Thorns

A Silent Meeting

Elijah's Pov
Mother has always told me to be wary of who I let into my life and heart. "Everyone is out for something. People always take but hardly give." She would say. She didn't hate people and she would always help those in need, I just think that she wants to keep me safe. More and more we hear from travelers that pass by about how people have became more violent as the war with Lavendoria continued. So when I saw a group of riders coming down the dirt road I had started to panic. It only got worse when I saw what they were wearing, armor. They were knights and it seemed like they were guarding someone in the middle. The royal crest flying high on a single flag could only mean that the person is apart of the royal family. The familiar tightness in my throat snuck up on me as the horses came closer and closer. I wouldn't have time to run into the house without being seen and I couldn't call out to my mother with these men here. I felt stuck, trapped and I couldn't move from my spot.
Right before the knights rode up from behind I tried to busy myself with Willow, our young mare. I brushed her hair, trying to ignore the heavy hooves slowing down behind me. "Are you deaf child?" I heard a gruff voice call out, making me take a deep breath to keep calm. Slowly, with my hand still on Willow, I turn around to face the group. The first thing I see are these large intimidating men on horses, covered in armor. It struck even more fever into my heart, making my actions come to a complete halt. Now I must look like someone with no respect for the crown or just an idiot. "So you mustn't be and yet you do even try to great your own prince?" They seem to be going towards the disrespect route. I'm in deep trouble. I shook my head fast, trying to show that it wasn't true but I knew it wasn't really going to work. As I was about to bow a softer but more commanding voice came from behind the knight. "Damn it Mathias leave the kid alone. You might be scaring him. Move." I hear someone getting off their horse, their feet hitting the ground and came towards me. It was the actual prince! The prince was standing in front of me and all I could do is look like a fish, unblinking and unnerving.
"Hello there. Are you okay?" He asked as he towered over me easily. As I was about to nod, my mother bursts out of the house. "Oh heavens! Prince Victor what a delight! When the king sent that letter I didn't think it could really be true. I see you have met Elijah, my son." Her smile it self eased up so much of my panic, and I walked over to her to help her stand. Her knees have grown weak, as did her back as well, from working on this farm by herself until I was 12. Even though it causes her pain, she still gardens and likes to cook all day. To her the best supper is prepared in the late morning almost noon.
The prince gave her a warm smile. "I have. To be honest father wanted to raise the tax on your land, making you either pay more or give more of your produce and meat." He said, making my eyes widen. We were already struggling. Why raise them?
"Why would he do such a thing?" My mother asked as she held my hand tightly. She was getting angry and she was using me to try to keep calm. "Well I can't really tell you but I can offer a solution to this nasty thing to where you don't have to do anything of the sort." His bright blue eyes landed on me and he wore a smirk.
"What is that?" My mother had asked, slightly relaxing.

"I want Elijah to become my stable boy."

His request ignited the flame of anger that my mother had previously simmered "So you wish to take away my only son?" She questioned him. "This is my only child. I won't be able to keep the farm if you take him. He is the sole reason that this farm is still here. He is just my baby." Her rant ended when she started to tear up. "Either he becomes my stable boy or you will lose this farm. Now I'm being kind enough to allow you to choose what it will become. Don't make me choose for you." Arrogance was all you could hear now. As rude as he was being I didn't want to be the reason we lost the farm. So I bit my lip, letting go of my mother. She looked at me confusingly before I smiled slightly and nodded. I love my home but I think I should go with him to the castle. Already she understood that I was going to go with him. She hugged onto me with dear life, making me smile and tear up just a bit. It was now time to help my mom. Even if it meant leaving home. I turn to the prince and shakily held out my hand. He looked at weirdly. Did I have dirt on my hands or something? Probably. All I do is work outside. After a few seconds he gripped my hand, his smirking becoming slightly bigger. "I take this as an agreement?" He asked as all I could do was barely nod. My nerves were shot. I think that I even forgot to breathe.
"Good. I can't wait." He said, "Start to pack now. I will see you tomorrow."