Scarlet thanked Andy and I hours later as she walked out the door.
I sighed and Andy laughed.
"You're the prince and not even a peasant likes you!" Andy smirked as I kicked him in the back of the leg, hard.
I sighed. I didn't care what he thought.
Thinking back on my day with Scarlet, I pulled on may armor, preparing for my next sword fighting lesson. I can't believe I told her she was cute. I should've kept my mouth shut. I swear I didn't mean too, she was just...Stop Xavier, I command myself. I shouldn't be focusing on the girl. I should be focusing on the tasks ahead of me.
"Grab me a piece of parchment and a quill," I instructed Andy. I know I should've been more kind but I was furious with his earlier comment.
Andy obeyed and handed me the items I had demanded. Hurriedly, I scratched my schedule of classes into the smooth surface.
1100 hrs- Attend "The art of the sword"
1200 hrs- Etiquette Luncheon with the Vastus family
1320 hrs- "English"
1430 hrs- "History of Avanlünd"
1600 hrs- "Rationes regium"
1800 hrs- Supper
I slipped the paper into my breast-coat-pocket and hurried down to the stable. It was in the stable that I had first held a sword. My instructor, a strange man, had scared me at first. He was what most would call an acquired taste. You had to be able to see past his walls he had built so meticulously for defense against the world that had hurt him so many times.
I sat down upon a stack of hay. Thoughts of my past experiences in this stable flooded my mind. I remembered my first encounter with the man. I was about 5 and had walked into the stable to see a newborn colt only a few hours old. The colt was amazing. His eyes innocent and wild, reflected my own. I walked closer to him and placed a hand on his nose. He whinnied in content.
Then his eyes dilated in fear.
I glanced behind me and found nothing. "It's okay, horsy. Don't be scared!"
I heard the sound of footsteps and tried to turn only to find a knife at my throat.
"Don't move." A gruff male voice said.
"I won't! I won't! I promise!" I squeaked.
The man grabbed the reins and swiftly removed them from the wall where they sat. He tied my hands behind my back and left.
Minutes later he returned, carrying a sack of gold.
"Are you a stealer?" I asked curiously. I was not scared. I thought it was a game.
"I believe you mean thief. And the answer to that question is no... well technically yes. But not really."
"Can I see the horse again?"
"Sure." He responded. I walked over to the Colt. His dark eyes stared at me, full of trust yet sad. He had been separated from his mother that day. He nuzzled my hand. The colt was dark like the night yet his eyes reflected the light around him like the moon.
"Luna." I whispered into his ear. He whinnied back then glanced at the man nervously.
I walked back to the man. "Luna doesn't like you."
"Who's Luna, kid?" He growled, trying to be intimidating.
"The horse." I rolled my eyes. "I like you though. You are trying to be a meanie but are terrible at it. I stealer wouldn't let me go see Luna."
"Thief, kid. Not stealer."
"Whatever." I glanced at the gold he was counting. "You didn't have to steal that. You could have asked."
"Nobody would give up gold willingly."
"I would" I said. "I have lots and lots in my quarters."
The man's eyes dilated in fear. "Kid, what's your name."
"Xavier," I answered absentmindedly. "Well that's what my friends call me and I think you are my friend."
"What is your real name?"
"Prince Xavier the first of Avanlünd."
The man sweared under his breath. "I thought you were a stable boy..." His eyes drifted to my tied hands. Fearing the kings response the man untied them.
"Do not tell anyone about me," he hissed.
"Why not."
"Your dad would kill me!" He whispered.
I looked at my shoes. "My dad's a meanie. I don't like talking to him."
"I've got to go now, kid." He turned to leave and swung the gold over his shoulder.
"No!" I whined. "Please stay!"
"I can't." He looked pained, "They would kill me." He walked towards the door.
"I'll go ask my Dad!" I shouted excitedly. I don't know why I liked the man so much but I really wanted him to stay.
"NO!" He unsheathed a sword hanging from his belt, still trying to intimidate me.
I sat down on the hay, confused. "I thought you were my friend. Why don't you want to stay?"
The man's gaze softened for a moment then he shook his head. "No. Your father will kill me."
"But you haven't done anything wrong!" I countered.
"Ha! Depends on perspective." He smiled and the wrinkles that surrounded his eyes scrunched together. "But everything depends on perspective."
"Stay, please. I can find you a job! We can be friends! I don't have any friends! Dad says they just get in the way and that I should be..." I trailed off and looked up hopefully.
"If I am to stay, no one can ever find out who I really am. You understand?"
"Yup!" I smiled "Does this mean you can stay?"
"Yes." He smiled and his eyes twinkled.
When I look up from the flashback, I am greeted with those same mischievous eyes.
"Atta!" I exclaim. "I didn't realize you were here! Forgive me!"
He smiles and leans against the door frame. "Do not fret. I only just arrived." He glances down and see my scars from my encounter with my father. "Are you okay!?"
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The pic of the horse is what Luna will look like soon!
Anyway, i havent been able to write much due to school! i should be able to on christmas break
