A Noble Boy and a Stable Boy ~{Sanders Sides}~

~4~

It was midday and Janus was in the dining room, sitting all alone as the servants served him a plate of food and left, for his parents were too busy and Virgil had to do some work. He wasn't lonely, obviously. But he did really want to gossip to someone. The silence was boring.

He sighed loudly, pushing the food around on his plate lazily with his fork, slouched across the table in the most unmannerly fashion.

"Honestly, why can't I ever get normal food?" He huffed to no one in particular, glaring down at the expensive platter. "I'd do anything to try a sandwich. Pheasant is getting old."

There was no response from the empty room. Janus looked around and sighed again, leaning back from his plate. He fiddled with his ring, worming it off of his finger and polishing the gem with his thumb. This ring was special to him. It had belonged to his sister before she and her twin went off to the mainland. The shining gem was lapis lazuli and, instead of being cast in metal, it was cast in smooth pearl, that had funny, ornate carvings on the side. Janus smiled gently at it, then placed it down on the table. He didn't want to risk it getting dirty.

Soon, the only noise in the room was the clink of cutlery as the noble boy swallowed down his lunch. In a distant room, he could hear his mother talking politely with her maid but he knew not to bother them. They were always having adult conversations or were discussing his father's' business affairs, that he was too young to hear about. Janus had no idea where his father had slunk off to. He was probably in his office, surrounded by papers - Janus knew better than to bother him too.

Growing slowly bored out of his mind, Janus pushed away his plate, deciding he was finished and was going out to the grounds for a walk. He knew someone who'd talk to him.

Despite himself, Janus wandered slowly over to the stables, trying not to look obvious. Gardeners busied themselves hurriedly as he approached, not wanting to seem like they were slacking because the rumours of the young master's' lectures were the stuff of nightmares.

Janus carried himself importantly, keeping his ears pricked. Walking calmly to the stables, he ignored the impending doom that was rising up in his chest. Was he really this desperate?

Nervously, he walked inside, scrunching his nose up at the vicious smell of horses and animal dung. The air was warm and stale, yet the scent carried easily, and Janus turned a corner and came face to face with a long, dull face. He yelped in fright, jumping away from the stall fearfully.

The horse stared at him unblinking, then snorted, leaning forwards. Janus pulled back anxiously, trying to stay calm. For a moment, the two stared at each other, before Janus gently reached out with his hand. The horse butted its' snout into his palm playfully, looking into the noble boy's' eyes intently.

Janus looked the beast up and down. It was large and seemed powerful, with white hair. A few, mottled grey spots were gathered at it's' hind legs, the same colour as it's' mane and tail. It was a handsome horse, truly, and Janus couldn't help but smile softly, stepping closer to cup it's' muzzle affectionately in his hands.

For a minute, he simply pet the horse gently but then he saw the apple out of the corner of his eye. He thought about it and then swiftly drew back from the horse, who whinnied in confusion. Janus crossed the room, picking up the apple and listening to the white horses' protesting neighs.

"I'm coming back, I'm coming back," He promised, returning to the horses' side. Upon seeing the apple, the horse seemed to perk up. Janus offered it out to the horse, who snuffled it up quickly. "Good boy," Janus smiled, holding the animal's' face.

"She's a girl, actually," A familiar voice said from behind him. Janus turned to look at Remus. The stable boy smiled. "Hello, my sweetheart."

Janus arched an eyebrow. "Hello, odd boy who keeps following me."

Remus's' grin grew wider. "Says the one who turns up at my job out of the blue." He walked over to Janus, and the noble's' son realised he was around his height, maybe a little taller.  Remus stopped near Janus, yet not too close, giving him some room. "You know, I honestly think you're really pretty," He said randomly.

"I've noticed," Janus replied. "You don't really let me forget it."

"I like your eyes," Remus said out of nowhere. "They're cool."

Janus frowned. "What are you trying to achieve here?"

"Can I know your name?"

The two stared at each other, then Janus burst out laughing. He laughed so hard he could hardly stand, having to lean on the stall door for support.

Remus went red with embarrassment. "I'm being serious!"

"H-How do you not know who I am?" Janus laughed breathlessly, unable to stop grinning widely.

"I don't know, I've never seen you before!"

Janus shook his head, reigning in his amusement and straightening up properly. He glanced at Remus with an amused smirk and turned back to the horse. "I think I'm not gonna tell you my name."

"Aw, come on!" Remus complained. "I'll tell you mine!"

"Oh, I already know your name," Janus said lightly. "My friend told me."

Remus paused, trying to think of bargaining tactics quickly. "Uh, tell me your name and I won't bother you again?"

"I'm sure I'll manage with you."

"Tell me your name and I'll let you ride Starlight!"

Janus frowned. "Who?"

Remus gestured to the horse. "Her. She's Starlight. I'll get her out for you."

Janus smirked. "I don't know how to ride."

"Oh, c'mon," Remus groaned grumpily. "I'm never going to find out your name, am I?"

"No. Never."