Royal Love

Chapter 3

"Will you be going home tonight to visit your family?" Dan asked. He and Phil were sat in the palace garden enjoying the beautiful weather.

"Yes, just for tonight I will be back tomorrow morning for sure." Phil smiled looking over at Dan. As days passed the two grew closer, they hated being apart, Phil loved being able to spend time with his family but he didn't like not being able to see Dan. They enjoyed each others company a lot, Dan never felt so close to anyone in his life, he had met plenty of Prince's and princesses during royal balls but he never had any interests in any of them. Phil was different, he was kind and generous despite what very little he had, he took good care of his family and always helped Dan out. It was without a doubt that Dan had feelings for him and Phil returned those feelings, their kiss only exposed it. Dan looked over at the boy and smiled at him taking his hand and linking their fingers, but making sure there was no one around to see first of course.

"I have somethings that I want you to take to your family." Dan told him, "They are all packed and in your room. I asked my mother and she says its fine."

"Thank you, I appreciate that." Phil smiled, "You'll be a great king one day, much better than your father."

"I hope to be," Dan sighed laying back onto the grass, "But my future is set out and I don't want what they want. My parents expect me to marry a Princess as I am not interested in anyone they will arrange for me to marry a Princess."

"It can't be so bad Dan, I mean some people have it much worse.."

"I appreciate everything, I am extremely grateful for this but I wish that I could at least make the choice of who I want to be with.."

"I understand" Phil said looking down. "I should get going now, my father is suppose to be home he must be waiting."

"Wait, before you go just one favor." Phil looked over at Dan who held onto his arm, "Can I have a goodbye kiss?"

"Dan, you will see me again tomorrow." Phil laughed, Dan tilted his head pouting slightly refusing to let Phil go until he got his kiss. Phil laughed softly and shook his head, he looked around making sure that no one was around and quickly pecked Dan's lips.

"Come on, you do better than that. I won't let you go until I get a proper kiss." Dan said, Phil shook his head before placing both hands on Dan's cheeks, he leaned in once more but kissed him longer and and more passionately. He pulled away smiling down at Dan before getting back up to leave.

It had only been a little while since Phil had left go visit his family and Dan already felt lonely without him. He reminded himself that it's just for one night and that Phil will be back in the morning, he sighed to himself as he walked down the halls of the castle trying to pass his time.

"Prince Daniel!" One his oldest maids called after him, "You might want to head down to the village right now."

"What's wrong? You looked worried."

"It's your father, he was not in a good mood and he's taking it out on Philip." She explained while trying to catch her breath, "He's publicly whipping him accusing him of stealing."

"But I gave Phil those supplies for his family in front of him and my mother.."

"He knows that but you know your father. Your mother is there trying to stop him but I advise you go down there too now."

Dan nodded and ran outside, he got his carriage asking of the stableboys to accompany him. If he ran there he knew he would be too late. He could not believe his father, taking out his anger on the poor and innocent for no reason. Dan knew that it was because of his and Phil's growing friendship, it was probably his way of showing Dan what he was capable of as he had the tendency to not listen to him quite often. There was a large crowd, there were a few crazy men cheering on the King and his men but most were begging him to stop. Dan pushed by the crowd and saw one of his fathers men standing over Phil holding a whip, Phil was curled up on the ground, his cheeks damp with tears and his back wounded and bleeding. Dan pushed the man away and rushed to Phil.

"Daniel, what is the meaning for your interruption!?" His father spat.

"Why are you punishing Phil for no reason he hasn't done anything wrong or committed any crime you know that!" Dan shouted keeping his arm around Phil. His blood now covered Dan's clothes but he didn't care for that.

"Step aside Daniel, this is a lesson to everyone so they know what will happen if they cross the line." He said sternly.

"Phil is my friend, he has not done anything wrong." Dan shot back, "I'm not letting you hurt him anymore, if you want to hurt him you will have to get through me first."

Dan knew very well his father wouldn't hit him, not in front of anyone that is. Word would spread really fast to other kingdoms of the King abusing the heir to the throne, it will only ruin his reputation and ruin any chances of great business partners or even a bigger joint kingdom. Eventually everyone started clearing out, his father left and went back to the castle. Dan helped Phil sit up keeping his arms around him for support.

"Do you want to take Philip back to the castle Daniel?" His mother asked.

Dan shook his head, "No I brought the carriage, I will take him to his family."

To his surprise his mother agreed with him. Dan took his vest off putting it around Phil, he put his arm around Phil for support and helped him to the carriage and to Phil's house.

"What happened your Majesty? Are you okay?" Phil's mother asked covering her mouth.

"I'm fine Mrs. Lester, but Phil isn't he's hurt." Dan said bringing Phil inside. His mother called his father asking him to help Dan out who seemed shocked seeing the Prince in his home helping his son out. He put his arm around Phil helping him sit down.

"You're going to get yourself in trouble sticking up for me Dan." Phil said smiling weakly.

"My father can't just take his anger out on you, I don't care if he gets mad at me." Phil's mother came back with a cloth and bucket of cold water she put the bucket down sighing in exhaustion rubbing her stomach. His father reached for it but Dan insisted on letting him. He dampened the cloth and carefully dabbed Phil's wounds. Phil flinched suddenly at the stinging pain.

"Will Phil be okay?" Arthur, Phil's little brother asked, his eyes watery.

"He'll be just fine, your brother is strong." Dan smiled ruffling Arthur's hair making him smile.

"I-Im really sorry Phil.." Dan said quietly when it was just the two of them, Phil turned around so he was facing Dan and looked at him confused.

"Why are you sorry?" He asked.

"Ever since you started working for me, my father has done nothing but give you a hard time.."

"That is not your fault Dan," Phil smiled, "I like working for you, your father not so much but I'm the happiest when we're together and I wouldn't give that up."

Dan smiled, he placed his hand on Phil's cheek and leaned in to kiss him but was stopped by Phil, "I'm sorry but not here. My parents don't know and it would be a bigger shock if they see me kissing the Prince.."

Dan nodded, he understood where Phil was coming from. Not even Dan's mother knew that he liked boys and that he and Phil were closer than she thought, she did in fact joke around with him but he didn't know how she would take the news.

"Is there anything my family and I can do for you your Majesty, to make up for your kindness for helping our son?" Phil's father asked.

"Phil's my friend, he's very special to me and I would help him no matter the consequences." Dan said, Phil's father smiled, "But I would appreciate if you call me Dan."

"Well thank you Dan." His father smiled bowing his head.

"I have to go back soon but I can come back tomorrow to pick you up if you wish." Dan offered going back to cleaning Phil's back.

"I would appreciate that thank you." Phil smiled, once they were alone again Dan quickly moved forward and pressed a quick kiss to Phil's cheek. Phil laughed and playfully shoved him off, today more than anything, he appreciated Dan a lot. He considered himself lucky to have a friend like him and now found himself slowly falling for him, he knew it was wrong but it was too late.