Fit For a King <Lashton>

Four; Ariana

We consume our tomorrows fretting about our yesterdays. ~Persius 

Ashton's POV

I stared at him for a moment and then I exchanged glances with the still cloaked Michael. He seemed not afraid of me but maybe a little shocked. I looked him up and down. "How could you even try to afford a horse then?"

"We've had her for a long time." The peasant boy said, not letting his voice waiver.

I felt my glare soften, he looked a mess and I had a feeling he was telling the truth. "Get down off your horse." I spoke and he did. "Now come with us." 

I turned and began to walk down the path and I continued to chew him out. "I would have a good mind to throw you in the dungeon."

"Why don't you then?" He asked.

"Well you see," I said turning to him and walking backwards. "It is a never ending cycle. I throw you down there and someone in your family takes your place. I keep going until you're all chained to a wall and rotting away. I intend to keep as many people out of there as possible during my ruling, which is soon to come."

"Right, your ball." He said.

I almost gagged at the thought of it. But I only nodded my head.

We walked through the gates and many guards held up their weapons. I simply put up my hand and dismissed them immediately.

"What did you say your name was?" I asked.

"I never said what it was." He chuckled.

"Well that would explain why I don't know it." I said and gestured for him to tell me.

"Luke Hemmings, your highness." He said and I wrinkled my nose. "I'm [sorry?"

"Please, do not call me that. Ashton is fine." I responded. He looked slightly shocked at me. Despite his skin being dirty, his bright blue eyes stood out. He was a sight to be seen.

I called for Angelica, a stable girl, to come towards me. "Take this man's horse to the stable for a moment, would you please?"

"Yes Prince Ashton." She smiled and walked away with the dirty horse. I pulled on her arm so I could whisper to her.

"Give him a bath, get him new equipment." I whispered and she nodded before taking off. Michael was giving me somewhat of a scowl. He looked me up and down but said nothing. 

Luke looked slightly worried about his horse but I then had him continue to follow me inside. My mother was standing towards the entrance and smiled in our direction.

"Hello my dear boy." She smiled as she walked over. "Who would your friend be?"

Luke looked pretty shocked towards my mother. I would be too if I was him.

"Ashton when you're don't playing with your friend I would like to discuss other matters with you." She cupped my cheek and smiled at me before walking away. I shook my head slowly before stopping a servant and pulling them over to the side. I whispered for them to fetch me several things and then they took off.

I turned to Luke and smiled. "You can take a seat while you wait." 

"'Take a seat'?" Michael finally spoke up. "You dare let this.. This filth sit in here!?" 

"You behave yourself Michael." I snapped at him. "You treat guests with respect, I do demand your apology." 

Michael turned to Luke, a deep scowl. "My apologies, Sir." Luke nodded his head slowly. 

"You may dismiss yourself." I turned to Michael. He scoffed and left and I gestured for Luke to take a seat. He sat down and ran his hands over his torn up pants. This man was a mess, but there was still something innocent under all of that soot. 

"So do tell me, why do you believe it is fine for you to be hunting down my innocent animals?" I asked. "I understand, you did it for your family. But are there not better solutions than breaking the laws put into play?" Luke said nothing. "I take it this is not the first time you have broken decrees." 

"What else was I supposed to do?" Luke asked, a tinge of disgust to his voice as he addressed me. "You would never understand, after all, you are the heir to the throne." 

"That is true, but trust me. Running a kingdom takes more than you would expect." I said. 

"Well your father does very poor work of it." Luke muttered, more to himself than to I. Alas, I still heard the words slip from his mouth. 

"You should not say that." I said. Eventually the servant came back with several baskets and I immediately ordered for them to follow me out the door. Luke stood up and followed me outside where his horse was waiting. I had the baskets loaded onto the back of the horse and gestured for him to climb upon the wondrous creature. 

"There," I spoke. "A new saddle, harness, clothes, food, blankets, other necessities. You should stop stealing from the maw of nature before someone besides me finds you." I then reached in my pocket and pulled out an aquamarine gem and held it out to him. When he extended his hands I dropped it into his palm. I always felt it was best to give gems rather than gold, silver or even bits. This type just so happened to be my favorite. "Now go on, sir." 

"I-I.." He never finished that sentence, but he loaded on his horse and I watched them trot away. I then turned and entered the castle. Michael was scowling at me, I knew he would ask me why I had done so much for the peasant whom acted so rudely. But in reality, I almost felt pity for him. Not to mention, he seemed so unafraid of me. Usually everyone stumbled under my presence. But he was calm, collected and cool about the entire situation. Honest and forward. I had to admit, I enjoyed it. 

AUTHOR'S NOTIFICATION; Ariana

So I don't have anything to say =3 

Hugs, Kisses, Cuddles and Serenades xX