hello! new chappie! :D te longest like ever!
on to the story, shall we?
warning: this story contains yaoi. pls beware (yawn)
disclaimer : i do not own ben ten alien force!
THE FAIRYTALE WAY
Chapter eleven : I wish to be your friend
Prince Collin stepped to the glass door. The wafts of delectable pastries were almost paralysing him, but he managed to keep himself composed as he walked into the shop.
He looked around, his caramel eyes shadowed by the large hood intended to cover most of his shining pale face. His brown eyes swept over the surroundings; beautiful, pink, white, red and all colours that made sweet things appear sweeter. There were paintings of food and of people cooking food, all adorning the walls, there were cakes being freshly baked with icing decorated upon it, placed in neat rows and tagged to be delivered. People laughed and bustled about, many of them observing the prince himself.
It was now that he realised that his authentic and expensive-looking cloak was not a very good choice of a disguise; he noticed that most of the people around him wore cloaks of solid colours, like black, or brown, and some of the higher classes chose leather and fur collars; but none had a plum coloured embroidered cloak as elegant and beautiful as Collin's.
Almost hissing at the attention he was receiving, he turned to the counter. He had expected Benjamin to be there, smiling as he did, taking orders from the customers. But Collin's spirits fell when the man at the counter was not Benjamin. It was another man, a youth with pitch black hair cut short to his neck and bright blue eyes, rather loud and cheerful, taking orders and shouting to the kitchens to check the orders were in place.
Collin approached the counter when the previous customer left (whilst eyeing the tall hooded figure) The man at the counter was as tall as Prince Collin, he had fair skin that was flushed red around the cheeks in hardwork and he had a big mouth as he grinned cheerfully at the cloaked man gazing at him curiously with brown eyes.
"Welcome to Bertha's Bakery! How may I help you!" he spoke, the single thin gold earring on his left ear dangling happily, catching light from the window.
Collin spoke in answer, his voice modulated to be a little lower and slower than he usually spoke, in case he would be recognised, "I would like - "
And then his voice dropped. Collin was suddenly shocked; he had absolutely no idea what to buy! He had not given it a thought at all; the only reason he came here was to meet Benjamin, and he had not counted 'buying something' as a part of the plan. It was not that he hadn't any money, for he did. But what should he say to this man? All of a sudden, the prince's mind went completely blank. Not even a single name of confectionary came to his lips!
"I..." he started again, and stopped into nothing.
The blue eyes were looking expectantly at him, noticing the silken voice resisting from thin pretty lips. The dark-haired head of the man cocked to the side, smiling, "Yes?"
"I am sorry, I ..."
Collin felt warm around the neck in embarrassment; he had never stuttered in front of a stranger like this; it was usually the other way around.
The blue eyed man at the counter suddenly gave him a wide toothy smile of ivory teeth, "Ah! NOW I know !"
Collin's velvety eyes widened in panic from within the hood, "You do?!"
Had he been recognised? Has his plan failed?
"Of course! You are not from CrollouBelle, are you?! That's why you have no idea what to say! You are shy! Hahaha! No matter, we take kindly to new-comers in our land! Welcome to CrollouBelle!"
"I... oh." Collin nearly leaned against the wooden counter in relief. "Uh, thank you for the kind hospitality..."
Collin was proud that the people of his land were so kind and cheerful.
"Let's see now, I shall find you a menu card," the man grinned, bending over to the side and rummaging through a drawer. Collin observed the man; well-built and powerful shoulders, strong hips as well. Collin wondered whether this man would know the slight and gentle Benjamin as a co-worker. He was in half a mind to ask him, but the happy voice of the man shook him to reality. "Maybe you could chose from the several -"
"I would like some apple pie."
The words had slipped out of the prince's mouth before his command. Collin blinked. He hadn't expected himself to speak out like that, but his mind had calculated that he was too impatient to order food when he should be seeing that young green-eyed man he had been thinking of. And searching through a menu card would create a bigger hurdle, for Collin had the largest sweet-tooth in the kingdom, and delicacies as these are his weaknesses. In order to avoid the possibly sweet dilemma, he had blurted out his most favourite dessert: apple pies. The man at the counter straightened up, pausing for a moment and laughed again, "Well, now! That saves me a lot of trouble! One apple pie; would you have it here at the cafe, or as a package, or to be delivered?"
