Hello Again, My Honeys,

I know I am currently busy with another multi-chapter fic, Refractory Sunset, but I had to take a bit of break from writing since I am waiting for The Golden Circle DVD to release here in New Zealand. I REALLY don't want to mess up Merlin's snark in the first chapter or write when I have only watched the film twice to capture all the details.

Since the release is only on the 20 of December here, it's still a bit of the wait for the next chapter, sorry. I decided to get started on this piece that has been haunting me since I rewatched The King's Speech some time ago. It's considerably lighter in setting than Refractory Sunset and much sweeter, I have always loved a shy Harry...especially since I can play with him as Lepidopterist as well. It's got some political aspects and so forth, since I love that, and I want to explore a love that develops the other way around...

Meaning a Harry that falls for Eggsy's prowess as an Agent.

Pairing: Harry Hart x Eggsy Unwin || Excalibur

Warnings: M/M, Mature Content, Royalty - AU, Kingsman!Eggsy, Royalty!Harry, Dark Eroticism, Post V-Day, Political, Multi-chapter, Slow Burn and a complex setting.

Anyways, I do hope that you will enjoy this one. It was certainly a treat to write.

Prologue: Metamorphic Genus

The first time Eggsy met him, it was two days into his week-long Royal Marine Sentry posting at Buckingham Palace. As the first and last assignment he ever completed for the RM before circumstances at home forced him to drop out, the then twenty-year old had greedily memorized every single detail of those vividly bright days filled with new hope.

It had been five in the afternoon, the vast sprawl of the Royal Palace Gardens spread out across a May - sun bright - horizon as the winnowing wind whispered soothing lullabies around hundreds of year old mulberry trees. Varying shades of verdant, cerulean, cream and blazing ochre were subtly illuminated by the dimming skyline as opulent palace walls rose imposingly in the distance.

The Royal Guards would be changing at six p.m. that evening, his own station at the entrance to the woodlands alarmingly silent as nothing but soft songs and chirrups from nature surrounded his senses. The stifling weight of a bayonet rifle resting against his side and a heavy dark blue uniform was already beginning to drag against his consciousness, perfectly straightened shoulders shivering with a fine tremor as pearly beads of sweat began to gather heatedly at his temples.

Time was sluggishly marching forward, a vast ocean of seconds and minutes stretching out into unreachable infinity as another trying hour of his shift still remained. And to think Eggsy had laughed at his peers who told him this part of training was just as gruelling, if not more so, than the first week at the CTCRM (1*). Really? Standing guard for twelve hours in full uniform, armed and only allowed a half-hour break at the halfway point without moving shouldn't be as taxing as it turned out to be.

But still, it was.

A slow sigh of irritation was flowing quietly passed luscious, petal, pink lips. Viridian green eyes flitting restlessly across the cloudless horizon, searching in vain for any perceptible change in the forested surroundings. There was absolutely nothing of significance to be noted however, just like it had been hauntingly silent for the last eleven hours.

It was almost too quiet.

Strained senses were fighting valiantly against a newly defined hush, only weeks of intensive training preventing the young Marine from startling at the sudden and unexpected sound of a cracking twig. The deafening snap was smoothly followed by measured and cautious footsteps heading in his direction, a slow and steady gait belaying the quiet confidence of its owner as they came to a halt several meters ahead.

'Don't move.' A smooth baritone ordered quietly, incredulous green eyes snapping towards the unexpected command as a breath of surprise was forced from heaving lungs in a rush. That was—.

Holy fuck ! He internalized in disbelief. How was it possible for a man glancing the edges of forty or so, to look so fucking fit in a beige cardigan, white collared shirt and bespoke grey trousers? Jesus Christ! Polished black Oxfords were shifting minutely under his heavy-lidded gaze, long elegant fingers flipping open a leather sketchbook in the corner of his vision as his eyes drifted appreciatively upwards to collide heatedly with the warmest and most intense whiskey-brown irises Eggsy had ever seen.

'S-Sir, I—.'

