Castle: Chapter One

A/N: So, I woke up one morning. And like holy shit. This came to me and I was so excited, like my 45 minute drive to work I was imagining how I wanted to write this. So as you can tell this well have a medieval kind of theme and is definitely in an alternate universe. Please feedback is the biggest thing when I write these. What am I doing wrong? What am I doing right? Please talk to me! Love you guys and enjoy!

Connor's P.O.V.

My life changed as that crown arrived on my head. People cheered and it was clear to see now. It's official. I'm the king of this small nation of Seawood. It is now my responsibility to keep these people safe. My responsibility to make the people have faith in me.

I'm eighteen, I shouldn't be king yet. Who am I kidding? I should be marrying some pretty princess from a different country as a peace negotiation. Not negotiating peace between two nations.

But I realize now, that is not my fate. I'm supposed to rule this kingdom and hope that the people like me enough not kill me, like many of the ancestors before me. I have no intention of keeping this tradition in my family.

This kingdom is mine now. And I plan to make this a safe place.

Now in this short time that I've become the king many responsibilities have come to me. I must lead a war against the nation of Dodgewood. I must also hide away in this damn castle. I'm a fighter, not a damn coward. I should be on those frontlines with my soldiers, my allies, my people. I should be leading but the damn parliament is holding me back in this castle.

When news of my parents death which the frontlines of the war, I was forced to go back home and become the king.

You'd think that the parliament wouldn't be as stupid as to trap me in this damned castle. This haunted ground is where my parents my murdered. Murdered in their sleep by assassins. Probably for some small amount of coin too. I can only laugh at the stupid thought. The enemies are so cowardly that they hired men to do their dirty work for them.

I kicked the wall trying to relieve my thoughts.

Idiotic politicians think I'm safer here. I laugh at their stupid ideas. Stupid men who think they know anything about war. I'm safer with a sword and dagger in my hand, not cowering in a damn tower.

Eighteen and a fucking king. What a joke.

I can't help but stand my quarters and whisper angry words to myself. I didn't want this damn kingdom. I want to fight on the frontlines. Maybe die with some dignity.

I walked to the mirror in my small room. I really didn't understand why all this was happening to me. I stared into the glass and only noticed the clothing I was wearing.

The finest clothes Seawood could offer. Fuck this clothing.

I look like a helpless noble. No wonder my parents were killed. They were targets in these vibrant clothes.

My breathing became heavy as I stood in front of the mirror. It took everything in my power not to punch the glass.

I took a deep breath.

Stepping away from the mirror, I threw the clothes off in disgust walking towards my wardrobe. When I opened it, I saw my pride and joy. My light armor that has helped me win many battles. I grabbed that dark green armor and slowly put the outfit on.

If I'm going to be king, I'll wear whatever pleases me.

I finished dressing myself and gladly stormed out of my quarters. I was heading to the war room. I took my time getting there, I'm the king, and I can take as much time as I want. However there is one thing about being king I really dislike, no hate.

Whenever I passed someone they bowed their head to me. This was getting quite annoying and quite out of hand. I would guess that most people would love to get this treatment, but I, I loathe it. It's disgusting, the way that these people so easily worship another human.

We are all humans in this world. I may be a king but to me, it's just a title. Does this really mean that people should bow their heads to me?

I took another deep breath as I tried to calm my racing thoughts. This is going to take a little bit of getting used to and a lot of drinking. I finally arrived to my destination and I decided I wanted to make a grand entrance to the room. A smirk rises on my face.

I threw the doors of the war room open, the wood slamming against the wall hard. This action made everyone in the room stand up straight and glance in my direction as I entered the quarters.

"My lord?" Was uttered by the captain. "What brings you in on such an early hour?" The young leader bowed his head to me, so I only saw his brown hair. The rest of the soldiers followed the captain's display.

"Do not bow to me when we are in this room." I spoke sternly as I my gaze went between the men in the room. "We are equals in this room."

"Yes sir." Was spoken in unison between all the men.

"I believe you would like to hear the good news sir." The captain began while leaning on the table in the middle of the room. "As I was informing the others, we were able to successfully integrate our spies into the enemy lines." The captain lifted himself of the table and began to pace the room. "Now we have information on their battle strategies." The captain stopped turning to smile at me. He slowly approached the table.

"They were planning an ambush here." The captain pointed on the map. "This would've effectively taken us by surprise." The captain looked at me again. "Our enemy is cunning. What they lack in numbers they make up in strategies." The captain took a breath and began walking again. "If we lure them into a head on fight, we will surely win."

I watched the captain pace the room again. The way he moved. The way he breathed. It was all structured.

"Would you like to add anything, my lord?" The brown haired man waited for an answer impatiently looking at me.

"I would say good work." I smiled slightly. "But I've seen you do better than that." I gave a slight laugh, everyone nervously laughed around me. "In all seriousness, fantastic job Captain Adams-Foster." I watched the captain's face light up with a smile.

"Thank you sir." Captain spoke.

"Men, I would like to speak to Captain Adams-Foster alone." I watched the men walk out the door. "And please close the door if you're the last one out." I added once most of the men were out of the room.

When I finally heard the latching of the door I gave Jude a heartfelt smile.

