Hey you all! Im not even going to start on the apologies, you all r sweet enuf to forgive me anyway.. :3
on to the story, shall we?
warning: this story ...blah blah blah... yaoi ...blah blah blah... homophobes ...blah blah blah... cotton candy ...blah blah blah... beware.
(Oh? so u noticed the cotton candy?! So u DO read the warnings! :3)
disclaimer : i do not own ben ten alien force!
THE FAIRYTALE WAY
Chapter ten : I wish to tour
Green Shadow.
Benjamin.
That was all there had been on the prince's mind as he fell asleep. And that was all there was in his mind as he got up.
Slivers of consciousness slipped into him as his eyelids slid up his eyeballs. The first thing he saw was the ceiling; the green, black, blue and white swirls decorated artistically by a painter. The green swirls brought back the face and eyes of a particular beautiful youth.
The very thought of him made Collin wide awake. He sat up in a bolt, blinking rapidly, hoping it (his birthday) was all not just a dream of some sort, the sort that laughs at you when it has proved to be a dream alone. His heart soared when he felt soft silk in his balled fist; silk he knew did not belonging to the silken nightgown he wore or the silken bedspread upon the feathered mattress. He brought his hand to his face and opened his palm to see the small fair glove he had lovingly washed.
It was not a dream, afterall!
He beamed absentmindedly; visions upon visions played in his head, of him fighting the wretched blue-haired man with the slim suave Green Shadow. That was a wonderful event despite its obnoxious moments. And then his mind moved to another scene, one where he sees a slim young man save a tripping waiter, and then goes about handing appetizers to guests when he was a guest himself.
Collin smiled in mirth. His heart suddenly drummed as he remembered his short but lovely conversation with that youth, Benjamin. How nice and polite he was, yet not flamboyant in trying to exaggerate his good qualities like others do in order to appear respectable in front of the royal blood.
"Oh... how I wish to meet him."
Looking down at the glove that sat on his hand in his lap, he sighed. He brought his free hand to the glove and stroked the soft ivory fabric with his slim fingers. His thoughts intertwined, words of a blonde man suddenly flowing in to his head.
Oh, he is a baker, Your Majesty; he works at Bertha's Bakery! Rather a good baker too; his cakes and pies are famous!...
Oh, he's rather famous in the market, Your Honour! He is kind, friendly and selfless; he never could refuse any form of request from anyone!...
I suspect that he may have even met the Green Shadow...
"..."
A moment of silnce grasped the prince. Silence of realisation.
"Ofcourse...!" Collin's beautiful brown eyes widened in great realisation. "Benjamin! He works at a bakery; he is bound to have met all sorts of people! And he might have acquaintance with..."
Well, Your Highness, it may seem no one knows the countryside as well as that young man Benjamin over yonder; if at all, he may have had his fair share of beholding the Green Shadow save people; or maybe even had the chance of being saved from the saviour himself!
"He can thank the vigilante for me! I must thank that green-dressed man, it is to his grace that I am alive! I must thank him! And... I wish to meet Benjamin too! I want to!"
He shot out of his bed in a flash. The male servant who walked into his room to give him his breakfast nearly shrieked in shock as the raven ran across him to the bath.
"Your Highness...?" gasped the younger in confusion, his blue eyes wide and black hair tousled as he had jumped rather wildly. He straightened his black-and-white uniform and decided to remain composed, his cheeks blazing red in embarrassment. He stood calm beside the breakfast trolley which he had pushed into the room.
"Merthicus... please will you help me set the bath, now? I need to go somewhere, really urgently!" came the call from the bath, surprising the servant.
o.o.o
"You wish to what now?" Samuel raised a dark gold eyebrow.
The prince who stood before his desk seemed to be very determined in the face; the brown eyes were unmoving and well-built but slim body taut in respect and stubborn want.
Duke Samuel had not in the least expected this. Usually, after the breakfast, the prince would take his sword fighting classes taught by an old man of infinite strength; and then attend the rest of the duties he was to learn as the new king. But till the young man was sure of perfectly handling the drastically large amount of paperwork and official matters that he found least amusing, Samuel was to head the Kingdom, like a tutor to the young king.
Not even once had he thought that the prince would appear in his office study, early after breakfast, dressed up in regal white and blue, and firm-looking in the face, with a rather curious excuse:
"Uncle; I wish to tour my kingdom. Now."
Samuel set down the papers he had neatly signed and stamped in approval. He then diverted all of his attention to his beautiful nephew; he knew well that Collin did not like being given half the attention when he demanded it in such serious air.
"My son, please tell me properly... tour in what way?"
Collin found that question rather illogical, "Why, uncle, kings tour their vast kingdoms all the time, do they not?"
Samuel smiled, folding his arms across the edge of the desk and fixing his blue eyes
on the brown pair staring intently at him. "True, Collin, but usually there's a purpose for them doing so. And yours would be?"
I wish to meet Benjamin...
No, Collin did not want his uncle to know that he had found a good friend; but alas the Benjamin he dreams of is not his friend yet, but he wished to try a hand of luck at it. It was best if he remained mute about it and change to a lie. Or a modified fact.