"I would like it packaged please." He decided that he would rather have it packaged to save time finding Benjamin. Also, there a small part of him that wished to experience the treats of the famous Bertha's Bakery. Well, if it was so famous; he, as the prince, must know what it tasted like!
"Wonderful!" the dark-haired man at the counter cheered and suddenly the man looked doubtful, "Actually... There have been several pie orders today... I wonder..." the man turned to his left and shouted out to the kitchen, "Benjamin! Are there any apple pies left in the pantry there?"
Collin perked up in surprise. "Benjamin?!" he gasped to himself.
He was surprised at himself to be so startled; after all, he came here because Benjamin worked here, so obviously Benjmain would be here.
At the shout, the figure that came out of the kitchen drew Collin's breath away. It was him. Benjamin Teradrian. Finally, the green eyes were a reality again; they shone from under the long lashes. The petite body, clothed in humble white shirt, brown tight coat and dark pants. The white shirt had its sleeves folded to the elbow. The soft brunette hair the colour of toffee. The fair skin flushed at the cheeks from the baking and cooking. And a new addition to Collin's knowledge of the brunette's attire was the small waist apron of strawberry pink. Smudges of flour and powdered sugar stained the apron, coat and arms, even a little of Benjamin's cheeks were smudged so. But it made him look more lovable if not anything.
Collin nearly sighed in desperation, his spirits soared into oblivion at the sight of Benjamin standing at the doorway with a look of apology as he answered the blue-eyed man, "Oh, Avory! I'm afraid there aren't any pies left! I have to bake a fresh batch now! Who has wished for it?"
"This man here," Avory gestured to Collin. He turned to him, "Sir?" but Collin was too intent on gazing at Benjamin to hear a word.
Benjamin stepped forward a little, and spoke kindly to Collin, "Please excuse my ill appearance, but are you in a hurry, sir? For if you are not, I could bake you your pie now! Or if you are in a hurry to be elsewhere, you could give Avory, here, the address to deliver your pie once it is made."
Collin drew a deep breath, and spoke low and carefully, "No, I am in no hurry, and I shall gladly wait for the pie to be baked."
Benjamin's face lit up happily, and Collin nearly sighed.
"Avory, I shall go bake then! Oh my! Oh my!" Benjamin jumped, and bowed respectfully to the customer in the cloak before running into the kitchen again. Collin watched the brunette run away and he could think of nothing but the green eyes that he had missed over thefew hours since yesterday.
"Sir? Would you like to wait in the lounge? Or shall you pick up the pie later?"
Collin turned to Avory who grinned widely at him. The prince replied, "No, I ... I shall wait in the lounge, thank you."
"Wonderful! Please have a seat!" he gestured to the several rows of pink chairs arranged further into the shop. People were walking in and out, not many were idle enough to sit at a place; so a lot of the seats were free for the prince to occupy any of his choice.
Nodding to the man, Collin turned and walked to the chairs, letting another customer have at Avory. It was the prince's first time in a public place without the usual burning recognition and constant staring and whispering. There was a relieving and calm feel to it.
So, this is how normal people feel when they walk about ...
Collin sat on one of the chairs in the back. His long cloak covered his suit and only his sharp chin and the tip of his nose were visible to any who wished to glance at the curious mysterious man. And a few minutes later, with nothing else to occupy his mind, thoughts of Benjamin settled into him. His heart fluttered in child-like excitement again, as he anticipated meeting him. Deep in thought, Collin deducted that Benjamin would be a busy baker and hence the prince would have to wait all day for a personal acquaintance. He easily remembered his handsome uncle's face warning him to reach home quickly, and it made Collin want to groan. Realising that the sooner he met Benjamin, the more he could share information; he got up from his seat and walked reluctantly to the counter again.
Avory had just finished writing down the long list of orders from a man and had clamped the piece of paper near the table, when his blue eyes fell on the cloaked figure.
"Oh, hello again! Have you decided to leave and come to pick up the pie instead?"
"No actually." Collin cleared his throat, his face turned to the door of the kitchen and then back to the face of the grinning man, "Uh, is it prohibited for customers to enter the kitchen?"
Avory blinked oddly. It was not often he heard a question as such. "Uh, I suppose not! We are open and welcome to anyone!"
"Oh. Then may I go in? I would like to watch pies being baked. The smell is too appealing and irresistible to be not curious about."
