Royalty ~ Ongoing

Safety

Harry entered the infirmary and sat down on the chair near Riddle's bed.

"Hello, angel. You didn't tell me you are married." The Prince said, making the other man roll his eyes.

"I don't think it matters." He pulled the blankets down to Riddle's waist and lifted up his shirt.

"No foreplay?" Tom laughed at Harry's expression of disgust.

"Oh stop that."

"You're right. You are married, after all." Hadrian took the bandages off to look at his work.

"I was, he died a few years back." Riddle's eyes widened slightly.

"I didn't hear that part, I apologize."

"It's fine." Harry put on a clean bandage and pulled his shirt back down.

"What was his name?" Prince Riddle asked curiously.

"Severus Snape."

"Do you mind me asking how he died?" Harry sighed, closing his eyes.

"He was shot by an arrow, like you. I couldn't save him, I wasn't there soon enough."

"How old were you when you met?"

"I was fifteen, he must've been around twenty." Riddle reached out and grasped Harry's hand.

"I'm so sorry that happened to you." Hadrian pulled away, flinching.

"Rest." He stood up and went to Draco's bed. The blond was still asleep. "Draco." Harry shook his shoulder gently. The boy's grey eyes opened, he yawned and sat up.

"G'morning." Draco mumbled.

"Good morning. How have you been feeling?"

"Not great, but better."

"That's nice." Harry felt his forehead, it was just a bit warm. "You should sleep." Harry took a cloth and dipped in in cool water, then set it on the boy's forehead.

"But it's so boring. I never have anything to do." Draco pouted unhappily, making Hadrian smile. He pulled a book out of his bag.

"You know how to read?" Draco nodded.

"Mm-hm, father taught me how to."

"You can read this then, it's one of my favorite books." Harry kissed the boy's cheek, grinning when they turned red.

"Harry, I'm not a kid anymore!" He whined.

"You are still a kid." Hadrian walked out of the infirmary, still smiling. He didn't notice Riddle's smirk.

/:/

Harry poked his head inside Lily's room. She sat on the edge of her bed, a thoughtful expression on her freckled face.

"Hey, Lily." The princess jumped slightly, then grinned.

"Harry, I'm so glad to see you. I heard shouting last night, but I was too afraid to come see what it was." Hadrian sat down next to her.

"It's good that you didn't. A man broke into the castle last night and tried to kill Prince Riddle. If you ever hear things like that again, hide. This world is cruel and dangerous." Harry pulled a dagger out from its sheath on his thigh. "Do what you must to live. If anyone ever tries to hurt you, defend yourself." Harry pursed his lips, setting the weapon on her lap. "I know that father doesn't approve of this, but we won't always be able to protect you. Father will die, I will die, Lucius will die. We shan't outlive you." Lily set the dagger on her desk, minding the sharp edge.

"I will, I promise." She took her brother's hand, "Who was he? The man that broke in, what is his name?"

"He says it's Mercury. He is in the dungeons. You will not go talk to him alone, ever." Lily nodded.

"And why is he so significant? You aren't prone to freaking out about things like this." Harry's lips twitched into a small smirk.

"You clever girl, Father raised you right. Mercury is my biological father. You know that I'm not really James's son."

"Yes, yes." The girl smiled again. "You will always be family, Harry. Please don't forget that."

"I won't ever forget, you and James are the most important things in my life."

"Good. Now, go. I've got to do my studies." Harry stood.

"You know where to find me if you need to."

/:/

Harry groaned softly, hearing a knock on his door.

"Yes?" Guard Longbottom entered, bowing his head.

"A package for you came in. Also, Mercury is demanding your presence in the cells." Harry frowned.

"Who's it from?"

"King Riddle." Hadrian stood up and took it from his hands.

"Thank you, I will be down in a few minutes." Longbottom nodded and walked out.

Harry sat down on his bed, studying the package. It was a black box and was tied Shut with a green ribbon. Evans untied the ribbon and opened it.

Inside, there was a pair of finely crafted boots and a warm-looking cloak. Nestled in the folds of the cloak, there was a note.

Dear Hadrian Evans,

I would like to thank you for saving my son's life twice now. I noticed that your boots were worn out, so I bought you a new pair. I also figured that having an extra cloak would be nice. How is Tom doing? I wish I could be at his side, but ruling a kingdom requires me to be there. Take care of him for me.

My best regards,
King Thomas Riddle

Harry's brow rose, slipping an old boot off and putting on the new. It was made of dark leather and had to be laced up. The boot fell a few inches short of reaching his knee and fit well. Harry put the other boot on and found a quill and parchment.

Dear King Riddle,

There is no need to thank you, helping others is just what I do. I appreciate the boots and cloak very much, they will be useful in the future. I believe that Prince Riddle is doing fine, but I haven't had too many chances to talk to him. The wound should heal fully in around a month. The stitches will come out in a week or two, then he just needs to stay here for a bit. I want to make sure that everything is functioning properly. Don't worry about your son, he is safe in my care. As you've already noticed, I will do what is necessary to keep him alive and well.

Sincerely,
Hadrian Evans

The male folded the note in thirds. Harry lit a candle and waited for the wax to melt. The half-Prince dripped wax on the overlapping fold. He pressed his Evans ring seal down into the wax and held it there for a few seconds. The crest was of a willow tree, the ring had been passed down for generations.

Harry stood and sighed.

"Now to go talk with Mercury." He scowled.

A/N: Hey there, readers. Sorry that not much happened here, it was kinda a filler. I hope you liked it!