Our hope

Chapter 26: Royal

It was getting to the time of year when the nights got cold. There was several fires around keeping the knights warm. The Prince was sitting off to the side of the group gazing up at the stars.

"Oh, ace." He said his chest aching at the thought about tomorrow. That was if they showed up, they could be dead for all the Prince knew.

"They are going to be there." Theodor said sitting down next to the Prince.

"From what I have seen they won't stop at anything till they are right back beside you. The worst it could be is they might be a little late." The Prince brought his eyes down to the earth resting on cheek on his knee.

"Yeah, you're right. There is still a chance that one of us or both of us could wind up dead tomorrow. I don't want to do this." He needed a break to recover from all of it. There was too much to deal with, both now and later. He was ready to break down not even getting a chance to prosses one thing before the next was at his door.

"What if I can't do this Theo. Be king I mean. I was never meant to, I have no training what so ever. This past week has started to make me think-" He took a deep breath to avoid breaking down just yet. He really wanted to wait for the Rebel to be there with them when that happened.

"I don't think that I should be staying as king. I know Ace will do a good job, tomorrow is the perfect chance to give up the crown." It was silent for a few moments the Prince pulled his legs into his chest. The knight looked at the dark sky and surrounding dark field they were in.

"You have handled the impossible this week. I think most people would have walked away already. It should calm down after the coronation. When you and Ace settle into your leading roles. From what I have heard most change in leadership is a lot less chaotic. Considering how young you and Ace are, I would be more concerned if you weren't struggling." The knight looked over at the Prince who was still staring into the stars.

"Yeah, I guess." The Prince shifted over leaning his head on the Knight's shoulder.

"I just don't want to be messing this up. There are too many people who are counting on me."

"That's why you have me and after tomorrow, you will have Ace." The Prince was starting to get sleepy now that his blood wasn't going the speed of a shooting star.

"Come on star, let's get you into your bed role before you fall asleep on the cold grass." The Knight pulled the Prince up guiding him towards the bed roll that was on the outside of the group.

"I was perfectly happy laying on top of you." The Prince said as he stumbled behind the Knight's body ready to drop from exhaustion.

"I'm sure Ace would love to take my place when they get back. For now you can sleep in your role." They made it over to where the pair had laid out there things. They settled into a peaceful almost silence. There was crickets, the walking of the guards, and far off crackles of fire. The ambient noise made the night a lot more peaceful then it had any right to be.

Just like the night before the rebels started their attack all was quiet and peaceful. The calm before another storm. He really hoped this other king would be reasonable tomorrow. The Prince woke up both sore and exhausted. The morning was cold as the day's got shorter, light dew on the grass all around them.

It only took a short time for everyone to be ready for battle and the horses ready to move on. The Prince was front and centre with Sir Theo on his left. A line behind them the king in orange was on his right with the heir to the right of the king. There was eleven rows behind them of full armor soldiers. The Prince took a deep breath calming his nerves.

"You ready for this?" the King asked walking his horse beside the Prince.

"No, but I will not stand for the consequences if I don't do this."