"Is everything ready?"

"Yes your Majesty. "

"Good. If anyone asks.."

"You had bad shrimp again?"

"Good Lad" Keith said patting Thomas's shoulder before pulling himself into Red's saddle. "I'm off. Thank you Thomas. I can always put my faith in you." Keith smiled and nudged his heels into Red's sides before the two shot off. Thomas watched him go shaking his head in affection. He was so much trouble.

"Where is the King?" Cardinal Hunk asked walking beside Shiro.

"I heard he is..indisposed. Bad shrimp I am told." Shiro answered with a mock expression of concern. The Cardinal rolled his eyes.

"Then, surely as Chancellor to his Majesty I would advise him to stop eating shrimp." He said seeing right through his story. With a quick farewell they parted ways and Shiro let out a sigh. He could not help a small smile form thinking it was time to find a new excuse soon.

Keith was far away by then galloping through the orchards of apples. The summer breeze carried the smell of them as they were at their peak ripeness. He loved riding through the fruit trees as they reminded him of Lance. He had not seen Lance since the day at the stream. Keith was bad at connecting with people, having been shut away behind walls did that to a person. He did not blame anyone but himself for ruining his blooming relationship with the boy. Keith slowed Red into a light trot seeing a familiar large grey and white behind poking out from behind a tree up ahead. Keith drew Red to a halt before dismounting. He crept forward and peered behind the nearest tree to confirm his assumption. Kaltenecker stood grazing on the fallen apples next to a boy leaning against a tree, his hat drawn over his face as he was clearly napping. There was no doubt it was Lance. His overalls rolled up to his knees and a dandelion tucked in his front pocket. Keith wondered if I would be strange to just watch him sleep. He seemed so peaceful he did not want to interrupt. The cow had noticed him and was lazily munching as he stared at him not seeming to care one bit that they were being peeped on. Keith turned away trying to build courage to confront the boy. Why was he so nervous? He was the King for heaven's sake. He should fear no man. He took a deep breath and jumped in shock as Red let out a loud whinny making Lance jump as well. Keith cursed under his breath and glared at his horse who looked way too smug.

"Hello? I someone there?" He heard Lance call. Oh Christ. Keith had been caught and now he shamefully stepped out of his hiding spot. Lance was a little surprised to see the King emerge from behind a tree.

'So you have turned into an ogler have you?" Lance asked crossing his arms. He raised an eyebrow at the now reddened boy in front of him.

"N-no! I was riding then I saw your cow.." Keith's ears were burning in embarrassment. "But, while I am here. I do want to apologize once more. I was out of line the other day and I..am truly and humbly sorry. I never meant to cause you any distress." Lance watched him through narrowed eyes before standing up from his seat under the tree. He brushed off his pants and crossed his arms again.

"If you're truly sorry admit it. You were ogling at me" He said pulling his hat on right. Keith had to admit he other boy looked dashing in front of him. The sun filtering through the trees, his exposed skin smooth and glowing. He was dazzling.

"Absolutely not. I would never confess to such things." Keith grumped crossing his own arms. Lance broke out into a small smile and walked over to pet Kaltenecker.

"Deny if you wish." He stopped his soft strokes to look over at Keith. "I forgive you. But only because you may sentence me to death if I don't" He said his voice light with humor. Keith snorted softly and gathered his horse before allowing Red to graze beside the cow.

"I would never do anything to bring you harm." Keith said looking over at Lance. Lance met his eyes expecting the same humor but Keith was serious as ever.

"I think you should take things more lightly. It is not good for your complexion to be worrisome all of the time. Your face is too handsome for wrinkles." Lance continued running his finger down the cow's velvety soft back. He was unaware of the red faced boy next to him.

"I did have a request to ask of you." Keith started to get his attention.

"We only just atoned and you already have a request. You are bold." Lance replied.

"No.. I mean. Well. I would like you to come to court. " Lance's face immediately wrinkled in repulsion at the thought. Keith was quick to add. "Please. I think you would love it. The music, the dancing. The food! Lance there is so much to experience within those walls you speak so poorly of" Lance sighed and looked over at him.