There was honestly in the smooth voice of the prince, making Avory smile and nod, "Of course! If you wish to go in, please do! That kitchen there-" he pointed to the one Benjamin had run into, "- has been newly given to Benjamin, the cook you spoke to a few minutes ago! you can watch him bake a pie now! The other kitchens are there too, if you are curious for other confectionaries."
Bowing a little in respect, Collin spoke, "Thank you." and he walked towards the grey and black door.
The moment he pushed open the door, a great wave of the most delicious smells swept against him; he breathed in, his lungs filling with the heavenly scent in the air; all the cooking, baking and chocolate; the smell of kneaded dough, flour and strawberries; fresh fruits, jam and tarts... he could not point them all out one-by-one for there were so many. His mouth watered helplessly, and his eyes fell on the petite form racing around the kitchen doing multiple pastries at the same time.
"B-Benjamin..." he whispered to himself, "I finally have you to my presence!"
The cloaked figure walked in, letting the door fall back into its frame. Benjamin had no knowledge of the Prince Collin who approached him; he was busy kneading a very large bowl of dough, seven plates of pie moulds laid out in front of him on the long table.
When a gentle tap on his shoulder was felt, he jumped, and turned around, finding himself gaze into a hooded face, skin shining in the hood like the moon in a dark sky.
"Oh my..." Benjamin gasped; the man was standing too close, and was rather tall. He caught a wiff of delicate sensuous perfume from the taller man, a scent that was familiar but the brunette could not recall where he had sniffed the same. Collin realised that he had stepped too close, so he gently stepped back, maintaining a comfortable distance between himself and Benjamin.
The green eyes gazed at him, trying to peer under the heavy hood, but Collin bowed on purpose hoping that Benjamin would not recognise him just yet.
Benjamin thought Collin had come for his pie order. "Sir! Im sorry but your pie shall take a while!"
"That is not why I am here. I am sorry to have interrupted your cooking, sir, but I was curious as to how pies were made so I requested permission to enter your kitchen."
Benjamin smiled, "Oh, it's alright! Though I find it interesting, many people usually don't, and I am happy that you do!"
Collin blushed from underneath the cloak, but he kept calm and nodded. He stepped further back and sat on an empty chair which Benjamin gestured to.
Benjamin turned to his bowl of dough. Collin watched him, like a child attracted to a flame, as the lithe arms, with their shirt sleeves folded to the elbow, hands so fragile and slim, powerfully worked on the tough-appearing mound of yellowish-white dough. As he slowly heaved forward as backward, the small feminine shoulders heaved too, and so did the slim abdomen and curved hips. Collin's eyes widened a little, such a beautifully built body possessing such skill and strength. A dash of red glowed across Collin's pale cheeks and he momentarily drew his eyes away from the small of the back sheathed in the dark pants, to the bowl of chopped apples.
"Would you mind if I spoke to you as I worked?" came Benjamin's friendly voice. Collin started, for he was deep in thoughts, his eyes had averted to the slender body again, and now his brown opals shot to Benjamin's head, hoping he was not caught eyeing him. Thankfully, Benjamin was busy tugging small portions from the large mound of dough so he hadn't noticed.
"I wouldn't mind", Collin smiled, although he knew Benjamin couldn't see him smile, he knew the msile was evident in the voice. The brunette then spoke, "You do not seem to be from these parts, are you new here?"
"This appears to be a large kingdom," Collin decided to ask in a tease that the brunette didn't sense, "Hence, how would you know whether I belong here or not? There are ever so many people!"
Benjamin chuckled as he finally separated the dough into several smaller portions and began to flatten them with the rolling pin, "Well, a lot of people come here, and I do remember the people I see rather well! Besides, any one from CrollouBelle would be comfortable here, but you seem rather nervous and confused!"
The prince was impressed by Benjamin's observations. "I see... well. I suppose I am new to the outdoors, and I came only today," Collin spoke. He did not feel the heart to lie bluntly to this young man, so he decided to modify the truth to make him appear different.
"Oh? And are you enjoying yourself in the kingdom?"
"Very, thank you."
And then a thought flashed across the Prince's mind. What if I ask him about my kingdom? Maybe he will tell me about myself too! I wonder what he thinks of me!
"What is your opinion of this kingdom?" asked Collin.
