Miles wondered to himself, what had he done wrong in life? Furthermore, what had he done in his past life to earn such trials and tribulations at every turn?
All the prince wanted was a simple break a moment away from planning his coronation and approving the efforts of the people. Miles had been in his office, a smaller one that had been converted for him in the central palace. The one he would acquire as king was still occupied by Von Karma. Frankly, and frankly he didn't mind it. The young man wasn't quite ready to go anywhere near that office let alone make it his own. Nevertheless, there were guest lists to memorize, dishes to sample, grounds to tour for the hunt. All things on a seemingly unending list that surely, surely, he wouldn't be able to finish in time. He didn't hate it, but there wasn't much time to ruminate.
The silver lining came in the form of getting to see the way his people cared about him helped him through the day. Everyone was much more excited about his return than he was and it showed by their eagerness to make the event a success. There were servants in and out of his office around the clock, most simply dropping things off or picking things up but the rare few that worked in the castle before his departure gave the young ruler the kind words he needed to keep going. This is what he'd be fighting for during his rule.
Despite it all, he still needed a break. The echoes of conversation with Larry sat with Miles as he navigated the halls of the castle, finding himself on the path to the garden.
"Larry, if you want to tell me something then say it. I don't have the time for your nonsense." Miles huffed, the momentary surprise of hearing that name starting to wear off.
"Aw come on! You can't blame me, I haven't seen you in forever!" Larry chuckled, taking off his work gloves. "Well, when you left Nick stopped coming around as much. Then one day gets the boot, and a week or so later Nick's working as a watchman! I guess their family needed money somehow since his dad was out of the job." He shrugged, walking back to the stables, Miles following.
"Fast forward to about a year or so ago and now he's the captain!" He moved to lock the stables up for the time being.
Miles looked almost as surprised as he did to hear Larry had a job. "Captain? Captain of what?"
Larry puffed out his chest, mimicking Miles' stance, "Think logically," He snickered, "He's captain of the royal guard obviously. Worked real hard to get there too!"
Miles sat with that information for a bit. Captain of the Royal Guard. It was an honor reserved for noblemen, typically ones who could line the pockets of the ruler. But for someone of low birth like Phoenix.. No, no. He knew better than to think of people that way, the distinction of low born was something he had learned into his teens, it was a concept that his father had worked very hard to keep him from learning. It took time for him to unlearn it, but old habits had their ways. "So he's here? In the castle?"
"Well duh, where else would he be? The lake?" Larry laughed again, moving away from the stables. "Things change y'know? World doesn't stop turning just cause you're not there to see it, Edgy my boy!"
Something about that struck a chord. Maybe it's because Miles never expected Larry to say anything even remotely eloquent, or because maybe, just maybe, he had hoped when he returned out of everything Phoenix would be the same. No matter how much the idea would cut like a knife. His scowl deepened.
Now, he found himself hiding behind a tree trying to stay as still as he possibly could.
"And now you're threatening forest animals. Get a grip, Wright!" Phoenix groaned from just around the corner, only a few feet away. Miles peaked his head around the tree catching a glimpse of the man's grumbles. He would laugh, if it weren't for the unsightly display. Imagine if someone caught him, a prince sneaking around his own castle hiding behind bushes like a thief in the night. Miles could already hear the lecture Von Karma would deliver. He wasn't sure if it was the words or the long periods of disappointed silence that he had come to fear more. Then again, you'd have to have expectations to be disappointed.
There were two options: try to sneak away or wait for him to leave. There was however a secret third option, but Miles refused to even acknowledge it as a possibility. It also didn't matter because it wouldn't get the chance to pick. Phoenix had started to get up, slipping his coat back on and starting to leave. Miles hid but kept an eye on him for a moment. He looked tired, just as the prince himself looked. It wasn't unusual, they both were going to have a very long week ahead of them. A feel of comradery briefly washed over Miles, earning a smile that quickly became overtaken by the horror that Phoenix was approaching. Miles made himself as small as possible squeezing against the tree as the man passed seemingly without noticing. He held his breath, cupping his hand around his mouth, and watched as Phoenix walked away. For a moment, Miles wondered what it was he had been huffing and puffing about when he initially approached. The prince hadn't gotten a chance to hear it, perhaps he'd never know.
With the previous night's silliness behind him, Miles woke up early, much earlier than expected. He had some time before servants could come to fetch him, prepare him for the afternoon of festivities. Today was the first day of his coronation. The arrival of noblemen and royals of neighboring kingdoms would be sparked by the village's festival. It was a celebration all in his name and the thought of people going through such lengths made him, well, at worst uncomfortable. He'd simply have to get used to it.
