Falling for the Town Bard (Eddie & Jonathan)

Chapter Three

The next morning, Jonathan was the first one up, so he got ready for the day and left his room, making his way to Steve's room to see if he was awake. He knocked on the door, but there was no response. "Steve, it's time to get up! We need to go to breakfast," he yelled from the other side of the door. After waiting for about ten minutes, he finally heard movement from inside the room.

Steve emerged from his room, looking at Jonathan, hair a mess. "Why do you have to be so loud? It's too early for that."

Jonathan looked at his friend with a smile. "Just get ready, Steve. We have to see what my mom's answer is for today. So hurry up, I'll meet you in the dining room." With that, he made his way down the stairs, while his best friend went to get ready. He made it to the dining room, where his mother was already seated.

Joyce looked up from the paper in her hand to see her son standing in the doorway. "Jonathan, have a seat. Where is Steve? You guys normally come down together," she asked.

Jonathan looked at his mother, then sat across from her. "Good morning, mom. Steve's just getting up, he'll be down shortly."

A little while later, Steve made his way downstairs and to his seat.

Joyce looked around the table to make sure everyone was there. "Okay, you may bring in the food, Amanda," she said to the maid. With that, the maid placed the food in front of everyone and they started to eat in silence.

Jonathan looked over at Steve. Steve saw and gave him a slight nod. "So, mother. Did you have time to think about what I asked you yesterday?" he asked.

Joyce looked at her oldest son with a smile. "Well, in fact, I did. I was looking over Billy's schedule when you first came down earlier. It looks like you guys can go into town today. He is free to go with you," she replied with a big smile because she knew her son would be happy with the answer.

After finishing breakfast, it didn't take long for the boys guarded by Billy to head into town.

"Okay guys, so what's the first thing you want to do while you're here?" Billy asked with a straight face.

Steve looked over at Jonathan with a smirk. "We could go back to the music shop to find that guy you were eyeing up."

"I know the guard you're eyeing up, but you are right. Let's head over to the music shop," Jonathan said, looking back at Steve with a smile.

While the trio were walking toward the shop, Billy glanced at Steve, wondering which guard Jonathan was referring to.

They finally made it to the shop, but to Jonathan's dismay, the music that he heard from yesterday wasn't playing.

Jonathan looked at Billy. "I would like to go inside the shop."

Billy gave him a nod of approval and the three walked into the shop. Jonathan took this opportunity to look around in hopes of seeing the guy from yesterday.

As Jonathan looked around, the shopkeeper noticed the royal guard and slowly made his way up to the trio.

"Your highness," the shopkeeper said with a bow, "Thank you for stopping into my humble shop. Is there anything I can assist you with on this fine day?"

Jonathan looked at the man with a gentle smile. "Yes, there is, sir. Do you happen to know the bard that was playing music outside this shop yesterday?"

The man couldn't help but to return the smile when he heard the question. "Yes, that boy is my nephew, Eddie. He is not in at the moment, for he likes to write music at the lake. I believe you will find him there, your highness."

"Do you happen to know when he will return?" Jonathan asked with a kind hearted smile.

The shopkeeper just shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Eddie tends to stay there for hours. There is no telling when he will return."

Jonathan nodded in understanding. "Thank you for your time, good sir." He turned to Steve, sighing quietly. "Do you happen to know where the lake the man was talking about is?"

Steve looked at Jonathan, hesitant to answer. "Yes, but I don't believe you'll be able to go there. It's near the edge of town."

Jonathan sighed, a sad look on his face. "I believe you may be right. I don't think my mother would allow me to travel that far away from the castle without more guards than just Billy." He looked at Billy. "No offense."

Billy shrugged. "I could take you, but that's your mother's call. You'll have to ask her. I'm not risking my neck or yours for some bard you don't even know."

"We can always explore the other shops," Steve suggested, "Maybe we can find something nice for your mother, or for Will. Who knows? Maybe the bard will be back by then."

Jonathan nodded, happy with that answer. "That sounds nice. Let's do that."

With that, the boys, Billy following closely behind, went into different shops, looking around and taking in the scenery of the bustling little town.

After shopping for a while, the beautiful music Jonathan had heard the day prior began filling his ears once more. It made his heart skip a beat. "That's it! That's the song!" He looked at the other two, hope in his eyes. "We must find that shop again!"

The trio headed to the music shop from earlier. As they were approaching nearer, Jonathan saw the same dark haired, tall bard from before. A blush crept upon his cheeks. As the song slowly came to an end, the three approached, Steve pushing Jonathan forward, noticing the nerves taking over his friend.

Billy cocked an eyebrow, watching the interaction, but said nothing.

Eddie noticed the guard, then the prince, and smirked. "Your highness," he started, "I heard you were looking for me."

"You better watch that tone," Billy warned.

Jonathan raised a hand up to quiet the guard, ignoring Steve's reaction. "It's okay." He then turned his attention back to the bard. "I was looking for you to offer a job of sorts, if you are interested. The castle is in need of someone with your skills for a very important task. Would you be willing to hear me out?"

Eddie hesitated, glancing at Billy, before replying. "I will listen, but I cannot guarantee that I can do it. I don't even know what the job is, your highness."

Jonathan let out a small sigh of relief. "That's all I'm asking for, a moment of your time. I'd like to discuss it at the castle, away from listening ears. I will have my guard, Billy," he gestured to the man, "escort you and we will discuss it in further detail there, as the queen will have to be part of the conversation as well."

Eddie's eyes were wide, letting the words soak in. He had never expected that anyone of royal status would need his help. "Yes, your highness."

Billy looked at the boys. "It is time to go, it's starting to get dark." He then turned to Eddie, giving him a subtle glare. "I will be back for you in the morning, bard."

Both Steve and Jonathan said their goodbyes with a wave and a kind smile as they were escorted away from the shop and back to the castle.