To Be a Knight
Written for Sophie
Regulus paced back and forth near the throne. His brother had disappeared months earlier, running off with a peasant, leaving him as the heir to the throne.
But with that title came more responsibility. Whilst his parents enjoyed their lives as powerful rulers, discussing waging war on a neighbouring Kingdom, Regulus was left to deal with the issues brought to him by the Lords that owned land.
After yet another complaint about bad harvests and misbehaving servants, Regulus had just about enough of the 'issues' that the spoilt Lords thought he would help them with. Their bad harvests were because they didn't plant enough, or planted out of season. Misbehaving servants turned out to be the mistreated ones, or some had run away.
None of it was his problem. Nothing that he felt the need to help with. After checking that the lands had enough food still after the harvest, he sent the Lords away.
"My Prince, another Lord has arrived," a soldier announced.
Regulus sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before heading back to the throne and taking a seat. "Escort him in," he ordered.
The door opened quickly and the Lord walked in, stopping a few feet away from the throne and dropping down to one knee in a bow. "My Prince."
"You may rise," Regulus offered. "Why are you here today?"
"I wish to be under your employ as a Knight," the man requested. "I wish to receive a summons that you would require me."
"What reason would I do that?" Regulus asked. It wasn't unheard of that Lords or their sons would become Knights. No, what this man was requesting was for Regulus to summon him.
"My parents are arranging a marriage for me. I do not wish to marry."
"And becoming a Knight is your freedom?" Regulus asked.
"I informed them several months ago that I wished this," the man stated. "That was when my father forbid this and started trying to arrange my marriage. My father cannot go against a direct order from the castle."
Regulus nodded his head. "What is your name?"
"Lord Crouch. Bartemius Crouch Junior," the man stated. "More commonly known as Barty."
"Barty, expect the summons within the next few days. Don't think we will go easy on you because of who your father is."
"I wouldn't expect that at all, my Prince."
"Or because of your attempts at escape."
"As long as I don't have to marry a woman, I will do whatever you need." Barty bowed lowly again. "Thank you."
Regulus stared at the man, their eyes locking for a long moment. With his last words, it all became clear to Regulus. It wasn't who he was marrying that appeared to be the problem. More that it was a woman.
Regulus could understand that concern. It was something that kept him awake at night himself, though he knew he had a duty and accepted it. It didn't mean that he couldn't also be happy.
"I have no more people to see," Regulus began softly, testing the water slightly. "Would you like to stay in the castle for a while… with me?"
Barty's lips curved into a smirk. "I would like that very much, my Prince."
Regulus stood from the throne and walked over to Barty. "It's Regulus," he murmured, "when we're alone."
Review Please :)
Thanks Dina for the help!