Sneaking away was much harder recently being bombarded with many tasks. Kingly duties came first and Keith must accept that. The days went on and his mind grew farther away unable to shake the thought of the boy at the market. Had he used that money for good? His thoughts were interrupted by a group of his council filing into the room.
"Greetings, your Majesty. We bring news from Altea." Keith waved for Chancellor Takashi to continue.
"Lord Alfor wishes to visit court with his daughter, Princess Allura. He is hoping to arrange a match between the two of you to unite our two countries. " Keith chewed his lip lightly in amusement.
"He's playing matchmaker huh? Very well. Invite them. They are warmly welcome here in my court. We shall see about that marriage though." Keith waved his hand signaling the next person to step forward. Cardinal Hunk stepped forward bowing graciously.
"I bring word from the Cardinal of Daibazaal. His letter was short but it may have been a warning. Lord Zarkon has been growing angrier by the day and rumors of a rebellion have been circulating." Keith sat up in his chair his attention drawn in.
"Rebellion? What reason have they to rebel against me?" Cardinal Hunk only bowed again not knowing.
"I'm sorry your Majesty to bring it up, but I have reason to believe he is still in a rage over the the line of succession and how it came to be." With that Keith got a sour look on his face as he sat back in his chair his hand stroking his chin softly.
"Of course. He would have wanted his own child Lotor to sit on my throne. He knows that Lotor is a bastard does he not? A half breed rat who deserves a lot less than what he already has." Keith had been in a rivalry with the snake his whole life. Finding out Lotor's mixed heritage got him removed fro the line of succession which seemed to put his father Zarkon in a mad rage. For 20 years.
"Let them come. If they want to wage war on me and lose. Let them. We will destroy anyone that rises against us." Keith motioned for them to leave him. The men bowed and with a farewell they withdrew leaving Keith with his servants.
"Thomas" The boy rushed over with a swift bow.
"Yes, Majesty?" Keith smiled fondly at the boy. They had grown up childhood friends and appointed him first hand server to keep him close.
"Please fetch me some apples. I'm having a craving for them."
The halls were long and empty as Keith made his way through them. He had always enjoyed exploring the castle and it's grounds but since growing older the magic and adventure had left behind dull grey walls leading to more darker emptier rooms. If he had known being King would be so lonely he would have ran far far away. He stopped at a large window overlooking the enormous garden. A fountain stood tall in the middle and two swans lazily floating in the sunny pond. Keith yearned to share all of this with someone but yet, the thought of sharing it with the princess Allura seemed bleak. His mind again wandered to the boy from the town. Had he even seen the castle? Been behind it's looming walls to see the gardens or the court? Had he been anywhere near such riches? Keith had been brought many suitors before but he turned them all away quickly. He had no urge to marry so soon. Keith turned to his hand servants standing at attention waiting.
"John. Ready my horse and tell no one of my destination. Thomas come. Prepare me for a ride." They continued to Keith's Chambers as the boy John ran to ready the horse. It did not take long for Keith to be ready and standing in front of his horse.
"Oh Red. " He said leaving a kiss on the soft velvety nose of his steed. "Let's take a ride together, like old times." He hoisted himself up into the saddle eager to get away.
"Thomas. I anyone asks I am in the privy. I had some bad shrimp. " He winked and was off, Red galloping through the cobblestone courtyard towards the gates. Towards a few moments of freedom.
The next morning was like any morning. Lance was up with the sun out with the herd. He spread their feed out singing softly to them. He found the best company was with the gentle creatures. Today was a special day, with the money left he was to buy his siblings new shoes and his mother a new gown. But the best of all, he was going to buy a cow. A cow to keep them for the winter. No more need to buy milk or butter, they could even make cheese. Lance was already excited and had a name picked out and everything. Once the sheep were properly fed and loved on Lance made his way down to the small house. He quietly crept in grabbing his bag and a length of rope before heading out to town. The sun was in it's steady climb into the sky washing the valley with warm light. Lance wiped his brow already feeling the day's heat. He wasn't even half way to his destination. He needed a horse. He smiled a bit to himself knowing he would never be able to afford one just for pleasure. Necessity only.
An hour later Lance could see the roofs of the town peeking over the hill and his excitement grew again outweighing his tired legs. He broke out into a smile and gladly ran the rest of the way. His first stop was the Cobblers. He picked out 5 new pairs of shoes for his family.
"Ah Lance. Only 5 today?" The man asked placing the shoes into a sack.
"Yes sir. A few pounds short for my own pair. Next time." He said not minding. As long as his family was comfortable.
"How about this lad. I'll throw in a pair for you now and you just pay me back yeah?" The man smiled warmly and added a pair for Lance. The poor boy deserved it. Lance thanked him repeatedly promising to pay him back double for this generosity. His next stop was the tailor's. His other's dress was stunning. Blue threads over a braided bodice. Lance grinned and excitedly handed over the money. His mama would look stunning. He hoped with all his heart she would love it. Lance was on his way to the next stop. The cow. The farm was right outside the outskirts of the small town and Lance was soon in the field of cows. More than twenty of the beasts were grazing.
"Ah! Lance! I'm glad to see you!" The farmer came up pulling Lance into a tight hug.
"Hello Matthew. I am glad to see you! How's Katie?" Lance asked curious to the well being of the boy's younger sister.
