard from mostly everyone when he asked too many questions or was snooping around but now, no one was here to stop me. I began to read the note,

Dear Drake, my dear brother,

This will unfortunately be my last letter to you. I am afraid I will die soon, my husband, his majesty, sent me away in a far out tower and though it isn't as bad as it seems, he is ordering guards to poison my food. I am now getting tired of having to skip meals or anything the guards give me, I will die either way. Tonight, I will eat my last meal, lie in my bed and peacefully be gone to the heavens. I wish not to suffer anymore brother. I love you very much and I hope you will fulfil your life with great hope.

With love, your dear sister,
Kelburny

The name echoed inside my mind, it was so familiar but where had I heard it. Wait.. that was the name of the castle and name of the castle was named after the first wife. I remember reading a book about the country's history that said that many people believed she was poisoned instead of dying by natural causes and, he is trying to do the same to me. The king is trying to kill me. I should be grateful, I told myself, at least I didn't end up like his second wife or I would've died right away. This gives me an opportunity to live. Well, try to live.

"Here's the food, your majesty. Don't worry, I cooked it myself."

I jumped and quickly hid the note behind my back, I don't want anyone to find out and get worried; I would usually tell Ludwig but he seems to have a lot in his mind now especially since Feliciano went missing. I thanked him and started to eat, at least I had someone who I could trust.

~~~

Francis

~~~

I wanted to get to know Matthew better. He seemed like a good kid and he was going through a stage. I know it, I would be the same if my father tried to kill me. I knocked three times on the door and out came a weak whisper, telling me to enter.

He was sitting by the window, staring at the bustling people of Paris. I had given him a week or so to recover after I found him having hallucinations. He was frantic and I somehow managed to calm him down. I guess after that he started to get a bit talkative with me but I wanted to have more time with him. I wanted to build a bond.

I sat next to him and greeted him, asked how his day was.

"Hello your majesty, I am well. I have been reading the book mum had recommended to me before I left. It's called, 'I capture the castle'. It's quite a wonderful story, have you read it?"

"Ahh, yes I have," I replied, "My past lover recommended it to me. He was quite a bookworm, if you ask me."

"Past lover?" he questioned, looking up at me with curiosity, "What happened to him?"

I sighed, I loved the boy but can I really tell him? Is he- what are you saying Francis? This boy trusts you if he allowed you to comfort him when he was having those hallucinations. Matthew trusts you if he told you an insight of his story so why not tell yours?

"He was married off."

"I am sorry," Matthew replied, sympathetically, "If you don't mind me asking, what was his name?"

"Arthur Kirkland.."

"WHAT!"

He jumped up in shock and then started muttering a number of things that I couldn't quite understand.

"Why? Is there a problem?" I questioned.

"No, no! He's my father's third wife!"

"Wait.. you're the prince of United North America!"

"Didn't your friend mention that to you?"

"Oh yeah.." I replied, remembering Antonio's words when he was first introducing me to Mathew. Then I had a thought to myself. A nasty one. If he did try to kill his son, his own blood, what would he do to Arthur? What did he to Arthur?

"Is Arthur alright?" I asked, frantically.

Matthew looked at me with sorrow in his eyes and then told me how John hit Arthur a couple of times and always shouted at him. Recently, John hit him with a glass vase and Matthew told me that he suspects Arthur got mad because John tried to kill Matthew. A monster erupted inside of me. I wanted to scream, shout at that psycho, hit him until he is all bloody, stab him countless times and even shoot him. Rip each of his limbs slowly off. I would murder that fucking bitch. No, I will.

"Let's just hope papa. For the best.." Matthew said to me as he fell asleep in my arms. Soon after, I fell asleep with him, forgetting that he called me papa but feeling like we were already father and son.

~~~

I KNOW I SAID ON TUESDAY BUT THIS CHAPTER WAS BLOODY LONG!

Also, Easter holidays are here meaning I can write more! Yippee!

Anywho, thank you so much for your lovely comments and support and I hope you have an amazing day!

Signing off,
Pirate Elvy:)