"Well, CrollouBelle is a beautiful place; like no other I say; I haven't been anywhere else, but I doubt to find a better land! I have been here all my life and I love this place all over!"
"Oh? You seem to know a lot?"
"Oh, I suppose! One can never know everything ! A man's life is too short to know all of nature's innumerable secrets! But we learn, and we teach, that is how we pass on the little what we know!"
Collin felt touched; Benjamin was such a humble yet knowledgeable man.
"So... what about the rulers? Are the king and queen nice too?" Collin dared to ask of his own parents, though it stung him momentarily to remember them.
Benjamin paused a little, before continuing, "Well, King Jonathan Laquinelle and Queen Bethany Laquinelle were wonderful rulers. The king was just and kind; and the queen was impressively beautiful. But alas, they passed away a week ago or so, for they were ill, with a disease that had no cure."
Collin found Benjamin sounding sad but composed. Feeling rather dull himself, he decided to ask, "And, had they no successor?""
At this, Benjamin's voice perked up to its usual happy tone, "Oh yes! The late king and queen, God bless them, left behind a single child. A son named Collin."
"Oh?" Collin couldn't help but smile, "How is he? Is he the high-mannered cold prince, as the kind they usually are?"
Benjamin actually laughed, as he lined each mould with the flattened pieces of dough, "Of course not! The prince is about my age, a year or two older though, but he not cold but he has elegant manners. The most surprising thing about him is his beauty; no one compares to the radiance he has, he is the most beautiful man to walk on earth, they say. And I do agree full-hearted, that he is handsome beyond words. He has the darkest hair, that shines like silk, the most shimmering chocolate eyes and fairest of skins and a body structured as if sculpted by the Gods. He is a lucky man, blessed by every spirit."
Collin gaped, unaware that he was doing so. He found himself melting in glory; he had been praised all his life and it all just slid away from his self like water off a duck's feathers, but when Benjamin praised his handsome qualities, he found that they touched his heart and lit a great fire there as well. Both his ivory cheeks flushed deep red. He had never blushed so much all in the same day!
"Oh, you're silent? I assume you are imagining a beauty as the prince, aren't you? But I say, it is something you shall believe only when you see; I myself imagined him to be so beautiful but when I met him, I could say I was stumped as an understatement!" Benjamin then laughed politely, swiping at his sweating forehead with his arm, feeling a little embarrassed, "Oh, dear! I must sound like a girl!"
Collin was tongue-tied in joy. He felt suddenly so important and...beautiful. He now felt it, the grace and aura of perfection he was born with; he felt its significance surrounding him.
"Well.. yes, and is he married? You say you met him?"
"Oh he is not married yet, I hear. You see," Benjamin proceeded to mix a large bowl of chopped apples, brown and white sugar, vanilla and other ingredients to make the filling of the pie, "The prince had his Birthday yesterday. Had you been here in the kingdom, I suppose you could have seen him! Nonetheless, I assume the prince is yet to find an apt bride, and I hope he does soon too. He is the last heir to the Laquinelle family who have dedicated their lives to protect CrollouBelle. I admire them; they are a wonderful ancestry and great line of rulers."
"Why hasn't the prince married yet?" Collin asked the question only he himself had the answer to. But he was curious to know what Benjamin thought of it.
And the brunette paused thoughtfully, and continued stirring as he answered cheerfully, "Oh, I suppose...the prince is wise enough to find a person who loves him rather than just a stranger to create a child with. Or maybe he feels the women fawn over him only for his beauty and grace, and not for the soul and the man he is within. I wouldn't know how unless I were in his shoes, but I predict he feels insecure about the physical importance alone that the women want. I suppose he wishes to be loved by soul and heart first, and then the body."
Collin wanted to die with joy, then and there.
He reads me like a book! And he barely has talked to me for a day, yet he knows my heart so well!
The level of understanding that Benjamin showed made Collin want to hug him happily. But knowing very well that it would be a completely wrong gesture at the moment, Collin continued his question trying to keep his voice from wavering.
"Well, since he is so beautiful, I suppose he would easily find a perfect bride?"
"Yes. It shall only be a matter of time; women are all greatly fond of him!"
"Are you? Fond of Prince Collin Laquinelle?" Collin spoke low, his heart drumming a little too fast wondering what opinion would come his way.