"Did you need something, my lord?" My smile slightly faded.

"Adams-Foster, you know that you don't have to call me that." I took a seat in a chair and motioned for Jude to do the same.

"Yes sir. I just need to practice so I don't slip up in front of my soldiers." Jude walked over and say across from me.

If I were honest with myself, Jude infatuated me. Jude had a kind heart, but had warrior's heart at the same time. Unknown to him, he stole my heart as well.

"You have enough practice at that don't you? I've been your superior officer for years." I felt my face smile again.

"I never used my lord before. It's kind of weird to think you're the king." Jude gave a nervous laugh.

"It was bound to happen at some point, I suppose." Jude gave a half smile.

"Can I be honest?"

"You're my best friend, you needn't ask." I was frightened about his upcoming words.

"I didn't believe that you'll outlive your father." I was shocked by the statement.

"And why would you ever say that?" My voice might have revealed I was offended.

"You always fight on the frontlines. Connor, you're a skilled fighter but everyone has their downfall in war."

"Well I suppose you're right. But I'm the king now, so you shouldn't worry about me now."

"Actually, you're more of a concern now." Jude interrupted my thought.

"What do you mean? Why is that concerning you?" I stared at the slightly younger man.

"Your parents were murdered in their sleep." Jude stared back at me. "Do you not get it?"

"What is there to get Jude? An assassin was sent her to kill. And he did." I did not understand what I was supposed to get. My response made Jude sigh.

"You were always the muscle in our friendship."

"You better watch yourself. I'm the king. I can throw you in jail if I wanted." I joked, Jude did not laugh however.

"If the assassin got into the castle that means a couple of things. First, they knew where all the guards were stationed. Meaning they somehow got ahold of our plans. Secondly, if they have our plans, that must mean there is a spy within the castle." There it was. Jude's amazing ability to work things out in his head.

"If there is a spy…"

"Then you are possibly the next target." Jude finished for me. "The only reason you weren't killed with them is because you were on the frontlines fighting." This was too much for my head to comprehend. IF there was a spy here, then everyone is in danger. And who is this spy.

I stood up and walked to the table, Jude following close behind. "Captain Adams-Foster." I spoke with authority.

"Yes sir?" Jude spoke back, straightening his posture and making full eye contact.

"I'm ordering you, as the king, to have interviews with the staff. This includes my cleaning, cooking, personal guard staff. I'm also ordering you to interview anyone who comes in and out of this castle frequently. This includes parliament. Any questions?" I stared into Jude's beautiful chocolate eyes.

"Sir, who shall interview me?" No hint of sarcasm was in his voice.

"I don't see as why you'd need an interview."

"I'm here when I'm not on the front lines. I'm one of the people who are here on a regular basis."

"You are not the murderer." I spoke back. "You were on the frontlines with me." I don't understand the thought process of Jude. That's quite clear.

"Yes I know that sir. But if you want to gain people's trust, it means that you'll need to interview everyone, including your best friend. And I might add that you should be interviewed as well." Why was this beautiful man always right?

"Well, Adams-Foster, it should be you who's king."

"Thank you for the compliment. However kingship is not my calling." Jude responded. "You need to make a public announcement to the people about these interviews."

"Ah, yes, public announcements. I love those." Sarcasm was laced in my voice. "You want to handle that for me?" I spoke already knowing the answer.

"If you're asking as a friend, no. It you're asking as the king, I have other responsibilities I need to attend to." Jude seemed happy with his answer.

"And I can still lock you up."

"You wouldn't dare."

"You never know." I gave Jude a friendly wink, which earned a laugh from Jude.

"Since you're the king, does this mean you're getting married?" Jude asked changing the subject. You could see the slightest smile on his face. I however, couldn't figure out why he'd ask a question like that.

"Captain, are you proposing to me?" I joked not getting the reaction I wanted at all.

"How dare you!" Jude spat. "You know well that any member of the same sex to ask marriage is punishable by death!" Jude was spewing venom by the time he was finished talking. "Your dad was the one who made it law, or do you not remember?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." I bowed my head. "But don't think for a second I don't know the laws for this kingdom." I started walking away towards the door.

"Also Ju-er captain." I decided whenever I wanted to make a point as king, I'll call him by captain. "Gather your family, we are having dinner at your house tomorrow."

"What?" Jude yelled in shock.

"Shall I repeat myself?"

"Connor."

"I'm the king. We are having dinner at your house. I demand it."

"My lord, you don't understand." Why is Jude panicking? "We don't have enough food to spare to have a king as company." This was an obvious lie but I went with it.

"Then I'll bring the feast." I spoke dismissing him. I just want to meet your family dammit.

I thought I heard Jude take a gulp before he nodded and spoke. "Yes sir." I smiled and left the war room.

I won another battle.

However now that I think about it, I'll need to get a feast together in less than a day's time. And I'll have to deliver that said feast to the Adams-Foster's residence. I finally get to meet the boy's parents who stole my heart, so in the end it'll be worth it.

That always confused me about Jude. Why haven't I met his parents? He's been my best friend for all these years and I've yet to meet that family. Family can be embarrassing but that's what their for. Curious.

Captain Jude Adams-Foster. I think I love you. No I know I love you.

But do you love me?