The Little Prince ✿ Larry

three

Louis paced his room, thoughts running a mile a minute as he tried to keep his calm. His heartbeat echoed in his ears and it felt like he could feel every beat, which didn't help calm his thoughts at all. All he could focus on was the beating and the slow sinking feeling in his stomach. He felt hopeless, that all his years of keeping his secret was wasted after one day with the foreign prince. And damn, did it anger him. What was the point of ever trying to keep himself hidden? He needed this to stay a secret, or there went his whole life and everything he's ever known. He knew he would have no support and nowhere to go, as there would be no way for his father to let him stay in their palace or even their lands.

He would lose his family, and his friends. He wouldn't be able to bear being completely and utterly alone. His heart clenched at the thought of being banned from seeing his precious little siblings.

He cursed softly as he felt his phone buzz in his pocket, pulling it out and glaring slightly at the words that made up the notification.

Niall: Where ya at mate

A huff escaped Louis that turned into a small laugh, the small male taking a seat finally instead of nervously walking all over his room. If anyone had a room under his, they probably despised him, as his anxiety hit a lot and he was often up pacing and wishing he could change the terms of his own royalty.

Louis: You're lucky my parents can't see how you text me

Niall's reply came instantly with a bit of sarcasm, making Louis smile.

Niall: fuck off mate, u in ur rooms?

Louis: Yeh cunt

Niall was honestly the closest thing Louis had to a best friend. They grew up in the palace together, chasing rabbits and the royal dogs and watching the telly together when Niall's mom, his mother's head aid, was busy. They grew so much because of each other, and he really knew him the best. He didn't have to pretend he was perfect in front of Niall, didn't have to pretend like he didn't find some things funny when it was typically inappropriate to find it funny in the moment. They were so alike, and Louis was grateful. He could enjoy his youth with Niall.

It took no time at all for Niall to barge into Louis's room, closing the door behind him as he flashed him a grin. "Why so glum? You should be out wooing the princess," he said with a raise of an eyebrow, taking a seat beside Louis, " Who is pretty fit by the way. I would've thought she'd be your type over all the other princesses your parents have been inviting thus far."

Louis almost snorted, trying to keep his composure, "She doesn't want anything to do with me, and I want nothing with her either," he said simply. "I'm just not interested in finding someone right now. I wish everyone would just respect that."

"You know your parents are never going to stop until you choose someone," Niall stated with a shrug, though he did feel bad for his mate. He didn't think he should have to rush, but he also knew that royalty came with a price. He witnessed enough growing up with Louis, the other boy being forced to abandon playing with Niall in favor of lessons his parents required, such as foreign languages and diplomacy.

Louis fixed Niall with a glare before deflating, a sigh leaving his lips. He was close to breaking, and it was hard. Living in a state of constant anxiety was good for no one. "I know."

And in that moment, a feeling of strong envy filled him at the thought of Harry being so comfortable to bring up his sexuality. He had no fear, and Louis wondered what it had taken for him to get there. He definitely had the support of his family, or he would never have been sent to accompany the princess like he had.

"How about you go for a ride on your horse, mate?" Niall said with a sad smile. It was weird to see Louis without his typical boisterous attitude. Of course he had sad moments, but right now, he just seemed defeated and Niall had no idea why. He didn't know how to cheer the other lad up but riding his horse was a good start.