When he walked up to the main gate a guard rushed him. He pulled a dagger and aimed it at the guard who quickly raised his hands.
"Prince Donavin, your highness is that you?"
"Of course it is me. don't rush me like that I thought you were attacking."
"I'm sorry your highness, I've just been so worried and no one could find you."
"You were worried you'd lose your job like the last few guards that lost track of me. and no one found me because I didn't yet wish to be found. But now, I must face the penalties of my actions."
The guards at the gates stomped their spears in respect as he passed as they were not supposed to bow or even turn their heads away from their watch when guarding the gates.
"I was worried for you, I didn't think you'd come back, you endure far more than a child your age should. Your great uncle wasn't even that hard on us when we became squires and started training to become knights."
"He trains me harder because he cares."
"Or because you remind him of his greatest failure."
"What?"
"He's always telling you how it's your job to protect your brother. But his, your grandfather, died under his watch. And your father was just 15 when the title and responsibilities of a ruler were trusted upon him."
"I hadn't considered that. You have good observations and should speak up more. At least if you don't get reassigned."
"Has anyone ever told you, that you speak like an adult?"
"No. But I'm not supposed to speak in childish ways, it's not fitting for royalty."
"Maybe so, but you are just nine years old your highness. It would be nice if you were allowed to act like it at least occasionally."
"I did. Yesterday, I laughed and played with another child for a time, it was fun."
"Really what did you do?"
Apparently, commoners like to play fight with wooden sticks as swords. It's actually kind of fun when it's not a life-or-death situation. I know they don't get the training I do, so it's not fair, but it felt good to win for once. And be told I have talent even where I know I'm lacking."
"Again, you are nine and measuring yourself against knights and a brother several years your senior. Squires don't start official training until they turn 12 and you could probably beat most of them."
"You don't need to flatter me, I will put in a good word for you with my father, so even if he does fire you, you may get another good assignment."
"'twas, not flattery just observation and I would prefer to stay by your side if I am able."
"It would be nice not to have to learn the names of my guards all over again," he said with a smile.
"Was that a joke? Maybe the outside is good for you, it's been a long time since I've seen you smile.
"Not true, I smile whenever I eat one of the master chef's pastries."
His guard laughed and he smiled at being the cause he did feel happier. He felt more relaxed and calm than he ever had while walking towards his punishment before. Maybe because he had a plan, he knew what he wanted to say, and even if it didn't work, he was going to stand up and fight for a little more control over his life.
Someone rushed past them with a rushed greeting and then soon after he heard his father's booming voice echoing down the hallway. "And where was he found? Have they brought him back yet?!"
Feeling bad for the messenger only doing his job he called out. "I'm right here father. I came on my own after I had time to think about my shortcomings and how I should deal with them. And yes, I know my method of coming to this conclusion was also part of the problem."
"Your damn right it's a problem boy! I have half the knights out looking for you along with the royal hounds."
"I am very sorry I wasted the time of so many. This is something I want to talk to you about. I don't want to waste the time of others, but sometimes I really just need to be alone. So, I'm hoping that after my punishment we can work out a compromise that will allow me time alone without causing all this trouble."
"Your right about one thing, your punishment will come first. I am not in the mood to make compromises with a nine-year-old who's always causing problems. You're to clean and tend the mausoleums every afternoon for a month, and that will give you plenty of time alone to think. If you can stay out of trouble for a month then maybe we can talk."
"I understand." He said and gave a formal bow. "I know I have no right to make requests, but I would like to ask you to please allow Sir Bret to continue as my main guard. It was not his fault I fled the way I did and the punishments should lay solely on me."
"That is… an honorable request. I will consider it after an investigation."
"Thank you, father," he said coming up from his bow. "If it is all right I'd like to change and get some food before practice." If he took his time maybe he could miss at least half of it…
"Fine be off with you."
He left and his guard stayed awaiting his father's commands. "It is hard to stay mad when he acts all reasonable. If only he had that kind of reason when he snuck out."
"If I may offer my opinion, your highness?"
"Yes, go ahead."
"He suffered some fairly serious injuries in training yesterday, and I feel like people forget that he is only nine, especially the commander. He is harder on him than anyone else, probably because he was the second son, and he wants Donavain to be more prepared and stronger than he was. I think the boy should see a healer and maybe have a recovery period of lighter training. Then maybe have him work with other trainers and fight other people instead of just the commander and his brother. It may also be good for the crown prince to train with someone older and better than him so he may improve. I feel there is little benefit to him always fighting someone smaller and weaker with less training. Your majesty."
"He did seem to have a slight limp, I don't want him babied but, if it is serious then maybe things should change just a little. He won't be of much use if he becomes a cripple, and it would be a waste for that to happen in training rather than in actual battle."
The guard bowed and said nothing.
"How is it that he escaped in the first place from a training yard full of knights and eluded being found for so long?"
"I did not see his escape as I don't start guarding him until after his morning lessons each day. I questioned several of the witnesses and discovered he created a distraction…"
"Yes, I know of that distraction, it injured one of the knights."
He nodded "then he ran to the stables and commandeered a horse. Witnesses saw him race through threw crowded streets threw the main town. Then he ditched the horse and sent it in another direction as a decoy. We suspect he went into the river to hide his scent from the dogs as that is where they lost his trail. From there we tracked along the river with the dogs searching for a trail but found nothing. He is a smart child, even if he sometimes makes childish decisions."
Donavain left his spot just around the corner of the hall, he'd eavesdropped enough and he was glad he had stood up for the knight, he may end up being one of his favorites. It was nice when someone could see him as just a child instead of a prince.