Stableboy Tom

-19-

Tord wandered around the castle in hopes of finding his husband. He hadn't seen him since the morning when they woke up.

That morning Tord went to shower, in which he begged Tom to join him resulting with a slap to the head and a slammed door. Though Tom wasn't annoyed at Tord as boy left laughing and shaking his head.

It was a pretty big day, it was Tords 18th birthday and meaning tomorrow he was going to be crowning ceremony. Two big days one after another. Though it wasn't too much for Tord he was ready. He has been ready for the moment all his life.

"Have you seen Thomas?" He asked a maid rushing by.

She bowed in his presence and answered "oh he's just doing some business asked not to be bothered your majesty. The king however is waiting upon your arrival in the throne room."

He nodded his head and made his way to his father, the maid walking the opposite way a knowing smile on her face.

"Father? You wanted to see me." He stood at the door, even though he's his own blood, he still has so much respect for him to just walk up casually.

"Yes son. Come." He walked towards his father and stood at the bottom of the raised platform. "It is your 18th birthday which means tomorrow is your ceremony. I trust you are ready?"

"Very ready father."

"Very good. But let's forget about that today. It's your big day, I have a feast prepared for midday. That is all son. Go enjoy your day."

Tord nodded and left frowning along the way. Everyone seemed to be acting weird today. It was his birthday, wasn't he meant to be surrounded by the people he loved. Hell, even Nelly wasn't anywhere to be seen.

He decided to go to the stables and See if he can see Tom. Even if he said to leave him alone, he wanted to know what was up. Though he was thoroughly disappointed when he entered the stables to see a different boy tending to the horses.

Because Tom was going to become Tords husband, with Tord being king they'll need to go away a lot. Which means Tom can't always tend to the animals. So they both decided that they would get a new stableboy however Tom was still allowed to come and help. They decided on a boy from the village who worked with animals at the pet store. His name was George.

"Oh your majesty, happy birthday! how can I be of your acquaintance?" The boy quickly walked towards Tord in hopes of stopping the prince from entering more.

"I was looking for my husband, have you seen him?"

George shook his head "no sir I haven't seen him since yesterday. Though I've been told to leave him be."

Tord sighed irritably "okay thank you George"

Tord left the stables and George went back in. He stroked Dee, the horse taking a liking to the boy after Tom showing him George meant no harm, he smiled knowing "he's in for a big surprise huh Dee?"

Tord walked to his bedroom ignoring the guards smug looks as he passed. Once in his room, he plopped down onto his bed and looked to his right out the window, deciding to take a nap.

A few hours later, a knock at the door sounded and someone walked in to wake him up "Prince Tord, the feast for your birthday is ready."

"Ah, thank you, I'll be down as soon as I'm ready."

So Tord got ready and made his way down to the dining hall. Upon entering, he saw the table full of guests, most of them allies from other kingdoms including King Dale and his husband.