The Prince Forth & The Pauper by ARIE78 (Completed)

Chapter: 15. The Annual Fishing Trip?

~Down by the lake~

“Are you OK?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It just feels like people are staring at us.”

Forth and Beam sat on a picnic blanket, close to the water’s edge but a short walk away from the fishermen, just watching them. The only thing was they were getting just as many, if not more interested looks back.

Forth smiled and pushed a wayward bit of hair back behind Beam’s ear. “It’s probably just because they like you.” His smile widened. “Especially after just seeing that fiasco that my fiancé caused.” He frowned. “The only problem is if the public are against the wedding and we can’t do anything to stop it, I’m not sure they’re going to be best pleased.”

~Half an hour ago~

A mocking laugh echoed through the castle grounds, loud enough for the public awaiting Phana’s arrival could hear. “You’re not serious are you? When you said an annual trip I thought you meant a hunting party. But, fishing? That’s not a sport.” Wayo laughed again before he went silent as he realised it wasn’t a joke. “You don’t think I’ll go, do you? I’m not going to touch any slimy fish.” He shivered. “I don’t know how people can touch those things. That’s for peasants who do it for a living to do, not a prince.”

Forth walked around the corner, Beam by his side holding a basket ready and Kit and Ming behind them holding fishing rods for themselves and Forth and Beam, having insisted that they have a go. Forth nodded towards Wayo. “Ready to go?” He smiled nicely, trying at least to act polite.

Wayo looked him up and down, trying not to look disgusted. “You’re going? Why? You don’t have to; I know you don’t because August isn’t going.”

Forth shrugged. “It can be quite fun, actually.” He looked down at Beam, smiling brightly. “Shall we go?” They wandered through to the gate, the crowd, who had been silent before, cheered them as they got closer, Forth giving a wave. “Come on Beam give them a wave! They love it.”

Beam looked down and shook his head. “What? No, they want you to wave, not anyone else.”

Forth laughed and hugged him around the shoulders before calling out to the crowd. “It seems my friend here’s gone a bit shy!” To which there was a multitude of laughter before silence again. Forth turned around and smiled brightly. “Ahh, the main event is here.”

Phana walked down from the castle doors, waving at the crowd. He carried his fishing rod himself, ignoring his servants as they tried to take it from him. “Who’s ready for some fishing?” To which the cheering started up anew. He looked around and saw Wayo standing in the shadow of the castle. “Are you not joining us today, Wayo?”

Wayo smiled slightly, trying to look ill. “No, sorry, sir. I think I drank a bit too much wine last night. I only came out to get some air.” He turned to his servants. “Let’s go back inside now; I think I need to lie down.”

Phana looked concerned. “I hope you feel better Wayo.”

Forth frowned. “Wow, he’s a better actor than I thought.” He turned back to the crowd, noticed the hostile atmosphere and muttering at the way Wayo’s attitude had changed in front of the king and how he really acted.

~Present~

Beam smiled up at Forth and poked him, bringing him out of his reverie. “I’m sure everything will be fine, you shouldn’t worry.” He turned back to the fishermen and saw the King approaching. “Your father wants you I think.”

Phana stood in front of them. “Having fun?” He smiled as they nodded. “Good, I’m glad. Though I haven’t seen you join in yet.”

Forth laughed. “You know I have no patience. I just come for the relaxing atmosphere.”