A hush fell over the room as one of the royal knights stepped forward, his armor glinting in the early morning light. He bowed respectfully before announcing, Prince Kaelith, you are summoned. His Majesty requests your presence at the palace immediately.
From behind, Hale's voice rang out, calm but curious. Are we still attending the council?
Prince Kaelith turned, his eyes cold with discipline. Don't tell me you're not wise enough to know that the King's command comes before all else or are you only clever when you're in bed?
Hale smirked and murmured beneath his breath, You never really know… until you try it.
I heard that, Kaelith snapped, without even looking back.
My apologies, Your Highness, Hale replied with a quick bow of mock submission.
At that moment, the great Summoning Bell rang its deep, resonant chime echoing across the kingdom, calling nobles, soldiers, and commoners alike to the king's Hall.
When the throne room filled, tension coiled thick in the air. The King sat upon the raised dais, his expression indistinct.
At the center of the hall stood a stranger tall, broad-shouldered, his physique carved with hardened muscle. The court murmured restlessly as he stepped forward with confidence.
I have come, the young man announced boldly, "to challenge Prince Kaelith in the name of Zarethrone's ancient right."
A ripple of shock swept the chamber.
The King raised an eyebrow, intrigued. And what is it you seek, If you win this challenge?
The stranger didn't flinch. If I triumph, I want the right to punish the prince…
Gasps echoed through the court.
Punish the prince?
The crowd could hardly believe what they heard. It was well known forbidden, for the prince to lie with another man. And yet, this stranger had just dared to speak the unspeakable.
The King leaned back on his throne, a low chuckle escaping his lips. You are either very brave… or very foolish. What gives you such confidence?
The challenger remained silent, his eyes fixed only on Kaelith.
The King's smile faded. Very well. But hear this, if you lose, I shall decide your punishment. And it will not be light.
The hall fell into silence.
Then Lysaro, the most prized King's knight, stepped forward. Let the hall be dismissed. The duel of honor shall take place at first light. Until then, prepare yourselves.
The guards struck the ground with their spears, signaling the end of the audience. The great doors opened once more, and the people began to file out whispers trailing in their wake.
Prince Kaelith and Hale walked through the corridor, boots echoing off the stone floors as tension clung to the air like smoke. Hale, trailing a step behind the Prince, finally dared to speak.
"Your Highness," he said, voice low but clear, do you face challenges like this often?
Prince Kaelith said nothing. His gaze remained forward, sharp as ever.
Hale continued, undeterred. I thought it was known across the kingdoms Prince Kaelith of Zarethrone is forbidden from lying with men. And if anyone is caught doing so… death follows.
The Prince halted.
Hale's breath caught, but Kaelith only spoke, voice cutting like a blade.
A challenge is not an affair. He named his prize if he wins.
The only way he doesn't get it, he turned slightly, eyes cold is if I stay strong enough to win him.
Hale opened his mouth to respond, but Kaelith stepped closer.
So stop acting dense. In fact, stop talking. Get used to how things work around here you speak too much.
"I've never worked in a royal court before," Hale muttered, tone defensive but subdued. I'm asking because I'm curious…
Kaelith turned fully now, gaze heavy.
Prince's voice dripped with sarcasm. Stay clueless and shut your mouth.
I understand, sir. said Hale.
Hale fell silent, his words hanging awkwardly in the charged air between them. The chamber doors shut behind them with a heavy thud.
Prince Kaelith walked ahead in silence, removing the outer layers of his attire, sweat glistening faintly on his skin.
Hale stood near the entrance, unsure whether to move or speak.
Without turning, Kaelith commanded, Carry all the weapons and gear equipment to the armory. Clean every piece until it shines.
Then, find my swords and garments. I expect my garments pressed and my sword polished. Prepare everything for tomorrow's fight.
Hale hesitated. Your Highness. I don't know how to do all that. This is my first day in the palace.
Kaelith turned to face him, brows raised in disdain. It might also be your last. He crossed the room in two long strides. Didn't you say your father was a blacksmith?
Yes, but not in a royal court, Your Highness.
He made horseshoes, tools he wasn't preparing blades for princes.
The prince's expression darkened, disbelief etched on his face. So, you're not as clever as the king thinks.
I suppose your only real talent is the performance you put on in front of the court that's what brought you here. He shook his head slowly. "Deep down, you lack the wisdom this place demands."
Hale's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Kaelith turned sharply and called toward the chamber door. "Guards."
Two armored men stepped in, saluting. Help him around. Show him the ropes. I have no time to waste on fools.
Hale swallowed hard. The humiliation burned, but he held his head high. As the guards gathered the equipment, one of them gave Hale a slight nudge.
"Come on, green boy. Time to learn the ropes."
Wordlessly, Hale followed. Behind them, Kaelith remained still watching. There was something indistinct in the Prince's eyes, something flickering between irritation and curiosity.
He crossed the room, jaw clenched.
He's more trouble than I thought.
The prince halted by the tall window, his eyes on the fading skyline, but his thoughts were elsewhere on the infuriating boy now fumbling through royal protocols as he'd never stepped inside a noble hall. How do I tell the king that his so-called perfect choice is anything but? He paused.
Hale was strong, yes. Captivating even. But beneath that confidence was a storm of recklessness and ignorance.
He talks too much. Thinks too little. And somehow, he gets under my skin.
A deep sigh escaped him. This isn't what I agreed to. A servant? Yes. But this boy is a distraction in royal clothing.
He turned sharply, But to question the king's decision. dare not.