Stableboy Tom

-2-

Tom gawked at Tord for a moment, he truly was a sight to see, before he realised how rude he was being. He quickly bowed with the canine still in his arms.

"I apologise your majesty. I didn't know you were there. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Tord chuckled at the stableboys politeness. "I just came to bring my stead back and there's no reason to be polite just call me Tord. What's your name?"

"Oh I couldn't call you by your name, it would just be disrespectful. I'm Thomas but you can call me Tom."

"I insist Tom, where's the old man?"

Toms mood instantly dropped and stared at the pup In his arms with a solemn look on his face "his days are numbered."

"I'm sorry to have brought it up."
Tord rested a hand a on Toms shoulder which sent shivers down his arm. Being touched by royalty. Wow.

"You couldn't have known, it's alright...Tord."

Tord smiled at the usage of his real name. His mother used to call him it all the time as well as his dad but his dad calls him Larason. Larason is his families last name. Calling him Tord reminded him of how much his wife loved the name and always wanted to call one of their children it. Though now the cute stableboy was calling him that.

"Umm, right your horse." Tom grabbed the lead, that held the horse, a from Tord and lead the horse back to the stables. He sensed Tord behind him. "The stables are pretty dirty for someone with such nice clothing so it might not be the nicest for you to come in."

Tord shook his head smiling "it's quite alright I should've thought about that before I decided to go out on Dee." Dee was the name of Tords horse.

And so they both entered the stable. Tom let Nelly, the runt, onto the ground so he could go to his personal bed and took Dee to his stall. All the while Tord watched as his difficult horse was easily handled and groomed.

"You really know how to deal with Dee. He usually doesn't like anyone handling him."

Tom smiled and began to stroke Dees head as the horse nuzzled his hand "Ah, he's really a little sweetheart once you get to know him, you just have to be patient and give him lots of treats."

Both Tom and Tord chuckled at that. After making sure the horse had plenty of water and Hay, Tom went back out to the dogs playing on the field. With one swift whistle, he managed to get the dogs attentions. All stopped and trotted over to Tom and sat at this feet.

He pointed to the kennels where each dog besides Milo went. Milo followed and stood by the door as Tom went to feed the dogs and give them water.

Prince Tord was still with Tom by the time he had done and this surprised both. He doesn't know why but he felt compelled to Tom. "I have to take Milo back to his majesty."

"Oh father, i need to go to him anyway so I'll walk with you."

On the way they made a little conversation while the dog walked beside Tom in almost a protective manner. Seeing as how Tom helped his father train all the dogs and all the animals for that matter, he had formed a bond with the animals. So it was just right that the animals were pretty protective of the stableboy.

"So you're going to be working in your fathers place?" Tord asked as they walked through the castle doors.

"Yes. When he passes I'll have to support myself so in order to do that I have to work. Seeing as how I'm well trained at dealing with the animals, the king only thought it be better."

Tord smiled. Then he would be able to see Tom often. Tom didn't miss that smile and it made him feel giddy inside.

"Hello your majesty I have brought Milo back."  Food and water was already at Milos 'throne'

"Why thank you Thomas and I see you have brought me another mutt." Tom chuckled a bit while Tord just started at his father unamused.

"Ha. Ha." Tom thought it was best to leave for Tord and his father to speak.

"I'll be off Your majesty. Tord." He bowed and left he room.

He really did like Tord and The king. He was proud to be part to their staff and their kingdom, he wouldn't have it any other way.