Snow's White | ✓

5. Stablehand

It appeared that the siblings were both early risers, the two of them already taking a turn about the palace gardens by the time Lucas had risen from his bed. While he hastily ate his breakfast, he watched the siblings from the window of the dining hall, their voices obscured by the thick glass and distance that separated them.

Rose's arms were entwined with her brother's, one hand holding up her long crimson skirt, which teased the ground below her feet. Her hair was untied down her back, dainty gold chains interwoven at her crown. The carefree smile worn by her ruby lips made Lucas smile. She truly was a feminine beauty unparalleled in this world. Lucas's eyes drifted to the figure next to her, his hand raising a cup of freshly squeezed juice halting to a stop as he took in the sight before him.

Keir's hair was undone, and though not as lengthy as his sister's, was no less luscious, the richness of the locks glimmering under the sunlight. His skin, bright after a good night's sleep, was like glass under the light. Lucas couldn't help but watch the way his full lips moved in a sensual dance as he spoke silent words, every now and then flashing a momentary smile. While he wasn't clothed in the crimson of his sister, his white silk shirt with embellished sleeves and tight leather trousers were no less noticeable. 

Beautiful.

The word resonated in his mind before he could stop it, his hand slamming the glass to the table. Juice spilled from the lip of the glass and onto his hand, a servant jumping at the sudden noise, quickly offering the prince a fresh cloth. 

"Would you like another glass of juice, Your Highness?" a serving girl asked, pitcher at the ready. Lucas shook his head, waving her away as he bit his lip. Lucas had seen his fair share of beautiful women, though none could come close to matching the beauty of his fiancé. Yet this is the first time the word had come to mind upon gazing at a man. Or was it? Lucas paled as his stomach turned.

"It's because he looks so similar to Rose," Lucas mumbled to himself. There's no other reason.

Pushing away the remainder of his breakfast, Lucas got up from his chair and grabbed his coat from a servant by the door. Pulling the garment on, he stepped outside and made his way to the siblings, schooling his face into a picture of calm despite the cold sweat that had started to pool at the back of his neck. 

"Lucas!" Rose called, pulling up her skirt as she glided over to him. Pulling him into a gentle hug, Lucas let out a soft laugh as he kissed her forehead. 

"Good morning," he whispered, Rose shivering as his breath tickled her ear. Keir watched patiently as the couple gazed at each other, until he turned away to observe the flourishing gardens around him. The southern plants were far more vibrant in colour than those in the north, and the castle was awash in shades of yellow, reds and purples. When he saw the betrothed couple, he couldn't help but see that they blended into the sea of colour, basking in the sunlight. He himself, however, felt out of place. A black weed in a garden full of roses. 

'You're an abomination.'

Keir gritted his teeth, his eyes growing dark. Lucas blinked as he glanced over at the man, whose face seemed to suddenly change though no movement was made. Shadows danced in his eyes, and Lucas felt a chill pass over him. Cold. As Lucas and Rose approached him, Keir closed his eyes, before pulling his muscles and etching a carefree mask into his features, Lucas frowning. The dark shadow had been so fleeting, Lucas wasn't sure if it had existed. Keir's face was now back to its usual look of calm amusement as Rose pointed out various areas of the garden. 

"Brother, knowing you, you would be more interested in the stables than flowers," Rose laughed, Keir mirroring her smile with his own. "Lucas has a grand collection of horses, you know. Maybe even more than father!"