"Keith. I have no desire to be thrown into your world. I am quite content with my life here. It is quiet. Plus, I would stick out like a fly on a wedding cake. I would not be welcome there. " Lance looked back to his cow his eyes dropping. He would never admit to having dreamed about going his whole life. He knows he would love it there. The music, the dancing. He also knew he never would and let go of his foolish child's fantasies a long time ago.

"Lance. I promise you will be welcomed. I will introduce you myself. If anyone even looks at you wrongly I shall dismiss them."

"Why do you want me to go? What would you get from this? To see me make a fool of myself? I have nothing near as nice as I would need. My nicest attire could maybe pass as a stable hand if I am fortunate enough for even that. Keith. You are the King. I am nothing. Our worlds are not meant to mix. I greatly thank you for the offer but I think it not right." Lance was turning to walk away but Keith gripped his hand lightly.

"What are you doing?" The boy asked as Keith pulled him against his chest. Keith guided his left hand to rest on his shoulder.

"You know how to dance?" Keith asked wrapping his own arm lightly around the waist of the other boy. Lance swallowed hard but shook his head slightly. Keith just smiled and gently pushed back s he stepped forward. "Just hold onto me and you will be great." Keith said softly and Lance just nodded. Keith led them through a few steps before they were spinning through the trees. Lance caught on quick and was feather light on his feet. He glided around as if he was floating. He was way better than Keith had been for years even after he had started. Keith took him into multiple spins and they both started laughing as they grew dizzy.

"Keith! You'll drop me1" Lance cried out as they spun faster. Keith held him tighter before pulling Lance abruptly out and easily dropping him into a dip easily. Lance cried out gripping onto Keith for his life. He threw his head back laughter bubbling out. Keith pulled him back up steadying the poor dizzy boy.

"That was great!" Lance was beaming his smile in competition to the sun's brightness.

"There's plenty more of that. " Keith said unable to wipe off his own smile. Both boy's hair was crazy and sticking all which way. They hadn't realized how far they had gone,their animals barely visible.

"Keith.." Lance started but Keith took both of Lance's hands gently.

"You have no need to fear. I will make sure you are just as admired by everyone as you are by me." Lance looked down a their hands his heart torn between his comfort and his yearning for the excitement of court.

"Bring your family. All of them. They are just as welcome." Lance looked up at that and could see the clear fondness in his eyes. What he had done to when the King's kindness was unknown.

"But we have nothing to wear." Lance said shamefully. Keith brought the boy's hands brushing his lips against them softly.

"Do not worry yourself with that. I will take care of it" He said dropping the boy's hands. His hands immediately aching for their warmth again. "I must be off but please, think of it?" Keith asked heading back to his horse. Lance watched him mount up and trot off with a wave. What had just happened?

Lance was not sure as to what had just happened between him and the King of all people but he was piratically running home Kaltenecker barely keeping up with the boy's excited gait. They made it home and Lance dropped the cow's rope knowing he would not wander and ran inside.

"Mama! You will not believe what had just happened to me!" He practically shouted getting his whole households attention.

"Dear child what? Are you well? Have you had water? " Lance was breathing hard having ran way too far.

"Mama! We've been officially invited to court by the King himself!"

"What?! Are you sure?" Lance sat down at the table and explained having met the King and everything leading up to the moment. He left out the swim and the dancing in the trees though.

"Summon Shiro to my Chambers immediately. " Keith tore off his riding gloves before tossing them into Thomas's hands. Keith was speed walking down the hallway shedding his riding clothes hurriedly.

"Yes your Highness! Is everything all right?" Thomas asked worriedly catching the clothes as they flew off the boy in front of him.

"Oh Thomas they're wonderful! Now please hurry!" Thomas went to turn away but Keith stopped him.

"And you are off the rest of the evening. Take some time to rest and relax. " Thomas thanked him before heading off to track down the chancellor.

Keith heard a few people shuffle into his living quarters before Shiro made his way through the guards.

"Chancellor Takashi You Majesty." One introduced the guest.

"Yes yes. Thank you. You may return to your posts." Keith shooed them away before quickly inviting Shiro in.

"I have much to tell you."