Regal [h.s au]

16. No future

AMELIA

Prince Harry smiles at me and sends me a small wave as he prepares for his fencing lessons, shaking hands with his tutor before taking a battle stance, his sword held in front of him. Soon, their swords clash and they swiftly move around, Harry's moves visibly more calculated than before, a proud smile appearing on my face when I realise our frequent lessons for the past two months have paid off.

I watch as Niall slightly flinches whenever Harry seems to be losing yet he always manages to avoid it. My amused smile slowly fades when I notice a special expression on his face. This isn't the first time I'm seeing it, just one of the many, but it is the first time I am truly acknowledging it. It's not a firm expression of a guard simply following his duty, it actually seems like an expression filled with adoration. And the more I stare at him, the more clear it becomes.

His blue eyes suddenly glance at me, the soft look in them disappearing. "What is it?"

"Since when?" I ask softly.

"What?" Niall's eyebrows slightly pull in confusion.

"Since when have you been harbouring feelings for Prince Harry?"

A look of shock washes over his features, his eyes widening in panic as he takes a step back. "W-what? Have you gone absolutely mad?"

I smile. "It's all right, I won't tell anyone. But be careful, to anyone who observes might be a bit obvious."

"Piss off," he snaps defensively, his posture stiff. "You are wrong."

"All right." I lift my hands in surrender, keeping a friendly smile on my face. "Although if that were the case, I would understand you and I wouldn't judge. It is quite difficult not to grow fond of him, after all."

"I said you are wrong!" Niall glares at me for a few moments before he glances at the Prince then back at me, visibly upset. "Listen, I- fuck. I am going to say this to prevent you from making wrong conclusions, all right? But if you say something-"

"You don't have to tell me anything. But whatever you do say, stays between us," I tell him honestly, watching how his jaw clenches and his frown deepens.

"The Prince was fourteen and I sixteen when I became his guard and it was only duty at first," he starts, looking fidgety and tensed, avoiding eye contact with me. "But as you've said, it is impossible not to grow fond of him, and before I knew it we became close friends. I am not sure when had things changed, in one moment he was my best friend and in the other someone entirely different. My need to be close to him had shifted from platonic to more deeper. I always knew I was not like other men, but you can imagine my surprise when I realised I want with him what others want with women."

"But the Prince... does he...?" I trail off, glancing at Harry.

Niall shakes his head. "No. The Prince does not have the same taste nor does he know about this."

I look at him sympathetically. "It must be hard for you to be with him every day."

"At first it was, but not anymore. I believe I am perfect for this position because he needs someone who shall protect him no matter what and who is ready to give their life for him," Niall says, looking at Prince Harry. "And who would do a better job than the person who really cares for him?"

As I look into his eyes, I realise this is the first time I have noticed real emotion in Niall's eyes. He truly cares for the Prince and it makes me glad to know he has such a devoted person by his side, even if he doesn't know it. "Niall..."

"It's all right, I know he doesn't feel that way and he never will. I'm content with having this job and keeping him safe, that is all I want."

"He is truly lucky to have you by his side," I say, making his lips curve in a small smile before it is gone as quick as it came.