Benjamin paused again, as he started to fill the moulds with the filling of apples and their ingredients. Benjamin blushed gently as he answered, "Yes, very! He is immensely beautiful and exquisitely mannered, how could I not be fond of him? And more so, he is renowned for his superb sword-skill, and his elegant ball-dancing as well, and judging his lineage, I very well am sure that he will make a powerful and benevolent king. CrollouBelle will thrive and prosper under him like it has been under the Laquinelles for centuries! He is blessed and intelligent, I doubt another man like him would walk the earth as he did! I had only spoken to him a few minutes sparely, but those few moments in the presence of the royal blood heir will be cherished; he was very much polite and kind to me, and rather than look at me down his nose, he was very friendly. See? A man like that can only be fond of!... and I suppose if I am lucky, I shall meet him again."
Collin drew an inaudible gasp. Praises and flattery were flat from other people. But the words tumbling Benjamin's humble mouth were so sincere that Collin felt altogether alive since years; fireflies and butterflies danced in his stomach, his heart screamed and howled from within his ribcage; it was as if Benjamin had opened things about the prince himself that he had not yet learned to fully appreciate. Now he realised, from the way Benjamin spoke of him, that he was blessed with wealth, health and power.
Collin stood up from his seat, cloak fluttering into place around him. He could take no more. He wanted to let Benjamin know his gratitude; he wanted to let Benjamin know that he was speaking to the famed prince himself!
Collin patiently watched as Benjamin filled all seven moulds with the generous filling and sealed them all with lattice toping, while speaking, "I'm sorry, am I bothering you by my constant talking? I tend to talk unnecessarily a lot, when I speak of something that I admire or like so much!"
Collin wanted to sigh openly again, but his lungs strained to keep himself calm, and he shrugged, "I-it's not a bother at a-all! Are you done yet?"
"Oh?" Benjamin looked up, and then smiled, "Oh, alright I shall stop talking!"
"No, no, I meant, are you done with the pies?"
"Ah, almost sir...", as he sealed the final pie, and he looked up to the restless figure who was twiddling his fingers together from within the cloak. Benjamin caught the flash of white silk from within, but he chose to not comment about it. He looked at the hooded face and asked, "... Is there another dessert or bakery item you wish me to - "
"I need to speak with you in private, sir. Please?" Collin spoke, his voice smooth but tight. Benjamin straightened up and noticed the air of seriousness around the stranger. Blinking, he smiled comfortingly, "With me? Alright, but please wait a moment, as I place these in the oven!"
Collin watched patiently again, as Benjamin cleverly balanced four moulds at a time and then three moulds, and had admitted all seven moulds into the dark blazing oven. Dusting his hands on to his pink-and-white apron, he turned around. Collin had already approached him, but then a sudden voice emanated from the kitchen entrance door and another person ran into the room, obviously addressing to Benjamin. It was a youth with orangish-golden hair and hazel eyes, wearing a idigo shirt and black pants. Collin stepped back again, and let the young man run to Benjamin.
"Benjamin! Here! Avory sent me this order for three dozen apricot tarts!" the man panted, handing Benjamin a slip of paper which contained the specifications of the customer.
"Norris! My dear, I told you not to run around!" Benjamin sighed, taking the paper from him and swiftly running his eyes through it. He then remembered Collin standing there mute and waiting. It was only then that the man named Norris actually noticed the Hooded figure and the youth nearly jumped out of his skin in surprise.
"OH!" he gaped at the almost-still form. For a moment, Norris mistook the cloaked figure for a mannequin.
"Uh, hello?" Norris stammered trying to be polite after his sudden shriek. Collin merely nodded, "Oh, please do not mind me; I am but a curious customer, that's all!"
Norris smiled rather confusedly and turned to Benjamin, who handed him the paper again, saying, "Clip this to that pantry board there. And ask Mathew to fetch a bunch of blueberries, we are almost running out of them!"
"Yes, Benjamin!" Norris squeaked, before running out the other end of the kitchen where a door led him out the cafe end of the Bakery. Both the remaining occupants of the kitchen watched Norris zip away. Collin turned back to the green-eyed brunette and spoke, "A few minutes of your time, I beg of you?"
Benjamin smiled kindly, "Yes, of course!" and he gazed at Collin, waiting for what he wanted to speak. However, Collin did not mutter a word; because every now-and-then, a person would walk in and go out the other end of the kitchen; or walk in from the other end and walk into the counter area. With the staff, chefs and delivery boys interrupting them, there was danger for Collin.
