Prince

Chapter 10

***********WARNING ***********

I just want to give a little warning without giving too much away. Something is going to happen in either this chapter or the next. It's nothing major, I don't want to say what it is and ruin the story. Just be aware that it might upset some people, you'll understand if you continue reading I guess.

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Still coated in dry paint the two boys retreated to bed, but not before Daniel put on the jumper he had slung aside before he started painting. The fabric running against the dry paint was extremely uncomfortable, but it was nothing compared to the bitter cold of night. They crawled under the covers and snuggled into each other, fitting together like puzzle pieces, until Daniel shuffled away from Joey and looked into his eyes.

'I don't know what this is, or what we're doing, but I want you to know that I've never been this happy.'

'I'm-'

'No Joey let me finish. I don't want you getting hurt because of me, so I need you to promise me that if things get bad you won't risk your safety for me. If it comes down to it I want you to look the other way and move on with your life, get married, have babies and be a better King than your dad. Don't throw it all away just for me.'

'What's a thrown worth if you have no one to share it with?'

'Joey please'

'Things aren't going to get bad, I won't let that happen'

'If you're so sure you might as well promise me'

Joey looked into the darkness thinking over the possibility of something happening to Daniel, as long as he didn't let his guard down the chance is highly unlikely.

'Fine. I promise. If it all goes to shit I'll get out.'

He pulled Daniel into his chest wrapping his arms around him like before.

'I'm going to change things around here Daniel, it's going to be safe for us. I have a good feeling like something amazing is going to happen. We're going to be alright.'

The truth is Joey couldn't have been more wrong, for the events that would unfold the next morning were far from amazing.

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The sun rose behind a thick layer of dark grey clouds and a strong wind blew the sounds of trumpets across the kingdom. Joey sat up checking Daniel was still bedside him he listened to the melody being played in the distance. There was going to be a royal announcement.

'Daniel get up'

He shook the sleeping boy and ran to the door, his voice was serious and laced with worry. Daniel understood and followed him to the door.

'What is it?'

'I don't know but it's something important, come on'

They made their way to a low balcony that over looks the court yard, dozens of people swamped trough the gates and surround something large in the centre. It was covered with an enormous piece of fabric and was guarded seven or eight soldiers.

A smile made its way onto Daniels face as he turned to Joey.

'Maybe the King wants to show off a giant pile of horse crap to the entire Kingdom.'

Joey didn't laugh, he knew Daniel was joking, but his good feeling had turned into a deep pit in his stomach.

'Joey what's wrong? What is it?'

'I don't know'

The trumpets came to a stop as the King approached a raised podium, an evil grin appearing on his face.