The Crown Prince (boyxboy)

Chapter 2: Know your place

"Are you addressing me?"

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With weathered hands and a deep sense of affection, the seasoned horseman tenderly pats the young foal, establishing a gentle connection before running a soft-bristled brush through its rich chestnut brown mane. Each deliberate stroke down the horse's side elicits a response, a contented snort, acknowledging the care it receives. "Good boy," he whispers in a soothing tone, fully absorbed in the intimate moment, completely unaware of the peaceful sound of approaching footsteps on the floor lined with straw.

The stable door creaked softly as the prince leaned casually against it. "It's a little too small for me, don't you think?" he said with a hint of amusement.

The older man, busy with work, froze at the prince's voice. He straightened up and turned to face the well-dressed royal, a look of surprise and respect on his face. "Your Highness. I didn't hear you approach," he said, his eyes briefly meeting the prince's before nervously shifting to the intricate embroidery on the prince's jacket.

"Calm yourself, Morris," Tian took a slow, deliberate step towards the young foal, feeling the softness of its mane as he gently placed his hand on it. The texture was not as rough as that of a fully grown horse, but there was still a hint of coarseness as his fingers brushed through the strands. As he made eye contact with the foal, he couldn't help but marvel at its deep, dark brown eyes, which held a surprising calmness as they met his gaze.  "Does it have a name?" Tian inquired, his curiosity piqued as he stroked the foal's mane.

"Not yet, Your Highness. I believe the King is waiting for Her Majesty to choose one," the stable hand replied respectfully.

"My mother gets to decide?" Tian's frown deepened. "This is my horse. Surely I should be the one to choose."

Your Highness, please forgive me, but this horse does not belong to you," Morris chuckled lightly, a warm smile on his face. "Your horse is out in the field. Allow me to take you there."

Tian waved him off, responding, "No, please continue your business. I know my way." Feeling embarrassed in front of the stable hand, realising it was not his horse.

"As you wish, Your Highness," Morris acknowledged with a slight bow before returning to gently brushing the animal's coat. The prince left as quietly as he had arrived, grateful for the rare chance to be alone. This short walk to the nearby field felt like a special birthday gift from the elderly stable hand.

As he draws closer, his eyes fixate on a solitary horse. Its commanding presence outweighs even his own. The animal's coat is a deep, obsidian black, accentuated by a long, sleek tail that matches its imposing stature. A mix of awe and trepidation washes over him as he gazes upon the magnificent creature. Tian has always harboured a deep-seated desire to ride, yet his mother's overprotectiveness has always hindered him. Growing up as an only child, he has been shielded from anything even remotely dangerous, a consequence of his mother's unyielding fear. However, as the heir to the throne, he knows that mastering horseback riding is an essential skill. It appears that his mother has finally relented.

As he draws nearer, the prince's breath catches in his throat. The majestic horse stands before him, its powerful form outlined against the backdrop of the wooden fence. Leaning against the weathered slats, he watches in awe as the horse leisurely grazes from a sturdy wooden barrel.

"Hey there, boy!" he calls out, eager to capture the creature's attention. However, the horse remains steadfastly focused on its meal, unperturbed by the prince's attempts to elicit a response.

Growing increasingly frustrated, the prince tries again. "Hey! I'm talking to you!" he shouts, his voice tinged with annoyance at being ignored. Yet the horse merely lifts its head briefly, acknowledging the sound before returning to its task.

Frustration bubbling to the surface, the prince decides to take matters into his own hands. With determination in his eyes, he lifts the metal latch of the gate and strides into the enclosure, his footsteps resolute against the earthy ground.

As he approaches the magnificent creature, he can't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. The sheer size and presence of the horse become more apparent as he draws closer, causing him to second-guess his bold decision to confront the animal.

Suddenly, the horse steps towards him, emitting a deep, rumbling snort reverberating through the air. Startled, the prince flinches, the unexpected sound jolting through his body.

"Hey, what are you doing? Get away!" Tian hears the forceful shout from behind him as he turns to see an unfamiliar person taking giant strides in his direction.

Surprised by the sudden intrusion, the prince straightens up, his royal bearing evident in how he holds himself. "Are you addressing me?" he speaks, a hint of authority in his voice, which conveys a sense of hierarchy over the other male, who, for whatever reason, seemed ignorant of his noble presence.

"Yes, I am; now move away," the young man gestures with an arm as though Tian were a mere sheep who had strayed from the flock. "You will startle him." With a confident stride, he bypasses Tian, who steps to one side out of sheer shock more than anything else. The young man gently places a reassuring hand on the horse's neck, stroking it with long, calming strokes. "It's okay..." The horse is then guided back to the barrel of grains, and it resumes its meal. "You can't just startle an animal like that. You could have put yourself in danger." He turns to the prince, finally taking in his fine clothing and youthful countenance. "Who are you?"

"Your Highness," Morris panted as he approached the two men. "Forgive my nephew," he said as he nodded at the prince and then turned to the other man, giving him a playful cuff to the head. "This is Prince Tian, Jonas. Remember what I said we must do."

Jonas suddenly became visibly anxious and nervously looked down at the prince's impeccable boots made from the finest leather. "A... apologies, Your Highness," he stammered, ending his sentence with a deep, respectful bow.

The prince's face broke into a subtle smile tinged with amusement, expressing his satisfaction at restoring the established hierarchy. His gaze again shifted to the majestic horse before asking, "Is this noble steed a gift from my mother?"

Morris responded with a respectful nod, affirming, "Indeed, Your Highness. This magnificent stallion is a birthday present for you. Young Jonas has diligently cared for him since his early days, knowing he was destined for you."

"I understand," Tian remarked, glancing at the young attendant who remained humbly averted. "I shall return to spend more time acquainting myself with my gift. My mother has planned the rest of the day for me." The prince turned away with a final glance at the horse and his attendant. Morris executed a subtle bow as the prince departed gracefully, his impeccably crafted boots echoing softly. Meanwhile, Jonas struggled to contain his emotions, his clenched fist a poignant reminder of his place in the world.