Lance wasn't aware of how much time passed before the carriage rolled to a halt. A minute? Ten? His mind was still a blur from the recent events with the King. Keith was sitting next to him cool as a cucumber though not seeming fazed. Lance pulled aside the tapestry and peeked out the carriage window and a small gasp escaped seeing he sheer amount of people outside cheering for their King.
"Keith... I don't think I can do this." Lance said softly his stomach exploding with nerves. Here he was, about to give himself away that he was with the King to all these people. He wasn't ready for this. His mind was going to exploded but it ceased once Lance felt Keith's hand creep into his own.
"Calm down. You'll do great. Just smile and wave. You don't have to talk to anyone if you wish not to." Keith said giving the boy a reassuring squeeze. Lance just swallowed hard trying to build courage and gave a small nod. He was ready he guesses. The carriage latch was heard sliding open and soon the door opened allowing the chorus of cheers too come in full force. At least half the town was in this one square if not more. Keith walked out first thanking the doorman for his help before holding out his hand to help Lance out. The cheers were silenced as Lance stepped out. He couldn't bring himself to look up after only seeing three astonished faces. He felt every eye on him and Keith squeezed his hand softly again going him a small smile of encouragement. Keith squared his shoulders and lifted his chin before leading Lance through the path of shocked people and onto the small stage in the middle of the square. Lance noticed three other smaller carriages had pulled up behind the one he had rode in and was curious as to what was inside. His thoughts were interrupted as Keith began speaking to his people.
"Good afternoon everyone and Merry Christmas. I bring you gifts and joy as I do every year, but.." He trailed off looking over at Lance unable to contain his excited grin.
"This year I have brought you something more. I wanted to introduce you all to this boy here. His name is Lance. I want all of you to welcome him as if he was your Prince. After all, I wish to make him such shortly." Keith finished and Lance felt like he was about to pass out and only a heartbeat went by before the whole crowd erupted in cheers again. Many people shouting congratulations while others just shouted for the hell of it. Lance smiled nervously and glanced at Keith his whole body tingling and red in a blush. Keith was just beaming at his people overjoyed at their reaction. Yes, some people left in disgust and others uninterested but the majority were ready to except this new way of life. Ready to accept Lance as their... HOLY CROW HE SAID THEIR PRINCE. Lance's mind blanked realizing what Keith had meant. He could only stand stock still staring as it dawned on him that Keith had every intention of trying to wed him. So soon? Lance felt nauseous but feeling Keith shift beside him and turn towards him helped ease his mind. He was okay. This was okay.
"Lance..I'm sorry if this is too much.." Keith said gently seeing Lance's pale face. Maybe he had gone too far? Lance just took a deep breath and turned to Keith his whole face brightening and opening up into the widest smile Keith has seen yet and it left him awestruck.
"It was perfect." Lance said and Keith's own smile matched Lance's.
Keith lead Lance down the steps and they were instantly swarmed with people. Lance had never had so many hands on him at once. They just wanted to greet him but he had to admit it was a little overwhelming.
"Hi.. Hello" Lance greeted as they practically swam through the crowds. Keith's hand held onto Lane's firmly as they made their way towards the three other carriages. Lance waved as he went hoping to make a good impression and not look like he was totally freaking out, which he totally was.
Once they safely made it to the carriages some of the King's guards held the crowd back giving them some space.
"Now, Lance. Inside each carriage we have gifts for everyone. Give as much as you want to as many as you want. These are your people now. Go say hi." Keith grinned and Lance just paled again at the thought. His people? The carriage doors were opened to reveal mounds of different things. Gold coins, blankets, food. Lance had never seen so much, and three carriages full. Lance actually started getting excited, excited to share this with his people. The people he had grown up with, the people he was just mere months ago. To share this on a Holiday made his heart warm. Lance was handed a basket to fill before heading out to the masses and handing out presents. Lance heaved his heavy basket and happily handed the items out introducing himself and trying his best to get to know them. He looked over seeing Keith greeting them happily and handing out his own basket of goodies.
It took about 2 hours to pass out the stores of their presents and soon everyone was happily walking home with full arms and full hearts. Lance had never spoken to so many people in is life but was happy to have met so many sweet people. They were all so excit4ed for him too. It was an amazing thing to see. He had expected so much worse. Lance noticed an older lady crouched down behind the fountain a couple feet away. She was in nothing but rags and was holding out a small dish. Lance's heart sank a bit realizing she seemed blind and maybe missed out on the gift giving. Luckily he had a few gold coins and a blanket left and headed over to the woman.
"Hello there." he called as to not frighten her by his sudden appearance.
"Hello?" She asked looking around her free hand waving in front of her to feel who ever was there. Lance crouched down and took her hand gently.
"Merry Christmas" he said and placed the few gold coins in her palm before wrapping the blanket around her shoulders.
"T-thank you sir.." she said her smile widening. "It's been years since I have been given a present.." She said and Lance decided to take a seat.
"What's your name?" He asked and the woman pulled the warm blanket around herself and getting into a comfortable position.
"The people call me Haggar." She replied her voice holding slight tones of bitterness. Lance cocked his head slightly and frowned.
"Haggar? Is that your true name?" He asked sensing her displeasure with the nickname. She shrugged and frowned a bit.
"My name is Honerva sir. The people seem to forget that though." She said with a sigh. She tried to replace it with a smile though looking over at where she heard the voice coming from, her grayed over eyes so deep and full of sorrow.
"What's your name my boy?" She asked and Lance grinned.
"My name is Lance. Lance McClain. It's nice to meet you Honerva." He said and the woman took n a small look of confusion.
"Lance huh? Like, the King's boy?" She asked and Lance just laughed a bit.
"Yes Ma'am. The one and only." He said and he woman seemed to be thinking hard and Lance went to continue to conversation but heard Keith calling.
"Oh. Excuse me. I must be heading back." Lane stood and brushed off his pants before giving Honerva's hand one more gentle squeeze.
"Have a blessed day, Honerva." he said and wandered back over to Keith leaving the woman in rags to look after him her eyes slowly regaining their full color and her grin widened a bit as she looked at her new gifts from the King's pet.
"Well, Lance McClain. It was certainly nice to finally meet you too." Now she had a face to go with the name she had been hearing floating around. A face and a name to report back to Zarkon.
Keith smiled as Lance approached seeing his basket empty.
"So, as bad as you thought?" Keith asked and helped Lance into their carriage before seating himself next to him. Lance's cheeks and nose were rosy red from the cold outside and Keith placed his gloved hands on each cheek and left a quick kiss to his nose in hopes of warming him up. Lance smiled gratefully and nodded into his warm hands.
"It was amazing Keith. I met so many kind people." he said and Keith just grinned pleased to hear it. He too was impressed with how well things had gone. No trouble, just the way he liked it.