The King's Command
You ride up beside Garrick, noticing his perfect posture and stoic demeanor.
“Your father really did a number on you, huh?” you ask.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Realizing that's probably not the best way to start a conversation, you reply, “I mean, I know all about growing up with a strict father. Hell, when your father’s the King, he doesn’t want his children to embarrass him, but you act like you never enjoy yourself at all.”
“I have fun,” he answers.
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Sometimes after daily training, Hector and I will practice the lute.”
“I always figured you for a softy. That rough exterior just screams compensation. Who’s Hector?”
“Fuck you, man.”
“Hey, I’m just trying to be friendly here. We have a long road ahead of us. Might as well make the most of it. I won’t tell the Duke you’re queer.”
Your comment makes Caitlyn snicker in the background.
“I’m not queer, you weaselly piece of shit.”
“Now that’s no way to treat your prince…”
Garrick stops moving and turns towards you.
“You know as well as I that you can’t do anything to me. So why the fuck would you try to pull rank like that? The King knows that you aren’t interested in leading our people. Your consistent belligerent actions speak for themselves. You’ve never experienced discipline or tested your willpower like I have. Since I could walk, my father trained me personally and recruited the best instructors in the kingdom to mold me into the knight that I am today. I have never been bested in a duel and the King knows my worth. Surely, he knows that I am more valuable to the kingdom than your sorry ass.”
“Those are bold words coming from an esteemed musician such as yourself. I’ll let it slide this time because I was having fun with you, but if you ever threaten me again you’ll have to rethink your title of 'Undefeated Duelist'. You think just because I don’t act uptight and walk around with a stick up my ass my life was any easier? Maybe my light demeanor and tendency to drink is because I understand life is more than training and stern lectures. Say what you want, but at least I’ll enjoy myself.”
Caitlyn, overhearing your conversation, approaches the two of you.
“Now boys, break it up.” She clicks her lips in a disapproving manner. “We wouldn’t want to make Hector jealous now, would we? Here take this and stop bickering like a couple of newly weds.”
She tosses a bottle of rum which you catch with one hand.
“Sorry, Garrick. I hate to disappoint, but your company really doesn’t compare to a good drink.” You pop the cork and take a swig. “Looks like you’ll have to ‘play your own lute’ tonight’.”
Before he has a chance to reply, you ride back up to the front of the group leaving Garrick by himself.
“Fucking princes,” he mutters under his breath.
“Your father really did a number on you, huh?” you ask.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Realizing that's probably not the best way to start a conversation, you reply, “I mean, I know all about growing up with a strict father. Hell, when your father’s the King, he doesn’t want his children to embarrass him, but you act like you never enjoy yourself at all.”
“I have fun,” he answers.
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Sometimes after daily training, Hector and I will practice the lute.”
“I always figured you for a softy. That rough exterior just screams compensation. Who’s Hector?”
“Fuck you, man.”
“Hey, I’m just trying to be friendly here. We have a long road ahead of us. Might as well make the most of it. I won’t tell the Duke you’re queer.”
Your comment makes Caitlyn snicker in the background.
“I’m not queer, you weaselly piece of shit.”
“Now that’s no way to treat your prince…”
Garrick stops moving and turns towards you.
“You know as well as I that you can’t do anything to me. So why the fuck would you try to pull rank like that? The King knows that you aren’t interested in leading our people. Your consistent belligerent actions speak for themselves. You’ve never experienced discipline or tested your willpower like I have. Since I could walk, my father trained me personally and recruited the best instructors in the kingdom to mold me into the knight that I am today. I have never been bested in a duel and the King knows my worth. Surely, he knows that I am more valuable to the kingdom than your sorry ass.”
“Those are bold words coming from an esteemed musician such as yourself. I’ll let it slide this time because I was having fun with you, but if you ever threaten me again you’ll have to rethink your title of 'Undefeated Duelist'. You think just because I don’t act uptight and walk around with a stick up my ass my life was any easier? Maybe my light demeanor and tendency to drink is because I understand life is more than training and stern lectures. Say what you want, but at least I’ll enjoy myself.”
Caitlyn, overhearing your conversation, approaches the two of you.
“Now boys, break it up.” She clicks her lips in a disapproving manner. “We wouldn’t want to make Hector jealous now, would we? Here take this and stop bickering like a couple of newly weds.”
She tosses a bottle of rum which you catch with one hand.
“Sorry, Garrick. I hate to disappoint, but your company really doesn’t compare to a good drink.” You pop the cork and take a swig. “Looks like you’ll have to ‘play your own lute’ tonight’.”
Before he has a chance to reply, you ride back up to the front of the group leaving Garrick by himself.
“Fucking princes,” he mutters under his breath.