'Please don't talk.' The lilting baritone softened minutely at his confusion, a lacquered box of coloured pencils appearing out of the man's pocket a second later as they came to rest on a blank page and skilful movements scratched out complex strokes only the artist was privy too. Eggsy was simply too stunned to speak, wondering briefly if he would be failing his sentry test by the end of the week as the older gentleman continued to flick observant glances towards his silhouette.

Forcing himself to relax under the scrutiny and keep perfectly still, there was no denying that something both commanding and gentle in the stranger's demeanour had effortlessly coaxed the prickly twenty-year-old into obeying without second thought. Something Eggsy was not used to be being exposed to. How close did someone have to be the Queen to wear semi-casual clothes at Buckingham Palace on a Saturday afternoon and direct her Guards without so much as a blink at the impropriety of the action?

Also, just how was he supposed to remain motionless beneath such a smouldering gaze?

Carefully concealed behind rectangular tortoise-shell framed glasses, penetrating brown irises were trailing appreciatively across his form like a physical caress. The flick of a pink tongue, peeking out every now and then to wet pale lips, only accentuated perfectly coifed chocolate brown locks. Kissed with the finest, silvery, threads at the temples, the thick mass had settled in such a way that Eggsy knew they would curl loosely outside a pomade shape.

Fuck ! The natural grace obscured in those long limbs however, most likely to tower over him by quite a few inches, seemed tightly coiled with power underneath a seemingly innocent façade. The small smile that tickled the corner of Eggsy's lips as a stray pencil was slipped haphazardly behind the older man's ear, lightened the heavy attraction blossoming in his gut to something closer to fondness.

Mr. Gentleman seemed utterly oblivious to the sentry's inner turmoil, utterly content with focusing on completing his task. Even as elegant fingers smeared coloured pigment across white paper and the edges of an expensive leather watch, the mess he was making didn't even distract his attention for a second. It was both charming and sweet in an oblivious, childlike, way.

The long moment of silence and casual observation shattered at the sudden and deafening call for the six-o'clock guard change. The twenty-year-old jerked involuntary in fright, a violent and heavily accented curse spilling from parted lips as the rapid shift in sensations forced him to stumble forward a few steps to catch himself.

'Buggering shit!' A perfectly enunciated curse rang out through the clearing in tandem to his own, startling a delighted bubble of laughter from the younger sentry as viridian green eyes froze at the sight of three beautiful green butterflies flitting away from his person and into the distance. Whiskey-brown eyes were following the path of their flight with carefully consideration, roving black pupils tracing the span of their wings and vibrant colours as a wistful and satisfied smile blossomed across pale lips.

The softening of the older gentleman's previously blank expression, stirred a nervous flutter of emotion in the pit of Eggsy's stomach as he breathed a soft apology with a cheeky dimpled smile. There was a pale dusting of pink tracing the bridge of his nose, his heart racing a painful tattoo against his chest as he dipped his head forward to conceal the simmering embarrassment skittering violently across his skin.

'Callophrys rubi,' A smooth baritone interrupted his thoughts. 'Or rather, the Green Hairstreak Butterfly. The Lycaenidae family is a fascinating study here on British soil. I wasn't really expecting to catch sight of any today, never mind three of them lounging happily on a young sentry.' There was a hint of delight colouring the smooth tone, forcing blue-green eyes to snap upwards.

'I'm not sure if I should thank you, young man.' The gentleman continued, his posh accent curling playfully over the words as a small smile curved the corner of his lips. 'Or perhaps commend you for having a gentle personality. Butterflies are notorious for only taking interest in the pure of heart.'

'Oi!' Eggsy exclaimed deviously. 'Y' can't say that, guv. That's flirtin' that is. 'Ow many birds and blokes've y' pulled with that line?' The smallest hint of a startled flush coloured the older man's cheeks at the uncouth reply.

'I-I didn't mean…t-that's not what I —. I'm a Lepidopterist.'

