At Your Service- A Royalty Solangelo AU

Chapter 16

The doors groaned open loudly as he pushed them in, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the dimly lit room in front of him. When they finally did, he could make out the figure of the Prince, huddled in the window reading a book. His legs were draped languidly on the bench, one fully extended with the other drawn close for him to lean his book. The hair, which usually fell into his face, now was tied behind his head, a few strands escaping their fate and draping across his cheekbones.  

Will watched him for a moment, studying the Prince with whom he was still a stranger. He did not seem to have noticed Will's entry, so he took full advantage of it. Slowly, he slipped fully into the room, floating across the floor until he stood a few paces behind the Prince's left shoulder. From this angle, he could see the inked pages of the book, though the lettering was so fine he could barely make it out. What did catch his attention, however, was the way the Prince's hands traced the words, slender fingers dancing across the weathered paper. 

He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it once more, unsure of how to begin the conversation. Rarely did he find himself in the position where the two were alone without one airing their grievances with the other rather loudly. 

He was shaken from his trance when he heard the sound of the book softly closing. 

"What is it that you need, William?" The prince's voice filled the room in a soft manner, uncommanding for once. 

"I heard that you were expecting me." 

There was a soft exhale of breath, something that could be interpreted as a laugh before the other man spoke once more. "Not expecting as in the way of I wanted you to be here, but expecting in the sense that I knew you would show up." 

Stuck on how to respond to this, Will remained silent, instead watching as the prince moved from his seat, turning around to face him. 

"But, since I have you here, I would like to discuss something with you." He turned around and began walking to the small set of chairs in the middle of the room, a silent beckon for Will to follow. When they were settled, the man spoke again.

"I need a favour from you. And no, it is not something egregious, I believe in fact you may enjoy the task."

"What is it you need, your highness?"

"I need you to go to Hele and seek an audience with the king-"

"And why would the king want to see me? I am just a servant," Will cut him off, hopeful that the panic was not evident in his tone.

"You are hele. Also, I will send you in the clothes of a gentleman in waiting, no longer will you wear that awful article," The prince motioned to the chiton he was wearing distastefully. "Seems to me that you are more capable than I expected you to be, so my hopes are quite unfortunately high for you."

Will rolled his eyes in response, but did not object further. "And what business do you need me to attend to there?"

 "I requested the presence of the King at my dear sister's coronation, however I fear the invitation may have gotten lost on the way for we have received no response whatsoever. I need you to convince him to attend, it would show both Hele and Aruma that the past is behind them- that no war will begin following the exchange of power."

His stomach lurched at the hopeful tone in his words, but he did not correct him. "It would be my honor."

The prince's smile was slightly unnerving, though that was only due to the fact that for once, it was genuine. "Wonderful. My sister will be so delighted. Thank you William."

He turned back to the window, returning to his spot on the bench. As if to signal the conversation was over, the prince picked up his book and once more was entranced by the pages. Will, of course, could care less about his ignorance, instead stepping closer to to take a seat on the opposite side.