Solangelo One Shots (fluff)

Royal AU(pt.2)/Story XLVII

Part two of the Royal AU where Nico is the prince and Will is the gardener! If you haven't read part one, make sure you do so because other wise this is a little out of context :)) Enjoy!

Nico couldn't eat supper fast enough. All he wanted to do was get the meal over with so he could go back to his chamber where—hopefully—the cute gardener will be.

"Nico," Hades chided as the prince stuffed another large forkful of food in his mouth, not waiting to chew. "You are going to choke, slow down. Why are you in such a rush?"

Nico looked up at his father, meeting his eye from across the table. He slowed his chewing and swallowed before he straightened his posture and took another bite, this one much more manageable. "Sorry, father. I am just eager to get back to my room," he said quietly. His gaze shifted to his step-mother. She gave him a small smile.

Hades grunted. "You will not be going back right after dinner, my son," Nico's stomach dropped. "We must further discuss the prospects for your engagement. I intend on going over some files on each one with you," his tone was even but firm. This was not a negotiation, this was the king telling him what he is to do.

Nico placed his fork down, his hands falling to his lap. He fiddled with the jewelry that cuffed his fingers and wrists. His gaze dropped to the table, his eyes glazing over.

He knew his father was still talking, but he couldn't listen. He tried to think of a way he could tell Will he was going to be late. He thought of the look on Will's face if he arrives at Nico's room and he's not there. The sparkle in his eyes dimming as he turns to leave, broken hearted.

Nico ached just thinking about it, but he had no choice but to do as his father said. If he was compliant then maybe it wouldn't take too long and he could still catch Will.

Supper ended and Persephone and Hazel went their separate ways; Hazel heading to spend time with Frank and Persephone going to the greenhouse.

Hades led Nico back to his office. The castle halls seemed so dark in the fading light from the sun along with the heavy clouds. It had started to rain, Nico noticed and the drops tapped against the large glass windows that went down the length of the hall.

"I still don't see why I have to marry to take over the throne," Nico grumbled as he sat down in a plush chair in front of his father's desk.

Hades sighed, exasperated and withered. "Because, Nico, you need someone to help with your decisions, to keep you balanced. To help you to not rush into things. It is how it is and always will be,"

"I thought that was what the royal council was for," Nico said. "To aid the ruler in decisions,"

Hades pursed his lips, then reached into a drawer to grab a stack of files. "You are not wrong," he admitted. "That is what the royal council is for. But oftentimes, being king can be challenging in other ways. Having someone you trust and love to support you in the decisions you make and to listen to you when you need. A support system, my son,"

Nico almost wanted to laugh. A support system? His father hardly supported him. Always told him what to do and expected him to do it. Never put time aside to help him or spend time with him outside of royal duties. A support system is cheap coming from him.

Hades continued. He placed six files in front of Nico. "Here are some fine candidates from other kingdoms, take a look,"  He opened the first one.

There was a picture of the prince. He looked around Nico's age, maybe older. He had black hair and sea green eyes. His profile looked good, but overall, Nico wasn't impressed.

The others weren't much better. There was a prince with blonde hair and blue eyes, but his complexion was way different from Will's. Less golden. There was also a prince who had dark curly hair and impish figures. Nico scrunched up his nose as he looked at him, before taming his face and moving onto the others.