'Hn. Ta, guv.' He interrupted playfully. 'A fit bloke like you, walkin' the Queen's gardens studyin' butterflies. Y' must be quite a catch, wouldn't 'ave minded takin' y' out for a stroll, Mr. Lepidopterist.' Eggsy teased with a wink, smile widening in response to the cough and deepening blush he coaxed from the man's previously aloof countenance. He was quite adorable awkward in that moment, shifting restlessly on his feet as whiskey brown eyes flicked up to meet viridian green with imploring embarrassment.

A gentleman, so perfectly poised and likely well acquainted with the Queen of England, unable to react with the normal societal cues in the face of a chav sentry's teasing, was undeniably cute. Not that Eggsy could allow himself to indulge in the spark of interest settled so profoundly in his gut. He was here for duty and nothing more, he couldn't give up the hope he had found to finally distance himself from the Estate and the cycle of anguish that had become his life.
No, it was—.

'I'm sorry,' Mr. Lepidopterist said, finally seeming to have found his previous poise in the wake of Eggsy's unexpected flirting and abrupt silence. 'It wasn't meant that way. I study butterflies you see and—.'

'It's alright,' Eggsy interrupted with a genuinely regretful smile, dipping forward in a respectful bow as he glanced anxiously over his shoulder with a sigh. He really didn't want this moment to end, there was an unnamed demand shooting through his limbs that was imploring him to stay. To see just where this delightful encounter could go. But his relief was only a few metres away and time wasn't as free at Buckingham Palace as it was in the rest of the world.

'I was just teasin', Sir. Gentlemen like y' shouldn't be playin' with street rats like me. I'll only get y' into trouble.' Eggsy chuckled self-depreciatingly, a flicker of pain shrouding the happy light that had entered his eyes as he offered a last, fleeting, smile and wink over his shoulder. ''M afraid, I 'ave to go, Mr. Lepidopterist. 'Ave good one. 'It was nice to meet y'.' There was not a single lie to be detected in that statement.

Straightening his posture and closing off his emotions, white gloved fingertips curled professionally around the butt of a standard issue rifle as carefully controlled footsteps marched stiffly along the path towards the barracks. The silence following in Eggsy's wake was telling enough to the gentleman's response.

Only, when he looked over his shoulder one last time, the Lepidopterist was being hastily ushered away by a man in a bespoke suit with angered steps and definite 'personal assistant' vibes. The truly regretful smile that was sent in his direction as their gazes connected over distance, let Eggsy know the older man had been out causing his own brand of trouble.

There was an amused smile curling across petal pink lips, Mr. Lepidopterist seeming like one of those adorably eccentric people that chased after their own interests and vices regardless of the duties life expected of them. It made the young Marine feel lighter than he had in weeks, even the heavy uniform and duties laid upon his shoulders had settled down into a quieter reserve as he steeled himself for the most likely difficult week ahead.

After all, Eggsy now had something precious to replay in his mind during mind-numbing shifts. And all because of a short meeting on a lazy May afternoon in the Queen's Gardens. It was the perfect end to a gruelling, eventless, shift.

...

The second time they met, Eggsy was slipping into Merlin's office after being summoned to the shop. Arthur's office, opulently decorated with dark heirloom furniture and rich brocade velvets, glittered imposingly in the fading afternoon sunlight as sinuous flames danced lazily in the large marble hearth. Outlined elegantly by a leather armchair in front of the massive mahogany desk, a perfectly poised gentleman was sitting gracefully with crossed legs.

Those intense brown eyes stared openly at the expected intrusion from behind the rims of tortoise-shell glasses, gleaming a brilliant shade of sun-warmed whiskey the young agent would recognize anywhere in the world. Well shit, Eggsy sure as hell had not been expecting to come across Mr. Lepidopterist today. Never mind ever again in his life.

'Really, Eggsy. Ever heard of knocking?' Merlin breathed with just a hint of irritated fondness, causing a cheeky smirk to tug at pink lips as viridian green eyes flicked briefly towards Kingsman's interim Arthur. The bald Scott looked fairly uncomfortable behind a large desk without those massive plasma screen monitors to compliment his tech-wizardry skills.

In fact, the twenty-four-year-old was fairly certain the man was glaring mutinously at the spread of legitimate paperwork across the desk's surface. A silver tray with three delicate china cups and a pot of freshly brewed tea was sitting untouched by his left elbow, a lazy beckoning hand ordering the agent towards the only free seat beside their guest.

