The Prince and the Paladin - Akitoya

Chapter 7: Lunchtime

The Prince and the Paladin walked side by side as they approached the dining hall. Tsukasa sat across the room at the end of the enormous table, swishing around juice in a wine glass. Before being escorted to his seat, Toya glanced one last time at the orange haired boy who was already looking back. His green eyes were relaxed, softening his features. The Prince's face warmed lightly, wishing for a moment that his hair wasn't slicked away.

He remembered being with Akito in the bathroom earlier that day, his hands running through his hair expertly. Maybe it was good his face was on display for the Paladin. They sat across from one another at the table.

His thoughts trailed off as a plate was placed in front of him, the smell of meat and vegetables crowding his senses. A cup of coffee was poured from a pot.

The King raised his glass, a flashing smile dazzling everyone in the room. "To the Prince and his safe return! And another toast just for the fun of it!" He laughed loudly, Saki covered her mouth as she giggled along. Toya's brows furrowed. The toast should have been for Akito. He was the reason he was back here.

Before grabbing his mug, he looked to the orange haired boy across from him. His olive eyes laid on the table unmoving as his gloved hand reached for his cup of water. His lips were held together tensely before bringing the glass to his lips.

They each took sips from their respective drinks before they began to eat. Shinonome waited patiently with his gloved hands clasped on the table, keeping his eyes low, as the staff of the castle prepared his plate. Between bites, Toya's eyes flicked to the boy, though their gaze never met.

The King ate quickly and sloppily, downing the last of his drink before speaking again. "What led you to invite the Paladin, Toya? Usually meals are reserved for the family. I never expected to see any staff at my table."

The Paladin's shoulders tightened and Toya wanted nothing more than to help him relax. Was this a bad idea?

"Toya told me he wanted the Paladin to accompany us today since he had helped him make the journey home. I'm sure you understand, big brother," Saki said lightly after placing her fork on the table, her plate also cleared. Toya ate slowly compared to the Tenmas, allowing himself to savor the meal. His steak was nearly halfway finished and he had picked at a couple of the vegetables. The Paladin's plate was untouched.

"I would have thought someone personally invited to share a meal with the royal family would be more excited then. Why so tense, Paladin?" Tsukasa asked, the staff collecting his plate and pouring more juice into his cup. He didn't bother to say thank you.

The Paladin took a breath before grabbing his fork. He seemed lost in thought. "I mean, your majesty, I am quite excited to be seated here. I just hadn't prepared for it." His eyes barely moved in the King's direction as he picked through his corn, scooping some and eating it.

The King rested an elbow on the arm of his chair. "Don't be so nervous, Paladin. You've worked for me and Toya for years, why now are you choking up? I know you're more rambunctious than this," Tsukasa chuckled to himself.

"This is the first time I've had any meal with you all, sir. I would have thought in the years you've known me that you would remember that." His eyes raised to Toya's, their grey hues soft and brilliant in the lighting of the dining hall. He quickly looked back to his food.

Toya took a sip from his coffee. "I'm sorry for inviting you on such short notice, Shin- Paladin. If I had remembered we would be having lunch, I would have asked you much sooner."

A boom called from outside the castle and Shinonome jolted to stand, his food neglected.

"Stay here everyone," he commanded, his voice stern and oddly attractive. Toya stood as the Paladin exited the room.

~~~~~

"I thought I'd get some attention from some royal," a hooded figure exclaimed gleefully. He seemed tall but not very wide, his frame thin and dark. In his hands were several round bottles filled with colorful shimmering liquids. He threw another on the ground, a purple one this time, and the liquid bursts, creating sparks similar to a firework.

Shinonome had his sword drawn as another knight had come into view, a girl with pink hair. "What is it you want?" He called to the hooded man. The other only let out a soft laugh.

"I just thought I'd see the King, that's all. Is he busy? I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"What business do you have to see the King?"

From upstairs, Toya looked through the window at the interaction at the castle gates. The hooded figure removed his head covering, revealing outrageous purple hair. The King, who also was looking through the window, stood. "The Alchemist. All he ever does is cause trouble at this castle."

The Prince looked over to his brother. "Does he want anything?" He asked.

The King pinched the bridge of his nose as he stepped closer to the window. "He always says he wants to see me and never elaborates on why. It's gotten more and more annoying by the day. Today, I supposed he's brought explosives."

Toya thought for a moment. He paused. "If he keeps causing trouble, why don't you just go and talk to him? It'll let you know what he needs, wouldn't it?"

The King claps his hands. "You're so right, my dear Toya. Why hadn't I thought of that sooner? I must go down there to discuss with the Alchemist about his delinquency!"

Tsukasa left the dining hall quickly. Saki was sitting in her seat with a book unconcerned now that the situation was resolving. Losing interest, Toya left the hall and headed to his room to get much needed sleep. Maybe when he woke up, this dream would be over.