Miles sat in silence for a long while, looking out of his window as the sun crested over the distant hills shining light on the lake. He took the time to go over the guest list once more. There were names he was familiar with from childhood, many more he didn't know, but one stood out to him. The Fey clan would be in attendance. It was rare for them to engage in such festivities, but the stranger part were the names on the list: Maya Fey and Pearl Fey. It was marked that the former was the representative being sent, the second a sort of handmaiden or some equivalent. The thing that confused him was the name. Miles distinctly remembered the next clan head was supposed to be a woman named Mia, not Maya. He made a note to introduce himself when she arrived, curiosity playing its hand a bit in the decision.
Another name stood out, though he wasn't surprised to see it. Franziska von Karma. Of course his 'sister' would be in attendance. She wouldn't have missed such an event for the world if it meant being able to chastise him. Of course a foolish fool would foolishly allow such foolish happenings in his own kingdom.
He felt a headache coming on.
A sudden knock at the door startled him, that time already? "Uh, 'cuse me your highness, it's time to get ready for the festival." Gumshoe called from behind the door, waiting to be allowed in before entering.
"Let them in." Miles spoke softly, sitting by his window still. He looked up from his papers as a handful of attendants arrived carrying all the necessities for them to prepare him. It looked like breakfast would have to wait.
It took no less than an hour to fully dress Miles. He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment, hair swept back into something more proper for such an event. This wasn't his first event, but it would be his debut as the future king, as such his outfit was much grander than usual. His typical cape was swapped out with a deep brown shorter half cape, lined with a pure white fur to contrast the deep burgundy found in the rest of his outfit. It rested at his shoulder, clasped in place by a golden chain. His coat was open, two lapels with gold embroidery around the edges laid open to reveal a white cravat. While the rest of his coat and pants were the same burgundy color, his cuffs and boots were the same deep brown color. It matched the panel of brown fabric that went down the front of his coat.
For a moment, Miles admired his attire. The outfit selected was impressive, it felt subtle enough to feel comfortable but still decorated to satisfy high society. He looked towards his desk retrieving the white gloves laid out for him, the final piece. With one last glance he stepped out of his room, joining his guards and preparing to make his way to the carriage.
"Wow your highness, I've never seen ya so dressed up before!" Gumshoe remarked, following a few steps behind. The knight had also gotten himself some new digs. His uniform was one more commonly used by House Edgeworth, but instead, it was a forest green shade. Miles had made sure to request it, after all, it seemed to be a color that suited his guard. "You must be excited your highness, gettin' to go into town and all! It's lik'a big party for you!"
"Not like, Sir Gumshoe, it is." Miles reminded him, "I'd like to avoid any incidents so don't wander off." They made their way to the main entrance, servants lined up to see their master off.
"You don't have to worry about that! After all, I'm not the only one guardin' ya anymore."
What..?
The doors opened revealing a similar scene on the outside, except the row of servants led to a carriage, and stood beside it was-
"Captain Wright! Lookin' forward to workin' with ya pal!" Gumshoe called out. Phoenix stood dressed in his uniform, freshly pressed, waiting. He turned to look towards his name and stood in almost stunned silence as Miles and Gumshoe approached, mouth hanging almost slack for a moment. He clumsily gathered himself, standing up straight before crossing one arm over his chest and bowing towards Miles.
"Glad to see you in good health, your highness." Phoenix finished before rising from his bow. There was a softness to his eyes, a warmth in his smile. Neither of these things were what Miles was expecting, frankly he wouldn't have blamed Phoenix for hating him. But that was not the case, it was also not what he had prepared for. "I'll be riding alongside the carriage, Gumshoe you'll ride inside." Miles, still dumbstruck, stared at the two knights so casually talk, trying to collect himself.
"Uh, actually if it's all the same to you pal, mind if I ride along?" Gumshoe rubbed the back of his head, "Riding in a carriage for as long as we did and it starts to make ya feel crazy!" Phoenix didn't know how to respond, simply looking towards Miles with a sheepish grin.
"Fine." Miles spoke moving towards the carriage door, stepping inside without another word. The display made Phoenix sigh a bit.
"Don't take it personally pal." Gumshoe leaned down, putting a hand to the side of his mouth and whispering to Phoenix, "He just gets fussy, but I promise he's not a bad person." The knight smiled wide, before turning around, "Well! I'll see you there!" Jogging off to the horse waiting for him.
Miles hadn't looked up as the door to the carriage shut and Phoenix climbed inside to join him. "I didn't put him up to it, if that's what you're thinking." Phoenix broke the silence as they began to move. No answer, Miles' eyes glued to the window watching Phoenix in the reflection. "Aheh… I thought you'd be at least a little excited to see me." He rubbed the back of his head, looking to the side some. The silence between them stretches further. Phoenix sighs, "Listen, Miles-"
"Should you be speaking so casually, Captain?" The words left his mouth like knives. He wasn't sure whether or not he meant that, perhaps the stress was getting to him. No matter what the reason was there was a bit of truth to the statement. After all, they weren't children anymore, there were standards and etiquette to uphold.
The glare from the Sun makes it difficult to see the expression Phoenix was making, but his shift in tone was clear as day. He wasn't the type to hide what he felt after all.
"... Yes, your highness."