At Your Service- A Royalty Solangelo AU

Chapter 20

TW: Slightly smexy dream sequence and violence (Two completely different sides of the spectrum ik).

Royal meetings were likely the least favorite thing Nico had to put up with as a Prince, which is why he was silently kicking himself as he sat in the great hall surrounded by obnoxious military men. In his opinion, they were likely the least intellectual bunch one could find themselves with. Despite being incredibly competent leaders, they lacked in true skill which they tried to make up with by boisterous nature and an overly muscular stature. Painful, truly.

"We still have yet to settle the hele crisis on the border. They continue to stop our troops while training, despite us having no desire to attack. It seems as though they are hiding something," One of the ranked officials noted, and Nico rolled his eyes. 

"Honestly people, I do realize that tensions are high recently, but I fail to see how this is evidence of an impending attack. But still, I request permission to mobilize units closer to the border to set up camp just in case." Yew suggested, looking at Nico for his approval.

"Permission granted. Just don't make stupid choices Michael," His comment earned him a cheeky grin from the general, and he just sighed, pressing a hand to his head to soothe an ever-growing headache. 

"But sir I think we should attack before Hele gets the chance-" another ranked official began to argue.

Nico shot him a glare "I do not think it wise, sir, that you go against me. I am putting general Jackson in charge of this initiative and I hope to hear nothing  of anyone not following orders. Yew, draw up plans to present to Jackson upon his return. Everyone else, this meeting is now adjourned, I would advise you go spread the news to your men."

The din of wooden chairs scraping across tiled floors quickly filled the hallway as all the men quickly left. Nico remained in his spot past the last person leaving the hall, trying to nurse his headache back to normal. It was common for him to get these pains, especially when stressed, but this one was brought on rather unexpectedly for him. When he heard footsteps in the hall, he looked up, ready to snap at whatever official had come to bother him, however he was instead faced with his sister. 

Hazel took a seat at his right hand since he was at the head of the large mess table, and gently took his hand in hers. She rubbed soothing circles on the back of it, and he closed his eyes once more, basking in the silence which she knew he loved to maintain. 

Eventually, the headache subsided enough for him to formulate thoughts, and he looked at his sister who was staring back at him sadly. 

"You are starting to worry me, Nico." 

"And why is that?" He asked quietly.

"You barely have eaten since mom died, and you have been even more agitated since Jackson left to Hele. Tell me, what is the problem?" 

He sighed, and reluctantly answered her. "I just have a lot on my mind. This coronation I want to go perfectly for you, you deserve only the best. And without Jackson here, I am just struggling slightly to not bite off the heads of every military official. You know how I hate negotiations. But please, do not worry about me, Hazel."

She shook her head. "I am always worried about you, that's my job as your older sister. However, I know well enough to leave it alone, so I will take your word for it."

He smiled a thank you, and she patted the back of his hand before taking hers out of his. He missed the comforting warmth as soon as it was gone, but said nothing. 

"I think, what you need is a walk in the gardens. Go clear your mind."

"But I still have to meet with so many people today and-"