The One You Feed × Brandrew AU

VI

-Brandon's POV-

It was the day of the party, and I was praying to the gods that Hayden and Brent would keep their mouths shut.

I woke up to see three sets of new, clean clothing hanging from the door, and a tub of warm water in the middle of the room, several soaps set off to the side. A note was attached to the door. "You'll be excused from the role call this morning. Bathe and dress, be out as soon as possible. ~King Andrew."

I woke Hayden and Brent up, and handed them the clothes labeled with their names. Hayden had a more modern version of his regular attire, a brown leather vest with a black undershirt, brown pants of cloth, and polished boots. Brent's outfit was similar to his usual, as well. He had received a gray tunic, and pants and shoes that were identical to Hayden's.

Mine however, bore no resemblance to either of my friend's outfits. I had a collared white button down that came to my elbows, a detailed suede brown vest to go over it, black pants made of jean material, and clean black dress shoes. It almost didn't look like servant clothing.

"Who bathes first?" Hayden asked, wrapping his back with his thin sheet. Brent looked to me. "Whoever has the worst scars," I answered. I sighed loudly, and then closed my eyes. "That's me," Hayden responded. My eyes opened just as he began dragging the tub to the back room of our chambers.

It took about an hour until we all had bathed and dressed. Our clothing fit well, despite the fabric being thicker than usual. I wondered if we would be able to keep the clothes. Oh, how I hoped we would.

Brent finished lacing up his shoes, and then I opened the door so we could all exit the room. "Promise you won't kill me today?" I said, part of me joking, and the other part serious. "I promise," Hayden replied. I couldn't tell if he said it jokingly or not.

We entered the hall. It was lit brightly with torches already, however, they produced no warmth. The castle was uncomfortably cold today, though I was clueless as to why. The walk down the hall took what seemed like forever. Perhaps it was the fact I woke up earlier than usual.

As soon as we walked out into the throne room, I noticed how beautifully decorated the place was. Hardwood tables lined the sides, with each of them piled with food. Different types of flowers hung all over the room. Torches were flaming, lighting up the room entirely. A small orchestra was even sitting silently in the corner, preparing to play.

As I looked around, the only people I saw were chefs setting the table, knights watching the doors, and the orchestra. The king was no where in sight. Thank god. For now, at least.

"It looks great," I commented, looking to my friends. They didn't seem as impressed. "You really think so?" A voice said from behind me. I jumped a little, then turned to find the king standing directly behind us. He was smiling brightly as he looked around the decorated room. "Y-yes," I said, "it looks good."

King Andrew passed us, then climbed onto his throne and sat back. He seemed to be at peace today, hopefully relaxed enough to not kill anyone. "You three," he said, gesturing to Brent, Hayden and I. "I set up some chairs for you. Just stay in them until everybody arrives."

Well, if there was one thing I despised, it was being bored. Sitting in a chair meant there was nothing to do but talk, and if I did that, I was going to get in trouble. Yet, the second I sat down Brent and Hayden began whispering to each other.

It continued for another painfully long hour. Both of my legs had gone numb, and I had almost fallen asleep twice. I watched as kings and queens filled the throne room, some servants following behind. It was a slow process, but eventually, the doors closed, and I assumed that meant everyone was here.