"Well, uncle, I am now the new king and my curiosity has been stirred by the birthday that I had; so many people living in our kingdom; I wish to see them live normally rather than dressed in gowns, frills or suits! I wish to see the true lives of the rich and poor with my own eyes. Besides, I fear that some of the village heads do not completely tell us the status of their territories; and I feel if I must see the truth, I must see it with my own eyes."
That is a believable excuse.
Samuel hummed in thought, nodding absentminded, "Yes, well, I do not question your curiosity, my prince; for after all it is your kingdom and your subjects! But then again, shall I have to remind you the response your presence will draw once you appear in the towns?"
Collin suddenly beamed. He had the answer all too ready for this particular question that was obvious to come. And his answer was apt as well.
"I shall go in disguise!"
Samuel's face could not help fling an amused chuckle, "In disguise?! And what shall you dress as?"
"No, no, Uncle; I do not intend to dress up as any other! I shall merely go around in my carriage, wearing a heavily hooded cloak. Not a soul will know me; I shall not have a single guard with me and hence no one shall suspect a royal to be in the carriage."
Samuel's grin fell shortly, and he sat straight. "No guards?! No. I shall not let you do that, son! After what happened yesterday; I would be a fool of an uncle to let you wander about the kingdom without a guard!"
Collin sighed, "I'm sorry to disagree, Uncle Samuel, but I will be all right; I have arranged for Michael to be my carriage driver. You do trust him well, don't you?"
Michael Morningstar, a young man of Collin's age, was a youngster found by Helmour years ago, and brought into the army for he was an orphan and had no other home to stay. Michael had since then become a part of the castle and the army; especially after showcasing extraordinary courage and cleverness during one of Gellaven's attacks and saving Samuel's life, almost risking his own.
Yes, Samuel trusted Michael.
"And uncle, do you not trust me? That my superior sword fighting skills, not unknown to you, will help me save myself from any trouble?" Colin put forward, his eyes narrowing upon the icy blue ones.
When he received a nod of acknowledgement, he was satisfied. Collin also added, "Besides, I'm sure if I fall in trouble, the Green Shadow will come along to save me yet again, shan't he?"
It was another advantage of this excursion; being guard-less, lest he fall in trouble, he would have another acquaintance with the vigilante, which was his goal other than meeting Benjamin.
Samuel looked reluctant; letting a sigh slip from his thin lips, "Well, alright. But I still do not like the idea of you gambolling about without any protection! You must watch all the while for an of Gellaven's men, do you understand? No matter how skilled you are, you are still young, and anyone can make mistakes!"
Prince Collin was now the one to sigh. Tugging at the belt of his suit, he mumbled, "I am very well capable for my age, thank you."
Samuel smirked, "I heard that."
Collin looked a little shaken, but looked away, "I shall leave in a few minutes. Grant me permission uncle."
The blond man smiled, "Alright, you may leave. But you must return in a few hours! If not, I shall send a wizard to fetch you!" saying thus, he returned to the large clutch of rolled papers that he had yet to unfold and read. Although Collin wished to protest that he was not a child to be sent for and fetched; he decided it would be of no use; his uncle once drowned in his sincere work was hard to convince.
Bowing respectfully to his uncle, Collin left the room, his spirits high and happy. He could barely contain himself as he anticipated meeting the green eyed man or maybe if luck wished, even the Green Shadow.
o.o.o
Slipping on the heavy plum-coloured velvet cloak, the prince stood quietly at the stable, watching as Michael saddled the two horses for the simplest-looking carriage in the whole vast luxurious stable. Other horses neighed and blew from their refined seclusions, some of the servants were grooming a few of them. The smell of fresh hay and newly-washed leather was calming in the air.
The blonde Michael grinned ear-to-ear as he spotted a dawning excitement glitter in the brown eyes although the prince was remaining absolutely still and calm from his position from the carriage.
"Your Highness? Shall we?" he smiled, opening the door to the carriage politely. Collin nodded at the blonde.
"Are you sure you wish only for me to accompany you, Your Highness?"
Michael Morningstar always wore his pleasant dimpled smile, it made him look mischievous, innocent and trustable. With his blonde hair cropped at the neck but long at the fringe, he was beautiful too. Dressed in a brown leather coat over his white plaid shirt and dark horse-riders pants and boots, while a brown hat hung on his back by a string around his neck, he was a pleasant and friendly sight. Well-built from the throes, pains and gains of working and training at the army, he had developed superb reflexes and courage to face any danger for the land.
"Yes, Michael, you shall be suffice."
Bowing in respect, Michael gestured to the open door, and Collin slipped in with ease of practice over the years.
o.o.o
The hooves of the horses clopped rhythmically on the paved stones of the roads. Collin relished watching the town side from the window, and every time a carriage passed by too close, he would withdraw his face such that not a glimpse of his pale skin of his face was visible; or he would be in trouble. His brown eyes studied the roadsides, and the shops, the florists, the bakers, the butchers, the tailors, and many others; people, commoners, rich gentlemen and ladies, going about their daily routine work. Fruits and vegetables being moved around by wheelbarrows to their respective shops. Birds chirped from the trees that at times appeared on the sides of the roads, or the entrances to parks, which emanated fragrances of freshly watered roses and lilies. He could hear a relentless hum of voices, strings of distant mingled laughter of children as they played about the streets in groups. Meows of tiny kittens held in the embraces of little girls, yaps of puppies being taught by little boys; cattle calling out in their lazy voices as they grazed upon a distant hill.