Absently catching a wracking cough behind the palm of his hand, Eggsy shifted restlessly in his seat to find a more comfortable position. He had just returned from a strenuous mission on the Russian border, thank you very much. It was quite normal, he heard, to walk away from something like that with a lung infection and several painful bruises.

'This is Eggsy Unwin, one of the lead agents that helped prevent the Valentine disaster.' Merlin continued without batting an eye. 'He is our current Excalibur.' Straightening the rumpled navy blue tie tucked beneath his collar, uncertain fingertips smoothed down a soft peridot green jumper Eggsy had thrown on after stepping into the shop. The soothing press of fitted charcoal trousers, skilfully concealed the soft vibrations of strain still assaulting his limbs.

After escaping the medical bay with a few well places lies and deliberate flirtations only hours earlier, he wasn't so sure he was prepared to take on another big mission quite yet. Yet, as he observed the dark haired gentleman out of the corner of his eye, he knew he personally wouldn't mind pushing himself to the limit just to bask a few more moments in the man's unusually soothing presence.

Those intensely expressive brown eyes, having softened in the more natural lighting of the office; complemented the dove grey bespoke suit clinging sinfully to every inch of gracefully long limbs. The flash of shy smile had settled into the curve of the man's mouth, a brief wink thrown playfully in his direction telling the spy he had definitely been caught staring.

Viridian green eyes widened fractionally behind black framed glasses, a slow smirk curling the corners of youthful pink lips as he playfully returned the gesture before Merlin had a chance to catch him at it. That would be just embarrassing—.

'Right,' The clearing of a throat swiftly pushed aside the silent banter. 'We would very much like to offer you our gratitude, Mr. Unwin.' The smooth baritone continued, curling a soothing timbre around carefully attentive ears as a small frown ticked perfectly shaped eyebrows upwards.

'I'm sorry. We? Who? I—.' Eggsy trailed off uncertainly, he wasn't really following the flow of the conversation. It seemed both Mr. Lepidopterist and Merlin expected him to know something he did not. Why would this gentleman specifically come here to thank him? He gave a horrendous shudder at the 'Mr. Unwin', however. His bitterly offended glare, seeming to have inspired some sort of amusement in the older man as he chuckled delightfully in response.

'After all these years, Eggsy.' He practically purred, curling and bending the syllables around his name in such a way that the twenty-four-year-old had to shift subtly in his seat. 'You still haven't figured out who I am? I don't know if I should be relieved or insulted.' Turning expectant viridian green eyes towards Merlin, the man just dropped his forehead into his palm with palpable frustration.

'Jesus Christ, lad.' He breathed after a few seconds. ''Ave ya been living beneath a rock yer whole life?' The deepening Scottish brogue was betraying a simultaneous exasperated amusement. Yet, there was no mocking laughter in his gaze, just sadistic glee as Excalibur bristled at the tone. He was just about to open his mouth to retort when he was silenced again with the wave of Merlin's hand, the Handler merely turning his attention to their guest with a polite nod.

'May I present: His Royal Highness, Prince Henry George Adair Hart. The Duke of York, Britain's current Heir Apparent and your Arthur.' Eggsy froze in his seat, his breath stalling painfully in his lungs as he turned wide green eyes towards the older gentleman sitting perfectly calm next to him. His mind was reeling with spinning nausea, a flush of red dusting pale cheeks as he recalled the shameless flirting from just moments and several years ago.

'A prince…' He whispered. 'Well, fuck me.'

'Eggsy!' Merlin hissed scandalized. Nearly drowning out the rich burst of laughter that trickled warmly across his skin, the flush colouring his cheeks darkened a deeper red as he lowered his gaze away from the violent pleasure shimmering so brightly in whiskey-brown depths.

Jesus fuck ! What kind of shite movie was this supposed to be? How to kill a professional spy with mortification?

