The meeting began with formalities, a tedious affair where every word was weighed and scrutinized. Lucian tried to stay focused, but his mind kept drifting back to Simon standing outside, he was intrigued and very obviously wanted to know what it felt like being someone who had the liberty of breaking all the rules.
The council's discussions were as draining as he had anticipated. Debates over the kingdom's finances—how much that had been spent on his birthday, and now much they had made from the party. Future policies, and the impending threats from neighboring regions filled the air. Lucian felt a growing sense of weariness as the meeting dragged on, his father's critical gaze never leaving him.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the meeting drew to a close. Lucian rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the council's expectations pressing down on him. They had spoken about him getting a bride soon, and while the conversation hadn't lasted too long, it had given him a reason to think all the time.
"Who's your new squire, and where did you find him?" The scrutinizing voice of king Wallace stopped Lucian from making his safe exit out of the meeting room. He knew that question would come eventually, the only problem it hadn't been asked sooner was because his father didn't want to waste the council's time.
"He's Simon, we met at the party last night." Lucian explained, but Wallace wasn't exactly satisfied. He wanted the origin and life story of anybody who would be in close proximity with his son at all times. They had enemies, and there was no telling if this new squire was one of them.
"Is that it? Who are his parents? What exactly do you know about him?" The king inquired, curious and furious at his son for being so careless.
"He's actually a bastard, and he's a pick—"
Lucian paused abruptly. One second later and he could have gotten Simon killed. Telling his father that his squire was a thief would not end well for anyone. But even without spilling that secret, King Wallace still wanted the new boy out.
"If that's all you know about him then dismiss him as soon as possible. We can't have random strangers working with the royal family."
Lucian understood his father's fears perfectly well, he had also reasoned the same way after he made the decision to make Simon his squire. He had planned to ask questions today, and possibly get to know more about him, but it didn't seem like that was going to happen anymore.
"I'll talk to him, I'll make inquiries about him. He's a good man, I know it." Lucian argued, but the king merely chuckled and gave his son a pat on the shoulder.
"You don't know anything boy, dismiss the squire and I'll have the guards find you a better one."
With that, King Wallace left the room, leaving Lucian with a disappointed expression. Regaining his composure, he exited the meeting room and found Simon waiting outside, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"How did it go?" Simon asked, noticing Lucian's troubled look.
"Don't worry about me, just do what's asked of you." His tone had come out a lot ruder than he expected, but he didn't care at the moment. He was angry at himself and at his father. He always seemed to make things worse for him somehow, and he was slowly getting tired of it all.
Simon slowly followed his master. It was obvious he wasn't in the best mood, and he didn't want to add to the prince's frustration. He had no idea why he had decided to ask about the prince's personal business, but now he had learnt his lesson.
Lucian walked straight to the courtyard where he knew Rosaline would be waiting. He was hoping that she would be able to get him into a better mood.
"Lucian.." Rose called out softly, a bright smile spread across her face. Lucian returned the gesture before taking her hands and planting a gentle kiss behind her palms.
"You left early last night, I was worried—"
Rosaline paused after her eyes caught sight of the new figure that had just joined them in the courtyard. The first thing she recognized from him were the clothes he had on. Not only were they a size bigger than him, they were very obviously Lucian clothes.
"Who is he?" She whispered lightly, but Simon had heard her questions quite clearly. He was stunned by her beauty for a moment, but it only took a glance at her to tell that she was probably a brat like the man standing beside her. They were perfect for each other, and he wished the both of them happiness as a couple.
"This is Simon, my new squire. Simon, meet Rosaline." Lucian introduced. He waited a second for the two to exchange pleasantries before going ahead to spill Simon's sins to Rosaline. "Simon here was caught trying to steal the pendant you gave me yesterday."
Rosaline's expression immediately fell after hearing those words, and an air of hostility towards the squire immediately surrounded her. She already hated him even without waiting to hear his own side of the story. She had just met this man, yet for some reason she felt oddly cautious of him. Was it because he was in Lucian's clothes? She definitely wished she was the one in those clothes, to be bathed in the prince's scent and stick around him throughout the day. She hasn't hated any of his squires before, so why was this man different?
"Really? That's not very nice Simon." She chuckled before returning her gaze to Lucian who was oblivious of the undercurrents between Rosaline and Simon.
Simon let out a practiced smile even though he didn't want to. He could clearly see the underlying hatred that Rosaline already had for him, and he couldn't tell why. Was it because of the pendant? It couldn't be, right? He stopped worrying himself with thoughts that didn't matter, he didn't care about her, and had no business with her. Her hatred was meaningless to him, and he wasn't going to let it bother him.
"How are the preparations coming along? Are you ready yet?" Rosaline inquired, her face beaming with a smile that Lucian could immediately tell wasn't normal. Something was up, and he could tell.
"What preparations? Is something going to happen?" He inquired, curious and invested in what Rosaline had to say.
Rosaline's bright expression fell into one of confusion. How could he not know of something so big? She thought it must have been the topic of today's meeting, but apparently it wasn't.
"Your father hasn't told you yet? Last night he made a deal with my own father, we're getting engaged in a week's time."