Fit For a King <Lashton>

Seven; Paisley

L U K E

We were sat at the edge of the pond, we being my whole family. All eleven of us sat on the blankets we were gifted by the Prince and ate the rest of the food we were given. 

Laurence had run home showing mother and father a small blue gemstone, and said that a princess gave it to him. Father wanted to sell it so we could buy more food or save it for when we need it most, but mother wouldn't let him. She had said that it was Laurence's so it was his choice. 

Mother was like the Queen in many ways and that was one of the best things about her. She was so selfless and kind to everyone and she passed it down to all of us. Alec said once that mother and the Queen were friends when the were young, I don't believe him though and mother has never confirmed nor denied it. She was incredibly vague and none of us pressured her to tell. 

"Anyone up for a swim?" I asked. 

"Mhm, I will swim with you!" Maria giggled with Bryce and Peyton nodding in agreement. I smiled down at the three and helped them get ready. Once they were all ready I did the same and dove into the water after them. 

"Lukey!" Bryce whined. I rose an eyebrow at him so he spoke again saying, "Can you throw us?"

"I am not sure that it is safe." I replied. 

"Please Luke!" He pleaded. 

"Oh alright." I sighed and clasped my hands together to make a platform for him to stand on. I counted down from three before throwing him up into the air. 

"Are you sure that it is safe to be doing that?" A voice asked. My head snapped in the direction the voice came from and I saw Prince Ashton standing there with a large white stallion behind him. 

"W-What are you doing here?" I stuttered. 

"Am I not allowed? I am the prince so I would think that I am." He said. 

"Sorry your highness." I said and bowed my head. 

"What did I tell you about calling me that?" He sighed in exasperation before continuing, "Call me Ashton. Just Ashton."

"Okay then Just Ashton, who's the pretty lady?" I asked and gestured to a beautiful young girl with long wavy fair hair and wore a golden dress that sparkled in the light of the setting sun.

"That is Princess Leona of Rivarin." He replied. "She is an old friend." Ashton put extra emphasis on the 'friend' and I wondered why. 

"Why don't you marry her instead of going through with this whole ball thing?" I suggested. 

"Because I do not wish to marry a friend." He said. "It would not work out well."

"Ah, I see." I nodded. 

"What would not work out?" Princess Leona asked. 

"Oh, uh, nothing." Ashton said and gave me a pleading look. Giving a slight nod I said, 

"I was suggesting to the Prince here that us peasants should not be forced to pay such high prices to live in shacks your highness." I lied easily.

"I see your point, but no it would not work." She shook her head. 

"I better go and get back to my family." I told them and went to swim away when I saw Laurence standing on a large boulder getting ready to jump in. "Laurence! It's too shallow there!" I shouted. The small boy looked up at me and stumbled before falling in. I let out a gasp and swam towards him as quickly as possible. As soon as I reached him I scooped him up in my arms and scrambled to climb out of the water. "Mother!" I shouted. She looked up at me and ran over when she saw Laurence in my arms. 

"What happened?" She gasped. 

"He fell off that rock over there." I told her. 

"You were supposed to be looking after him!" Mother shouted angrily. "Give me my son." She snapped and took him from me before stalking away. 

I slowly followed after her and saw father glaring at me with so much anger in his green eyes. "You are not coming home with us tonight. Find your own place to dwell." He hissed. 

"But-"

"No buts Lucifer. Your Mother and I have had enough of you and your law-breaking. Do not come home." He ordered. I nodded solemnly before slipping on my clothes and swinging myself onto Sparrow. 

With tears in my eyes I urged her to go. Nudging her flank with my foot gently she broke into a gallop and we charged through the woods.

Father wouldn't be pleased that I took his horse but I did not care at the time, I had been blinded by tears and anger towards him and Mother. 

•

I had stopped home and gathered my few belongings before taking off again. I had switched the fancy leather bridle for the yarn one and left the saddle draped over the fence. I didn't need them. "Come on Sparrow." I urged and we took off at a steady trot through town. I decided then and there that I would make it on my own. I did not need my family, I had Sparrow. 

//

Hey all. I know that this one was a bit short but oh well :). 

Let us know what you thought of Luke's mother and father kicking him out and what you think of the story in general.

Paisley over and out!