'S-sorry, Sir. It's just a bit of a surprise, innit? Wasn't expecting it…' He breathed surprisingly steadily, only barely clinging to his newly adapted professionalism as several strands of burnished russet locks fell distractingly across black-rimmed spectacles. Dragging a palm through parted strands to settle them back into place, Eggsy certainly did not jump when a reassuring palm came to rest against his knee and a gentle expression swam into the line of his sight.

'It's quite alright, my boy. Let me tell you, it's been years since anyone has even had the balls to swear within a kilometre of my presence. It's really quite refreshing.' Desperately trying not to react to the warm squeeze that accompanied those words, a soft sort of hush had fallen across the office before a final pat to his shoulder pushed the Prince to his feet as he stepped towards the tea tray without another word.

'As I was saying,' He continued conversationally. 'We, on the behalf of the United Kingdom would like to offer you our gratitude in regards to the quick-thinking you did that day. Even though that is not quite the reason why I am here today, I'm afraid.'

'As Merlin has already mentioned, I'll be taking up the mantle of your Arthur as of today.'

'Our new Arthur?' Eggsy interrupted, brows furrowing in confusion as he saw Merlin rub his temples in the corner of his eye.

'No, Eggsy. The selection process is still in the running to fill Chester King's position. Harry here will not be involved with the agency at all. He will be yer Arthur, personally. Yer sole commanding officer for the foreseeable future. The codename: Excalibur, as I told ye, comes with a heavier price than any other knight seated at the Round Table.' There was a pause in the Scotsman's explanation as he waited for the younger agent to process the information. Eggsy gladly accepted the brush of a teacup against his fingertips a few tense seconds later, glancing gratefully at Harry as he took his own seat again.

'All Excaliburs to date have personally and privately served the Monarchy, not Kingsman itself.' Harry clarified. 'Since the disastrous events of V-Day, I'll be frank with you. The British Monarchy is in utter shambles. The Queen is bedridden with grief, my older brothers are dead and I am the only one left to fulfil the role of protecting this country.' A reedy note of sorrow had worked itself into the Prince's smooth tone, stirring an unexpected flash of fierce protectiveness in the younger agent's gut.

'As I am sure you have come to know over the past three weeks, the political void left behind by Valentine's exploding chips has brought forth a lot of power-hungry men hoping to take advantage of a country's weakness. The Royal Court and our Parliament is no longer safe, not for me or those protecting the integrity of the Monarchy.'

'The official announcement of my assentation has not yet been made public, never mind a date for the coronation set. However, it will be happening within the next month. I have already barely slipped passed three active attempts against my life. I desperately need someone I can trust to protect the country and its interests, even if that protection falls to me as its figurehead.'

'I don't want the Kingdom to crumble into the same mess the Americans are currently faced with.' Allowing a heavy sigh to spill passed his lips, Eggsy nodded his head in understanding. There was no way he could refuse a request from the King of England. He was smart enough to read between the lines. Even though he'd be giving up his position as a spy to work directly as the man's protector, there was not a single thing he would regret.

Excalibur was, after all, the King's sword. Only, Eggsy didn't quite feel confident enough that his abilities would qualify him for the position. He said as much in a strained whisper. Only for the Lepidopterist to stare at him with incredulous disbelief.

'Eggsy,' He murmured coaxingly. 'Merlin has already shown me the footage of both your training and successful missions over the last eight months. I would be honoured to have such a skilled young man standing at my side, there is not another agent I would choose besides you. Regardless of the codename that marks their name.'

Well , Eggsy mourned pitifully. That's me fucked then.

The gentleman's wording was telling enough of his intension, there was no way he could turn this down…especially not if he could see a proud smile curling across Harry's lips once again or glimpse whiskey-sunlight melting like chocolate through emotionally darkened irises.

Yup, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin was definitely and obscenely fucked.

1* - CTCRM - Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

I do not claim to be an expert on the Royal Court or the way the Military works but I will do my research as necessary, Honeys. Other than that, I do hope that you enjoyed the Prologue. Chapter 1 will be up in a week or two. Depending on how inspired I am to write.

I'd really appreciate a review if possible, it would make my entire day.

Thank you so much for reading,

Chocolate Carnival