"Mischievous as ever. Come. Pick out your favorite!" The two boys walked among the cows before Lance's attention was drawn to a certain one. Light grey spots against white and the expression was that of a lazy man as it grazed slowly not a care in the world.
"That one!" Lance made his way over examining his new addition. "Hello there Kaltenecker"
It was Mid-day before Lance was leading Kaltenecker down the soft dirt road on his way home. The sacks of his gifts hanging loosely from Kaltenecker's back. He sang to the large animal as they made their way down the long road. They stopped a few times letting the poor beast get drinks from the small stream along the way. Lance had found a berry bush along the way and the two shared the sweet dark berries.
"You know Kaltenecker. I think you'll like it with us. I know we sure will like you." He smiled over at the cow who made no signs of understanding. The loud sound of approaching hoof beats caused Lance to stop and lead the cow off the road giving way to the approaching rider. Lance's heart stopped seeing the horse's attire. He was from the castle. Wait- Lance was on his knees in the next second. It was the King himself.
Keith had seen Lance before he had seen him. Amused Keith slowed Red admiring the sight in front of him. Keith brought his horse to a stop in front of the knelt boy.
"Stand. Please." Keith said eyeing the cow with a small smile. "Do you always take your cows on walks?" He asked lightly. Lance stood up brushing off his knees. He rubbed his neck nervously. He had never spoken to the King let alone been so near him.
"N-No your Majesty. I was j-just going home..." Lance stammered. Keith watched him turn into a puddle of nerves in front of him.
"Please. Speak freely. There is no need to be nervous." Lane nodded noticing he was alone.
"You're alone.." He hadn't meant to speak alone but was shocked. He had always knew that no one so high up left without a guard. Or 10.
"I snuck away. Plus, they never would have kept up." Keith laughed a bit at Lance's shocked face. "I am the King no? I can do as I please."
"O-of course you Majesty I did not mean any-" He was interrupted by Keith raising a hand,
"I did not take nay offense. Now. Shall I escort you the rest of the way?" Keith asked the boy below him. Lance looked up surprised and finally met the eyes of the man above him. Dark violet eyes with a light of amusement in them.
"I would never ask such a thing." Lance stammered bowing his head after he realized he had been staring.
"You didn't ask. I offered." Keith dismounted Red patting his soft neck. He pulled the reins over his head and looked over at Lance.
"I shall walk with you. Plus, I am sure curious as to why you enjoy long walks with your cow." he smiled and Lance looked stricken in worry. He was so beautiful.
The two walked in comfortable silence. Lance about ready to pass out and Keith enjoying the view of the countryside. The king stood about an inch taller than Lance himself and his long hair pulled into a ponytail. His long dark pretty hair. Lance kept his eyes on the ground in fear of being caught staring. Keith stole glances in Lance's direction every so often entertained by his worry.
"So, tell me about yourself. " Keith broke the silence and the boy looked up his jaw clenching slightly. Was he scared of him?
"Of course Your Majesty. I..um." He trailed off not knowing what to say. Surely his life of poverty was no care to the King. "I apologize.." Keith stopped turning towards Lance. Lance halted the cow before turning to look at Keith scared he had insulted him.
"Red needs a quick drink. Mind if we stop? The heat is great and I do not want him growing weary." Lance nodded in agreement and the two lead their animals to the stream for a quick drink. Keith watched Lance fall to his knees cupping his hands and drinking the water himself. Keith was speechless. The water could be filthy. Or disease filled yet he so eagerly drank from the stream. Lance wiped his mouth on his sleeve but froze with wide eyes seeing Keith's face.
"Is..that safe?" Keith asked his eyes switching from the animals drinking to the boy in front of him. "I mean.. they drink the same water!" Lance mentally smacked himself for being so foolish. Of course, why hadn't he thought o that? The king's water was probably laced with gold and from god himself or something and here Lance was drinking from a stream that the cow drank from. Keith broke out into a laugh at the poor boy's look of grief.
"You worry so easy Lance. Calm yourself. I am just..surprised is all. It has never made you ill?" He questioned walking over to the stream's edge and peering in. The water ran clear and looked clean. Lance was too embarrassed to meet this eyes.
"It is fresh and clean your Majesty. Never been ill. " He said quietly and his jaw dropped seeing the King, THE KING, get on his own knees and cupped the water before sipping it from his palms. Keith was impressed with the water. It was cold and crisp and..fresh. His water in the castle tasted so stale and flat compared.
"Lance! This..this is amazing!" Keith smiled wide cupping more. Lance watched I utter bewilderment at the sight before him. What has he done?
"Your Majesty! Your clothes! They'll be filthy!" Keith wiped his own mouth and sat back on his heels with a small smile.
"Clothes wash Lance. Are you in a hurry?" Keith questioned looking at the boy in front of him.
"No..You-" Keith cut him off again.
"Please Lance. Keith is quite fine." Lance looked down quickly.
"I could never. I am not worthy to call you by your true name." Keith watched him and noticed a small pang of sadness. He really did think himself so low.
"I would be offended if you do not heed my wish. " Keith watched Lance carefully knowing he must be having internal conflict at the request.
"Yes Your- Keith." He said slowly. Keith smiled. Close enough.
"Now then. The air is too warm and I am in need of refreshing." Keith stood and before Lance could object Keith was stripping into his under garments and flinging himself into the water with a laugh.