So, he reached out and caught Benjamin's arm gently with his long fingers, and whispered, "In private?"
Benjamin inhaled the delicate fragrance off this man, "Uh, of course. But i-it shall have to be quick though... I have three dozen tarts to make..!" and he chuckled apologetically. Collin smiled from under the hood and nodded, "Only a minute."
Collin looked around and then pulled Benjamin with him to an iron shelf that held slabs upon slabs of dark chocolate. There was space between the behind of the shelf and the wall, for them to talk in private. Benjamin was pulled gently into the narrow space, and Collin stepped in, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one was around. Benjamin felt increasingly embarrassed to be in close a proximity to a charming stranger. All he could do was closely observe the embroidered cloak and wonder what class this man would belong to in order to wear such intricate and expensive clothing.
Collin was still looking behind to make sure no one would interrupt them. Since the shelf was in a corner of the large kitchen, no one would notice them hidden behind the shelf. Collin finally turned his hooded face towards the shorter brunette man looking up at him with the green eyes almost glowing in the shadow of the shelf.
Collin smiled, and released his hand from Benjamin's arm. He raised his hands to his hood and flipped it back slowly.
Benjamin's curious face slowly transformed into that of shock. His otherwise fair face went flour-white as he gazed at none other than the Prince of CrollouBelle smiling lovingly down at him. Oh, those velvety caramel eyes, and the thin lips glistening in a beautiful smile, the flawless silky hair framing his manly face. At such close quarters, the effect of his beauty was multiplied, Benjamin found his knees going weak.
"Oh my..." he gasped, inhaling deeply, resulting in his lungs savouring the perfume, making it more alluring. The shock was spreading through his entire body, and his green eyes widened and his mouth opened wider, as Collin guessed, to scream in surprise, but however, Collin was quick; he put out his hand and swiftly pressed his palm to Benjamin's open mouth, and curled his free hand around the lithe body to stop him from moving. Collin had heard someone walk into the kitchen, and the last thing he wanted was for someone to find the prince here!
Looking over his shoulder, Collin's brown eyes stealthily watched a woman rush into the kitchen and run out the other end after submitting a few baskets of blueberries on the table. Meanwhile, Benjamin found himself engulfed in the shadow of the taller man's body pressed close to him in an embrace by the waist. His senses were numbed by the proximity and the fragrance and the sight, and the feel of the long fingers barring his lips, that he could all but remain silent and frozen.
Their hearts drummed carefully, waiting for anyone else to appear, and thankfully, no one did. Turning slowly to the young face so close to his, Collin smiled again, and its effect was such that Benjamin's brown eyebrows wrinkled in the effort to sigh whilst being gagged. Collin slowly drew away the palm, absentmindedly brushing his fingertips over the full lips, there emerged a feeling that sent jolts of lighting into his royal body. Loosening his arm as well, he leaned back, his cheeks a little pink at the sudden closeness they had gained in the narrow space. Benjamin raised his hands to his face in terror.
"Th-the ...Prince Collin! - " he whimpered in shock, but Collin put a long finger to his own lips and whispered, "Hush, Benjamin; do not speak my name yet; I know this may be too much to take for you, but you must remain calm for should I be found, it will not be pleasant for your kitchen to have a humungous crowd barge in to see the prince who snuck into Bertha's Bakery!"
Benjamin blushed openly, a sight that Collin found immediately lovable. Benjamin was still under the shock, blinking his radiant eyes rapidly as if this was a mirage that would disappear. His body shook in the realisation that this indeed was the sole ruler of the land, standing in front of him, observing his every movement.
Benjamin gathered his composure, and bowed, although shakily, "Your Honour, forgive me for not having -"
"No, Benjamin, straighten up, please! You do not have to bow down to me!" he put out his slim hands and caught Benjamin's shoulders and made his stand straight.
"I am sorry I diidn't recognise you, or I would have at least..., oh look at me, I am a mess, not to be seen by your pure eyes!" Benjamin flustered, dusting at his apron. Collin raised a hand.
"No, do not blame yourself, Benjamin; I disguised myself on purpose so that no one would know it is the prince who comes to the bakery. Admittedly, I would not be even able to enter properly and observe the bakery if it were me as such. So I had to keep myself a secret."