The sight and sounds were something Collin was experiencing for the first time; he rarely could ever step out without being surrounded by ten darkly-dressed guards, and then everyone would be so intent on him that he wouldn't know what else they do in their lives. This was the perfect and ample opportunity.
"Now, Your Highness, is there any place in particular that you wish to go to?" came Michael's voice from the driver's seat. He had been sitting happily whistling as he drove the two brown horses around, and it had made Collin feel calmer and normal for once. At the sound of his smooth voice, Prince Collin's mind suddenly snapped; his heart exhilarated suddenly as he gave his calm answer, "Michael, you wouldn't happen to know Bertha's Bakery, would you?"
Michael paused his thoughts. "Bertha's Bakery? Ah yes, I suppose I have heard of it... rather famous they say..."
Collin waited impatiently for a proper reply as the blonde man thoughtfully drove the horses slower as he pondered.
"Well? Michael?"
"OH! Forgive me for keeping you waiting!... I think I might know the bakery, but shall I stop to ask for directions, Your Highness? Would it be a bother?" he looked over his shoulder to the small window that let the passenger see the driver.
"No, it would be no bother, please do ask; I need to be at the Bakery." The prince spoke, twiddling his fingers impatiently.
Michael raised a golden eyebrow; the prince had unknowingly let a little tone of desperate into his voice.
The carriage stopped, as Michael jumped off the seat. Collin watched from the window carefully, as Michael walked up to an elderly man reading a newspaper and smoking a pipe. The two men conversed, during which the elderly man brandished his arm in a particular direction, seemingly explaining the route. Michael nodded and grasped every bit of information, before tipping his brown hat to him in thanks.
Collin's face erupted in a childish smile of glee as the blonde sprung elegantly to his seat.
o.o.o
Prince Collin Laquinelle gazed happily at the shop which the carriage stopped aside of.
The large bakery had a rectangular name board of strawberry pink, with the words written adorably in chocolate brown:
BERTHA'S BAKERY
Welcome to all!
The shop had its customers walking in and out, the door tinkled every time it opened. Customers who went in would come out with happy faces and baskets of muffins or cupcakes, or boxes of pre-ordered birthday cakes. Laughter and voices sounded, orders could be heard being shouted distantly. Somewhere, in another shop, merry music sounded, complementing the sweet atmosphere of the bakery. Glass windows of the shop displayed several cakes and cookies of different shapes and sizes; and even as he watched, some of them were removed for a customer and replaced with another. Business was booming.
Collin beamed, his fair face shining in anticipation; the place looked just like one where a youth like Benjamin would work. Elegant, friendly and open to all.
It took a few moments to realise that Michael was staring at him through the tiny window.
Clearing his throat, the prince spoke in a composed tone, "I have to visit the bakery now, will you have the carriage here?"
"I'm afraid the carriage cannot be stationed here; it is a busy place and the carriage will obstruct the road. If Your Highness approves, I can move it to that empty spot over there, and I shall fetch the carriage when you are done."
"Of course, Michael. Have yourself some refreshments and have some given to the horses too; I shall be a moment." And so said, Michael watched the eager man open the door himself and step out in flourish.
Collin stood calmly, breathing in the heavenly scent of the air. "Oh my...." was all he could sigh; the fragrance of freshly baked bread, whipped cream, crushed fruits, it was all too tantalising, making his mouth water greatly. Smiling from within the confines of the hood of the cloak, he stepped forward and made his way to the glass door.
As he passed people to the door, he was noted by many eyes; his cloak was not a simple velvet brown, or black, like the ones people, rich or poor, usually don. It was plum coloured velvet, the most expensive of its kind, lined thinly at the edges by soft black fur, with glazed black designs swirling in intricate embroidery over the body of the cloak, and a soft halo of delicate luxury perfume was emanating off of him. He may not have been guessed to be a prince, but he did turn eyes. People watched silently as the tall hooded figure walked as if gliding through air, to the door.
The prince had not yet noticed the faint attention he drew; he was far too intent on his goal. For only a few steps away, he was about to meet Benjamin who worked at the Bertha's Bakery!
- End of Chapter -
Oooh... so; ok I admit, im not good at describing places or stuff. Hell im here for the romance ppl! But my bestie did say that im dramatic the writing so...hmm. lets see.
And this chapters a long tym coming! :D im so lazy nowadays! :3 forgive moi!
oh and, yeah i knw many of you out there hate mike morningstar; and yeah we all kevinxben fangirls consider him a rival to kevin. but hell, why not give the guy a break, hes kinda hot! and why not see him as a good character for once? :D for a change right? hes not gonna suck power outta anyone or smth.
And so...will the prince meet the baker? Or will bxk. freakazoid's stupid twists make you go ,"Damn! Not THAT! _" ?
Letz find out shall we?