Malec One Shots

31. Royal (AU)

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Song ~ Cecelia Ebba - Sweet Summer Wine
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"I can't watch this." The young prince turned his head from the high window in his bedroom, and walked away to tend to his little sister who was too young to even comprehend what was happening. A good ten years later the same prince said the same thing. Every year in the castle grounds someone practicing magic, be it a man, woman, or child, was executed. And every year prince Alexander Lightwood shielded his eyes.

Alec pulled his opaque white cotton shirt over his head, and laced up the strings. His servant ran to his side, struggling as he held up the heavy chain mail. Alec ended up grabbing it, and positioning it on himself. "Stupid servant." He muttered to himself, tucking his helmet under his arm. He made his way outside to the grounds, where knights-in-training were stood in brightly coloured tunics. Alec rolled his eyes at the sight of them, and checked he had his sword before stepping into the middle of the grass. "Listen up. Today we will be going through the final task of becoming a knight. If you can survi-" He was cut off and knocked over. "Who do you think you are?" Alec shouted over the commotion. The person who'd tackled him made a dash away, kicking up the grass at their feet. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to, there was a-" "Save it. Stand up. Look me in the eyes." Alec got to his feet, and watched the person kneel, then stand. They shrugged their hood down, and Alec's breath caught in his throat. That man was beautiful, strangely beautiful. Dark skin and even darker hair, all caramel and ebony. He raised his head to make eye contact with the prince. "Come with me." Alec frowned, his pale pallor turning to one of a pink hue. The chatter of the knights died down as Alec led the beautiful man through the city. He took him into his chambers, and sat down. The hooded man stayed silent.

"What was that?" He raised an eyebrow. "Well, I just got here, you see, I was running to get to the court physician and I slipped on a tomato and fell on you. I'm sorry. I really am." He rushed, starting to pace the length of Alec's room. "Okay, that's alright. I have no reason to throw you in the dungeons." Alec ran a hand through his messy hair. He heard the man sigh in relief. "You will be my servant instead. What's your name?" Alec stood up, making his way toward the man. "Your servant? Who do you think you are?" The man glared at Alec. "I'm prince Alexander. My father is Robert Lightwood and my mother Maryse Lightwood. I'm heir to the throne of Idris." Alec walked closer, till he and the man were almost touching foreheads. "Your name." Alec dipped his head. He was slightly taller than the man, and by dipping his head he almost kissed him. "Magnus Bane, your highness." He, Magnus, said, his voice wavering. "I'll serve you well, your highness." He stepped back, not wanting to act out of turn. "Go, leave your cloak and outerwear here. I'll hang them up for you. Come back if you need anything." Alec stepped back too, before reaching out to untie Magnus' cloak from around his neck.

The next few months went by well. Magnus served prince Alec, and Alec took care of him. He didn't let Magnus sleep in the servant quarters, Alec got the room next door for him made up. The present day was Alec's fight. Alec was challenged by another knight from another city. He was unknown to the whole citadel, someone unheard of, and Alec was slightly nervous. He knew the fighting skills of everyone in his family's court. This man was a stranger.

Magnus tapped on Alec's bedroom door, and it was opened just as Magnus lifted his hand off. There stood Alec. Disheveled, sleepy, shirtless. He wore his trousers, but hadn't yet put on a cotton shirt, and Magnus tore his eyes from the sight. "Sire, I'm here to get you ready for the battle. I apologise if I woke you." He bowed his head, and saw from the corner of his eye Alec's door open fully. "No, no. It's fine. Now help me dress." Alec turned with a hand in his hair, before walking back so he was stood at the foot of his bed. Magnus swept in, looking graceful for a servant, and unfolded one of the many cotton shirts in Alec's wardrobe. Magnus let Alec put it on while he set up his armour. "I'm worried, Magnus." Alec dropped his shoulders and pulled his shirtsleeves down. "About what? You'll do great, I'm sure. Best fighter I've ever seen." Magnus helped Alec with his chainmail, then the shoulder pad and gauntlets. Alec flushed pink. "You're just saying that." He grumbled, feeling Magnus tie his belt and sword sheath around his waist. He passed Alec his shield and helmet, and tied Alec's cloak around his neck. "I'm not, sire. Everyone's waiting, go." Magnus nudged the prince's shoulder, and he turned with a mock offended face. "Don't give me orders, Magnus." "I'm so scared, sire." Magnus taunted, pulling his cloak from where Alec always hung it in his room and tying it around his neck.