"Oh my...but Your Highness... why.. what are you doing here? Oh dear, how rude do I sound!" Benjamin blinked apologetically. Colin smiled further, "Please, stop worrying; I come of free will and with a cause. You see, I came here to see you!"
"M-me? Why would Your Highness wish to see me?!"
Collin sighed. Looking almost lost in the green opals staring up at him expectantly, he was finding it hard to put words to his reason.
"Well, where do I start... well, alright, you see, all my life, I had never had a proper friend; the princes and princess whom I had been acquainted with were very much bothersome for me; in me they saw only a prince; not a boy or man who wanted to be friendly or wished to talk of normal things. As I grew up, I was treated the same, fawned upon and treated royalty. I admit it is a luxurious life, but I am all alone, up on a pedestal, worshipped by people, praised and flattered, and I consider it flat and irksome. But... you; you treated me differently from the Ball. You spoke to me freely but respectfully. You were not bombarding me with flattery, reminding me how beautiful I am! You were speaking to me so casually, that for the first time I felt happy to be in another person's presence. I really was pleased by you Benjamin, you are able see me as a normal man, you are able to see right through my royal veil, but you do not decline to respect me either. I admire that."
Benjamin gaped a little, blushing further, "Oh... uh, thank you, I ... How shall I help you today?"
"I have come to see you to ask of you a humble favour."
"Your Highness?! Ask me a favour?!" green eyes widened. Looking frozen, and then recovering, he nodded calmly, "Yes, Highness?"
Collin reached out and took both of Benjamin's slim flour-dusted palms in his clean pampered ones, "Benjamin, I wish to be your friend!"
Time stood still for the brunette as he gazed shocked into the coffee eyes staring intently and sincerely at him, the thin dark eyebrows slanting up in hope. For a moment, Collin seemed so desperate that Benjamin felt calm and touched. His eyes sparkled in kindness, and his mouth opened a little to speak, but Collin added quickly :
"I ask of you to let me be your comrade, to share normal experiences, to be casual with each other, there is so much I do not know about my own land, I want to learn them from you! Will you please accept me as your friend?"
Benjamin gave out a smile so beautiful, that Collin was now the one to experience weak knees. Nodding gently, Benjamin spoke in soft tones, "Yes, I accept."
"Really?!" Collin's pale face lit up happily.
"I cannot deny the request of the Prince, can I?" Benjamin chuckled, feeling much better. Collin was right; although he was surrounded and bathed in riches and royalty, Collin was a normal human with feelings, and now Benjamin felt much comfortable to be in the man's presence.
"Wonderful!" Collin beamed childishly, "I am so very glad!"
"Prince Collin, -"
"No..." Collin interrupted him, pulling closer and pressing a manicured finger on the full lips, "Do not address me as the Prince anymore. I am Collin, Benjamin's friend; I want no dignitaries spoiling our friendship, alright? I am as normal as you are. Collin. Just Collin."
Benjamin's eyes widened again as his lips trembled a little under the soft finger. Collin drew away his finger, and Benjamin spoke, "Yes, Prin- I mean, Collin."
Collin smiled happily. "Thank you. It is rather nice to addressed like that. I feel no longer alone and alienated. You are a good man, Benjamin. You understand me so well. You have aptly put my feeling to words when I asked you about the rulers a few minutes ago!"
All of a sudden, Benjamin's face went pale, and the next second red, and he looked increasingly embarrassed, "Oh dear! I had been praising you so openly to yourself! I had no idea it were you, and I ..." he blushed remembering all he had said and it made him feel shy. He fidgeted in despair, but Collin whispered in soothing tones, "No, it's alright! You do not have to feel so ashamed!"
"But you yourself said that you do not like being praised! And I did so, that too, so openly!"
"Yes, but I like it when you praise me; besides, nothing you said sounded false or as blatant flattery; I felt it come from your heart, I feel it was your honest opinion, and I liked it. I feel happy that you are fond of me, and that you interpreted my feelings about not being married so aptly even though we hadn't discussed it before!"
"So, my assumption was right?! About why you wouldn't marry?" Benjamin regained the glimmer in his eyes.
"Yes, very true it was, Benjamin." Collin looked away. "I suppose I might find myself a bride one day. Until then, I have a kingdom to learn about!" he turned to Benjamin again and smiled, "Also, I heard that you are quite famous and liked by many? So I suppose you would know about everything that happens in the village sides and so on. I need to know and to see the kingdom in person, under disguise, and I want you to be my guide. Will you?"
