crown me 👑 ts + jb

four.

-flashback fourteen years ago-

"Mama," Five year old Troye said. "Can I pleasee get a wooden horse to match my wooden knight you got me? 

Queen Laurelle smiled down at her son. "Maybe, I haven't seen the woodsmen shop today. Maybe we can ask someone back at the castle."

Troye frowned. "But I like the way Mr. Woodsmen makes it."

"That's not his name Tokkie," She says with a light laugh. "That's just what he's called because he makes things out of wood."

Troye's faces scrunched up. "So then that's his name right Mama, if that's what people call him."

"I suppose."

The two monarchs continue to walk down the little shops. People either bowed their heads or  moved out of the way. Troye never understood why, especially the little kids, to him he never really saw any difference between the two of them.

"Are we going to that one shop you like Mama?" Troye says.

"Yes we are," She says. "And he has a son right around your age."

Troye jumped up and down tugging a little on his mothers sleeve. "Can I play with him please, no one ever plays with me at the castle."

"I don't see why not." Laurelle says. 

They finally make it to the shop. It looked just like any other one but this one had jewelry, from earrings to bracelets. A man stood up from behind the shop and smiled once he saw the two monarchs. 

"Your majesty," He says bowing his head. "Prince Troye."

Laurelle smiled. "Good Afternoon," She says. "I see you have some new jewelry this time."

"I have to," He says. "It's not everyday a queen comes to this little ole' shop."

Troye looked between the two adults before walking up, grabbing the counter and pulling himself to his tippy toes. "Excuse me," He says. "But where is your son."

"Troye," Laurelle says. 

The shopkeeper smiles. "It's quite alright your majesty," He says before looking down at Troye. "He's sitting right here at my feet, Jacob, come on out please."

A boy, little bit taller than Troye, came out from behind the little wooden shop. He had dirty brown curls and green eyes. He flattened out his clothes and started to play with with his hands. 

"H-hi. He says.

Jacob's dad nudges him. "That's not how you address royalty," He says. "I taught you better and you know it."

Jacob jumped before bowing his head and looking back up at Troye. "H-hi your highness."

Troye made a weird face, he always heard people refer to his mom like that but never himself. It was always prince Troye. "What's a highness?" 

Jacob looks up at his father who was in an engaged conversation with Laurelle. "My-my Father says it-it's a sign of re..." Jacob trailed off as he tried to think of the word his father had told him about."

"Excuse me father," Jacob said pulling on his sleeve. "What was that one word you told me about?"

"Respect son." He says before continuing his conversation with Laurelle. 

Jacob nodded and looked back at Troye. "Respet," He said with a smile, he was missing a few teeth.

Troye smiled back. "Wanna play," He then turned to his mother. "Can me and Ja-Jacob play?" He said stumbling over the boys name.

Laurelle looked over at Jacob's father and then back down at Troye. "Yes but only for a little, your father is due back from France any time and you know how he feels about you playing with common boys."

Troye grinned up at his mother before turning to Jacob. The two boys grinned at each other before Troye grabbed Jacob's tiny hand. At first, Jacob was confused but then he quickly smiled as Troye pulled them away from the little shop.

-end of flashback- 

Troye sighed in annoyance as he stood outside of the wooden doors that were Alexandria's. He had thought about what she said when they were in the garden. He thought about what she said about her mother, that she had promised she would marry for power. 

Sometimes he forgot that not everyone could be like his mother. 

He sighed opening the doors. Alexandria's servants stood up startled and bowed their head. Troye nodded towards them and then put his hands behind his back. 

"Sorry for the intrusion but I was hoping to speak to Princess Alexandria."

The servants looked to Alexandria much like dogs would when they were waiting for treats. The young monarch finished putting in her earring before looking at herself in the mirror. 

She looked at the servants either side of her. "Leave us." She says and the maids quickly left.

"So I thought about-."

"I talked to that merchant boy the other day," Alexandria says. "He said you used to play together when you were small."

Troye crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "You went to town?"

"Told me that your mother would spend a lot of time down there when your father was away."

Troye sighed, he realized that Alexandria wasn't going to let this one up. "Yes," He said. "My mother did spend a lot of time in town when father was away, the castle is a big place to feel lonely in. But I don't remember playing with a merchant boy."

"I understand that you prefer not to talk about your past," She said. "But can I please know at least about this one thing."

Troye ran a hand through his hair. "And I for once and this one time, am telling you. I don't remember playing with a merchant boy and I certainly would have."

"Troye-."

"Princess Alexandria," Troye said growing irritated. "I will tell you one last time, I do not remember playing with any merchant boy. Now that I've told you I will not say anymore and you will not ask, am I understood?"

Alexandria was about to say something but closed her mouth and nodded. "Of course."

 Troye sighed. "Now," He said. "I thought about what you said. It would do good for my people to see a strong King and Queen to be... as much as I would rather be on my own. It seems like those times are long gone."

Troye took a beat before continuing. "I have talked to my uncle, in two days time, as it will be the longest day of the year, I plan on having a festival, one that is open to the people of England and Spain."

Alexandria smiled. "Thank you," She said and then hugged Troye before he had a chance to pull away. 

Troye made a face as he looked down at Alexandria. He sighed as he patted Alexandria on the back reluctantly. 

He may not want to be married to her but he would do right by her.

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