The Swan Lake | [Prince Daniel X Reader]

four

Within the stately confines of the royal palace, Daniel sat immersed in a dusty library, surrounded by ancient tomes and flickering candlelight. His studious demeanor was interrupted by a sudden clamour emanating from the adjacent hallway. The cacophony of yelling and crashing reverberated through the corridors, prompting Daniel to hastily lay aside the chart he was scrutinizing. Curiosity piqued, he rose from his chair and strode toward the source of the commotion.

As Daniel exited the library, his gaze fell upon Reggie, sprawled awkwardly on the floor. The usually composed servant now appeared flustered. Daniel's lips curled into a gentle smile. "What happened?" he inquired, amusement dancing in his voice. His eyes wandered to the crate nearby, adorned with intricate markings and bound with sturdy twine. Suddenly, his demeanor shifted from nonchalance to eagerness.

Daniel's gaze locked onto the crate, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Hey, that's it! My package arrived!" He hastened toward the crate, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Reggie, still disheveled, swiftly regained his footing and positioned himself obtrusively before the box. His hands splayed across its surface, as if shielding the contents from Daniel's inquisitive gaze. "Uh, no, no! It's nothing, nothing at all! Just some... dull, boring stuff!" Reggie's voice trembled, his words tumbling forth in a frantic attempt to deflect Daniel's interest.

Reggie's eyes darted nervously about, his fingers tightening around the crate's edges. "I'll uh... get it out of your way," he stammered, inching backward. Daniel's smile never wavered. "Why don't we bring that dull, boring stuff into the library?" he suggested, his tone laced with amusement and intrigue. Reggie's anxiety seemed to intensify, his grip on the crate tightening as Daniel's curiosity grew.

As they carefully carried the crate into the library, the soft glow of candlelight danced across their faces, illuminating the anticipation etched on Daniel's features and Reggie's apprehension. The crate, adorned with intricate carvings and rusted hinges, seemed to hold secrets within its wooden slats. With a gentle lift, Daniel opened the lid, revealing a square-shaped globe nestled within a bed of velvet. The globe's polished surface reflected the candlelight, casting a warm glow across the library. Daniel's dark blue eyes widened, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Well... they didn't get that right." Reggie's relief was palpable, his broad face creasing into a smile.

Reggie's sturdy fingers moved to reassemble the crate, his movements swift and deliberate. "Good! We don't want to worry about what's out there anyway! We've got enough to do here!" His voice resonated through the library, echoing off shelves lined with leather-bound tomes. Daniel's blue gaze lingered on the cube, his eyes shining with longing. The globe's unconventional shape seemed to captivate him, sparking imagination and curiosity. As Reggie continued to secure the crate, Daniel's fascination with the globe only deepened, he trailed the pads of his fingertips over the globe, "So much to explore..."

Reggie's meaty fingers wagged ominously as he demonstrated the dangers of exploration. "Uhhh, But look! Danger at every corner! Why, if you go too far, you can fall right off!" His fingers marched off the edge of the cube, emphasizing the perilous drop. Daniel's focus never wavered, his eyes locked onto the globe's surface. With a gentle squat, he descended to examine the cube more closely, his face aglow with wonder. The soft rustle of parchment and creaking leather surrounded him, a symphony of discovery.

As Daniel's gaze roamed the cube's surface, his mind whirled with possibilities. Reggie's warnings seemed distant, inconsequential compared to the secrets hidden within the globe's polished depths. Daniel's fingers extended, hesitating above the cube's surface as if yearning to unlock its mysteries. The library's silence enveloped him, punctuated only by the soft crackling of candles and Reggie's uneasy shifting.