Lance was carrying his now full pale of fresh milk to the house courtesy of Kaltenecker. Lance sat down the bucket on the table and wiped his hands on his pants with a sigh. She sure was a lot of work needing milked multiple times a day. He enjoyed spending the time with her though. He could speak his mind freely without judgment from her. He had not seen Keith nor heard from him since the day in the orchards. He tried not to dwell in the thoughts but he could not help but smile remembering it. Keith had literally swept him off his feet. Lance's smile faded a bit the realization of his thoughts hitting him. How could he be thinking this? It could never be. He was the King. And a man.
Keith was chewing his lip softly watching the bustling people running about. They were preparing for the ball to be held in a few days time. He needed to see Lance again and make sure everything was going smoothly for them. He was overjoyed at the idea of bringing him to court finally. Everyone is going to admire him and even Shiro is enthusiastic to meet the boy he has heard much about. It was only a matter of time now.
Lance was out with the sheep when four riders and a carriage were seen crossing over the hill heading his way. He stopped his work and looked up fear immediately gripping him. Why were they here? Were they in trouble? Had he made a mistake in befriending the King. Lance dropped his shears and ran inside calling his family in as well. They all huddled in the house peeking through the window as the horses and carriage drew to a halt outside the house. A man stepped out of the carriage followed by three women all holding baskets. Lance was confused but made his way out telling his family to stay hidden.
"Greetings! We are here on orders from the King! You are of house McClain are you not?" At Lance's shocked silence the man continued waving the women forward. "We have brought seamstresses here to take your measurements for you attire for the ball in two days time. Is the rest of your household available to be measured as well?" Lance could not believe Keith sent his personal team to get his entire family suited for their visit.
"I..Um. Yes. Right this way please." He lead the small group inside and introduced his family. The ladies got to work on the smaller children first measuring every part of them to ensure the perfect fitting garment. Lance watched his stomach being swallowed by a pit. How was he going to afford to repay him?
"Are all of the preparations finished?" Keith asked as he made his way down the hall. He was pulling on his riding gloves with every intention of paying a visit to Lance and seeing how everything was going.
"Yes Your Majesty! The ballroom has never been livelier. Your guests of honor will be most pleased I assure you." Thomas replied barely keeping up with Keith's quick pace. Keith smiled in approval and was clasping his cloak clasp before a group of men stepped out from a hallway ahead.
"Your Highness. Leaving again? We have much too discuss" Cardinal Hunk said as they made their way over. Keith grumbled having been caught.
"I must attend to outside matters. Surely this shall wait?" Keith tried moving around the men but he was stopped by a man stepping in front of him.
"I insist your highness stays. These are important matters. You can go out and play later." Keith narrowed his eyes at the man. Kolivan. He had never liked him much, he was too serious and always made the king work. Hunk and Shiro were the only nice ones in his council. Keith only glared for a few moments before giving in. He tore his gloves off angrily and tossed his cloak to Thomas.
"Very well. Let us get this over with." Keith muttered as his council lead him to the briefing room.
Lance yipped as a hand grazed his groin. A swift apology from the woman measuring him.
"Sorry Sir. Don't mind me hands." She said working around him measuring every part. "The King has planned an amazing set for you. You will look most handsome." She said moving to spread the measure tape across his shoulders. Lance was nervous, more nervous than he had ever felt in his short life. HIs siblings were ecstatic of course but his mama seemed worried as well.
"No worries. Shall the King pay a visit before the ball?" Lance wondered looking over at the message man standing and observing.
"His Majesty has every intention yes. He wanted to deliver the sets personally sometime tomorrow." Lance smiled a bit and took a deep breath. This was unreal. He only hoped the King had no other reason to be so kind other than a friendship. He would even take pity but the way the King looked at him and held him in the orchards had his cheeks glowing slightly. He hoped it was all in his head and not that the King may be interested in..other things. Inappropriate things. Lance had heard rumors of men becoming intimate with other men but it was taboo and goes against everything Lance believes. If a man were to lay with another man they both would be committing ultimate sin, banishing their souls to an eternity in hell. The King was indeed strikingly handsome and his eyes sent small shivers down his spine but he would never allow his heart to stray to such a dark, ungodly place.
"Zarkon has been threatening a rebellion even more now. He has been planning to send a small army to set off shore to send a message. Our informant says we should be wary and ready for attack." The Cardinal told resting his clasped hands on the wooden table they were all seated around.
"Chancellor Takashi." Keith said towards Shiro. "See how many men we can round up to greet them on our shores. Ready as many troops. We will kindly welcome them with fire." Takashi bowed his head before standing and making his leave.
"Another thing your Highness. King Alfor and Princess Allura will be arriving at mid day tomorrow, they are both delighted you have put on a ball for them." Keith had honestly forgotten all about his guests. He definitely did not put the ball on for them but for someone else.
"Ah..yes. Of course. Have the nicest suites set up for their arrival. I would much like them to be comfortable during their visit." Keith sat up from his leaning position straightening his top. "Is that all gentlemen?" He asked looking between his council. He caught Kolivan's eye and felt trouble already.
"If I may, your Majesty, Where have you been running off to so much? Have you met..someone?" Kolivan started. Keith inwardly groaned but he simply smiled.
"You may not as it is none of you business my Lord." I am free to roam no? "
"Your safety is my concern you majesty. You leave without a single guard and are gone for most of the day. We only worry is all." Kolivan replied but his voice was not kind. He seemed unusually col and skeptical.
"Lord Kolivan. I assure you I am plenty safe. Unless trees grow arms and a will to fight I am surely safe. Now, as King, I conclude this meeting for now half of my day has been wasted." Keith watched everyone bow and leave Kolivan hesitating leaving only the two in the room.
"Lord Kolivan, is there something else I can help you with?" Keith asked watching the man closely.
"You Majesty if I may, I believe you are being way too reckless. You are the King of Olkarion yet you romp around as if you were a child with no responsibility. I feel you may be partaking in..obscene activity and if you were to be caught your reputation may be tarnished." Keith only laughed at the implications.
"You think I am sneaking away to a whore house?! Oh, my Lord. You amuse me. I have no interest in such things. I am simply enjoying the countryside. It is the only place people stop talking to me." He said his voice cuing Kolivan it was time to leave.
"Of course, I meant no offense. Good day" He bowed deeply before hurrying out. Keith sighed and ran a hand through his hair. As much as he wanted to bring Lance to court he knew many people would not be pleased with his newest interest. People thought it was foul to be with another man but Keith personally had no wrong feeling for it. He believed love was love and the heart wanted what the heart wanted. Even Shiro was interested in the same sex, secretly of course but him and Keith were raised as brothers so they shared everything in their life. He was also the King, his word was aw and he could share his bed with whomever he chose and no one can say against it. Keith smiled to himself pleased at his position. He was anticipating the upcoming days. He was more than ready to properly court the boy fro the market. He was a little nervous to meet his family but he was pretty sure they would have wonderful time here. He would make sure of it.
Once the guests from the castle had taken their leave Lance helped his mama cook dinner. Her buttermilk chicken was his absolute favorite food and happily plucked the chicken humming to himself. He was nervous of course but his excitement was much higher. He remembered being only a mere 8 year old boy running out excitedly as the royal parade made it's way through the countryside. He remembered the large horses adorned in gold and jewels, their riders even better off. He had been so small compared to the large beasts but he was captivated by them. The old King had even waved at him which was surely the brightest moment of his life thus far. Lance stopped once all the feathers were picked from the cold chicken. He had no idea how he went from a wide eyed dreaming child to actually finally getting to see the castle and what laid behind those walls.