The Prince and The Knight

Chapter 3

Song of the Chapter: So Emotional By Whitney Houston

Joshua woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring, and his stomach twisted with a familiar, nauseating anxiety. It was the first day of filming, and despite all the table reads and costume fittings, the weight of what lay ahead was hitting him all at once. This wasn't just any role—this was a Luca Guadagnino film, with Beyoncé as his on-screen mother and Jace as his co-star. And more than anything, he wanted to prove he belonged.

As he arrived on set, the medieval world of the movie sprawled before him. They'd constructed a stunning set, a beautiful and grand palace courtyard lined with towering marble pillars and lush greenery. Even though it was just a soundstage, the details brought the story to life in a way that took his breath away.

Joshua's hands were shaking as he made his way to his first scene with Beyoncé. She was playing Queen Celeste, his character Prince Alessio's mother, and their first scene would set the tone of their relationship—her protective, steely exterior against his restless, yearning heart.

His nerves were spiraling out of control. He was breathing hard, clutching the edge of a nearby prop table, fighting back the urge to walk off set and hide. This wasn't a tiny TV role; this was his first real chance to show what he could do, and the stakes felt impossibly high. A tidal wave of doubt washed over him, making his vision blur as he looked down at his script.

"Hey, Joshua." A gentle voice broke through his thoughts.

He looked up to see Beyoncé, her expression calm and compassionate as she stepped toward him, placing a hand on his shoulder. She was in her full Queen Celeste attire—a deep plum gown that trailed behind her like something out of a painting, her crown glittering with jewels. Joshua almost forgot to breathe.

"It's okay to be nervous," she said softly. "I know you feel a lot of pressure. But trust yourself, Joshua. You're here because you're the right person for this."

Her words, her presence, grounded him in a way he hadn't expected. Slowly, he felt his pulse slow, his breathing steady. Beyoncé had a warmth that put his fears at ease, reminding him that he didn't have to face this alone.

"Thank you," he murmured, giving her a small, grateful smile. "I was freaking out, but... I think I'm okay now."

"Good," she replied, squeezing his shoulder before stepping back into character. "We've got this."

With a final deep breath, Joshua moved to his mark and slipped into the role of Prince Alessio. Luca called for action, and just like that, the scene began.

Beyoncé transformed into Queen Celeste with a single look, her eyes cold and regal as she delivered her lines with a quiet strength. Joshua felt himself respond instinctively, letting his nerves melt into his character's vulnerability as he played off her intensity. The scene unfolded naturally, almost effortlessly, and Joshua found himself sinking fully into Alessio's shoes. He was no longer Joshua Bassett; he was the prince, yearning for freedom, struggling with the expectations of the crown.

As they wrapped up the take, Joshua looked up and spotted Jace standing on the sidelines, watching him with an expression that made Joshua's heart skip a beat. Jace's face was filled with pride, and it lit a fire of confidence in Joshua he hadn't felt all morning. He wanted to do well, not just for himself, but to impress Jace, to show him that he could be the prince to his knight.

But just as he was reveling in that warmth, Joshua caught another pair of eyes watching him. Nico Greetham, who played a royal advisor with a hidden agenda, was standing across the set, his gaze locked on Joshua with an intensity that was hard to read. Nico's look wasn't kind, wasn't encouraging—it felt almost... hostile, sharp, as if he were scrutinizing Joshua in a way that unsettled him. But before he could process it, the crew called for the next take, and the moment slipped away.

After hours of filming, Joshua finally had a chance to breathe. He stepped off set, drained yet exhilarated, his mind replaying the scenes they'd shot that morning. As he wiped sweat from his forehead, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Hey, Josh!"

He turned around to find Jace walking over, a bright smile on his face. Jace looked effortlessly casual, his armor half-unbuckled, a smudge of dirt on his cheek from one of his action sequences. Joshua's heart skipped, and he tried not to let the flutter show.

"You were incredible today," Jace said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "I could feel everything Alessio was going through."

Joshua felt his cheeks flush, and he ducked his head with a shy smile. "Thanks, Jace. That... that means a lot."

Jace grinned. "I knew you'd nail it. Can't wait to see more of what you do."

They shared a lingering look, and before Joshua knew it, Jace pulled him into a quick, warm hug. Joshua's breath caught at the closeness, the steady warmth of Jace's arms around him. When they pulled apart, Joshua felt his cheeks flush even more, the memory of Jace's touch making his pulse race.

As Jace walked away, a faint chuckle made Joshua jump. He turned to see Beyoncé leaning against the door of his dressing room, an amused glint in her eye.

"Oh!" He nearly dropped his script, startled. "I didn't see you there."

She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "How long have you had this crush?"

Joshua blinked, his eyes widening. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

Beyoncé laughed, giving him a look that said she wasn't buying it. "Joshua, it's written all over your face. Look, whatever it is you're feeling? Just lean into it. Be yourself. That's all you need to do." Her voice softened, becoming gentle. "Sometimes, when you meet the right person, you just... know."

He bit his lip, looking down. He hadn't let himself admit it until now, but Beyoncé was right. This feeling, this connection with Jace, was something he couldn't ignore, even if it terrified him.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "I... I guess I needed to hear that."

She patted his arm, her gaze warm. "Anytime, Joshua. And don't overthink it."

That night, back in his apartment, Joshua felt a surge of inspiration, stronger than anything he'd felt in a long time. Every interaction with Jace, every encouraging smile, every warm touch—he couldn't stop replaying it in his mind. It all felt like a melody he couldn't shake, a rhythm that pulsed through him, waiting to be captured.

He grabbed his guitar, and within moments, the first chords of a new song filled the room. This one had a different energy, a faster, heavy groove—an upbeat, playful tune that felt like a confession. He called it So Emotional, a song about the burst of feelings one feels with a new love forming in their heart.

Hours flew by as he poured himself into the music, each note reflecting the blend of nerves and excitement Jace had sparked in him. By the time he set his guitar down, the city lights had dimmed, and dawn was breaking through his window. He stretched, exhaustion tugging at his eyelids, but he felt lighter than he had in days.

He didn't know where things would go with Jace, or if his feelings would ever be reciprocated. But for now, he was content to capture every moment, every feeling, in his music—saving it, holding onto it, letting it grow. And as he drifted to sleep, he knew that this was only the beginning of whatever lay ahead.