Wilhelm woke up suddenly. Another day. Besides school there wasn't anything planned. The brown haired student wasn't excited about anything. School would be boring and at home things were always so tensed.
He turned around in his bed, kicking his blanket away and standing up listlessly. Maybe breakfast would bring his energy back. Although he doubted it.
He padded sleepily to the dinner room. It was still early and he was alone. His parents and Erik wouldn't be asleep. No, propably they were already working. The table was already set and Wille poured himself coffee. He drank slowly. He was just about to take some toast, when he heard the door.
Unconsciously he sat up straighter and made sure there was no ellbow on the table. Manners seemed to be extremly important here at the castle.
"Oh, sorry. I thought, everybody had already eat." A young, male voice said and chuckled.
Wilhelms eyes widened and he looked up.
In front of the table stood a unknown, young man with curly, black hair and a beautiful smile.
"Wo-who are you?" Wilhelm said confused and cleared his throat.
"Oh, I'm Simon. I just wanted to get the plates actually. My mum's working here." Simon shrugged, apparently barely embarassed. He was still smiling and looked curiously at the prince.
Wilhelm looked away. He didn't like it when people stare at him. But there was something different this time. Simon treated him like any other guy, without paying attention to his title.
"I'm Wilhelm. Um... I'm not... done with eating." The prince explained.
"Take your time. I can wait." Simon said, still very cheerfully and without any invitation just sat down on Eriks chair.
Wilhelms jaw dropped, before he regained control and focussed on his toasts. He was silently chewing, still watching Simon.
"Are you here often?" Wilhelm asked after swallowing.
"Noo. I'm here, because summer break starts, so... I can help a little." Simon explained again with sparkling eyes and pointed to the kitchen.
„Oh, I see. Do you like it?" Wilhelm asked and felt immediately bad, because why would he ask that? Of course, Simon couldn't be thrilled about working in his summer break instead of hanging out with his friends.
"It's okey, I guess. Do you like it here?" Simon asked back amused.
"Um..." Wilhelm didn't know what to say. The truth was no, but the truth wasn't something he was used to being allowed to say. "Sometimes." He admitted.
Simon looked around. "The castle is big." He stated.
Wilhelm nodded. Big and empty.
Simon looked into his eyes and he added: "You can play hide and seek perfectly." A little smile appeared on his beautiful face.
Wilhelm laughed softly. "Exactly. But there's way too many official events to attend. I don't have time for that."
Simon grimaced. "Sounds boring."
Again Wilhelm nodded and grabbed another toast, chewing silently.
"Is the prince done with breakfast?" Simon teased with a cheeky smile, once Wilhelm took his last bite.
A shadow crossed Willes face and Simon noticed. "What did I say?" He wondered with big eyes.
"You called me prince. I prefer Wilhelm." The brown haired teenager mumbled embarassed and ran his hand through his hair.
Simon smiled sympathetically. "I see. Being a prince can't be easy every day."
Wilhelm nodded again, looking away.
"Anyway, Wilhelm..." Simon emphasized his name and Wille smiled. "I should take the dishes to the kitchen." He said apologetically.
"Yeah, sure!" Wilhelm stood up frantically. He suddenly realized that he was late for school now. "And I should go. Thanks for waiting."
"My pleasure." Simon beamed at him.
Will I see you again? Wilhelm wondered.
Simon crooked his head and looked at him questioningly.
"It was... It was really nice to meet you, Simon." Wilhelm finally confirmed enthusiastically.
Simons face lit up and he came closer, put a hand on Wilhelms hand and squeezed it lightly. "Bye, Wilhelm." He said softly.
Wilhelm starred at Simons hand, then looked down. He cleared his throat. "Um, bye."
He crossed the room and heard suddenly:
"I think, I'm around the whole day. You know in the kitchen? Just...in case." Simon blurted out, blushing slightly, showing for the first time his insecurity too.
Wilhelm turned around aprubtly,looking at Simon. He was silent for a while, then he almost whispered: "I'd like to come.", before leaving the room.
Maybe today wasn't a bad day, after all.