"Gladly, Collin!" Benjamin beamed kindly. The greens eyes travelled low and noticed that they were still holding hands. Collin followed Benjamin's gaze and noticed it too. Chuckling, Collin released the slimmer hands and apologised, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so imposing..."
"It's alright, actually I must be the one to apologise for I have flour in my hands and now yours..."
"I wouldn't mind them as much," he observed his own palm, a little smudged with flour powdery flour, "It smells nice actually."
Benjamin grinned in awe , and the two may have laughed but a sudden shout came from the kitchen silencing them both to a statue; it was Norris who had come into the room. The young man spun about looking baffled, calling, "Benjamin? Benjamin! Where are you? Have you fallen into one of the ovens?! Goodness, Avory is going to stew me!" and he ran out the door again.
Benjamin, who had been buried in Collin's shadow again, when they tried to hide further into the narrow space, looked up at the fair face, whispering, "I hope I do not sound rude, but I have quite a massive amount to bake today, Your High- C-Collin."
"Oh, of course! I have been delaying you! Sorry!" Collin apologised. With a final smile, he pulled his hood back over his silken head, covering majority of his face again, and stepped out of the narrow space. Benjamin stepped out too, feeling warm in the neck and ears, his mind ringing the words : Good Lord, the beautiful prince is now my friend!
The prince watched Benjamin take a deep breath and smile, before walking to the table and chopping a few fruits and setting many tiny moulds for the tarts. And then he ran around to one of the ovens, pulling out a cake that had been baking a while earlier, and set it on a stand. And hence he ran around the kitchen, doing multiple jobs together, Collin watching him in supreme interest.
Benjamin would at times call out, "I hope you are not bored?"
"Ofcourse not! Confectionary and such are my favourites, and I had always wondered how it all were made! Fancy, I never thought would have a new friend be a baker to let me watch the process happily!"
Benjamin laughed at that, and Collin commented to himself that Benjamin was rather adorable.
o.o.o
Avory had just taken another order when the cloaked figure came up to him again.
"Oh, hello there again! I see you have finally coveted your pie!" Avory observed the small basket hanging at Collin's elbow that projected out from the cloak. Collin smiled in reply, although it was not visible through the hood as he answered, "Yes thank you. How much does it cost?"
By the time Collin had paid the man and stepped out, he glanced back to see Benjamin peeping from the kitchen door. He waved unnoticeably and Benjamin waved gently back. With happiness blooming in his heart and a delectable-scented pie at his elbow, Collin walked out of the shop, the bell at the door tinkling as if to put the conclusion of a wonderful day.
When he looked around, people everywhere and carriages riding across the roads, he blinked. "Now where did Michael say he was?"
He looked to his left and immediately spotted his familiar carriage, several shops away, stationed outside a bar, the horses where impatiently hoofing at the cobblestone floor, whilst munching on fodder that lay in a basket under their snouts. There were several tables scattered in front of the shop and sitting at one was Micheal, drinking ale, talking to a ruby-haired waiter. Collin stood where he was, waiting for Michael to notice him, and when the blue eyes caught sight of the cloaked figure standing outside the bakery and waiting, he nearly choked on his ale. Standing up and gulping down the rest of the drink, he placed the glass onto the wooden table and pulled out some money which he gave the ruby-haired waiter. Bowing and tipping his hat in a friendly farewell gesture to the waiter, Michael left the shop, climbing on to the carriage which he had to drive to the waiting prince.
o.o.o
"That's quite a lovely smell, Your Highness!" Michael smiled as he sat at the driver's seat, directing the carriage away from a flock of wheelbarrows holding carrots. They were on their way home. The prince who sat in the carriage smiled victoriously, holding the warm basket closer in his lap.
"Well, that is so, because I bought an apple pie!"
"Oh?"
"Would you like a bite, Michael?"
"Oh, no, Highness... I -"
"Now, now, I have to reward you for bringing me to Bertha's Bakery and I find this pie apt for the part!"
"I am just doing my duty, Your Grace, but if you insist, I shall have a bite."
Michael laughed to himself that the prince seemed very happy and light at the moment, all because of a bakery item.
- End of Chapter -
well, tht was long and cute. tho i am no one to say. shrug. hope u guys liked it! :D
review plsss!